The islands of Con Dao
Before getting into the best beaches, it helps to understand how Con Dao is structured. Con Dao is not a single island, but an archipelago made up of 16 islands off the southern coast of Vietnam.
The main islands are:
- Con Son – the main island and by far the largest
- Hon Bay Canh – known for its nature, snorkeling, and sea turtles
- Hon Cau – a small island with beaches and clear water
- Hon Tre Lon – mostly uninhabited and only accessible by boat
Con Son is the central island of the archipelago. This is where you’ll find the airport, the harbor, all accommodations, restaurants, and most of the main sights. It’s also the only island you can explore independently, for example by taxi or rented scooter.
The other islands can only be visited on organized boat tours and are not places you can easily access on your own for a simple beach day.
For that reason, most travelers are not really searching for the best beach in all of Con Dao, but rather the best beaches on Con Son. In this guide, we therefore focus on the beaches of Con Dao that are actually easy to reach during your stay on Con Son.
Best time to visit the beaches of Con Dao
Con Dao lies in southern Vietnam, just like Phu Quoc, the Mekong Delta, and Ho Chi Minh City. Like these destinations, it has two distinct seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. However, things work a bit differently here—especially when it comes to sea conditions, wind, and activities like snorkeling and diving.
December – April: Dry Season (but Windy)
From December to April, Con Dao is in the dry season. You can expect plenty of sunshine, low humidity, and very little rain. This makes it a comfortable time to explore the island, visit beaches, and spend long days outdoors.
That said, this is also the windiest period of the year, especially along the east and south coast of Con Son. Because of this, the sea can be quite rough on one side of the island, limiting snorkeling and diving to more sheltered areas on the opposite coast. Underwater visibility can vary, and diving is generally less popular during these months compared to later in the year.
Another important difference is that you won’t see sea turtles coming ashore during this period. If that’s one of your main reasons to visit Con Dao, this is not the right time.
April – August: Calm Sea Season
From April onwards, the conditions in Con Dao start to change noticeably. Technically, the rainy season begins around May, but in reality, rainfall usually comes in short, heavy showers rather than all-day rain. More importantly, the wind drops significantly, and the sea becomes much calmer.
This is the best time for snorkeling and diving around Con Dao. The water is calmer, visibility is better, and more areas around the islands become accessible. Many beaches also look clearer and more inviting during these months compared to the dry, windy season.
This is also the season when sea turtles come to the beaches of Con Dao to lay their eggs, mainly between May and August. These nesting areas are strictly protected and can usually only be visited through organized tours.
In short, April to August often offers the best overall combination of calm seas, good beach conditions, and marine life—even though it is technically part of the rainy season.
Best beaches of Con Son
The best beaches of Con Son and the most beautiful beaches of Con Son are not always the same. Some beaches are stunning to look at but difficult to access, while others are less dramatic but much better for actually spending time. In the selection below, that difference becomes clear.
1. Dam Trau Beach (and Suoi Nong)
Dam Trau Beach is located on the west coast of Con Son, right next to the runway of the island’s airport. This gives it a unique character, as planes fly low over the beach when landing. It sounds busier than it actually is—Con Dao only has a limited number of flights per day.
The beach itself is long, wide, and made up of fine sand. In the morning, there is plenty of natural shade from the trees along the edge of the beach. It’s not a classic palm-lined beach, but it’s one of the most comfortable places to spend a few hours. Swimming conditions are generally good, and the atmosphere is calm.
There are two simple beach huts where you can get drinks, basic food, and rent chairs or sunbeds by the hour. Don’t expect anything luxurious—that’s not what Dam Trau is about. It’s best to bring your own towel and enjoy the space and quiet. There are no hotels or resorts directly on the beach.
Although Dam Trau is often described as one of the more popular beaches, this is still Con Dao. Even here, you can often have large parts of the beach to yourself, especially on weekdays.
At the southern end of Dam Trau, you’ll find a large rock with a walking path over it. On the other side lies Suoi Nong Beach. It’s similar in style but smaller and even quieter. You can also snorkel around this area, though you’ll need to bring your own gear as there are no rentals available.
2. Dat Doc Beach
Dat Doc Beach is often described as the most beautiful beach in Con Dao. At the same time, it’s a good example of how “most beautiful” and “best” don’t always mean the same thing.
