Con Dao Travel Guide: Unveiling the Beauty of Vietnam's Offshore Islands

Best time to visit Con Dao island

Con Dao has a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons: the dry season (November to July) and the rainy season (August to October).

The best time to visit Con Dao is during the dry season. During this time, the weather is warm and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 24°C to 30°C. This is perfect for outdoor activities like snorkeling, diving, and hiking. The crystal-clear waters and calm seas during this time make it great for marine enthusiasts.

Con Dao during the dry season is warm and pleasant. Source: Flickr

From March to July, the temperature rises to 35°C, accompanied by higher humidity and occasional thunderstorms. While this period may be warm, it remains suitable for exploration, with relatively calm seas still favorable for diving.

The rainy season, however, brings heavy rainfall and rough seas, limiting activities such as boat trips and underwater exploration. Travelers seeking clear skies and outdoor adventures should plan their visit during the dry months for the best experience.

How to get to Con Dao

Con Dao is accessible from various points in southern Vietnam.

The fastest way is by air, with direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat Airport) and Can Tho Airport to Con Dao Airport (also known as Con Son Airport), operated by Vietnam Airlines and Bamboo Airways. These flights take around 50 minutes to an hour. The average price for flights to Con Dao ranges from 1,500,000 to 2,500,000 VND per one-way ticket, depending on the time of booking and the season.

Alternatively, ferries are available from Vung Tau and Soc Trang. This way offers a scenic route to Con Dao. The high-speed ferry from Vung Tau takes about 4 hours (once daily), while the trip from Soc Trang is shorter, around 2.5 hours (twice daily). Ferries are an economical option (300,000 to 900,000 VND per passenger) but take more time and can be affected by weather during the rainy season.

Direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao take around 50 minutes.

Whichever mode of transportation you choose, planning ahead and checking schedules is essential, as availability can be limited, particularly during peak travel times.

Where to stay in Con Dao

The best area to stay in Con Dao is near Con Son Town, where most accommodations, restaurants, and activities are conveniently located. Travelers can choose from a variety of accommodation types to suit their preferences. Hotels provide comfort and affordability, while homestays offer an authentic experience.

For those seeking luxury, resorts like Six Senses Con Dao deliver world-class amenities and beachfront views. The place is also well known for its eco-friendly activities and unique guest experiences, including turtle conservation programs, snorkeling and diving tours, wellness retreats, and plant-to-plate cooking classes.

Six Senses Con Dao has world-class amenities and beachfront views. Source: Flickr

Other highly-rated options include The Secret Con Dao, a modern hotel with excellent facilities, and Poulo Condor Boutique Resort, known for its charming colonial-style architecture. Budget-friendly choices like Hotel De Condor and Orson Con Dao cater to travelers seeking value without compromising comfort.

What to eat in Con Dao

Con Dao’s vibrant food scene can cater to every palate.

It’s because Con Dao’s cuisine is deeply rooted in its coastal heritage, featuring an abundance of fresh seafood such as squid, crab, and snails, often prepared in sizzling hotpots or grills. Try local specialties like Chao Hau (oyster porridge) and Oc Vu Nang (cellana snails), which highlight the island’s culinary creativity.

Con Dao’s seafood has some of the best dishes. Source: Flickr

For authentic dining, head to Thu Ba Restaurant, where you can sample a variety of freshly cooked dishes. Beyond Vietnamese cuisine, Con Dao also offers Western dining options for international visitors. Bar200 serves excellent pizza and burgers, while Infiniti Cafe and Resto offers European-inspired meals in a cozy setting.

7 Things to Do in Con Dao You Can’t Miss

Discover the best things to do in Con Dao, from pristine beaches and hiking trails to historical landmarks and marine adventures.

