The Ultimate Guide: Top 10 Things To Do in Con Dao Island (2025 Edition)

Introduction: The Two Faces of a Vietnamese Paradise

The Côn Đảo archipelago emerges from the cyan waters of the South China Sea as a place of profound and startling duality. On one hand, it is the quintessential tropical paradise, an idyll of swaying palms, sun-drenched beaches, and jungled mountains that cascade dramatically into the sea.¹ During the calm summer months, the ocean becomes a sheet of glass, so still and translucent it seems one could walk across it to the small islets that dot the horizon like great whales surfacing for air.¹ On the other hand, this serene beauty belies a brutal, haunting history. For over a century, Côn Đảo was known by another name: Poulo Condor, the “squash island,” a penal colony that functioned as a “hell on earth” for tens of thousands of Vietnamese political prisoners.²

To travel to Côn Đảo is to navigate this complex identity. Crumbling French colonial villas stand on quiet street corners, their foundations entwined with the roots of ancient tropical trees, casting long shadows that whisper of a bygone era.¹ The stillness of the island is at once peaceful and poignant, a landscape where the echoes of suffering coexist with the breathtaking beauty of nature. It is impossible for a traveler to experience one side of Côn Đảo without acknowledging the other; the pristine beaches are inseparable from the island’s past as a prison, and the historical sites are set against a backdrop of staggering natural splendor.¹

This unique identity is not a mere contradiction but the very essence of the archipelago. The island’s isolation as a penal colony, from its establishment by the French in 1861 until its closure in 1975, inadvertently shielded it from the widespread development that has transformed other coastal regions in Vietnam.² This historical quarantine is precisely why Côn Đảo remains the most pristine natural environment of any major tourist destination in the country.¹ The establishment of the Côn Đảo National Park in 1993 further solidified the protection of this accidentally preserved ecosystem.² Therefore, a journey here is more than a vacation; it is an exploration of the intricate relationship between human history and the resilience of nature, offering a deeply moving experience for the thoughtful traveler.

 

I. Dive into an Underwater Kingdom: The Definitive Con Dao Scuba & Snorkeling Experience (#1)

 

Côn Đảo’s waters are, without question, the crown jewel of Vietnam’s marine offerings, establishing the archipelago as the country’s premier diving destination.⁷ The seas here are renowned for their exceptional clarity and calm conditions, particularly from March through September, creating a perfect stage for an underwater spectacle of unparalleled biodiversity.⁹ Descending beneath the surface is like entering another world, a vibrant, thriving metropolis of marine life that sets it apart from any other location in the nation.

 

A World Beneath the Waves

 

The marine ecosystem of Côn Đảo is staggering in its richness and diversity. The archipelago is a protected sanctuary, home to over 1,300 different marine species and boasting the highest density of coral in Vietnam.² Divers and snorkelers can explore vast, untouched gardens of over 400 species of coral, forming intricate structures that house a kaleidoscope of aquatic life.⁶ Encounters with majestic sea turtles are common, as are sightings of various rays, giant barracuda, moray eels, schools of shimmering batfish, and even elusive small bamboo sharks.⁷ The sheer health and vibrancy of this underwater world are a direct result of its protected status within the Côn Đảo National and Marine Park, a testament to successful conservation efforts.¹³ This managed approach ensures that the very asset visitors come to admire is preserved for generations, making a dive here not just an adventure, but a contribution to the sustainability of a precious ecosystem.

 

Top Dive & Snorkeling Sites

 

The archipelago is composed of 16 islands, many of which offer world-class dive sites. The most renowned spots are clustered around the outlying islets, accessible via day trips from the main island of Côn Sơn.

