The Ultimate Con Dao Travel Guide 2025: What to Do, See & Eat

Once known as the “devil’s island” of Vietnam, Con Dao is an archipelago that has transformed its somber past into a future as one of Southeast Asia’s most breathtaking and tranquil destinations. If you’re looking to visit Con Dao, you’ll discover a place where dramatic history meets staggering natural beauty. This remote chain of 16 islands, protected as a national park, offers everything from pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs to dense jungles and poignant historical sites.

This Con Dao travel guide is your key to unlocking the secrets of this serene paradise. We’ll cover everything you need to know, from how to get here and the best time to visit, to the unforgettable experiences that await.

When is the Best Time to Visit Con Dao?

Choosing the right time to visit can significantly enhance your experience. Con Dao’s weather is generally pleasant year-round, but it’s split into two main seasons :

• The Dry Season (March to September): This is widely considered the ideal time to visit. The seas are calm, the sun is shining, and visibility is excellent, making it perfect for beach hopping, island exploration, and diving. This period also coincides with the sea turtle nesting season (peaking from July to September), offering a unique chance to witness conservation efforts firsthand.
• The Rainy/Windy Season (October to February): This season sees stronger winds and rougher seas, particularly on the eastern side of the main island. However, the western side remains sheltered and calm, so travel is still very much possible. While some boat trips to outer islands might be limited, you can still enjoy the historical sites and beaches on the main island.

How to Get to Con Dao 2025

Part of Con Dao’s charm is its remote location. Here are the primary ways to reach the archipelago :

• By Plane: The fastest and most convenient way is to fly. Airlines like Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet operate direct flights to Con Dao Airport (VCS) from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. The flight from Ho Chi Minh City is a quick 45-minute journey.
• By Speedboat: For a more adventurous journey, you can take a high-speed ferry from Vung Tau or Tran De (Soc Trang) on the mainland. The trip takes approximately 2.5 to 4 hours and offers scenic ocean views.

Top Things to Do in Con Dao

From underwater adventures to historical reflection, there is no shortage of Con Dao things to do.

1. Explore the Underwater World: Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

The number one answer to “what to do in Con Dao” is to get in the water. The entire archipelago is a protected marine park, boasting some of Vietnam’s healthiest and most vibrant coral reefs. The waters are teeming with life, from colourful reef fish to majestic sea turtles and rays.

• Snorkeling: Even without a diving certificate, you can witness this underwater paradise. Many tours offer snorkeling trips to shallow reefs around islands like Hon Tai and Hon Bay Canh, where the coral is abundant and easily accessible.
• Scuba Diving: For certified divers or those wanting to try, Con Dao is a world-class destination. The dive sites are uncrowded, and the marine biodiversity is exceptional. Amadive Con Dao Dive Center offers professional Fun Dives for certified divers and safe, exciting Discovery Scuba Diving experiences for beginners who want to breathe underwater for the first time.

2. Discover Pristine Con Dao Beaches

The island is fringed with stunning, often deserted, stretches of sand. Each beach has its own unique character:

• Bai Dam Trau: Located near the airport, this is arguably the most famous of the Con Dao beaches. Its golden sands and clear waters are perfect for swimming, and you get the added thrill of watching planes land just overhead.
• Bai An Hai: A long, beautiful beach conveniently located near the main town, ideal for a morning swim or a relaxing afternoon.
• Bai Nhat: A magical beach that only reveals itself during low tide, offering stunning views and a sense of discovery.
• Bai Dat Doc: A secluded and beautiful cove that is home to the luxurious Six Senses resort, offering a picture-perfect setting.

3. Step Back in Time at the Historical Sites

To truly understand Con Dao, you must confront its past. The island was a brutal penal colony for over a century. Visiting the historical sites is a sobering but essential experience:

• Con Dao Prison: Known as “hell on earth,” the prison complex is a must-visit. The most haunting areas are the “Tiger Cages” (both French and American-built), where political prisoners were subjected to horrific conditions.
• Hang Duong Cemetery: The final resting place for thousands of prisoners. It’s a deeply moving site, where visitors come day and night to pay their respects, most notably at the grave of national heroine Vo Thi Sau.
• Dinh Chua Dao (Lord’s Island Palace): This was the residence of the 53 island governors who ruled over the prison system. It now serves as a museum displaying artifacts from the colonial era.

4. Immerse Yourself in Nature at Con Dao National Park

The Con Dao National Park covers 80% of the archipelago’s land area and the surrounding sea, protecting its rich biodiversity.

• Trekking: Hike through the lush forest trails. A popular trek is the one through the forest to Bai Ong Dung on the western coast, a beautiful and secluded beach.
• Wildlife Watching: The park is home to unique species like the black squirrel and the Nicobar pigeon.
• Turtle Conservation: Hon Bay Canh is the main site for the national park’s sea turtle conservation program. If you visit between June and October, you may have the chance to see turtles nesting or witness the release of baby turtles into the sea—a truly unforgettable experience.

A Sample 3-Day Con Dao Itinerary

This sample Con Dao itinerary balances relaxation, adventure, and history.

• Day 1: Arrival & Historical Immersion
  • Arrive, check into your hotel.
  • Afternoon: Explore Con Son town, visit the Dinh Chua Dao museum.
  • Evening: Visit the Hang Duong Cemetery to pay respects.
• Day 2: Ocean Exploration
  • Full Day: Take a boat tour to explore the outer islands like Hon Bay Canh and Hon Tai. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling or scuba diving in the crystal-clear waters.
• Day 3: Beaches & Departure
  • Morning: Visit the harrowing Con Dao Prison and the infamous Tiger Cages.
  • Afternoon: Relax at Bai Dam Trau, watch the planes, and enjoy a final swim before heading to the airport.

What to Eat in Con Dao

The island’s cuisine is all about fresh, delicious seafood. Don’t leave without trying:

• Cua Huynh De (King Crab): A rare and prized crab, known for its sweet, firm meat.
• Oc Vu Nang (Limpets): A local delicacy, these sea snails are often grilled with scallion oil or boiled.
• Lau Ca Bop (Cobia Hotpot): A flavorful and hearty hotpot made with fresh cobia fish, perfect for sharing.
• Goi Ca Nham (Shark Salad): A unique local salad made with small shark meat, starfruit, and a mix of fresh herbs.

Where to Stay

Con Dao offers accommodation for every budget:

• Luxury: For ultimate indulgence, Six Senses Con Dao offers private pool villas on a stunning beach. The Secret Con Dao is another excellent upscale option in the main town.
• Mid-Range: Con Dao Resort and Poulo Condor Boutique Resort & Spa provide comfortable rooms, great amenities, and beautiful surroundings.
• Budget/Homestay: For a more local feel, options like Con Dao Camping offer simple bungalows right on the beach, and charming homestays like Uyen’s House are popular for their cozy atmosphere.

Con Dao is a destination that touches the soul. It’s a place of quiet reflection, wild beauty, and thrilling adventure. Whether you’re diving into its azure waters, walking its historic grounds, or simply relaxing on a deserted beach, a trip to Con Dao is an experience that will stay with you long after you’ve left.