Con Dao is one of Vietnam’s most pristine destinations — an archipelago of 16 islands 185 km off the southern coast, with no mass tourism, no major development, and some of the clearest water in Southeast Asia. Its colonial-era prison complex, sea turtle nesting beaches, and underwater life make it extraordinary.
1 Day in Con Dao
- Morning: Con Dao Prison complex — the former French and American colonial jails where Vietnamese political prisoners were held; the “tiger cages” are among the most sobering sites in Vietnam (allow 2 hrs)
- Midday: Dam Trau Beach (5 km from town; one of Vietnam’s most beautiful stretches of white sand; clear shallow water for swimming)
- Afternoon: Vo Thi Sau Tomb at the cemetery (a national heroine; thousands of Vietnamese make a pilgrimage each year)
- Evening: Seafood dinner in Con Son town; sunset cocktails at a guesthouse porch
2 Days in Con Dao
- Day 1: Prison complex + An Hai Beach + Con Son town
- Day 2: Snorkelling or diving at the coral reefs (the healthiest coral in southern Vietnam; visibility 15–25 m); Bay Canh Island boat trip (where sea turtles lay eggs June–September)
3 Days in Con Dao
- Day 1: History — prison complex, cemetery, Con Dao Museum
- Day 2: Diving or snorkelling day — multiple dive sites around the archipelago
- Day 3: Bay Canh Island excursion — mangrove forest walk, lighthouse hike, beach, turtle watching at dusk (June–September with a park ranger)
4–5 Days: Full Island Exploration
- Trek Con Dao National Park — the island’s interior is dense jungle with macaques, hornbills, and dugong offshore
- Kayak between islands — the water between the smaller islands is shallow and calm in the dry season
- Night turtle watching on Bay Canh (the main nesting beach in Vietnam; rangers escort small groups to watch females lay eggs and hatchlings emerge)
- Freediving — the visibility and marine life density make Con Dao one of the best freediving spots in Vietnam
Activities to Build Into Any Itinerary
- Sea turtle night watch (June–September at Bay Canh — book through Con Dao National Park office in advance)
- Sunrise at Dam Trau Beach before the day heats up
- Snorkelling directly off Con Son’s beaches — coral begins within 50 m of shore at several spots
- Prison complex early morning (cooler and fewer visitors before 9am)
Practical Notes
- Getting there: 45-min flight from HCMC (Vietnam Airlines and Bamboo Airways; book ahead — the airport is tiny and flights fill up). Ferry from Vung Tau (12 hrs overnight) as alternative
- Getting around: Motorbike hire in town; boat hire for island excursions through guesthouses or the national park office
- Best season: March–July (calmest seas; best visibility; turtle season from June). Avoid October–December (rough seas, some boats don’t run)
- Where to stay: Six Senses Con Dao if budget allows (beach villa resort at the main beach); numerous comfortable guesthouses in Con Son town for mid-range travellers