Con Dao Travel Guide 2026: Remote Island Paradise & History

Con Dao is Vietnam's most beautiful and least accessible beach destination. This archipelago of 16 islands off the southern coast offers pristine beaches, excellent diving, and a haunting history as a colonial-era prison camp. It's expensive to reach and has limited accommodation, which keeps it exclusive and unspoiled.

For a century, Con Dao was "Devil's Island" - a brutal prison where French colonizers and later South Vietnamese held political prisoners. Today, the prisons are museums and the beaches are paradise. It's a strange and powerful combination.

Quick Facts

→Location: 180km off southern Vietnam coast
→Coordinates: 8.6922°N, 106.6108°E
→Region: South Vietnam (Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province)
→Best Time to Visit: March to September (calm seas)
→Monsoon Season: October to February (rough seas, some closures)
→From Ho Chi Minh City: 45 minutes by flight
→From Vung Tau: 12 hours by ferry (infrequent)

Top Attractions

▸Beaches

Dam Trau Beach: The most famous - white sand, clear water, jungle backdrop. Near the airport.

Bai Nhat Beach: Rocky cove perfect for snorkeling. Local and uncrowded.

An Hai Beach: Long stretch near town, good for swimming.

▸Diving & Snorkeling

Con Dao has Vietnam's best diving - coral reefs, sea turtles, dugongs, and excellent visibility (20-30m).

→Dive trips: $80-120 for two dives
→PADI courses available
→Best season: March to July

▸Con Dao Prison Museums

Multiple former prisons including the infamous "tiger cages" where prisoners were tortured. Dark but important history. Allow 2-3 hours to see the main sites.

→Entry: $1 per prison
→Guided tour recommended for context

▸Sea Turtle Nesting

Con Dao is Vietnam's most important sea turtle nesting site. June to September, join ranger-led night tours to watch turtles lay eggs.

→Turtle watching: $30-50 per person
→Season: June to September
→Booking: Through national park office

Where to Stay

Limited options, book well in advance.

Budget: $30-50 - Basic guesthouses in town Mid-range: $60-100 - Sea-view hotels Luxury: $200-400 - Six Senses Con Dao (world-class resort)

Getting There

By Air: VASCO flights from HCMC (45 min, $80-150). Book early - limited seats.

By Ferry: From Vung Tau, infrequent and weather-dependent. 12 hours, $25-40.

Practical Tips

→Book flights and accommodation well ahead
→Rent a motorbike ($10-15/day) to explore
→The island is small - everything is accessible
→Bring cash - ATMs exist but can run out
→Visit prisons with a guide for context
→Best diving March-July before monsoon

▸Nearby Destinations

| Destination | Distance | Travel Time | Direction | |-------------|----------|-------------|----------| | Ho Chi Minh City | 230km | 45 min by flight | Northwest | | Vung Tau | 180km | 12 hours by ferry | Northwest |

FAQ

Is Con Dao worth the cost?

Yes, if you value pristine beaches and don't mind limited nightlife. The diving is excellent and the beaches are Vietnam's best. It's not a budget destination.

How many days for Con Dao?

3-4 days is ideal. Enough to see the prisons, hit the beaches, and do some diving. Fewer days feels rushed given travel logistics.