• Hon Tai, Hon Bay Canh, and Hon Cau: These three islands are the holy trinity for underwater exploration in Côn Đảo. They are celebrated for their exceptionally well-preserved hard and soft coral reefs, teeming with colorful fish and larger marine creatures. The depths here range from 5 to 25 meters, accommodating both novice and experienced divers.⁷
• Dam Tre Lagoon: For those seeking a more adventurous route to their snorkeling, Đầm Tre Lagoon offers a fantastic reward. Reached via a scenic two-hour hike through the national park, this secluded spot is known for its calm, clear waters and abundant clam populations, providing an excellent offshore snorkeling experience away from the boat tours.⁹

 

Spotlight on a Premier Operator: Amadive Con Dao Dive Center

 

For those looking to explore Côn Đảo’s underwater treasures, selecting a professional and reputable operator is key. Amadive Con Dao Dive Center stands out as one of the leading dive operators on the island, known for its professionalism, safety standards, and deep knowledge of the local marine environment.⁸

• Services and Offerings: Amadive provides a comprehensive range of services tailored to every level of interest. They run daily tours for both snorkeling and certified scuba diving, exploring the best dive spots the archipelago has to offer.¹⁷ For a more exclusive experience, they arrange private trips for groups of certified divers.¹⁸ Their tour packages are typically all-inclusive, covering hotel pickup and drop-off in Côn Sơn town, high-quality diving equipment, professional guides, National Park fees, and travel insurance, ensuring a hassle-free day on the water.¹⁷
• PADI Courses and Training: Côn Đảo’s calm, uncrowded waters and picturesque setting make it an idyllic place to learn to dive.⁷ Amadive is a PADI-affiliated center offering a full spectrum of courses, from introductory “Try Dives” for the curious to the world’s most popular entry-level certification, the PADI Open Water Diver course, as well as advanced courses for continuing education.¹⁷ A key aspect of their training philosophy is a focus on small groups, with a maximum of four students per instructor, which guarantees personalized attention, safety, and the highest standard of PADI training.⁷
• Pricing: A two-dive trip for certified divers is priced around 3,200,000 – 3,600,000 VND.⁷ A full PADI Open Water Diver course costs approximately 12,900,000 VND ⁷, while advanced courses are similarly priced.¹⁹ Snorkeling and island-hopping tours are a more budget-friendly option, starting from around 700,000 VND per person.¹⁵
• Reputation: Customer feedback consistently praises Amadive for its professional and friendly international dive guides, who are fluent in English and French, as well as the excellent condition of their equipment and their commitment to safety and creating an unforgettable experience.⁷

 

Practical Information

 

• Best Season: The prime diving season runs from March to September/October. During these months, the seas are generally calm, visibility is excellent (often ranging from 15 to 30 meters), and the weather is warm and sunny.¹⁰ The low season, from November to February, is characterized by strong northerly winds, high waves, and poor visibility, often leading to harbor closures.⁷
• Cost: Snorkeling tours start at approximately 700,000 VND. Certified fun dives cost around 3,200,000 – 3,600,000 VND for a two-tank trip. Full PADI certification courses are in the range of 13,000,000 VND.

 

II. Confront a Poignant Past: A Journey Through the Con Dao Prison Complex

 

To visit Côn Đảo without confronting its history is to see only half of its soul. For 113 years, the archipelago was synonymous with suffering, a penal colony established by the French in 1861 and later used by the American-backed South Vietnamese government to incarcerate, torture, and eliminate generations of Vietnamese independence fighters.² This network of prisons, known grimly as “hell on earth,” is now a special national historical site, offering a sobering and essential journey into the country’s struggle for freedom.

The experience of visiting these sites is deeply moving. It is not merely a tour of old buildings but a walk through a landscape of immense sacrifice. Yet, the narrative that unfolds is not one of pure victimhood. The prisons, designed to crush the spirit of resistance, paradoxically became a crucible for political thought and leadership. It was within these walls that many of Vietnam’s most renowned future leaders, including President Tôn Đức Thắng and Prime Minister Phạm Văn Đồng, were held captive.⁴ They transformed their incarceration into an opportunity for political education, clandestine organization, and strategic planning. This incredible resilience turned the “hell on earth” into a “revolutionary university,” making a visit to the prisons a lesson in the indomitable nature of the human spirit.

 

Key Sites to Visit

 

A single ticket often grants access to the main sites within the prison complex, which are located in and around Côn Sơn town.

