Con Dao: From prison island to protected archipelago
Con Dao is a small island group located off the southern coast of Vietnam, about 230 km from Ho Chi Minh City. For much of its modern history, it was known less for its scenery and more for its role as a prison island. Under French colonial rule, and later during the Vietnam War, political prisoners were held here in harsh conditions, earning Con Dao the nickname “Devil’s Island.” Many of the prison sites, including the well-known tiger cages, can still be visited today and form an important part of the island’s identity.
Today, Con Dao presents a completely different image. A large part of the archipelago is protected as Con Dao National Park, covering both land and surrounding marine areas. The islands are home to diverse ecosystems, including coral reefs, mangrove forests, and seagrass beds where rare species like dugongs can still be found. Sea turtles nest on several of the islands, and many beaches remain undeveloped and quiet. Due to its remote location and limited infrastructure, Con Dao has avoided the mass tourism seen in places like Phu Quoc, giving it a more natural and less crowded atmosphere. This combination of history, nature, and relative isolation is what shapes the experience of visiting Con Dao today—and sets the tone for the things you can do here.
Things to do in Con Dao
The best things to do in Con Dao focus on nature, history, and simple island life rather than big attractions. The archipelago consists of 16 islands, but most activities take place on the main island, Con Son, with a few trips to nearby islands. Below is a clear overview of the main things to do in Con Dao, helping you decide how to spend your time on the island.
1. Relax on the remote beaches
The beaches of Con Dao are one of the main reasons people come here. Compared to places like Phu Quoc, they feel much more untouched, with little development, clean water, and often hardly anyone around. Most beaches are on Con Son island and easy to reach by motorbike.
Dam Trau Beach, together with nearby Suoi Nong, is one of the best spots. Soft sand, clear water, and green hills around it make it a great place to spend a few hours. The airport is right next to it, so you’ll occasionally see planes flying low overhead—something quite unique, but not constant.
An Hai Beach, just south of Con Son town, has a more tropical feel with palm trees and calm water. It’s easy to access, though you’ll also see fishing boats here. Some of the more upscale resorts have their own private beaches, which are often the cleanest and quietest stretches on the island.
Other beaches are less about swimming and more about the scenery, especially along the coastal road. For a full overview, see our guide to best beaches in Con Dao.
2. Visit the Con Dao prisons
One of the most impressive things to do in Con Dao is visiting the old prison sites. It’s not just one prison, but a whole network of camps built during the French colonial period and later used during the Vietnam War.
Phu Hai Prison is the largest and oldest, dating back to 1862. Thousands of prisoners were held here, often in very basic conditions with large numbers crammed into each building.
The French Tiger Cages are the most confronting part to visit. These narrow open cells were designed so guards could look down on prisoners from above, and even physically abuse them through iron bars.
Phu Binh Camp, built later by the Americans, shows a different period of the prison system. The cells here had metal roofs, making them extremely hot, and also included the so-called American Tiger Cages.
Most sites are located close to Con Son town and can be visited independently. For more background and practical tips, see our guide to Con Dao prison.
3. Go turtle watching (seasonal)
Turtle watching is one of the most special things to do in Con Dao, but only if you visit in the right season. From May to October, sea turtles come to the islands to lay their eggs, with peak activity between June and September.
Most tours go to Bay Canh Island, where the national park protects the nesting beaches. What you experience depends on timing. Night tours focus on turtles laying eggs, while early morning visits are about releasing baby turtles into the sea.
You can’t visit these areas on your own. Access is controlled by the national park, so you’ll need to book a tour in advance. It’s a unique experience, but also quite regulated and not guaranteed every day. More details can be found in our guide to turtle watching in Con Dao.
4. Trek in Con Dao National Park
A large part of Con Son island is covered by forest, and trekking is one of the best ways to see a different side of Con Dao beyond the beaches.
Most trails start from the national park office just outside town. There are a few short and accessible routes, like the jungle loop, but also longer hikes that take you to remote beaches such as Dat Tham Beach or Bai Bang Beach. These places feel completely isolated and are usually empty.