1. Hike Con Dao National Park

Con Dao National Park is one of the 34 national parks in Vietnam. This place is a haven for nature enthusiasts, offering lush tropical forests, diverse wildlife, and scenic hiking trails. The park, spanning 20,000 hectares in both land and marine areas, is home to 29 endangered species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

Ocean view from within Con Dao National Park. Source: Flickr

In Con Dao, hikers can explore routes that wind through dense forests, leading to secluded beaches and panoramic viewpoints. One popular trail is the hike to the pristine Ong Dung Beach, about 2 kilometers northwest of the park’s center area. Along the way, you may encounter vibrant flora and fauna, including rare orchids and colorful butterflies.

Hikers might encounter friendly monkeys along the trail. Source: Flickr

The average duration for a hike in Con Dao National Park can vary from 2 to 3 hours (one-way), depending on the route. In addition to its established hiking trails, Con Dao has several lovely walkable areas. The peaceful streets of Con Son Town, especially the scenic Ton Duc Thang Street, provide an alluring setting for a leisurely stroll.

Con Dao National Park entrance ticket: 60,000 VND/adult and 20,000 VND/child (available for purchase at national park offices and ranger stations). Other ecotourism services in Con Dao National Park may charge additional fees.

2. Relax on the beaches

Con Dao has some of the best beaches in Vietnam. It’s famed for its pristine, uncrowded beaches, making it the perfect destination for relaxation and rejuvenation. Dam Trau Beach, with its golden sands and calm, turquoise waters, is ideal for swimming and sunbathing. For a more secluded experience, Bai Nhat Beach and Ong Dung Beach are hidden gems that boast crystal-clear waters and stunning sunset views.

Con Dao has some of the best beaches in Vietnam. Source: Flickr

Don’t miss out on Lo Voi Beach – one of the best beaches in Con Dao. Situated in the island’s southeast, this is the perfect spot to watch the earliest sunrise in Con Dao.

Con Dao is ideal for both swimming and sunbathing. Source: Flickr

Con Dao’s beaches are not only perfect for lounging but also great for underwater sports, such as snorkeling. Visitors can enjoy beachside picnics, read a book under the shade of casuarina trees, or simply soak in the serene ambiance.

3. Go snorkeling and island hopping

The waters around Con Dao are a paradise for snorkeling and island-hopping enthusiasts, teeming with vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.

Con Dao is a paradise for snorkeling and island hopping. Source: Flickr

Start your adventure by visiting Hon Bay Canh Island, known for its well-preserved reefs and turtle conservation projects. Snorkelers can marvel at colorful fish, starfish, and soft corals in crystal-clear waters. For a unique experience, explore underwater caves and shipwrecks at islands like Hon Tai Island or Hon Cau Island.

Con Dao is teeming with vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. Source: Flickr

Many Con Dao tour operators offer island-hopping packages that include visits to multiple islands, giving you the chance to discover hidden beaches and bays. They provide equipment and guides to ensure safety and an educational experience. This activity is perfect for those looking to combine relaxation and adventure in Con Dao. Snorkeling and island hopping Con Dao tour prices: from 700,000 VND/person.

4. Explore Con Dao Prison

Apart from being a great beach destination, Con Dao also stands as a somber reminder of Vietnam’s turbulent history. Con Dao Prison offers a glimpse into the resilience of its freedom fighters. Established during the French colonial era and later used during the Vietnam War, the prison complex includes 7 facilities, like the infamous Tiger Cages, where political prisoners were held under brutal conditions.

The infamous Tiger Cages. Source: Flickr

Today, Con Dao Prison serves as a historical site with preserved cells, artifacts, and informative exhibits. Exploring Con Dao Prison is a touching experience that not only educates but also inspires respect for the courage and determination of those who fought for independence. Some guided half-day Con Dao tours may include Con Dao Prison in the itinerary, allowing for a better understanding of the site.

- Con Dao Prison entrance ticket: 40,000 VND/person.

