Buzz
Where is Con Dao? Which province is Con Dao located in?
Con Dao is an archipelago situated off the coast of Southern Vietnam, a district under Ba Ria-Vung Tau province. It is approximately 97 nautical miles from Vung Tau city by sea. However, the nearest point to Con Dao on the mainland is Vinh Hai commune, Soc Trang province, which is about 40 nautical miles away (equivalent to over 70km).
Con Dao tourism (Photo by ST)
Con Dao, also known as Con Son, shares the same longitude as Ho Chi Minh City and the latitude as Ca Mau province:
- Longitude: 106°36′25.95″ E
- Latitude: 8°40′56.54″ N
Map of Con Dao (Photo by ST)
This area encompasses a total land area of 76 km² above sea level, including 16 variously sized islands. One of the largest islands here is Con Son Island, covering an area of up to 51.52 km². According to 2014 statistics, the population here is around 8,360 people with a relatively low population density. This is also one of the reasons why this place boasts stunning, untouched landscapes. Additionally, it serves as an important ecological conservation area in Vietnam and is a focal point for developing the tourism industry in our country.
Some special and enticing points of Con Dao
Untouched yet mysterious coastal scenery (Photo by ST)
As Con Dao is a district located offshore, it boasts numerous distinctive and intriguing features that arouse curiosity in anyone who may not be familiar with them.
Topographical Features
Main topography in Con Dao consists of hills and mountains (Photo by ST)
Looking at the map, we can see that Con Dao resembles a bear stretching out into the East Sea. With its predominantly hilly and mountainous terrain, it benefits from granite ranges running from the southwest to the northeast, providing shelter for the island's bays from storms or strong winds. The highest point in Con Dao is Mount Thanh Gia on Con Son Island, standing at an elevation of 577 meters.
Climate
Information about the climate in Con Dao, distinctly divided into two seasons (Photo by ST)
The climate here exhibits equatorial and maritime characteristics, distinctly divided into two seasons. The rainy season lasts from May to November, while the dry season extends from December to April of the following year.
Ecosystem on the Island
Diverse marine ecosystem of Con Dao with various species (Photo by ST)
According to statistics, there are up to 882 species of high-level forest plants, 1,383 marine species, and 144 species of forest animals here. Con Dao is not only known as the area with the highest number of sea turtles in Vietnam but also the only place in Vietnam where a sea cow community still exists, living inseparably from the sea grass beds here.
Infrastructure on the Island
Travelers can reach Con Dao by airway (Photo by ST)
At present, Con Dao not only has electricity but also has good quality mobile phone coverage. With four mobile networks including Vinaphone, Mobifone, Viettel Telecom, and Vietnamobile covering the area, they have brought a new life to the people here.
In 2011 marked a significant development when Air Mekong officially announced the opening of flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao, bringing tremendous tourism potential to the island.
Many appealing tourist destinations
Con Dao is currently an attractive resort destination (Photo by ST)
You may not know, Con Dao is one of 21 national tourist areas in Vietnam. Therefore, it has attracted many tourists and is considered a paradise resort.
Beach tourism
As Con Dao is located by the sea, there are many beautiful beaches with clear blue water and long stretches of sand. Here are some of the beaches in Con Dao that you should visit when traveling here.
Image of Dam Trau Beach in Con Dao (Photo by ST)
1. Dam Trau Beach: This beach is located near Co Ong Airport with fine white sand and calm, gently lapping waves. Surrounded by mountains in a crescent shape, it always offers a tranquil atmosphere. According to reviews from tourists staying in Con Dao, this is the most beautiful beach.
2. Limestone Beach is located along Ton Duc Thang Street, and this spot is suitable for families or large groups to visit.
Image of An Hai Beach (Photo by ST)
3. An Hai Beach is only a 10-minute walk from the district center, surrounded by mountains, so the water is calm, smooth, and clear.
4. Slope Beach with winding mountain alleys leading to the coastline creates beautiful and tranquil small beaches. It attracts many tourists for leisure and exploration.
Nature Exploration
Image of Bay Canh Island (Photo by ST)
Bay Canh Island: It is the second largest island among the 16 islands in the Con Dao archipelago, accessible by boat. The uniqueness of this place lies in its entire coverage of pristine tropical rainforest. Besides exploring nature here, you can admire the beautiful and fascinating coral reefs.
Scenery of Ong Dung Primeval Forest (Photo by ST)
Primeval Forest of Ong Dung: Starting from Con Dao, travelers head west for a 20-minute trek through the fascinating Ong Dung primeval forest. Witnessing the pristine tropical trees leading to the beautiful beach at the end of the forest will be an enticing experience for visitors.
Dam Tre Bay - An attractive tourist destination in Con Dao (Photo by ST)
Dam Tre Bay: Here, visitors can snorkel to admire coral reefs, explore mangrove forests, and witness swiftlet birds nesting during the breeding season. Along the way, travelers can also freely check-in and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Con Son Bay, Chim Chim Cape, Lime Kiln Cape, Dat Doc Beach, Northeast Bay, and more.
Explore Historical Sites
Historical Site of Con Dao Prison (Photo by ST)
Visiting Con Dao without exploring its historical sites would be a significant omission. Known as a place that nurtured the revolutionary spirit of Vietnamese revolutionaries, Con Dao remains an ideal paradise for travelers to explore. Here are some historical landmarks for you to delve into.
Hang Duong Cemetery (Photo by ST)
– Hang Duong Cemetery: The resting place of over 2000 martyrs, including the grave of Vo Thi Sau, a spot not to be missed by travelers to express gratitude and reverence to the Vietnamese heroes who sacrificed for the country.
– Phu Son and Phu Hai Con Dao Prisons: This is where communist prisoners were held during the French and American periods.
– Tiger Cage Remnants: Here, visitors will learn about the brutal lives and torture methods of the invaders. It's also where Vo Thi Sau was imprisoned.
Con Dao Museum (Photo by ST)
– Con Dao Museum: Locals say it used to be the residence and workplace of the island's rulers. Visitors can admire artifacts, antiques, images, and documents from the French colonial period that are still preserved today.
Spiritual Tourism
Image of Mountain Temple One - Van Son (Photo by ST)
– Mountain Temple One is located in the district center and is considered the most beautifully feng shui temple in Vietnam today. This temple was inaugurated in 2011 on the mountain, offering a magnificent view overlooking the sea, mountains, city, and An Hai Lotus Lake.
Den Ba Phi Yen (Photo by ST)
– Shrine of Lady Phi Yen (An Son Temple): According to records, Lady Phi Yen is known as the wife of King Nguyen Anh, the mother of Prince Cai. Exploited by villains and overwhelmed by grievances, she tragically took her own life at the age of 25. Visitors should visit the Temple and the tomb of Prince Cai located near Co Ong Airport.
Explore some hotels in Con Dao that travelers can book:
Related news:
- Con Dao Resort - Stunning views, staying is a delight
- Discover paradise on earth: “What does Con Dao have to offer?”
- Vung Tau Tourism: Explore 15 beautiful destinations in Vung Tau