If you’re looking for views, the So Ray viewpoint is one of the easier options. Some of the more remote trails require a guide, and paths are not always clearly marked, so it’s worth checking beforehand.
For routes, difficulty levels, and how to arrange permits or guides, see our guide to trekking in Con Dao National Park.
5. Drive along the coastal road
Driving along the coastal road is one of the easiest ways to see how beautiful Con Dao actually is, and one of the best things to do in Con Dao if you want to explore the island at your own pace. The road follows the coastline with views over bays, green hills, and small beaches along the way. It’s not about one specific highlight, but the overall scenery and the freedom to stop wherever you want.
You’ll pass a few beaches on the way, but most of them are better for a short stop or photos rather than swimming. The best swimming beaches are mainly on the east side of the island near Con Son town. Still, the coastal road gives access to some quieter spots and viewpoints you wouldn’t see otherwise.
Some nice stops along the way include:
- Ca Map Cape – great spot for sunrise with open sea views
- Nhat Beach – wide sandy beach that appears at low tide
- Hong Dam Beach and bay – quiet area with a scenic bay and rocky coastline
- Chim Chim Cape – viewpoint with sweeping views over the southern coast
Most people rent a scooter, usually around 120,000–180,000 VND per day. Roads are in very good condition and traffic is minimal, which makes it relatively easy to drive. Officially, you need a valid license for Vietnam. In practice, this is rarely checked, but it can be an issue for insurance if something happens. A good alternative is taking a taxi for a few hours. Taxis work like a private car and charge per kilometer, not per time, so you can still make multiple stops without it becoming too expensive.
6. Go diving in Con Dao
Con Dao is widely considered the best place for diving in Vietnam, and for many travelers it’s one of the best things to do in Con Dao. The waters here are protected and relatively untouched, so compared to other destinations in the country, visibility is often better and the marine life more diverse.
You can expect coral reefs, reef fish, nudibranchs, and occasionally larger species like rays or barracuda. Con Dao is also known for dugongs, but it’s important to keep expectations realistic—only a small number live here, and they stay in seagrass areas that are not part of regular dive sites. Seeing one while diving is extremely unlikely.
The best time for diving is generally from January to June, when the sea is calmer and visibility is at its best. Outside this period, diving is still possible, but conditions can be more unpredictable. For more details, see our guide to diving in Con Dao.
7. Join snorkeling and island boat trips
If diving feels like too much, snorkeling and boat trips are an easier way to explore the waters around Con Dao. The islands around Con Son offer clear water and some good coral areas, especially on calm days.
During turtle season, many boat trips are focused on turtle watching, often combined with a short snorkeling stop. Outside the season, you can still join regular island-hopping tours to nearby islands, where you spend time on quiet beaches and do some simple snorkeling.
Don’t expect the same level as diving, but for a half-day or day trip, it’s a relaxed way to see more of the archipelago.
8. Explore Con Dao market and night market
The Con Dao market and night market are located in the same area in Con Son town and are worth visiting at different times of the day.
In the early morning, the market is mainly local. You’ll see fresh seafood, vegetables, and daily life as residents shop and trade. It’s simple and not touristy, but gives a good impression of local life on the island.
In the evening, the same area turns into a night market with a mix of locals and visitors. The focus is mostly on seafood and simple street food, with small stalls grilling fresh fish, shellfish, and other dishes. It’s not a large market, but it’s one of the few places on the island with a bit of atmosphere after dark.
9. Visit the Con Dao Museum
The Con Dao Museum is included in the same ticket as the prison sites and is highly recommended to visit. While the prisons themselves are very impressive, they offer very little explanation on-site. The museum helps fill in that missing context.
It’s not a highly interactive museum, but also not outdated. For a small island like Con Dao, it’s actually quite modern and well presented. Most of the exhibition focuses on the French colonial period and the Vietnam War, explaining how the prison system worked and who was held here. A smaller section covers the island’s nature, marine life, and national park.