- Open every day from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Replicas are exhibited to depict the prisoners of war in Con Dao Prison. Source: Flickr

5. Conquer Mount Thanh Gia

Rising 577 meters above sea level southwest of Con Son Island, Mount Thanh Gia is the highest peak in Con Dao, offering breathtaking views of the archipelago and surrounding seas. The hike to the summit is challenging yet rewarding, with trails that wind through dense forests filled with exotic flora and fauna.

Visitors can reach Mount Thanh Gia, 3 kilometers from the town, by motorbike or taxi. Source: Flickr

Along the way, hikers can enjoy the refreshing shade of tall trees, occasional bird calls, and glimpses of wildlife native to Con Dao. The hike takes about 2 to 3 hours, depending on fitness levels, and is best attempted with proper gear and preparation.

View from the top of Mount Thanh Gia. Source: Flickr

At the summit, visitors are greeted with panoramic vistas that stretch across the islands, making it a perfect spot for photography or soaking in the beauty of nature. For fitness enthusiasts, conquering Mount Thanh Gia is a must-do activity in Con Dao that combines physical challenges with spectacular natural rewards.

6. Visit the Con Dao Museum

The Con Dao Museum, located at 10 Nguyen Hue Street, only 50 meters away from the beach, offers a comprehensive look into the island’s history, culture, and heritage. With a total area of 20,000 square meters, in which the exhibition area is 1,700 square meters, the museum houses a collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents.

Con Dao Museum is the key to the island’s history, culture, and heritage. Source: Flickr

A visit to the Con Dao Museum feels like stepping into the story of the island’s history, from its days as a prison island to its recent status as a favorite beach destination.

The statue in the main hall in Con Dao Museum. Source: Flickr

Con Dao Museum is divided into 4 sections, including Hell on Earth, Nature and People, School and Battlefront, and Con Dao Today. A visit to the Con Dao Museum is an enriching experience, providing context for the island’s transformation and a deeper appreciation of its significance in Vietnam’s history.

- Con Dao Museum entrance ticket: 15,000 VND/person.

- Con Dao Museum entrance ticket: 15,000 VND/person.

7. Releasing baby turtles to the sea

Releasing baby turtles into the sea is a heartwarming experience in Con Dao. This activity is part of the island’s turtle conservation efforts, primarily conducted on Bay Canh Island, accounting for 80% of the number of sea turtles laying eggs in the area.

Releasing baby turtles into the sea is a heartwarming experience. Source: Flickr

These programs, often held during the nesting season from June to October, are organized by conservation teams who educate participants about the importance of protecting marine life. Visitors can witness the hatching process and participate in guided releases, helping tiny turtles make their way to the ocean.

Participants release baby turtles from the shore into the ocean. Source: Flickr

The sight of baby turtles off your hands and instinctively heading toward the waves is emotional. This activity not only supports local conservation efforts but also allows visitors to contribute directly to preserving Con Dao’s rich marine biodiversity.

Releasing baby turtles Con Dao tour prices: from 850,000 to 1,700,000 VND.

Useful travel tips in Con Dao

Plan your trip to Con Dao with these essential tips, covering ideal stay duration, local events, and practical payment advice.

Recommended duration of stay

A 3 to 4-day visit to Con Dao is ideal for exploring its natural and historical attractions. This allows enough time for activities like beach relaxation, hiking, diving, and visiting landmarks such as Con Dao Prison or Con Dao Museum. Longer stays are perfect for immersing in the serene atmosphere and discovering the quieter islets.

Local events and holidays

Plan your Con Dao trip around national holidays or local events like Tet or the annual Boat Racing Festival. These occasions showcase vibrant cultural traditions but may also lead to crowded accommodations and transport. Booking in advance during these periods is essential to enjoy a hassle-free experience.

Money exchange and payment

Cash is essential when visiting Con Dao, as ATMs are limited outside the town center, and many establishments don’t accept bank transfers or credit cards. Exchange money at banks or in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City before arriving. Carrying small changes is also helpful for paying at local markets and smaller shops.

The Oxalis Experience.