• Con Dao Museum: This should be the first stop on any historical tour. The modern museum houses nearly 2,000 artifacts, documents, and compelling exhibits that provide the crucial historical context needed to understand the prison system.²¹ It masterfully tells the story of the island’s dark past and illuminates the “indomitable fighting spirit” of the revolutionaries who were imprisoned here.²²
• Phu Hai Prison: As the oldest and largest of the prison camps, Phu Hai is a haunting introduction to the scale of the operation. Visitors can walk through the collective cells and solitary confinement rooms, gaining a visceral sense of the brutal conditions endured by the prisoners.⁹
• The “Tiger Cages”: This is the most infamous part of the prison complex. The French-built cages (1940) and the later American-built cages were designed for maximum cruelty, confining prisoners in cramped, open-topped pits where they were shackled, beaten, and tormented from above.⁵ The horrific conditions were exposed to the world in July 1970, when photos taken by a US congressional aide were published in
  Life magazine, sparking international outrage.⁵
• Hang Duong Cemetery: Adjacent to the prison complex lies the final resting place for many of the estimated 20,000 prisoners who perished on the island.⁴ It is a place of solemn reflection and a site of immense spiritual importance for the Vietnamese people.

 

Practical Information

 

• Location: The main prison sites and the museum are located along Nguyen Chi Thanh Street in Côn Sơn town.²⁶
• Opening Hours: The sites are generally open daily, with hours typically from around 7:00 AM or 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM or 6:00 PM.²⁶
• Ticket Price: A comprehensive ticket costing 40,000 VND usually covers entry to the main prison relics and the Con Dao Museum.²⁶ If visited separately, the museum may charge a 20,000 VND fee.²⁴

 

III. Witness a Natural Miracle: Sea Turtle Nesting on Bay Canh Island

 

Beyond its history and beaches, Côn Đảo offers one of Southeast Asia’s most magical and moving wildlife encounters: the opportunity to witness endangered sea turtles nesting in their natural habitat.⁹ The archipelago is the most significant nesting ground for Green and Hawksbill turtles in all of Vietnam, a sanctuary where these ancient mariners return year after year to continue their lineage.⁶ This activity is a profound reminder of the island’s role as a critical bastion of biodiversity.

The experience is a powerful illustration of how tourism and conservation can work in harmony. The turtle nesting tours are not a mass-market attraction but a carefully controlled ecotourism program managed by the Côn Đảo National Park. This approach ensures that the presence of visitors does not disturb the highly sensitive nesting process. The fees paid by tourists directly fund the park’s conservation efforts, including the protection of nests and the operation of hatcheries that significantly increase the survival rate of the hatchlings. This transforms a tourist activity into a direct contribution to the preservation of an endangered species.

 

Vietnam’s Turtle Sanctuary

 

The heart of the turtle conservation program is Bay Canh Island (Hòn Bảy Cạnh), which accounts for approximately 80% of all sea turtle nesting activity in Côn Đảo.³² The conservation efforts here are remarkable in scale. Each year, National Park rangers rescue and relocate over 1,000 nests to protected hatcheries, safeguarding them from tidal surges and predators. From these efforts, over 150,000 baby turtles are successfully hatched and released back into the sea annually.³²

 

The Experience

 

A turtle-watching tour is a unique adventure that unfolds under the cover of darkness.

• The Night Vigil: Visitors are taken by boat to Bay Canh Island in the evening and led by park rangers to a nesting beach. As sea turtles are extremely sensitive to light and sound, the wait happens in near-total darkness and silence, using only specialized red lights when necessary.³²
• A Primeval Ritual: With patience, visitors may witness the awe-inspiring sight of a mother turtle, weighing hundreds of pounds, laboriously hauling herself ashore, digging a nest with her flippers, and laying her clutch of eggs.
• The Release: After the mother turtle returns to the sea, the rangers carefully excavate the nest and transport the eggs to a protected hatchery. Visitors who stay until the early morning may also have the chance to participate in releasing newly hatched baby turtles, watching as hundreds of tiny creatures instinctively scramble across the sand towards the ocean—a truly unforgettable moment.⁹

 

Practical Information

 

• Best Season: The nesting season runs from April to November, with the peak period for laying eggs occurring between July and September.³⁰ The hatching season follows, running from May through December and sometimes into January.³⁴
• Booking: Tours are strictly organized and must be booked in advance through the Côn Đảo National Park office or authorized tour operators.⁹ The tours are kept small, often with a maximum of six people per group, to minimize disturbance.³⁰
• Cost: The guided tour to watch egg-laying typically costs between 350,000 and 600,000 VND per person. The activity of releasing baby turtles costs around 50,000 VND per person.³⁰