The beach is completely private and belongs to the exclusive Six Senses Con Dao resort. In the past, it was sometimes possible to access the beach by visiting the resort for food or drinks, but nowadays it is only accessible to hotel guests. Prices typically start at around €1,000 per night.
The beach itself is long, wide, and set in a quiet bay with clear water and soft sand. It’s exactly what you would expect from a high-end resort: clean, perfectly maintained, and with no visible development nearby.
The resort is also actively involved in conservation. During certain months, sea turtle nests are protected here, and organized turtle releases take place—exclusively for guests of the resort.
In short, Dat Doc is without a doubt one of the most beautiful beaches of Con Dao, but for most travelers, it’s not the best option—simply because you can’t access it unless you stay there.
3. An Hai Beach
The town of Con Son has two main beaches: one to the north and one to the south. An Hai Beach, on the southern side, is by far the better of the two.
It’s a long stretch of sand lined with tropical palm trees, with views of the surrounding islands. The atmosphere changes depending on where you are. The northern section, closer to town, has some buildings nearby. As you walk further south, it becomes noticeably quieter and more empty.
At the beginning of the beach, you’ll find Bar 200, a popular spot among international travelers. It’s the only real beach bar on Con Son, serving Vietnamese and Western food as well as cocktails right by the sea.
There are also two resorts along An Hai Beach that are much more affordable than the high-end resorts on private beaches. Both have a slightly dated feel, with concrete buildings and rooms that haven’t been renovated in years. That said, the location makes up for it.
- Con Dao Resort offers more comfortable rooms
- Tan Son Nhat Con Dao Resort is very outdated but has a few modern beachfront bungalows
If you want to stay by the sea, close to restaurants, and without relying on taxis, An Hai Beach is one of the most practical choices on Con Son.
4. Nhat Beach (Bãi Nhát)
Nhat Beach is not your typical tropical beach with soft sand, palm trees, and sunbeds. Instead, it’s mostly made up of large stones and rocks. Still, it offers what is arguably the best view on the entire island.
The coastline here is rugged and dramatic, with green mountains rising straight out of the sea. At low tide and especially around sunset, the scenery becomes particularly impressive. The mix of rocks, ocean, and mountains makes this one of the most photogenic spots on Con Son.
This is not a place to spend a full afternoon relaxing. Think of Nhat Beach more as a short stop while driving around the island—pull over, take some photos, and enjoy the view. If you’re visiting Con Dao, it’s a place you shouldn’t skip.
5. Lo Voi Beach
Lo Voi Beach is located on the northern side of Con Son town and is the second town beach. Between the beach and the buildings, there’s a concrete seawall with a small park behind it. Because of this, the trees are not directly on the beach, which means there’s very little natural shade and the setting feels less tropical than An Hai Beach.
Aside from late afternoon—when locals come here to cool off as the sun starts to set—the beach is quiet for most of the day. It’s not unusual to have the entire beach to yourself.
There are no resorts or beach bars directly on Lo Voi Beach. About 100 meters to the south, you’ll find The Secret Con Dao, one of the newer and more modern hotels in town.
For travelers looking for peace and quiet while still staying close to Con Son, Lo Voi Beach is mainly interesting for its calm atmosphere.
6. Dong Beach
Dong Beach is located on the north side of Con Son, on the opposite side of the airport. While you watch planes land at Dam Trau, here you’ll see them take off.
The beach is very long and shows a clear contrast. On the southern end, near Poulo Condor Boutique Resort & Spa, the beach looks excellent: clean, well-maintained, and with clear water. This section is without a doubt one of the most beautiful beaches of Con Dao.
However, as you move towards the airport and reach the public part of the beach, the situation changes completely. This area unfortunately has a lot of litter, which stands in sharp contrast to Con Dao’s otherwise clean and eco-conscious reputation. That’s especially noticeable since the island is known for limited plastic waste and the use of electric taxis.
At the moment, the public section of Dong Beach is best avoided. Hopefully this will improve in the future, but for now, it’s not worth visiting.
7. Dat Tham Beach
Dat Tham Beach is located within the national park of Con Dao and can only be reached on foot. You get there via a forest trek of about three kilometers. The trail is clearly marked, but you will lose mobile signal along the way, so it’s best to come prepared with proper shoes, water, and some snacks.
