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When we talk about Con Dao tourism, we recall the sacred places with many glorious historical imprints of the Vietnamese nation. This is where the blood and bones of our ancestors fell for the nation's independence. Besides, Con Dao also boasts breathtaking scenery with majestic mountains and enticing white sandy beaches. Let's explore some famous tourist destinations in Con Dao that we cannot miss when visiting this legendary land.
Historical sightseeing spots in Con Dao
1. Con Dao Prison
Here, the French colonialists and the American empire built hundreds of prison cells, isolation rooms to imprison, exile Vietnamese patriots and political prisoners. Most notably, the infamous 'Tiger Cages' system, which once shocked the world when discovered. Over more than 100 years of history, about 20,000 people from many generations of our nation sacrificed in the 'hell on earth' of Con Dao.
At its peak, each prison cell could hold up to hundreds of people in chains and shackles. The colonialists tortured the resistance fighters both physically and mentally in various ways. The verse 'Going to Con Lon is easy but returning is hard / Old men leave their bodies, young men return grasping bones' vividly reflects the horror of this place. It can be said that Con Dao Prison is one of the places that domestic tourists always want to visit. This place was also classified as a Special National Monument in 2013.
2. Lord Island Palace
Lord Island Palace, also known as the Great Lord's Palace, the Provincial Governor's Palace. The total area here is up to 18,600m2 including the main house, annexes, garden and other auxiliary works, with the gate facing directly towards Tau Bridge. The Lord Island Palace was also the headquarters of the ruling system of the Con Dao prison system, where 53 lord governors worked for 113 years from 1862 to 1975.
This Con Dao tourist destination embodies two contrasting lifestyles in the revolution: the luxurious life of the island lords and the suffering of hunger and thirst of the prisoners. The Lord Island Palace exhibition hall also showcases 4 main themes: Con Dao - country - people, Con Dao - hell on earth, Con Dao - revolutionary struggle schools, Con Dao - current revolutionary historical relics and in the hearts of the Vietnamese people.
3. Hang Duong Cemetery
Hang Duong Cemetery is the largest cemetery in Con Dao, where tens of thousands of revolutionaries, patriots in many generations of Vietnam rest in peace. Tourists often visit this place to pay respects, offer incense to the heroic martyrs who sacrificed their blood and bones during fierce years of fighting against the enemy.
Within the cemetery grounds, the grave of Sister Vo Thi Sau is a very attractive destination for many visitors to visit. Especially at night, the cemetery becomes even more mystical, thanks to the small lights shining above the graves.
4. Con Dao Museum
Con Dao Museum was built in 2009 with the purpose of researching, collecting, displaying, and preserving war artifacts. The exhibits here are evidence of the heinous crimes of colonial empires. To some extent, they also affirm the fighting spirit of communist fighters during the heroic years of war. During a trip to Con Dao, visiting the museum allows tourists to observe the process of national liberation struggle in the most comprehensive and specific way.
The museum attracts domestic and international tourists. The exhibition space consists of 1 main hall and 4 themes: Con Dao nature and people; Con Dao hell on earth; Con Dao battlefront, schools; Con Dao today. Each theme takes us from one emotion to another.
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Spiritual tourism sites in Con Dao
5. Phi Yen Shrine
Phi Yen Shrine is the only shrine on the island, dedicated to Lady Phi Yen - the 'Fairy Lady' revered and respected by the people of Con Dao. As soon as tourists step through the gate, they will feel the sacredness and solemnity here, as everyone is gentle and cautious. Lady Phi Yen is the one who prevented Nguyen Anh's treacherous act of selling the country. Later, people appreciated her virtue so they built a shrine, and every year on the 17th and 18th of October lunar calendar, they organize commemorative ceremonies for Lady Phi Yen.
6. Mountain One Pagoda
Mountain One Pagoda is renowned as the most beautifully feng shui temple in the country, a destination in Con Dao tourism that no tourist can overlook. From the temple, we can overlook the panoramic view of Con Dao town, Con Son Bay, and An Hai Lake below. The main pagoda has a structure in the shape of the Chinese character 'tam' (三), consisting of the main hall, corridors, and rear hall, with a solemn and tranquil space.
This Con Dao tourist spot is famous for the 2m high statue of Avalokitesvara standing on a lotus pedestal, holding a pitcher of holy water within the premises. Moreover, the architectural carvings here are delicately crafted with large wooden columns, imposing that one cannot embrace.