 

IV. Explore a Primeval World: Hiking in Con Dao National Park

 

Covering over 80% of the archipelago’s land and sea area, Côn Đảo National Park is a sanctuary of raw, untamed nature and a paradise for hikers.¹⁵ The park’s 20,000 hectares protect a rich tapestry of ecosystems, from lush tropical rainforests and coastal mangroves to vibrant coral reefs.⁶ For those willing to venture on foot, the park reveals a world of endemic wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and trails that weave through layers of history and nature.

Hiking in Côn Đảo is a multifaceted journey. A single trail can lead you through a dense jungle canopy where you might spot the endemic Côn Đảo black giant squirrel or long-tailed macaques, past historical vestiges like the Ma Thien Lanh Bridge—built at a great human cost by prisoners—and culminate at a secluded, rocky beach for a refreshing swim.³⁰ Other paths ascend to mountain peaks that offer spiritual solace and panoramic views, passing by sacred temples along the way.³⁷ This fusion of nature, history, and spirituality makes every trek a deeper exploration of the island’s soul.

 

Curated Hiking Trails

 

The park offers several well-maintained and signposted trails suitable for independent hiking, catering to various fitness levels.

• Easy/Moderate: Ong Dung Beach Trail: This is one of the most popular hikes, beginning at the National Park headquarters. The trail is a relatively easy, 2-kilometer paved path that descends through the forest to Ong Dung Beach, a beautiful and wild cove with a rocky shoreline.¹⁵ The round-trip trek takes about 1-2 hours and is perfect for a morning or afternoon excursion.
• Moderate: So Ray Plantation Lookout Trail: For fantastic views, the hike to Sở Rẫy is highly rewarding. This trail involves a steep but well-paved ascent to a former French plantation, now a medicinal plant garden.³⁵ At the top, lookout towers offer stunning panoramic vistas over Côn Sơn Bay and the surrounding islands. The hike can be done as a loop, ascending from one side and descending on the other.³⁵
• Challenging: Thanh Gia Mountain (God Mountain) Ascent: Conquering the archipelago’s highest peak, Núi Thánh Gía at 577 meters, is a demanding adventure for experienced and fit hikers.⁶ The trail is steep and rugged, but the effort is repaid with breathtaking 360-degree views of the entire island chain from the summit. This full-day trek is best started early to avoid the midday heat.

 

Practical Information

 

• Permits & Fees: An entrance ticket to the National Park is required, costing 60,000 VND for adults and 20,000 VND for children.⁶ Tickets can be purchased at the park headquarters or ranger stations. For more challenging or remote trails, hiring a guide through the park office is recommended for safety and insight.⁶
• Preparation: The tropical climate makes preparation essential. Sturdy footwear like trainers or hiking shoes is a must, as paths can be extremely slippery, especially after rain.²⁵ Carry at least 1.5 liters of water per person, as well as snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellent.³⁵

 

V. Discover Your Private Paradise: Beach Hopping the Archipelago’s Best Shores

 

Côn Đảo is blessed with an embarrassment of riches when it comes to beaches. The archipelago’s coastline is scalloped with some of the most beautiful, pristine, and often deserted stretches of sand in Vietnam.¹ From broad bays near town to hidden coves accessible only by foot, there is a perfect beach for every mood and moment.

What makes beach hopping in Côn Đảo particularly special is the dynamic nature of its shores. These are not static landscapes but environments that shift with the rhythms of the tide and the day. Some beaches, like the famous Bai Nhat, reveal their full splendor for only a few hours when the tide recedes, making a visit feel like a special, timed event.¹⁶ Others are defined by the daily routines of local fishermen or the scheduled roar of an airplane overhead. To truly experience the magic of Côn Đảo’s beaches, a traveler should plan their visits around these natural and man-made schedules, transforming a simple trip to the shore into a memorable and unique encounter.

