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No poetic expression is enough to evoke the pristine and enchanting beauty of the sacred Côn Đảo. Preserving the raw essence of nature, infused with mystical spiritual stories, Côn Đảo dons an irresistible enigmatic charm that transcends verbal description, requiring a heartfelt experience when setting foot on this perfect 'pearl of the ocean.'
Awe-struck by the magnificent expanse of sea and sky, touched and grateful for the sacrifices of past generations, tranquil amidst healing moments, and jubilant with the discovery of new wonders like releasing baby turtles into the sea... - These are sincere, poignant, and beautiful emotions that Côn Đảo etches into memories.
In Côn Đảo, there are specific places one must visit to experience the beauty of nature and feel the mysterious tales hidden behind!
Enchanting Nature Scenes in Côn Đảo
Silent Reverence at Hàng Dương
In reality, Côn Đảo is still well-known as a destination for 'spiritual tourism.' With a somewhat poignant past as a wartime prison island, it holds the eternal resting place for tens of thousands of soldiers. In the past, visitors mainly came for religious purposes and to offer incense, primarily at the grave of Sister Võ Thị Sáu. In recent years, people have started to see Côn Đảo as an attractive resort destination due to its captivating natural landscapes. Over time, the painful losses of a harsh period have gradually faded into the background. Even if you didn't intend to visit Côn Đảo for religious reasons, when you step foot here, consider visiting Hàng Dương - the largest cemetery located in the heart of the island to pay respects to the spirits of the fallen soldiers.
The seaside road, from the resort to the town center
Hàng Dương Cemetery is well-planned and tidy, with tens of thousands of graves, mostly unidentified. At the cemetery gate, various services for memorial ceremonies are available, or you can visit the nearby market to prepare for your private ritual. With a budget of around 250,000 VND, you can have a basket of fruits to offer. Depending on your needs and conditions, you can choose larger memorial baskets. In my personal opinion, express sincere gratitude from the bottom of your heart. From the cemetery gate, register at the security checkpoint and enter. I offered incense at the main Memorial Monument, then went to section B to pay respects to Sister Sáu. Even my 4-year-old accompanied me to offer incense. It's unclear whether it was due to the care of our ancestors, but our days in Côn Đảo afterwards enjoyed beautiful weather: golden sunlight, gentle cool breeze, abundant clouds, crystal-clear seawater reflecting the deep blue sky. For some reasons, I didn't take photos at the cemetery, but during peaceful times, I felt the atmosphere here to be serene, with rows of trees swaying in the wind like a lullaby for those who have fallen. You should visit to express gratitude and realize moments of profound emotion, reminiscent of a fiery period in our country's history!
'Plane Hunting' at Đầm Trầu Beach
One of the most interesting experiences in Côn Đảo that you definitely must try is the 'plane hunting' moment at Đầm Trầu Beach. Due to the proximity of the airport to the beach, every time a plane lands, it seems to be right above your head, creating an effect as if it's diving straight onto the beach (although the distance is still quite far from the ground). Only here can you capture 'unique and extraordinary' photos, striking poses on the beach with a giant airplane as the backdrop, resembling a seamlessly edited image. If you manage to record a video, it's no different from an epic scene created by Hollywood special effects!
The plane takes off right above your head
Đầm Trầu Beach is a well-known destination in Côn Đảo that almost everyone visits, mainly for the thrill of experiencing how it feels to have an airplane fly right above your head. However, Đầm Trầu Beach attracts tourists not only for that reason but also because the beach itself is incredibly beautiful and serene, capable of touching anyone's heart. Even if you miss the chance to catch a plane landing, just stand anywhere, any corner, and you'll still capture beautiful photos. Not to mention, the fine white sand of Đầm Trầu, combined with the sparkling seawater under the sun, reflects a mesmerizing emerald green, creating a breathtaking beauty. Sit on a hammock, sway to enjoy the salty breeze, admire the surroundings, add a cool coconut, and you'll feel that life is truly wonderful!
