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Keep these self-guided travel tips for Con Dao in your pocket to make your upcoming trip even more exciting, #teamKlook!
When it comes to Vung Tau tourism, everyone immediately thinks of familiar attractions such as Bach Dinh, Cu Lao Bai Ngua, Long Son fishing village, or the Statue of Jesus Christ the King. However, did you know that Con Dao - a name associated with the heroic history of national resistance against foreign invaders and a picturesque check-in location in the southern sea - also belongs to Ba Ria - Vung Tau province? In this article, let's explore the new aspects of Con Dao with Klook Vietnam!
Where is Con Dao?
With a total area of 76km2, Con Dao is a collection of 16 large and small islands formed by a range of granite mountains stretching from the Northeast to the Southwest. Con Dao (or Con Son, Con Lon) is the largest island, with the highest peak of Thanh Gia reaching 577m; Hon Trung Lon and Hon Trung Nho are the two farthest islands to the West, which were merged in 1995. During the French colonial period, Con Dao Prison was the largest and most notorious prison for detaining and exiling prisoners in Indochina. Until today, the image of the 'tiger cage' and many inhuman torture methods at Con Dao Prison remain as solid evidence of the war crimes.
Leaving behind the dark memories, the new era Con Dao emerges full of vitality and poetic charm with long sunny beaches, rocky shores welcoming silver waves day and night. The mountains, forests, and natural reserves dress in vibrant colors, constantly changing with the passing of time. Imperfect yet captivating, the beauty of Con Dao touches the hearts of visitors in a simple, genuine, and unforgettable way.
Best time to travel to Con Dao independently?
Similar to many other coastal islands in Vietnam, you should avoid traveling to Con Dao independently during the rainy season - usually in October, November, and December. From March to September every year, Con Dao's climate enters the most 'friendly' period; the weather is cool, the sky is clear, with little rain, calm sea... very suitable for outdoor activities such as swimming, island hopping, squid fishing, snorkeling, or camping in the primeval forest.
Quick tip for #teamKlook: the mid-year months are also when sea turtles gather to lay eggs on Con Dao. Don't miss the opportunity to witness this fascinating natural phenomenon.
Guide on how to get to Con Dao from Ho Chi Minh City
From Ho Chi Minh City, there are two ways to get to Con Dao: by plane or by bus to Vung Tau and then continue by sea.
1. Traveling to Con Dao by plane
Nowadays, there are several airlines operating domestic flights between Saigon and Con Dao, with a travel time of about one hour and ticket prices ranging from 1,700,000 VND to 4,000,000 VND for round-trip. This is not a cheap fare for domestic travel; however, the number of flights to Con Dao is still very limited. If you plan to travel to Con Dao independently, you should book your flight tickets early to choose a suitable date.
2. Traveling to Con Dao by high-speed boat
From Ho Chi Minh City, you can take a bus to Vung Tau with a cost ranging from 90,000 VND to 200,000 VND for a one-way ticket, and the travel time is about 2 hours. #teamKlook can book Limousine bus tickets for the Saigon <=> Vung Tau route on Klook with discounted prices and many exclusive attractive amenities.
After arriving in Vung Tau, you continue to Cau Lo Port - 30/4 Street, Ward 11, Vung Tau - by taxi or motorbike. Here, you can take a high-speed boat to Con Dao.
Con Dao Express 36 is a popular high-speed boat service at Cau Lo Port, with a travel time of only 3 hours - 1 hour faster than normal boats. Ticket prices range from 550,000 VND to 1,200,000 VND/way depending on the seat class (including VIP class and standard class). You can save 10% when booking high-speed boat tickets to Con Dao from Vung Tau on Klook.
Check out the details of how to book high-speed boat tickets to Con Dao and many other hot destinations on Klook in the article below!
Must-Visit Tourist Attractions in Con Dao You Shouldn't Miss
1. Con Dao National Park
Operating for nearly three decades, Con Dao National Park is recognized as the place with the most sea turtle breeding and releasing activities in Vietnam. It is also one of the internationally significant wetland landscapes. With a total area of 15,043 hectares, Con Dao National Park has two important areas: the half-evergreen tropical rainforest and the evergreen tropical rainforest. The 'common house' gathers 30 species of exquisite orchids, 100 types of climbers, 200 rare and precious herbs, and 370 species of woody plants. From red to white cotton, ferns, rare and vibrant vegetation carpets in Con Dao National Park are the clearest evidence of its multidimensional beauty.
#teamKlook animal lovers will surely be delighted to befriend cute black squirrels, red-cheeked squirrels, or adorable deer mice along with many rare species of preserved animals. The sea under Con Dao National Park is also divided into three ecosystems: seagrass, mangroves, and coral reefs - with nearly 2,000 species of marine creatures, reptiles, seaweed, seabirds... waiting for you to visit.
2. Con Dao Prison
In the first half of the 20th century, the French colonial government built Con Dao Prison to exile and suppress political prisoners or death row inmates - generally individuals or organizations deemed 'dangerous' to the colonial regime. Later, Con Dao Prison was 'reused' by the American empire during the Vietnam War for similar purposes.
Many #teamKlook members were stunned when witnessing the 'tiger cage' - a type of solitary confinement made of iron bars or zinc-coated wires with a mere 5m2 area. Prisoners had to lie on damp concrete floors and endure a series of brutal tortures. Only by visiting Con Dao Prison can travelers truly understand the atrocities of war and the great sacrifices our ancestors made for national independence.