 

The Must-Visit Beaches

 

• Dam Trau Beach: Widely acclaimed as the most stunning beach in Côn Đảo, Dam Trau boasts a crescent of soft, golden sand framed by rocky headlands and lush forest.² Its turquoise waters are calm and perfect for swimming. The beach’s unique claim to fame is its proximity to the airport runway, offering the thrilling spectacle of planes descending just overhead for landing.⁴⁰
• Bai Nhat (Nhat Beach): This is perhaps Côn Đảo’s most magical and ephemeral beach. Located on the southwestern coast, Bai Nhat is completely submerged for most of the day, only revealing its stretch of pearly white sand and glistening pebbles at low tide in the afternoon.² This makes it an extraordinary and highly sought-after spot for watching the sunset.
• An Hai & Lo Voi Beaches: These are the most accessible beaches, located along the coast of Côn Sơn town.¹⁶ An Hai is a long, gentle bay perfect for a family swim, while Lo Voi offers beautiful sunrise views and the chance to see locals collecting shellfish at low tide.⁴⁰ Their convenience makes them ideal for a quick dip or a leisurely stroll along the seafront promenade.
• Dat Doc Beach: A long, beautiful stretch of pristine white sand that is home to the exclusive Six Senses resort.²¹ While the resort occupies a large portion, there is public access, and the beach offers excellent conditions for swimming and water sports.⁴¹
• Ong Dung Beach: For those who prefer their beaches wild and rugged, Ong Dung is the perfect destination. Located within the national park and reached via a short hike, this rocky cove offers a sense of seclusion and adventure, with great snorkeling close to shore.²¹

 

Insider Tips

 

• Tides and Sandflies: The tides in Côn Đảo can be extreme, dramatically changing the landscape of the beaches throughout the day.²⁵ It is also wise to be prepared for sandflies, especially on more remote beaches; wearing long clothing or using a good insect repellent is advisable.²⁵

 

VI. A Sacred Pilgrimage: The Nocturnal Visit to Vo Thi Sau’s Grave

 

Among the many unique experiences Côn Đảo offers, none is more culturally profound or spiritually charged than the nocturnal pilgrimage to the grave of Võ Thị Sáu at Hàng Dương Cemetery.¹¹ This ritual provides foreign visitors with an extraordinary window into contemporary Vietnamese spirituality and the deep, living reverence for its national heroes. Here, history is not a static memory confined to museums; it is an active, breathing force that shapes community identity and daily devotion.

 

The Story of a Heroine

 

Võ Thị Sáu was a young revolutionary heroine who was captured and executed by the French colonialists on the island in 1952 at the age of just 19.⁵ In the decades since her death, her story of bravery and sacrifice has elevated her from a historical martyr to a venerated ancestral spirit. She is widely believed to be one of the most sacred figures in Côn Đảo, a guardian spirit who can grant wishes and offer blessings, particularly to those who visit her grave with a sincere heart.²³

 

The Midnight Vigil

 

While Hàng Dương Cemetery is open throughout the day, a powerful local belief holds that the most sacred time to communicate with spirits, especially those who died young and unmarried, is between 10:00 PM and midnight.¹¹ Consequently, every night, the cemetery comes alive with a quiet stream of pilgrims.

The atmosphere is surreal and deeply moving. The cemetery is illuminated by lights, and the air is thick with the scent of incense.⁴⁴ Pilgrims approach Võ Thị Sáu’s tomb with elaborate offerings, which traditionally include items she would have cherished in life: white flowers (her favorite), combs, mirrors, perfumes, and traditional clothing.⁴² They come to pray for health, success, and guidance, creating a scene of intense, personal devotion that is both solemn and beautiful.

 

Practical Information

 

• Location: Hàng Dương Cemetery is located on Nguyễn Chí Thanh Street, next to the main prison complex in Côn Sơn town.²
• Visiting Hours: The cemetery is officially open from 7:00 AM to around 10:00 PM daily.²⁶ However, the most popular time for the pilgrimage to Võ Thị Sáu’s grave is late in the evening, from 8:00 PM until midnight.⁴³
• Etiquette: This is a sacred site of active worship. Visitors should dress modestly (covering shoulders and knees), speak softly, and move with respect. It is not a typical tourist attraction but a place of deep spiritual significance. Offerings can be purchased from stalls near the cemetery or in Côn Sơn town.⁴⁴

 