A practical tip: it’s indoors and air-conditioned, making it a good stop during the hotter part of the day or if you get some rain.
10. Visit Hang Duong Cemetery
Visiting a cemetery might not be the first thing you think of when planning a trip to Vietnam, but Hang Duong Cemetery is an important place on Con Dao. It’s where many of the prisoners who died on the island are buried.
Around 20,000 Vietnamese prisoners are believed to have died here, and nearly 2,000 graves can be seen at the cemetery today. Only about 700 of them are identified by name, which gives a clear idea of the scale and history behind this place.
One of the most visited graves is that of Vo Thi Sau, a young resistance fighter who has become a national symbol. Many Vietnamese visitors come here to pay their respects, especially in the evening. Visiting at night is quite common and creates a very different atmosphere, with people bringing offerings and incense. It’s a quiet but meaningful experience.
11. Visit Van Son Pagoda
Van Son Pagoda is not the most impressive temple you’ll see in Vietnam, especially if you’ve already visited places like Hue or Ninh Binh. Architecturally, it’s quite simple.
What makes it worth a visit is the setting. The pagoda is located on a hillside overlooking the sea, offering nice views over the coastline and Con Son town. It’s also an active local temple, so you’ll often see people coming here to pray.
Another small highlight is the presence of monkeys around the area. They are used to people, but still wild, so it’s best to keep some distance. Overall, it’s a short and easy stop if you’re exploring the island anyway.
12. Experience local life in Con Son town
Con Son town is the main settlement on the island, and while there are not many attractions, it’s a good place to get a feel for daily life in Con Dao.
During the day, the town is very quiet. You’ll see small shops selling fruit, flowers, and offerings, mainly for Vietnamese visitors heading to the cemetery. It doesn’t feel touristy, more like a small local town.
In the late afternoon and evening, the atmosphere changes. Locals come out, restaurants get busier, and along the seafront you’ll see people gathering to relax and cool off. It’s simple, but it gives a more complete picture of life on the island beyond the main sights.
Best time to visit Con Dao
The best time to visit Con Dao depends largely on what you want to do. Many of the best things to do in Con Dao—like relaxing on beaches, diving, or turtle watching—are strongly influenced by the seasons and sea conditions.
Best time for beaches
For a beach-focused trip, the best time to visit Con Dao is during the dry season from November to April. You’ll get the most stable weather, lower humidity, and calmer seas, which makes swimming and relaxing on the beach much more enjoyable.
Best time for turtle watching
Turtle season runs from April to October, when adult turtles come ashore to lay eggs, and from May to December for hatching. The best months are usually May to September, when you have the highest chance of seeing both nesting and baby turtles.
Best time for diving
The best diving conditions are generally from March to September, when the sea is calmer and visibility is at its best. Even during the rainy season, mornings are often clear, making it a good time for diving trips.
Best overall time to visit Con Dao
If you’re looking for the best overall balance, March to April is often considered the ideal period. You’ll still have good beach conditions, while diving is already excellent and turtle season is starting, making it a great time to experience several of the island’s highlights.
For a more detailed breakdown with a month-by-month overview, see our guide to best time to visit Con Dao.
Where to stay in Con Dao
Deciding where to stay in Con Dao is quite simple, but it helps to understand how the island is set up. Con Dao is an archipelago of 16 islands, but all accommodation is on the main island, Con Son. Unlike destinations like Phu Quoc, you won’t find long stretches of beach resorts here. Options are limited and clearly divided between a few high-end beachfront resorts and a larger number of hotels and homestays in Con Son town.
This means your choice is less about location and more about the type of stay you prefer—luxury and privacy, or convenience and local atmosphere.
Best areas and types of stay
- Private beach resorts (luxury)
A small number of high-end resorts offer direct access to some of the most beautiful beaches on the island. These are quiet, spacious, and very comfortable, but come with high prices. - Beach hotels and resorts (mid-range)
There are only a few hotels with direct or near-direct beach access, often across a small coastal road. Compared to other destinations in Vietnam, options are limited, and availability can be tight. - Con Son town (most practical choice)
Most travelers stay in town, where you’ll find the widest range of hotels, guesthouses, and homestays. It’s convenient, within walking distance of restaurants and the market, and usually offers better value.
