Top 14 Famous Tourist Destinations in Con Dao You Shouldn't Miss

Nui Mot Pagoda, also known as Vân Sơn Tự, is considered the most beautiful pagoda in Con Dao and one of the most stunning architectural landmarks in Vietnam. It is a must-see destination when visiting Con Dao, offering both natural beauty and historical significance. Built by the Americans in 1964 for military officials and administration staff on the island, the pagoda also served as a cover for the brutal treatment of prisoners at the Con Dao Prison during the war.

The pagoda underwent restoration starting on August 13, 2010, and was completed on December 4, 2011, blending harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. Today, it serves as a place for spiritual reflection, peace, and remembrance for the fallen heroes. It is a cultural site within Con Dao's historical and scenic heritage, honoring those who sacrificed for Vietnam's independence.

Lo Voi – a name that evokes curiosity and adventure, is a must-visit spot when in Con Dao. Located along the town’s main road, it is one of the first places that will captivate your senses as soon as you step onto the island.

While not entirely untouched or tranquil, Lo Voi is incredibly charming with its long stretches of sandy beaches, lush green sea grasses resembling smooth silk in the sunlight, and waters as clear as a beautiful woman's eyes in autumn. All these elements combine to create the stunning beauty of Lo Voi Beach, a true representation of Con Dao’s coastal splendor. Lo Voi also attracts visitors with the lively atmosphere around it, including bustling cafes and shops. Relaxing with a drink in hand while gazing at the refreshing green waves is an experience that will leave you slightly intoxicated by both the sights and the atmosphere.

Con Dao National Park is a protected area located in the northern part of Con Dao District, Bà Rịa - Vũng Tàu Province. The park’s location and environment provide an ideal setting for the development of both terrestrial and marine flora and fauna. The park covers 16 islands of varying sizes, as well as the surrounding marine area, and is one of only two national parks in Vietnam that preserves both forest and marine ecosystems.

The park spans an area of approximately 15,043 hectares, with 9,000 hectares dedicated to the sea and 6,043 hectares to the forest. The forests in Con Dao are primarily pristine, tropical island ecosystems, home to about 882 plant species and nearly 150 animal species, many of which are rare and endemic to Con Dao, such as the Con Dao black squirrel, the winged gecko, and various bird species like the green-faced booby, Nicba pigeon, and tropical birds. Con Dao experiences a tropical climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season lasts from May to October, while the dry season runs from November to April.

If you want to explore every hidden corner of Con Dao, this is a truly enticing choice. Located 17 kilometers north of the town, Dam Tre Bay is one of those rare spots you’ll struggle to find on Google Maps, attracting those with a sense of curiosity and a thirst for adventure. Visiting Dam Tre Bay isn’t difficult, but it does require some effort. You’ll need to ask the locals for directions or have the soldiers guide you, but rest assured, "There’s always a worthy reward for those who dedicate time, effort, and passion to reach their destination!"

Hon Cau is one of the two islands in the Con Son archipelago that has a fresh water source. In front of Hon Cau, there is a long stretch of white sand beach that runs alongside a curved mountain range, with rows of coconut trees and robust mangrove trees standing tall, shielding from the wind. The sound of waves crashing and the spray of foam create a mesmerizing atmosphere, drawing visitors into the perfect harmony of land, sky, and sea. Hon Cau is also known as a historical site of suffering, having once been a place of imprisonment for revolutionary figures, the most notable being Prime Minister Pham Van Dong during the years 1930-1931.

When visiting Hon Cau, travelers will have the chance to explore the historical site where Prime Minister Pham Van Dong was imprisoned, visit fruit gardens, coconut forests, learn about conservation efforts, swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and take in the pristine environment and natural beauty. These moments make for unforgettable experiences, surrounded by unspoiled landscapes and fresh air.

Con Dao Museum is located opposite the historic site of the 914 Pier. Before liberation, the museum was the residence of the island's rulers, built on a 2-hectare plot of land. This was once the seat of power for 53 notoriously cruel island governors, a center of authority encompassing administrative, judicial, and military control. Today, the former residence of the island's governors is repurposed as the Con Dao Museum.

Visitors to the museum can explore images and portraits of political prisoners held in Con Dao, witness their relentless struggles, and learn about the harsh prison conditions they endured. The museum also displays court documents, including death sentences of many communist revolutionaries, including the female martyr Vo Thi Sau.

Con Dao Museum is an unmissable site for anyone visiting Con Dao, offering a deep dive into the revolutionary history of Vietnam. It is an important destination for educating future generations about the national struggle for independence and freedom.

If you spend the whole day in the picturesque Con Dao, the sunset is the moment to retreat to Bai Nhat and enjoy the mystical atmosphere and a sense of wistfulness. Ranked among the top 6 most pristine beaches in Asia (according to News), Bai Nhat often intimidates visitors and leaves them feeling disappointed because it only appears for a few hours when the tide recedes, revealing a vast stretch of white sand.

Like a mermaid, Bai Nhat becomes smoother and more enchanting as it slowly emerges from the ocean, revealing a strip of white sand like flowing hair. On this sand, Bai Nhat adorns itself with rock formations, beautiful and mysterious. Not stopping there, you can also witness the romantic tale of lovers eternally bound together on the Tình Yêu peak, a legend as poetic as it is romantic. Perhaps this is why Bai Nhat, though a place for the last light of the day, marks the beginning of a beautiful and fateful love story!