VII. Ride the Coastal Roads: The Ultimate Motorbike Adventure

 

There is perhaps no better way to capture the spirit of freedom and raw beauty of Côn Đảo than from the seat of a motorbike. Exploring the island on two wheels is a quintessential Vietnamese experience, but on Côn Đảo, it is elevated to another level. With shockingly good roads and minimal traffic, it offers a sense of liberation and discovery that is increasingly rare in Southeast Asia.²⁵

 

The Route

 

The journey begins on the magnificent seafront promenade of Côn Sơn town, Tôn Đức Thắng street, shaded by the sprawling canopies of century-old tropical almond trees.¹ From there, a network of well-paved coastal roads winds around the island, hugging dramatic cliffs and offering breathtaking vistas at every turn.²¹ These roads lead to secluded beaches, trailheads for jungle hikes, quiet fishing villages, and panoramic viewpoints. Because the island is small and the roads are largely empty, it is an excellent place even for novice riders to learn and gain confidence.²⁵ The real joy lies in the spontaneity it affords—the ability to simply ride, see what you can find, and pull over whenever a stunning view demands a moment of contemplation.

 

Practical Information

 

• Rental: Motorbikes and scooters are readily available for rent at most hotels, guesthouses, and local shops in town. The cost is very reasonable, typically ranging from 100,000 to 200,000 VND (approximately $4 to $8) per day.²⁵
• Safety: While traffic is light, riders should always exercise caution. It is particularly important to be aware of strong wind gusts that can sweep along the coastal cliffs, especially during the winter months (November to February).²⁵ Always wear a helmet.
• Alternatives: For those who do not wish to ride a motorbike, taxis are readily available, though this is a more expensive option. Bicycles are also a great way to explore the flat terrain of Côn Sơn town and its immediate surroundings.²⁵

 

VIII. Savor the Ocean’s Bounty: A Guide to Con Dao’s Essential Cuisine

 

A trip to Côn Đảo is a culinary journey, a celebration of the ocean’s bounty served up with incredible freshness and local flair. The island’s cuisine is dominated by seafood, caught daily by local fishermen from the clean, surrounding waters, ensuring a quality that is second to none.⁴⁸ Dining here is an essential part of the island experience, from casual street-side stalls to lively seafood joints where you can pick your dinner straight from the tank.

 

Must-Try Dishes

 

• Seafood Specialties: The island is famous for several high-end seafood delicacies that are a must-try for any visitor.
  • Red Lobster (Tôm Hùm Đỏ): Côn Đảo’s wild-caught red lobsters are renowned for having firmer, sweeter meat than their counterparts elsewhere. They are often simply steamed or grilled to highlight their natural flavor, but can also be found in porridge or grilled with cheese.⁴⁸
  • Moon Crab (Cua Mặt Trăng): Named for the distinctive red spots on its shell that resemble a full moon, this crab offers exceptionally sweet and firm meat. It is typically steamed or boiled and served with a simple dip of salt, pepper, and lime.⁴⁸
  • Vu Nang Snail (Ốc Vú Nàng): Literally “breast snail,” this rare, spire-shaped mollusk is a true island specialty. Found on underwater cliffs, its meat is firm and flavorful and is often grilled with scallion oil or boiled.⁴⁸
• Other Local Flavors: Beyond the big three, be sure to try creamy oyster porridge (Cháo Hàu), grilled sea urchin (Cầu Gai Nướng) topped with scallions and peanuts, and the hearty goby fish hotpot (Lẩu Cá Bống Mú).⁴⁹
• The Taste of History: Bang Nut Jam (Mứt Hạt Bàng): This is arguably Côn Đảo’s most significant culinary specialty, a dish deeply intertwined with the island’s history. The nuts come from the tropical almond (bàng) trees that line the streets of Côn Sơn.⁵⁰ The process of making the jam is incredibly laborious; the fruit is harvested and dried, after which the hard shell is painstakingly cracked by hand to extract a single tiny kernel. It can take a skilled worker a full day to produce just one kilogram of kernels.⁵² The nuts are then roasted with either salt or sugar. What makes this jam so special is its connection to the prisons. Inmates used the leaves and fruit of the bàng trees for sustenance, for medicine, and even as paper to write messages, making this simple snack a powerful symbol of survival and resilience.⁵⁰