Dreamy Đầm Trầu Beach
If you want to 'hunt' for airplanes, check the landing times of flights during the day and be present about 30 minutes before to 'anticipate,' ready for this priceless moment that lasts only a few seconds. There are various apps like Flightradar24, FlightTrack, FlightStats, for tracking flights. Note that only landing flights will give you the spectacle of airplanes approaching the sea surface (take-off flights from Côn Đảo won't be that close).
I planned to visit Đầm Trầu Beach for 'plane hunting' around 10 AM, but due to frequent stops every 3 minutes for photos (as you can effortlessly get beautiful photos just by raising your phone), I missed the 'golden hour.' The next landing was scheduled for 2 PM. Honestly, I didn't regret much because the beauty of Đầm Trầu Beach is too stunning to just pass by. A cute straw hat placed casually on the knee could become a magazine cover with the seascape resembling a painting.
A photo with a magazine cover vibe
For lunch at Đầm Trầu Beach, I decided to enjoy simple dishes - plain rice with crispy and savory fried meat alongside a bowl of sour fish soup. Amidst the blue sea, white sand, and golden sun, this turned out to be one of the best meals I've ever had.
A delightful lunch right at Đầm Trầu Beach
The Mystery of the Secret Beach
The Secret Beach is the name many use to refer to Suối Nóng Beach – a small beach right next to Đầm Trầu Beach, but due to being hidden behind the mountains, not many people know about it. Perhaps that's why it's also called the Secret Beach. Without prior research or asking the locals, when you visit Đầm Trầu Beach, you'll likely get lost in its beauty without thinking about exploring the mysterious beach hidden behind it. From Đầm Trầu Beach, head about 200m to the left, and you'll see a trail crossing the rocky mountain. The path is quite easy to walk, but it gives a slightly adventurous feeling surrounded by dense vegetation, creating a somewhat wild atmosphere. Follow this trail, and about 5-7 minutes later, you'll reach the Secret Beach – Suối Nóng Beach.
The jungle trail leading to the Secret Beach
Describing it this way, when you're still trekking through the forest, you might feel a bit hesitant. However, when you emerge on the other side, the scenery of the Secret Beach will completely stun you, and I guarantee that knowing the breathtaking view ahead, you'd be willing to walk another half hour. Stepping out of the woods, what unfolds before your eyes is an incredibly beautiful – and oddly unfamiliar – beach, surpassing all your imagination. I am sure that the Secret Beach is currently the most impressive beach in my heart when compared to the beaches I've explored.
The pristine Secret Beach with its vast expanse of fine white sand
The scenery at the Secret Beach can be divided into two parts. Part 1, undoubtedly, is the vast and mesmerizing blue sea with an expansive stretch of pure white sand. Perhaps when I visited, it wasn't high tide yet, so the sandy beach spread out even more. You can experience the feeling of walking on the vast and wild sandy beach. Surrounded by forests and mountains, there are a few fishing boats in the distance, adding dynamism to the sea.
Strolling along the extended Secret Beach
My little one, gracefully amidst land, sky, and sea
Capture some incredibly cool photos at the Secret Beach
Fortunately, I had my travel tent ready, and what could be better than setting up camp amidst the majestic nature – one side facing the sea, the other against the mountains. With a few sausages, some snacks, a box of fries,... I had memorable hours of relaxation in the true embrace of land and sky! The best part was when the beach was deserted, almost only me! Later, I noticed a few young people completing their 'jungle trek' to explore this place, and everyone was amazed.
Camping at the Secret Beach – A Camping Spot Like Paradise
The most special, unforgettable part of the Secret Beach is the remaining section of the beach. It is a water bay or a lake located inside, separated from the open sea by a wide sandy beach. This body of water is probably the stagnant water during each high tide. The water surface is calm like a mirror, sometimes gently rippling with small circles caused by the sea breeze.
