Top 10 Essential Travel Tips for Visiting Con Dao Island

By Ferry: To reach Con Dao by ferry, you can travel from Ho Chi Minh City to either Cát Lở Port in Sóc Trăng or Trần Đề Port in Sóc Trăng. From there, you can catch a ferry to Con Dao. There are several fast ferries available for the journey.

• The Superdong fast ferry operates between Trần Đề Port, Sóc Trăng, and Bến Đầm Port, Con Dao. Departure times: Sóc Trăng to Con Dao: 8:00 AM - 10:30 AM; Con Dao to Sóc Trăng: 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM.
• If you prefer the CQ-03 ferry, head to 1007/36 30 Tháng 4 Street, Ward 11, Cát Lở Port, Vung Tau, Ba Ria-Vung Tau. Departure times: Vung Tau to Con Dao: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Con Dao to Vung Tau: 6:00 PM - 8:00 AM the next day.
• Other ferry options include Con Dao 09 and Con Dao 10 ferries, operating daily from Cát Lở Port, Vung Tau, to Bến Đầm Port, Con Dao. Departure: 5:00 PM daily.
• Greenlines ferry service is also available from either Cát Lở Port, Vung Tau to Bến Đầm Port, Con Dao, or from Bach Dang Pier, Ho Chi Minh City to Bến Đầm Port, Con Dao.

By Air:

• In addition to ferries, you can also fly to Con Dao. Initially, only Vietnam Airlines operated flights from Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho to Con Dao with 3 flights daily. If you're flying from Hanoi, you will need to connect via Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City or Can Tho Airport, before flying directly to Con Dao's Co Ong Airport.
• Recently, Bamboo Airways started offering direct flights from Hanoi to Con Dao, and passengers from Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Thanh Hoa, Hai Phong, and Vinh can also book flights with Bamboo Airways.

Explore Stunning Nature: If you're a nature lover or someone who enjoys exploring new places, Con Dao is undoubtedly the perfect destination for you. Described as 'untouched,' 'majestic,' and 'unforgettable,' Con Dao will captivate visitors with its beauty. The island boasts pristine beaches with endless stretches of white sand, towering mountains that blanket the island, and a peaceful atmosphere, offering a refreshing escape into nature.

Con Dao National Park: Popular spots to visit in Con Dao include Dam Trau Beach, Nhat Beach, Suoi Nong Beach, Bay Canh Island, Tai Island, Ba Island, and the Con Dao National Park.

Visit Historical and Spiritual Sites: In addition to its natural beauty, Con Dao is also home to numerous historical and spiritual landmarks that attract visitors. Key spiritual sites to visit include Hang Duong Cemetery, where the hero Vo Thi Sau is buried, Vân Sơn Tự Pagoda, Cậu Temple, Phi Yen Temple, and Mount Mot Pagoda.

For a more enriching visit, if you plan to pay respects at Hang Duong Cemetery, it's recommended to bring offerings, as locals around the area do not sell incense or gold paper. A helpful tip: the cemetery is busiest between 9:00 PM and midnight, especially at the tomb of Vo Thi Sau, so plan your visit accordingly for the best experience.

Not only known for its scenic spots and activities, Con Dao also boasts a unique culinary heritage with local specialties like sea cucumber, lobster, one-dried mackerel, shark salad, and more.

• Sea Cucumber: A must-try seafood delicacy, freshly caught every day. These sea cucumbers have an oblong shape, dark grey shells, and typically grow to about three fingers' width, though some in Con Dao can reach nearly palm size. The most common preparation is simply boiling, but grilling with green onions or making salads or ceviche-style dishes are also popular. Serve it with salt, lime, or sweet-and-sour fish sauce to enjoy the crisp, sweet flavors.
• Sea Worm (Sá Sùng): A nutrient-packed local treat that's only available from March to July. Despite its resemblance to a worm, it's highly prized for its health benefits. Sea worms are served stir-fried with squash, in salads, soups, or porridge, but the most popular way is grilled and dipped in chili-lime seasoning.
• Shark Meat: Known locally as shark mackerel, this fish has tender, fresh meat that pairs wonderfully with herbs like mơ leaves, sour bananas, pineapple, and starfruit, creating a savory and aromatic dish.
• Betel Nuts: Betel nuts, harvested from the native trees of Con Dao, are picked and sun-dried before the seeds are extracted and roasted. You can enjoy them either with salt or sugar. Betel nuts make for a perfect souvenir treat, with their rich, nutty flavor.
• Moon Crab: A rare delicacy in Con Dao, the Moon Crab gets its name from its moon-like circular spots on its back. The meat is best when steamed, and served with a dash of salt and pepper. It's said to have the most delicious flavor when eaten during the full moon period. Other ways to enjoy it include cooking it in a tangy tamarind sauce or in a hot pot.
• Red Lobster: A premium seafood dish not to be missed in Con Dao, known for its high protein and low fat content. Lobsters are fresh, sweet, and firm, perfect for grilling, steaming, or making a delicious lobster porridge.
• Red Grouper: If you're a fan of seafood, be sure to try Red Grouper (also known as Song Fish). Popular in Con Dao, the fish can be enjoyed in various preparations such as steamed, grilled, or in a tangy sauce.
• Sea Urchin Fermented Fish: This unique delicacy is made from the sea urchin (known locally as mhum), and is considered a luxurious fermented product. It’s often served with boiled pork or fresh vegetables and is a must-try for anyone wanting to experience Con Dao’s distinctive flavors.