 

Where to Eat

 

Côn Sơn town is filled with excellent dining options. For the freshest experience, choose a seafood restaurant that has live tanks on display, such as Ớt Seafood Restaurant or Thu Ba Restaurant.²

Phi Yen Restaurant is another popular choice for local dishes.² For a lively atmosphere,

Bar 200 is a well-loved spot for drinks and Western-style food.⁹

 

IX. Find Serenity and Scenery: Visiting Van Son Pagoda and Phi Yen Temple

 

As a counterpoint to the island’s intense history and adventurous activities, Côn Đảo’s spiritual sites offer moments of profound peace and spectacular beauty. These temples provide a tranquil space for reflection, connecting visitors to the calmer, more contemplative side of island life.

 

Van Son Pagoda (Chùa Núi Một)

 

Perched gracefully on a hillside, Van Son Pagoda is the main Buddhist temple on the island and a place of serene beauty.²² The journey up to the pagoda is part of the experience, culminating in one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in Côn Đảo. From its vantage point, one can gaze out over the entirety of Côn Sơn town, the gentle curve of the bay, the verdant expanse of An Hai Lake, and the distant green islets on the horizon.²² The peaceful ambiance and stunning scenery make it an ideal location for quiet contemplation and photography.

 

Phi Yen Temple (An Sơn Miếu)

 

Nestled at the foot of a mountain, Phi Yen Temple is a site of deep historical and spiritual importance for the local community.¹¹ The temple is dedicated to Lady Phi Yen, the secondary wife of Emperor Nguyễn Ánh, who met a tragic end on the island in the 18th century. Today, she is venerated as a guardian spirit of the island. The temple exudes a sacred and tranquil atmosphere, a place where islanders come to pray for peace, love, and prosperity. For visitors, it offers a glimpse into the local folklore and spiritual beliefs that are woven into the fabric of Côn Đảo’s identity.¹¹

 

X. Escape to the Outlying Islets: Chartering a Private Boat

 

While the main island of Côn Sơn holds a wealth of attractions, the true essence of the archipelago’s seclusion and pristine nature is best found among its 15 other, smaller islets.¹ Chartering a private boat or joining an organized island-hopping tour is the ultimate way to escape the (already minimal) crowds and discover your own private piece of paradise.¹⁵

 

The Ultimate Seclusion

 

A day trip on the water opens up a world of possibilities. You can direct your captain to deserted, white-sand beaches that you’ll have entirely to yourself, perfect for a picnic and a swim in absolute tranquility. The waters surrounding these islets are crystal-clear and offer some of the best and most accessible snorkeling on the archipelago, allowing you to explore vibrant coral reefs just a few meters from the shore.⁹ Many tours also offer opportunities for fishing. Exploring the islets also reveals a diversity of ecosystems; you might encounter the monkeys and rare squirrels of

Hon Tai or the unique mangrove forests of Hon Ba.¹⁶ This is the definitive way to experience the wild, untouched beauty that makes Côn Đảo so remarkable.

 

How to Arrange

 

Boat trips are easily arranged through the dive centers in town, such as Amadive, or through your hotel or one of the local tour operators in Côn Sơn town.¹⁵ Prices will vary depending on the duration of the trip and the number of people, but it offers an unparalleled day of adventure and relaxation.

 

The Essential Con Dao Traveler’s Handbook

 

Planning a trip to a remote paradise like Côn Đảo requires a bit of logistical knowledge. This handbook provides a practical summary of everything a traveler needs to know to ensure a smooth and unforgettable journey.

 

Getting to Con Dao: A Comparative Guide

 

Reaching the archipelago is an adventure in itself. Travelers can choose between a quick flight or a scenic journey by sea, with options catering to different budgets and starting points.