3. Hon Bay Canh
Facing the extreme east of Con Dao, travelers can visit Hon Bay Canh - an island with a total area of 683 hectares featuring a unique 'split in two' structure connected by a sandy hill. From above, Hon Bay Canh appears as a precious emerald with its pristine rainforest and mangrove forest covering most of the island; not to mention the colorful world of corals, seaweed, sea cucumbers, clams, oysters, and countless other small fish species.
Heading northeast, #teamKlook will admire the centuries-old lighthouse, forming a classic landmark against the vast sea. If you explore Hon Bay Canh from April to September, you have the chance to witness turtles laying eggs on the beach. Don't forget to check out exclusive discounted Hon Bay Canh - Con Dao tour packages on Klook.
4. Hon Cau
The white sandy beach curved into an arch shape, 'painted' by rows of sturdy casuarina trees blocking the wind, has left an indelible impression on visitors to Hon Cau. Located about 8km northeast of the main island (Con Dao), Hon Cau impresses with its rugged charm and strong coral ecosystem development. On Hon Cau, it's not difficult to come across a vibrant coral reef growing on the moss-covered rocky shore. Gifted with rare underground water sources by Mother Nature, locals have cultivated various tropical fruits such as pineapple, coconut, papaya, soursop, and banana.
5. Shrine of Lady Co Van
Think Con Dao is just about 'golden sunshine, white sand, and blue sea'? You're in for a surprise. Con Dao is also a famous spiritual tourism destination in Southeast Vietnam - a land of many mystical legends passed down from generation to generation. Many travelers come here to visit the Shrine of Lady Co Van (or Con Van Tien Canh) located on Hon Cau Island. Whether the Shrine of Lady Co Van is truly sacred is not up for discussion, but #teamKlook can combine a visit to the Shrine of Lady Co Van, exploring Hon Cau and Hon Bay Canh in a super budget-friendly Con Dao travel itinerary from Klook.
Exciting DIY Con Dao travel activities
1. Watch the sunset in Con Dao
At first glance, it may sound cliché, but if you've never witnessed the sunset in Con Dao, you still don't understand what 'earthly beauty' truly means. If Phu Quoc's sunset is famous for its 'five colors,' Con Dao's twilight is memorable for its magical red and orange hues, gently embracing every hillside, rocky slope, and beach like a soft voile fabric. The ideal spot to admire the sunset in Con Dao is at Bai Nhat, starting from around 5:00 - 6:00 PM. Make sure your phone is fully charged to capture this magical moment.
2. Dive to admire coral reefs
With its abundant natural heritage untouched by human hands and devoid of tourist crowds, the sea of Con Dao is the ideal location for swimming, kayaking, or snorkeling. #teamKlook advises not to get too close to the coral to avoid negative impacts on this sensitive marine life.
3. Releasing Turtles & Watching Turtles Lay Eggs
What could be more exciting than witnessing green turtles (Chelonia Mydas) laying eggs on the beach or releasing adorable baby turtles into their natural environment? Turtles usually come ashore to lay eggs from April to October; you can contact the Con Dao National Park to participate in tours designed specifically for this activity. #teamKlook can join in releasing turtles back to the sea with the tour itinerary for Hon Bay Canh and Hon Cau on Klook.
4. Enjoying Con Dao Specialties
What to eat when traveling to Con Dao independently? Start your day with nutrient-rich oyster porridge - a specialty not only of Con Dao but also of the famous Vung Tau cuisine. From noon till evening is the ideal time to indulge in a variety of delicious and affordable seafood - from razor clams, red snapper, lobster, moon crabs, to conch… Each dish has its own unique flavor and is extremely addictive.
Resort & Hotel Recommendations in Con Dao: Great Prices, High Quality
1. The Secret Con Dao Hotel
Featuring a contemporary design with refreshing brown and emerald tones, The Secret Con Dao Hotel is the perfect retreat for those seeking a luxurious experience in the 'island paradise.' From the hotel, you can easily access popular Con Dao tourist attractions such as Vo Thi Sau Park, Con Dao History Museum, and Phu Hai Prison...
Address: Con Son Island, No. 08 Ton Duc Thang Street, Con Dao, Ba Ria - Vung Tau
- Reference Price: starting from 2,410,000 VND
2. Marina Bay Con Dao Hotel
Meeting the luxurious 4-star standard, Marina Bay Con Dao Hotel impresses with its modern design and outstanding panoramic views of Con Dao's beautiful seascape. This location is only about 300 meters from Ben Dam Port, making it very convenient for #teamKlook to travel to Con Dao independently. Additionally, you can explore nearby famous attractions such as An Hai Beach, Le Duc Tho Park, and Ton Duc Thang Park...
Marina Bay Con Dao Hotel
- Address: Nguyen Hue Street, Con Dao, Ba Ria - Vung Tau
- Reference Price: from 1,800,000 VND
3. Six Senses Con Dao Resort
For those who love eco-tourism, Six Senses Con Dao Resort is a name that's no stranger. At this 5-star standard resort, you not only enjoy a variety of premium services but also experience many exciting nature exploration activities. Learn more about the review of Six Senses Con Dao Resort in the article below.
Con Dao, tranquil as it is, is definitely a perfect destination for you and your family after a period of non-stop work. Combine a visit to Con Dao in your upcoming independent Vung Tau tour and book high-speed boat tickets to Con Dao on Klook for the best prices.
Of course, it would be a huge miss if you overlook the amazing Con Dao tours currently available on Klook at great prices.
With the experience of exploring Con Dao independently in hand, why hesitate when you can start your adventure right away?