The mysterious lake at the Secret Beach
However, the most miraculous thing is the ancient indigenous climbing plant. I'm not sure what kind of plant it is or how nature crafted it to have a vine hanging down like nature's swing. It's quite unbelievable, but indeed the vine twists and squeezes onto the branch like a work of art. The interesting part is that you can sit on this vine swing to experience the strange, exhilarating, and astonishing feeling. However, be careful because even though it looks sturdy, the branch is quite high. When sitting on it, don't make sudden movements to avoid causing damage to the vine. If poetically speaking, this could be likened to a 'fairy scene' often mentioned in romantic novels or films.
The vine swing amidst nature
Joyfully releasing turtle hatchlings into the sea at Hon Bay Canh
Visiting Con Dao from May to September is the turtle nesting season, and you will have the opportunity to participate in the process of releasing turtle hatchlings into the sea. Listed in the red book with the risk of extinction, sea turtles in Con Dao are actively preserved species. To participate in releasing turtle hatchlings, you need to register in advance as the number of participants is limited to ensure a safe environment for the hatchlings. The most convenient way is to book a tour. The tour will include visiting the mangrove forest, swimming at Hon Bay Canh, and, of course, personally releasing the newly hatched turtle hatchlings back into the ocean. The tour price for adults during my visit was 900,000 VND/person (group tour), and my almost 4-year-old child was free of charge. The tour will take half a day with the itinerary of exploring the mangrove forest, releasing turtles, and swimming at the beach.
To join the tour, you need to be present at 7:15 am at the ferry bridge to the island. The ferry bridge in Con Dao has its own unique beauty with colorful boats lying on the waiting area for passengers. Take advantage of the waiting time for the ferry, you can capture some beautiful check-in photos.
A corner of the Con Dao ferry terminal
Capturing photos while waiting for the ferry
Arriving at Hon Bay Canh, due to the surrounding mangrove forest, the boat cannot approach the base of the island. You will trek through a path surrounded by the unique sight of trees with massive roots deeply embedded in the ground. Early morning is the time when the water recedes, allowing you to easily observe the peculiar beauty of the mangrove forest. The interwoven roots of the trees look quite unique and uniform.
Mangrove forest at Hon Bay Canh
Upon reaching the Forestry Control Point, you will visit the turtle egg hatching area. This is where sea turtle eggs are carefully buried in the sand and illuminated to ensure successful incubation, minimizing the risk of damage or disturbance by other animals. The Forestry Control House also has a museum area displaying some specimens, notably the large sea turtle. If lucky, while diving at Hon Bay Canh, you may have the chance to swim with the dugongs – a rare species only found in Con Dao, with an estimated population of around 10 individuals.
Panoramic view of the turtle release beach at Hon Bay Canh
After exploring the egg hatching area, you will be guided down to the turtle release beach. You'll have about 15 minutes to stroll around and enjoy the scenery. Around 8 am, the Forestry Rangers will secure the area with a rope, and everyone must stand behind the barricade. Each group of 2-3 people will be given a wooden basket containing 5-6 adorable baby turtles. You'll have a few minutes to observe the turtles inside the basket. Note that you should not touch them! The baby turtles are incredibly lively and cute, with tiny shells that fit in the palm of your hand. When the Forestry Rangers announce, you'll gently tilt the basket onto the sandy beach, directing the basket's opening towards the sea, allowing the baby turtles to respond to the call of the ocean.
Adorable baby turtles
Simply tilting the basket, the baby turtles will crawl towards the sea on their own
Miraculously, instincts are always challenging to explain. The tiny turtles cautiously explore the sandy beach, making their way towards the sea. Whether it's sensing the sound of the waves, a sixth sense that tells them their home is ahead, or some mysterious guidance, the turtles confidently move towards the ocean. The exploration begins as the gentle waves softly carry the baby turtles back to the vast embrace of the ocean. Witnessing this evokes something profoundly touching and endearing, instilling a sense of pride for contributing to a meaningful cause! Surely, everyone participating in releasing the baby turtles into the sea follows each one until they disappear into the crystal-clear water, wishing them a happy and long life.