Overall, it’s important to set expectations. Con Dao is not a mass tourism destination, and that’s exactly why many people like it—but it also means fewer accommodation choices and less variety.
For a full overview of the best resorts, hotels, and homestays, see our guide to where to stay in Con Dao.
Food, drinks and nightlife in Con Dao
Local food and restaurants
Food in Con Dao is fairly straightforward, with most options located in Con Son town. Local restaurants are the main choice and often the best value, especially for seafood, which is usually fresh and simply prepared.
At the same time, more Western-style restaurants have opened in recent years, so it’s easy to find burgers, pizza, or pasta if you want something familiar. Larger hotels and resorts also have their own restaurants, but prices there are noticeably higher compared to mainland Vietnam.
Nightlife
Nightlife in Con Dao is very limited. There are no clubs, and you won’t find beach bars that stay open late. Evenings are more about casual dinners, a visit to the night market, or a walk along the seafront.
If you’re looking for a lively nightlife scene, this is not the place—but if you prefer a quiet and relaxed atmosphere, it fits the island well.
Shops and convenience
Con Son town has several small shops and convenience stores where you can buy snacks, drinks, and basic items. There are no large supermarkets, but for everyday needs you’ll find most things easily.
That said, if you need something specific—like a certain brand of sunscreen or clothing in your size—it’s better to bring it with you, as options on the island are limited.
How to get to Con Dao
Getting to Con Dao is less straightforward than most destinations in Vietnam. The islands are located about 180 km offshore, and with only a small airport and limited ferry routes, your options are more restricted. In practice, there are only two ways to get there: by flight or by ferry.
For most travelers, Ho Chi Minh City is the main gateway, as both flights and ferry connections start from here or nearby.
Flying to Con Dao (fastest and easiest)
Flying is the most popular and practical way to reach Con Dao. Flights from Ho Chi Minh City take less than an hour and run daily, making this the easiest and most reliable option.
Because the airport is small, flights are limited and can sell out quickly, especially in high season. Still, if you’re short on time or prefer a smooth journey, flying is by far the best choice.
Taking the ferry to Con Dao (cheaper but slower)
The ferry is a good alternative if you have more time or want to save money. There are two main routes: from Vung Tau or from Tran De in the Mekong Delta, both arriving at Ben Dam Port on Con Son Island.
The journey takes longer and depends on weather conditions, but ferries are modern and comfortable. This option works especially well if you’re already traveling in the Mekong Delta and want to include the trip to Con Dao as part of your route.
For a detailed breakdown of routes, schedules, and booking tips, see our full guide on how to get to Con Dao.
How to get around in Con Dao
Getting around Con Dao is relatively easy thanks to good roads, short distances, and very little traffic. Most places are on Con Son island, and you can choose between a few simple transport options depending on your preference.
Motorbike / scooter (most common)
Renting a motorbike or scooter is the most popular way to explore the island, and for many travelers the easiest option. Roads are in very good condition, traffic is minimal, and distances are short, making it a comfortable place to drive—even for those with limited experience.
Many hotels and rental shops offer scooters, usually around $6–10 USD per day. Officially, you need a valid license for Vietnam. In practice, this is rarely checked, but it can be an issue for insurance if something happens.
Bicycle
Cycling is a nice alternative if you prefer something more relaxed. The island is relatively flat along the coast, and with little traffic, it’s one of the better places in Vietnam to cycle.
That said, bicycle rental options are limited. Some hotels offer them, and The Secret Con Dao provides electric bicycles for guests, which makes it easier to cover longer distances.
Taxi
Taxis are widely available on Con Son and a good option if you don’t want to drive yourself. You can use the meter or negotiate a fixed price, especially for longer trips.