Con Dao Island Governor's Palace, also known as the Governor's Residence or Provincial Chief's Palace, was constructed between 1862 and 1876, covering an area of 18.6 hectares. The architecture of the palace features a distinct Indochinese style. This palace served as the residence of 59 island governors over 113 years and was the headquarters for managing the prison system on Con Dao.

All the plans, conspiracies, tortures, and executions targeting Vietnamese patriots and civilians during the fierce war years originated from this palace. This historical site contrasts sharply with the Con Dao Prison, symbolizing the extreme inequality and class disparity at the turn of the 20th century. Later, the Governor's Palace became the site for the establishment of the first revolutionary government in Con Dao and is now a museum showcasing the island's historical landmarks.

Over time, this destination has become a resting place for thousands of ships, constantly arriving and departing. The port, nestled within the Ben Dam Bay, takes its name from the bay itself. Surrounded by scenic beauty, the northern side offers a vast sea, while the inner part is covered by lush green forests. The bay's depth reaches approximately 12 meters, making it an ideal location for maritime trade.

Cậu Temple is dedicated to Prince Cai, also known as Prince Hội An, the son of Lord Nguyễn Ánh and his secondary wife Phi Yến, whose real name was Lê Thị Răm. Located in the Cỏ Ống Village area, on the road to Đầm Trầu Beach near Con Son Airport, this spiritual site is often included in the Con Dao tour itinerary for pilgrims. It is a peaceful, serene location surrounded by lush greenery, with two White Horse statues guarding the temple in front.

Phi Yến Temple in Con Dao is named after the secondary wife of Lord Nguyễn Ánh. This sacred temple holds great significance for the local people. The architecture follows the traditional style of the Nguyễn dynasty. The temple is set in a spacious, cool area surrounded by ancient trees. Upon entering Phi Yến Temple, visitors can feel the quiet and reverent atmosphere that fills the space. Many people come here to offer incense in memory of this talented and patriotic woman from the past.

Visitors will be deeply moved when they hear the stories of Phi Yến shared by the locals. This is not just a historical site but also a place where people can learn about the tragic and painful life of a woman who was a secondary wife, yet lived a life full of sorrow. Every year, on the 18th of October (lunar calendar), the people of Con Dao organize a solemn ceremony in her honor, typically with a vegetarian feast to remember her.

Dam Trau Beach - known as the green oasis amidst the blue skies of Con Dao, is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the area, and a must-visit spot for anyone traveling to Con Dao. Located outside Con Dao National Park, about 12 kilometers northwest of Co Ong Airport, the beach covers an area of 3.3 hectares. Visitors to Dam Trau Beach can enjoy its pristine, serene beauty, with the beach being tied to local folklore about the tragic love story of Cau and Trau, which is said to have transformed into the land, trees, and waters of this area.

Surrounding Dam Trau Beach is a vast expanse of green forest in a wide, open landscape. The beach itself features breathtaking scenery with fine sand stretching along steep cliffs, clear and refreshing waters, and coral reefs teeming with a vibrant array of marine life. Here, you can enjoy swimming, snorkeling to observe the colorful corals, or simply basking in the golden sunlight while savoring fresh seafood. The beach still retains its untouched charm. The water is clean, and the waves are strong, making it ideal for beach lovers. The seafood is fresh, reasonably priced, and cooked to perfection. One of the things I love most is the scenic drive from the center of Con Dao to the beach, with mountains on one side and the ocean on the other, twisting and turning in a way that creates an exhilarating, almost wild feeling. However, be aware that the beach is not accessible after 6 p.m.!

Con Dao Prison is infamous for locations such as the Cow Cage, Phu Hai Camp, Tiger Cages, Ma Thien Lanh Bridge, Salt House, and Lime Kiln. This site is one that often sends chills down the spine of most visitors as they witness firsthand the suffocating, sweltering cells where prisoners were subjected to grueling forced labor and horrific torture methods.

During the French colonial period, prisons like Phu Son and Phu Hai, situated in the heart of the island, were central to the region's prison system and are now easy to visit. Some areas still bear the haunting remnants of the prison’s darkest history, such as the Cow Cage and Tiger Cages. The Cow Cage, for instance, still holds the pits of excrement and urine where prisoners were forced to stand waist-deep as punishment. Visiting this location offers a sobering insight into a brutal chapter of the nation's history, showcasing some of the most gruesome aspects of human suffering. However, today, the country is peaceful, and the surroundings have reclaimed their beauty, returning to the serene landscapes that have always been a part of the island’s charm.

From the breathtaking natural beauty of the region, we now turn to 914 Pier in Con Dao, a place where nature itself bows in reverence to the indomitable spirit of 914 revolutionary prisoners. Along with Nui Mot Pagoda, this is one of the few sites that marks the suffering, toil, and anguish of those condemned prisoners who were forced to carry massive stones weighing tons from Nui Chua. Despite their efforts, the pier was only completed after the 914th prisoner perished from the crushing weight, the salty winds, the fierce storms, the scorching sun, and the unbearable conditions. Their lives were taken, but their sacrifice is immortalized here.

Today, 914 Pier serves as a hub for boats, a favorite spot for locals to enjoy the breeze, relax, and swim each evening. It stands as a peaceful reminder of the history of Con Dao, a place that has weathered storms, hardship, and struggle. A visit to Con Dao without experiencing 914 Pier would feel incomplete, as if something essential was missing, leaving you with a sense of unfulfilled longing.