7. Grave of Sister Vo Thi Sau
The grave of Sister Vo Thi Sau is famous for its sacredness; anyone who has wishes to fulfill, if they come to pay respects at the grave, their wishes will come true. Even the plaque of Sister Vo Thi Sau's grave holds many legends. When she sacrificed herself, a prisoner working as a craftsman cast a plaque and placed it in front of her grave. However, this was discovered by the island god Jarty, who sent people to destroy it. Yet, every time they destroyed the plaque, the next day the grave and plaque reappeared as if nothing had happened.
On January 23rd every year is also the death anniversary of Sister Vo Thi Sau. At this time, many people book budget-friendly tours from reputable companies like Mytour to cross the sea to Con Dao to commemorate her. Among them are former prison guards.
Beautiful beaches in Con Dao for recreation
8. Dam Trau Beach
This is one of the most pristine and beautiful beaches in Con Dao, closely associated with the local folklore of the tale of Cau and Tram, a tragic love story turned into creatures, plants, mountains, and rivers here. During the vibrant summer vacation, we can come here to enjoy moments of relaxation and fun, immerse ourselves in the blue sea, golden sand, and explore the wild nature of the island.
The smooth and sunny stretches of sand on Dam Trau Beach, with crystal clear water like jade, colorful corals... along with the eye-catching and mysterious rock clusters and slabs. A beautiful yet untouched sea, clean and suitable for those who want to swim and enjoy fresh seafood.
9. Nhat Beach
Nhat Beach is simple yet untouched, with the clear seawater appearing and disappearing with the tide. Around the beach, there are many accommodation options, beautiful Con Dao hotels for us to enjoy our vacation. Especially, young people love the route to Nhat Beach, where they can fully capture the beauty of mountains and sea. On the shore, each rocky beach is beautifully shaped, stacked on top of each other, looking incredibly picturesque.
10. Ong Dung Beach
Ong Dung Beach is a Con Dao tourist spot praised for its playfulness. Here, a diverse and fascinating ecosystem converges, along with marine vegetation with colorful coral reefs, saltwater areas with rocks, shrimp, crabs, snails... and trees, mountains, and nearby pristine forests... Perfect for those planning to camp or have outdoor activities.
11. Lime Beach
Lime Beach is a prominent destination when traveling to Con Dao, not truly pristine but with long stretches of sand, lined with shady coconut trees, creating a harmonious landscape amidst the vast sky and earth of the Con Son archipelago. Visitors can leisurely stroll on the smooth sandy beach and feel the atmosphere, enjoy the crystal-clear water of An Hai beach.
Beautiful small islands around Con Dao
12. Seven Corners Island
This is the second largest island among the 16 islands of the Con Dao archipelago. The island's surface is covered with lush greenery like a beautiful dot on the sea. The sandy beach layer blends with dead coral, connecting the mangrove ecosystem with the pristine forest ecosystem.
Con Dao tourist spot leaves a mark as the place with the highest number of sea turtles coming ashore to lay eggs in Vietnam, with up to 20 individuals per night during the breeding season. Going on an affordable Con Dao tour to Seven Corners Island, tourists will have the opportunity to explore the mangrove ecosystem and dive to admire the coral reefs.
The lighthouse on Seven Corners Island is also a must-visit attraction, located on a high mountain in the northeast of the island. To this day, the lighthouse is still in use. From this position, we can overlook the scenery of both Seven Corners and other islands of Con Dao.
13. Lady Island
Lady Island is the third largest island among the 16 small islands of Con Dao. It is highly favored by domestic tourists as we can easily find beautiful beaches, diverse mangrove and forest ecosystems, along with many rare plant and animal species.
This island is associated with the story of Lord Nguyen Anh seeking help from the French colonists and sending a prince as a hostage. It was Lady Phi Yen who intervened and was imprisoned by Lord Nguyen Anh in a cave on Lady Island.
Especially, we can visit the famous Love Peak here, where many couples on dates come. It is named so because the peak of the mountain resembles a couple embracing each other, looking very romantic. Couples believe that if they take wedding photos here, their love will forever be happy and enduring.
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14. Tài Island
Tài Island offers beautiful natural scenery, attracting tourists to visit, admire the landscapes, and relax on the island. There are 2 small, white sandy beaches on the island. Every year during the breeding season, hundreds of mother turtles come to the beach to lay eggs. Then, thousands of baby turtles return to the ocean (from April to September every year). Around Tài Island, there are many marine species such as coral, fish, giant clams, sea turtles... Due to its diverse marine resources, the area is strictly zoned for conservation purposes.
Con Dao tourism with its peaceful landscape always welcomes visitors from near and far to visit. Not only that, but this place also bears witness to the heroic years of the nation, with the painful losses exchanged for independence later. Hopefully, the list of the most attractive Con Dao tourist destinations compiled by Vietnam Booking will help you have a more meaningful journey.