Baby turtles on their journey back to the ocean
Swimming and snorkeling at Hon Cau Island
After releasing the turtles into the sea, you'll move on to Hon Cau Island, explore the beach, and immerse yourself in the pristine, tranquil atmosphere of the place. Unique wooden frames are set up on the beach for distinctive photo opportunities, perfect for those who love to 'live in the moment.' Of course, my little one had her share of photoshoots, resembling a lookbook. Additionally, for those interested in snorkeling to admire the coral reefs, designated areas with abundant coral are available. The diving method is quite simple; just embrace the float, wear the diving mask, and by submerging your face into the water, you can witness the coral reefs just below. Relaxing on the beach and enjoying the coral is also the time when the boat takes you back to the main island.
The super charming beach at Hon Cau Island
Capture photos that look like a lookbook at Hon Cau Beach
Some tourist spots, recommended resorts, and notes
Con Dao is not a very large island. Simply rent a scooter, and you can comfortably explore all around. There are countless beaches to visit, each with its own unique charm. Don't forget to explore places like Chau Chim Cape, Tau Be Cape, Love Peak, and Con Dao National Park. The town is not too crowded, but there are many tourist attractions and historical sites to visit, such as Con Dao Prison and Hang Keo Cemetery, located right by the coast.
Love Peak in the distance, to me, it resembles... more like a Monkey
For accommodation, after careful consideration and finalizing the resort, I feel it's worth sharing for your reference. In Con Dao, due to the nature of spiritual tourism and pilgrimage over the years, hotels here often cater to short-term stays for groups. Hotels in the central and seaside areas, such as Con Dao Resort, Tan Son Nhat Resort, Saigon Con Dao, are built in an old-fashioned design and tend to be quite crowded. Particularly, the most famous resort here, Six Senses Con Dao, falls into the luxury segment with prices ranging from tens of millions per night. Mid-range family-friendly resorts, like Poulo Condor, De Condor, Bluesea, are not located by the beach, and you need to take an electric car to the beach. However, I recommend choosing Orson Resort. Orson is a new 5-star quality resort, and I had a great experience staying here. The resort is a bit far from the town center, so if you prefer a lively atmosphere, you might consider other options. But if you want to enjoy a peaceful vacation with a private beach right by Love Peak, this is an excellent choice for you. Prices range from 2,000,000 to 4,000,000 VND per night depending on room category, including airport transfers and breakfast. You can search and choose through Mytour as it has a wide range of hotels and resorts in Con Dao.
The back side of Orson Resort, overlooking the pool right in front of the beach
Infinity pool by the sea at Orson Resort
The winding seaside walking path at Orson Resort is exceptionally beautiful
The private beach at Orson Resort is serene, tranquil, and secluded
When visiting Con Dao, due to spiritual and respectful reasons, it's important to be cautious of your behavior and words, avoiding excessive actions and overly bold jokes. Carrying a garlic pouch with you can offer added peace of mind, serving as a psychological comfort during your stay on the island.
Another important note is that Con Dao is home to many monkeys. While these monkeys seldom initiate attacks on tourists, it's advisable not to tease or approach them closely to ensure your safety. Wild monkeys have a strong self-defense instinct, and their vigilance is high, posing potential danger to humans if provoked. The best approach for capturing photos is to stop your vehicle, remain still, and use your camera zoom.
A monkey leisurely strolling along the roadside
Monkeys in Con Dao are abundant and wary of humans
As mentioned earlier, in Con Dao, every corner is a picturesque spot; just lift your phone, and you have a beautiful photo. So, fully embrace the mystical and untouched beauty during your trip. Con Dao offers a sense of tranquility and healing, surprising anyone who sets foot here. Despite tourism development, Con Dao maintains its mystical allure, captivating beauty, and pristine nature, remaining a 'hidden paradise' created by Mother Nature. This is the island you must visit to experience and appreciate fully!
Con Dao – the paradise island retreat!
Author: Pham Thu Huyen
*Article participating in the Mytour Golocal program
Mytour Golocal is a blog-writing program introducing beautiful destinations throughout Vietnam, part of the Mytour Go & Share program. It's a fantastic opportunity to promote local tourism. For each qualifying article, you'll receive 800,000 VND and a chance to become a contributor with Mytour. Detailed information about the program can be found at: https://trv.lk/golocal