Besides these specialties, you can also purchase treats like betel nut jam and one-dried mackerel as souvenirs for friends and family.

In Con Dao, public transportation options like buses are not available. You will need to take a taxi or rent a motorbike to get around. However, taxis are not very common since there are only a few taxi services operating on the island. Your best bet is to either rent a motorbike or take a motorcycle taxi.

Here are some trusted places to rent a motorbike in Con Dao:

• Phương Ân Rental Shop, located at Area 10, Ben Dam Port. Rental price is 150,000 VND per day.
• Tân Châu Rental Shop, also in Area 10, Ben Dam Port. Price is 150,000 VND per day, with a discount of 10,000-20,000 VND per bike for rentals of 3 bikes or more.
• A shop on Le Van Viet Street, Con Dao town. Call 094 814 10 41 for directions. This shop does not have a sign, but you can easily find it by phone. Rental prices are 150,000 VND per day for a Honda Airblade and 120,000 VND per day for a Yamaha Nouvo.

Con Dao's tourism and accommodation services have only recently experienced significant growth. Most options are budget-friendly guesthouses, 1-2 star hotels, or homestays, with a limited number of 3-5 star hotels. However, these accommodations are clean, comfortable, and provide excellent service, with friendly staff who are happy to share local tips on where to eat, play, and explore.

• Six Senses Con Dao Resort (5 stars): A favorite among travel enthusiasts, Six Senses Con Dao is renowned for its stunning photo spots, often featured by celebrities. It is one of the most luxurious hotels in the area, offering exclusive experiences and top-tier services.
• Saigon Con Dao Resort (3 stars): Located in the center of Con Dao town with a view of the beach, this resort provides a peaceful connection with nature. It includes a souvenir shop, a children’s pool, an outdoor pool, a café, free airport shuttle services, and Wi-Fi throughout the property. An affordable yet fully-equipped choice for travelers.
• Con Dao Camping Hotel: This hotel provides essential amenities like parking, TV, electric kettle, hairdryer, and free Wi-Fi in all rooms. Additional services include laundry, sunbathing spa, a bar, and non-smoking rooms.
• Eden House and Coffee Con Dao: The lush green garden at Eden House creates a fresh, airy atmosphere. The accommodations are quiet and well-maintained, and the hosts are welcoming and knowledgeable about Con Dao’s attractions. Don’t hesitate to ask for local travel advice!
• Uyen’s House: A popular homestay among solo travelers and groups, Uyen’s House is known for its friendly owner and beautiful rooms. With plenty of space for cooking and socializing, it’s perfect for group gatherings and parties. The clean and peaceful environment is complemented by beautiful photo opportunities.

Day 1 - Discover Con Dao’s Natural Beauty

• Con Son Bay
• Ben Dam Bay
• Dam Trau Beach
• Hai An Beach
• Lo Voi Beach
• See turtles at Hon Tre Lon

Day 2 - Explore Islands and Historical Sites

• Visit Hon Bay Canh, then head to Con Dao National Park: Explore the pristine forest of Ong Dung, and tour Con Dao's historic prison complex, including Phu Hai Camp, French Tiger Cages, American Tiger Cages, the isolated Bo Dung Compound, and An Son Temple.

Day 3 - Indulge in Con Dao’s Unique Cuisine:

• Affordable Con Dao food tour including: oyster porridge, shark salad, elephant ear fish, sea cucumber, moon crabs, sea urchin paste, dried mackerel, and more...