In general, taxi prices are reasonable because you pay per distance rather than time. This means you can hire a taxi for several stops around the island without it becoming too expensive. For longer trips—like visiting a beach on the other side of the island and staying there for a few hours—it can make sense to agree on a fixed price.
Tip: Grab in Con Dao
You can use Grab in Con Dao, but it’s not like in bigger cities. It mainly connects you to the same local taxis rather than independent Grab car drivers. It works fine for short trips within Con Son town, but for exploring the island, it’s usually better to arrange a ride directly with a driver using the meter or a fixed price.
Boat and tours
To explore beyond the main island, you’ll need a boat. While it’s possible to arrange a private boat, this is quite expensive and usually not practical for most travelers.
A better option is to join a tour. These typically include visits to nearby islands, time on quiet beaches, and some snorkeling. During turtle season, early morning tours may also include releasing baby turtles, which is one of the more unique experiences in Con Dao.
Itinerary 3 days in Con Dao
Here is a simple 3-day itinerary to help you experience the main highlights of Con Dao without rushing. It combines history, nature, and some time to relax.
Day 1
- Sunrise at Ca Map Cape
- Visit Con Dao market for a local morning atmosphere
- Explore the Con Dao prisons (Phu Hai, Tiger Cages, Phu Binh)
- Visit Con Dao Museum for background and context
- Late afternoon relax at a nearby beach (An Hai or Lo Voi)
Day 2
- Morning drive along the coastal road
- Stops at Nhat Beach, Hong Dam area, and scenic viewpoints
- Short breaks at smaller beaches and bays along the way
- Afternoon trekking in Con Dao National Park (start at park office)
Day 3
- Morning diving trip or turtle watching tour (depending on season)
- Afternoon relax at Dam Trau Beach and Suoi Nong Beach
Tips for traveling to Con Dao
These tips will help you plan your trip to Con Dao and set the right expectations before you go.
How many days for Con Dao
For most travelers, 3 to 4 days is the ideal amount of time. This gives you enough time to experience most of the best things to do in Con Dao, including beaches, the prisons, a coastal drive, and either diving or a boat trip. If you want a slower pace or plan to include turtle watching, you could stay a bit longer.
Where to go after Con Dao
Transport connections are limited, so most people continue their trip via Ho Chi Minh City. From there, you can easily travel to other parts of Vietnam. Another option is taking the speed ferry to the Mekong Delta (Tran De), which works well if you want to include that region in your itinerary.
Traveling with kids
Con Dao can work with kids, but it’s not the most obvious family destination. The roads are safe and quiet, and there are nice beaches where children can play. Turtle watching can also be a great experience.
That said, many activities—like visiting prisons, trekking, or diving—are less suitable for younger children. There are also no real family resorts or dedicated attractions. If your focus is a family beach holiday, many travelers prefer Phu Quoc.
Con Dao in rainy season
Traveling in the rainy season (May to October) is still possible. In fact, this period includes both turtle season and some of the best diving conditions.
Rain usually comes in short, heavy showers rather than lasting all day. There is also less wind compared to the dry season, which can actually make the sea calmer at times. Just expect more unpredictable weather.
Money and ATMs
In hotels and more upscale restaurants, you can usually pay by card. Local restaurants, small shops, and some homestays often only accept cash.
ATMs are available in Con Son town, but not everywhere on the island, so it’s best to withdraw enough cash in advance.
Internet and connectivity
Internet in Con Son town is generally reliable. Most hotels, cafés, and restaurants offer Wi-Fi, and mobile coverage is good in town and along the main roads. In more remote areas, especially in the national park, connection can be limited.
Con Dao or Phu Quoc
Con Dao is a better choice if you want to combine beaches with nature, history, and some light adventure. It suits travelers who still want to explore, not just relax.
Phu Quoc is more focused on beach holidays, with more resorts, family-friendly attractions, and easier access. If you’re mainly looking for a resort-style stay, that might be the better fit. For a full comparison, see our guide to Con Dao or Phu Quoc.