For many visitors, the walk itself is the highlight. The path is well maintained and takes you through dense forest filled with plants, birds, and sometimes wildlife such as monkeys and lizards. The hike takes around 30 to 45 minutes one way and is manageable, even for children who are used to walking.
The beach at the end is not a typical place to relax. It’s a narrow stretch of mostly rocks and stones, with only small patches of sand. Swimming in the sea is difficult, although the water is clear and there are some coral formations close to the shore. A small stream flowing into the sea offers a better spot to cool off after the hike.
Dat Tham Beach is mainly interesting as part of a nature experience and a trekking route in the national park. It’s not a beach where you’ll spend hours lying in the sun. If your main goal is hiking, you could also consider the trail to Suối Bãi Bàng, which is more challenging but also more scenic. You’ll find more details about this route in guides focused on trekking in Con Dao National Park.
8. Hong Dam Beach
Hong Dam Beach is not a typical beach, but it’s still worth a short stop for the views.
Located on the western side of Con Son, this spot sits in a sheltered bay facing Hon Ba Island. The surrounding islands create very calm water year-round, which also explains why this is where the island’s port and ferries are located.
There is very little sand, mostly visible at low tide. Instead, you’ll find shallow water, small piers, fishing boats, and a more harbor-like setting than a classic beach.
What makes Hong Dam stand out is the scenery. The combination of turquoise water, anchored boats, and green mountains creates one of the most scenic coastal views on this side of the island.
You can swim here, especially because the water is calm and shallow, but it’s not the cleanest spot on Con Dao due to boat activity. It’s generally fine for a quick dip, but not ideal for a full beach day.
In short, Hong Dam is best seen as a quick stop for photos and views, not a beach where you spend hours.
9. Other Beaches on Con Son
In theory, there are more beaches on Con Son. If you search on Google Maps for “bãi biển” or “beach,” you’ll come across several names.
In reality, many of these are rocky coastal stretches or small clearings along the road. They can be nice for a quick photo stop while driving around the island, but they are not suitable for swimming or spending extended time.
Think of them more as viewpoints you’ll naturally pass along the way, rather than destinations worth going out of your way for.
Beaches on other islands of Con Dao
Many travelers wonder whether the beaches on the other islands of Con Dao are worth visiting. The short and honest answer: yes—but with some clear caveats.
Most boat tours from Con Son are not classic beach trips. They focus more on nature, snorkeling, diving, and—during the right season—sea turtles. Islands where you simply spend an entire afternoon relaxing on a remote sandy beach are rare.
Below are the islands where beaches do play a role, with a realistic idea of what to expect.
1. Bay Canh Island (Hòn Bay Canh)
Bay Canh Island lies to the east of Con Son and is even visible from the town. On clear days, you can see parts of its coastline and beaches from a distance.
Bay Canh is the main turtle island of Con Dao. Around 80% of all sea turtles in the archipelago lay their eggs here. Because of this, visits are strictly managed by the national park and only possible through organized tours.
The beaches on Bay Canh are not meant as recreational beaches. You visit as part of a turtle tour, often combined with snorkeling around nearby reefs. Time to freely swim or relax on the beach is limited and always secondary to conservation efforts.
Think of Bay Canh as a nature experience—not a beach destination.
2. Hon Cau Island (Hòn Cau)
Hon Cau is one of the few islands where beach time actually plays a clear role during boat tours.
It is often included in day trips together with Bay Canh. The island has a natural sandy beach, calm water, and usually offers the chance to swim freely for a while. Some tours and reviews mention a small bar or basic food setup, and there is fresh water available to rinse off after swimming.
Although Hon Cau is also involved in turtle conservation, it is more accessible and less restricted than Bay Canh. If you want to spend some real time on an island beach during a boat trip, Hon Cau is the most logical option outside of Con Son itself.
Just keep in mind that facilities are simple and can vary depending on the season and the tour.
3. Hon Tre Lon
Hon Tre Lớn is a larger, mostly uninhabited island known mainly for its nature and sea turtles. It appears in turtle tours and ecological programs and is sometimes included as a snorkeling stop.
There are natural beaches and small bays, but these are raw and undeveloped, with no facilities. Hon Tre Lớn is not an island you visit to relax on the beach.
Stops here are usually short and focused on nature or snorkeling. Outside the turtle season, access may be possible, but always as part of an organized tour—not as a free beach day.
