How many days should I spend in Con Dao?

3-5 days balances beach time, diving, prison visits, and island exploration. Serious divers stay a week. The limited flight schedule sometimes means adding an extra day anyway.

What is the best time to visit Con Dao?

March to June offers the calmest seas and best diving visibility. June-September is turtle nesting season. October-February brings rougher seas and occasional storms. The island is quietest on weekdays.

Is Con Dao safe for tourists?

Very safe with minimal tourist-related issues. Swimming is safe at main beaches. Diving operations are well-regulated. The remote location means medical facilities are limited - travel insurance is essential.

Where should I stay in Con Dao?

Con Son town has most options from budget guesthouses to the famous Six Senses resort. An Hai Road has several beachfront boutique hotels. Book ahead during Vietnamese holidays and weekends.

Beach

South Vietnam

Con Dao Islands

Remote island paradise with pristine beaches, excellent diving, and historical significance as former prison colony.

3-5 days ideal

$60-120 per day

Diving, seclusion

Where to Stay

Overview

Con Dao is Vietnam's end-of-the-road paradise - a remote archipelago that served as a brutal French and American prison colony for over a century. Today, the former prisons draw history seekers, while pristine beaches, world-class diving, and nesting sea turtles attract those seeking serious escape.

Getting here takes effort and the island has limited development, which is precisely the appeal. Con Dao offers Vietnam's most exclusive beach experience without manufactured luxury. The national park protects both the jungle-covered interior and the surrounding marine ecosystem.

Top Things to Do

1Dive or snorkel the coral reefs for some of Vietnam's best underwater visibility

2Visit the Con Dao Prison complex and learn about its harrowing history

3Watch sea turtles nest and hatch on Bay Canh Island (June-September)

4Hike through Con Dao National Park's jungle to empty beaches

5Pay respects at Hang Duong Cemetery, where revolutionary hero Vo Thi Sau is buried

6Relax on Dam Trau Beach, consistently rated among Vietnam's most beautiful

Getting There & Around

By Air: Con Dao Airport (VCS) has daily flights from HCMC (45 minutes) and occasional flights from Can Tho. Book ahead - flights fill up, especially on weekends.

By Train: No train service. Alternative access is by high-speed ferry from Vung Tau (3 hours) or Can Tho, though sea conditions can cancel services.

Getting Around: Rent a motorbike (150,000-200,000 VND/day) to explore the island - the 15km main road is scenic and manageable. Walking works in Con Son town. Boat trips reach outer islands.