When traveling to Con Dao, keep the following tips in mind to avoid any unnecessary issues during your trip:

• Dress modestly and respectfully when visiting sacred sites, historical locations, or the tomb of Heroine Vo Thi Sau.
• Con Dao is a spiritually significant place, so it is important to avoid making light of its sacred nature.
• If you plan to swim, always follow the beach guidelines and pay attention to the lifeguard’s instructions, as the waters of Con Dao can be strong with powerful waves and currents. Swim only in designated safe zones, and keep an eye on children if traveling with them.
• When exploring the forests of Con Dao, stay on marked trails. Do not venture off the path as it is easy to get lost and encounter dangers. Always prioritize your safety and that of your companions.
• Important tips for traveling to Con Dao by boat:
• Instead of purchasing one-way tickets, consider buying round-trip tickets to avoid the risk of sold-out sailings.
• If your boat trip is delayed or canceled due to weather conditions, staff will assist you with rescheduling. However, to be prepared, it is advisable to check the departure status ahead of time or have a backup plan in place.

Con Dao, one of Vietnam's most beautiful islands, is an ideal destination for those seeking to explore its pristine beauty, learn about its historical significance, and experience unforgettable moments by the turquoise waters and white sands of the ocean.

Today, Con Dao has transformed into a top tourist destination for those interested in its untouched landscapes and the history of Vietnam. Visitors can wander through its scenic beauty, immerse themselves in the island's rich past, and explore its vibrant marine life and pristine forests, which are home to diverse wildlife. The island offers a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

From its dark past as a “hell on earth,” Con Dao has blossomed into one of the most captivating islands on the planet. It has earned its place among the “Top 10 Most Attractive Islands in the World” as voted by Lonely Planet, and has also been recognized as one of the “Most Mysterious Islands” by Travel and Leisure magazine. With its alluring charm and mysterious aura, Con Dao has become a sought-after destination not only for local travelers but also for international visitors.

Geographically, Con Dao is situated near the equator, which gives it a tropical climate with hot and humid weather all year round. The island experiences two distinct seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. The average annual temperature is approximately 26.9°C, with an average rainfall of 2,300 mm. The sea temperature fluctuates between 25°C and 29°C throughout the year, and humidity levels range from 48% to 80%, influenced by lower evaporation rates compared to the average annual rainfall.

The rainy season in Con Dao runs from May to November, lasting nearly seven months. This period accounts for 90% of the island's total annual rainfall, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in October, averaging 344 mm. Despite being the rainy season, the rain showers are often short-lived, typically lasting no longer than an hour. Between showers, the weather is still pleasant, with gentle breezes and mild sunshine. During this time, temperatures range from 24°C to 30°C, with May being the hottest month, when temperatures can rise to 35°C due to air compression. The southwest monsoon predominantly influences the rainy season, with wind speeds rarely exceeding 30 meters per second. Thunderstorms are frequent, especially in May, but typhoons are very rare. This period remains popular for beach activities due to the mild weather, with balanced sun and wind.

The dry season begins in October and lasts until April, spanning five months. Rainfall is minimal, contributing just 10% to the total annual rainfall. The weather is dry, but it is also the season of strong winds and rough seas, often referred to as the 'windy season.' The northeast monsoon affects this period, bringing winds that can reach 6-7 on the Beaufort scale, causing large waves and ocean turbulence. The best time to visit Con Dao is during March and April, when the weather is cool and pleasant, perfect for enjoying clear skies and capturing beautiful photos of the surroundings.

Overall, Con Dao is a great destination to visit at any time of year, as the weather is generally favorable for tourists.

Con Dao is renowned for its stunning beaches and the Con Son Bay, which is made up of 14 islands, each unique in its own way, forming a picturesque natural landscape that will captivate every traveler who sets foot here.

The best time to explore Con Dao is from March to September. Although it's still the rainy season, the seas are calm, and the winds are light on the islands to the east and northeast. During the day, it's perfect for island hopping, with sunny skies and crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkeling and photography. Afternoon showers are common, so it's a great time to visit covered historical sites on the main island.

From July to September, sea turtles lay their eggs on the beaches. From October to March, the island enters the windy season, and the seas around Con Son Bay become rough. However, the western and southwestern sides of the main island remain calm and dry, making these areas a great alternative to visit with equally beautiful natural scenery.