 

Mode	Departure From	Operator(s)	Travel Time	Approx. Cost (One-Way)	Pros	Cons
Flight	Ho Chi Minh City (SGN)	Vietnam Airlines (VASCO)	45-60 mins	$60 – $150	Fastest, most convenient.	More expensive, flights can be limited and book up quickly.
Flight	Can Tho (VCA)	Vietnam Airlines (VASCO)	~45 mins	$60 – $150	Convenient for those in the Mekong Delta.	Limited flight schedule.
Flight	Hanoi (HAN)	Vietjet Air (Seasonal)	~2 hours 15 mins	Varies	Direct access from northern Vietnam.	Only operates seasonally (typically May-Oct).
Speedboat	Vung Tau (Cầu Đá Port)	Con Dao Express	~3.5 – 4 hours	$28 – $40 (660k-880k VND)	Scenic sea journey, can transport more luggage.	Longer travel time, subject to cancellation due to rough seas.
Speedboat	Soc Trang (Trần Đề Port)	Superdong, Con Dao Express	~2 – 2.5 hours	$15 – $25 (390k-610k VND)	Fastest and cheapest sea route.	Requires travel to Sóc Trăng, which is further from HCMC.

Data sourced from.²

 

Navigating the Island: Your Transportation Options

 

Once on the island, getting around is straightforward and part of the fun.

• Motorbike: The most popular, flexible, and enjoyable way to explore. Rentals cost around 100,000 – 200,000 VND ($4-$8) per day.²⁵
• Taxi: A reliable and comfortable option for short trips or for those who don’t ride. More expensive than renting a motorbike.²⁵
• Bicycle: Perfect for exploring the flat, shaded streets of Côn Sơn town and the nearby beaches at a leisurely pace. Rentals are very cheap.²¹
• Boat Tours: Essential for visiting the outlying islands for snorkeling, diving, or beach hopping.¹⁵

 

The Best Time to Visit: A Seasonal Breakdown

 

Choosing when to visit Côn Đảo can significantly impact the experience, as the weather patterns dictate which activities are best.

• Dry & Calm Season (March – September): This is the ideal time for most visitors. The seas are calm and clear, making it the perfect season for diving, snorkeling, and boat trips. The weather is generally sunny and warm, ideal for beach-going. This period also coincides with the sea turtle nesting season, offering a unique wildlife opportunity.¹
• Windy & Cooler Season (October – February): During these months, strong winds from the northeast make the seas choppy and rough, often resulting in poor visibility for diving and potential cancellation of ferry services. While it’s cooler, swimming and beach activities can be less pleasant due to the wind.¹

 

Where to Stay: Accommodation for Every Budget

 

Côn Đảo offers a range of accommodation, from world-class luxury resorts to charming mid-range hotels and affordable local guesthouses. Prices are generally about 20-30% higher than on the mainland due to the island’s remote location.⁵⁴

 

Category	Hotel Examples	Avg. Price Range ($/night)	Best For…
Luxury	Six Senses Con Dao, Poulo Condor Boutique Resort & Spa	$200 – $1000+	Ultimate eco-luxury, romantic escapes, unparalleled service, and privacy.
Mid-Range	The Secret Con Dao, Marina Bay Con Dao Hotel, Orson Hotel & Resort Con Dao	$60 – $150	Modern comforts, great facilities (like infinity pools), central locations, and excellent value for families and couples.
Budget/Guesthouse	Uyen’s House, Kim Ngan Hotel, Thien Tan Hotel, Ba Doan Guesthouse	$15 – $40	Clean and simple rooms, friendly local hosts, and a great way to experience the island affordably for solo travelers and backpackers.

Data sourced from.¹²

 

Conclusion: An Island That Stays With You

 

Côn Đảo is far more than a simple holiday destination; it is an island that leaves an indelible mark on the soul. It is a place where the weight of history and the lightness of paradise are in constant, powerful dialogue. A trip here is a journey through breathtaking beauty, poignant reflection, and profound connection—to nature, to history, and to the resilient spirit of the Vietnamese people.

The archipelago’s greatest appeal—its pristine, undeveloped state—is also its greatest vulnerability. As it gains popularity, the threat of overdevelopment looms, risking the very tranquility and ecological integrity that make it so special.¹ A visit to Côn Đảo, therefore, comes with a quiet responsibility: to travel with awareness, to respect its dual heritage of sorrow and splendor, and to appreciate the fragile balance that makes this corner of Vietnam one of the most unforgettable places on Earth. It is an island that does not just offer an escape, but an experience that challenges, moves, and ultimately enriches all who are fortunate enough to walk its shores.