Con Dao, an archipelago steeped in spiritual significance and marked by profound historical events, offers a unique travel experience. Having moved beyond its painful past, present-day Con Dao reveals itself as a captivating destination filled with poetic allure. Its long coastline boasts sun-drenched shores and age-old rocky outcrops constantly embraced by white-capped waves. Lush mountains and pristine nature reserves adorn the landscape with a vibrant tapestry that evolves with the passing seasons.
The Con Dao district is an offshore archipelago belonging to Ba Ria – Vung Tau province. Spanning 76 square kilometers, this group comprises 16 islands, with Con Son Island being the largest. Con Dao is located 185 kilometers away from Vung Tau, 230 kilometers away from Ho Chi Minh City, and approximately 83 kilometers away from Can Tho.
Apart from its historical and spiritual appeal, Con Dao is gaining recognition as both a peaceful getaway and a thrilling spot for adventurous tourists in search of hidden treasures. Here are some suggestions to inspire your journey on this captivating island.
Traveling to Con Dao
By Air: Airplanes offer the fastest way to reach Con Dao. Each flight takes approximately 50 minutes. Con Dao Airport is about 15 km from the town center, and you can travel by motorbike, taxi, or resort shuttle. This journey typically takes 20 to 30 minutes. For a quicker route, consider taking Co Ong Road.
By Boat: Sea travel is another option for reaching Con Dao. You can travel to Vung Tau and then purchase ferry tickets to Con Dao. Two choices are available: high-speed ferry or regular ferry.
Getting Around Con Dao
Once on Con Dao, you can choose to travel to various attractions by taxi, which charges around 12,000 VND/km, or by electric car, which has a around 20,000 VND/km. Alternatively, you can rent a motorbike or car for independent exploration.
Accommodation Options in Con Dao
Con Dao’s tourism industry is well-developed, and it offers a wide range of accommodation options. For a relaxing getaway, consider high-end beachfront or forest-adjacent resorts and hotels. These allow you to fully immerse yourself in the beautiful natural surroundings. If you prioritize easy access to sightseeing and spiritual tourism activities, staying at a hotel in the central island area would be more convenient. Budget-friendly hotels and homestays in Con Dao are reasonably priced, ranging from around 300,000 VND per night.
Must-See Attractions in Con Dao
Discovering Stunning Nature
- Bay Canh and Cau Island: Explore coral snorkeling, explore mangrove forests, witness sea turtles laying eggs, and release baby turtles into the sea. You can reach these islands by renting a speedboat or booking a tour.
- Dam Tre Bay: Located in the north of Con Dao, mangrove forests surround this sheltered bay. Here, you can observe swiftlets nesting and various other unique seabirds. Dam Tre Bay also features Lo Voi Beach, Dat Doc Beach, Mui Chim Chim Cape, and Dong Bac Bay, all popular with tourists.
- Dam Trau Beach: Situated near Con Dao Airport, this tranquil beach offers calm waters and peaceful scenery. Here, you can immerse yourself in the clear, cool water and watch airplanes take off and land.
- Tau Be Cape: Towering, upright rock formations enclose this area, creating an arc embracing the coastline. The stunning scenery here provides a perfect backdrop for artistic photos.
- Bai An Hai and Bai Cau Tau: These two beaches are located in the island’s center and feature fine white sand and calm waters.
- Bai Nhat and Mui Ca Map (Shark Cape): This area boasts a pristine landscape with gently winding roads, flanked by the sea on one side and majestic mountains on the other.
Western and Southwestern Con Dao Island
Bai Ong Dung: This pristine beach is ideal for picnics and relaxation. Furthermore, from here, you can rent a ranger station speedboat to visit nearby islands like Hon Tre Lon and Hon Tre Nho.
Hon Tre Nho (Small Bamboo Island): Located 2km from Bai Ong Dung, this island is predominantly covered in bamboo and serves as a habitat for migratory birds from the north, such as crested terns, gulls, and various tern species.
Big Bamboo Island
The beauty of Hon Tre Lon lies in its fine white sand beach, which consequently attracts a large number of sea turtles for nesting during the breeding season.
Visiting Historical Places and Experiencing Spiritual Tourism
First, you can explore the historical significance of Con Dao.
Con Dao Museum: Discover over 2,000 valuable documents and artifacts related to Con Dao’s nature and people. Furthermore, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the history of the political prisoners imprisoned at Con Dao Prison for 113 years.
Nha Chua Dao (Island Lord’s Residence): This was the residence of 53 island lords from 1862 to 1975. Here, you can observe artifacts showcasing the extravagant lifestyle of the French, American, Vietnamese, and Chinese island lords.
Con Dao Prison System: Witness firsthand the “Hell on Earth” with Phu Hai Prison, the French Tiger Cages, and the American Tiger Cages. For a more in-depth understanding, you can hire a guide for deeper historical insights into the former prison.
In addition to historical places, Con Dao offers significant spiritual destinations.
Hang Duong Cemetery: When it comes to spiritual tourism in Con Dao, Hang Duong Cemetery is the most famous destination. Indeed, it is the final resting place of over 2,000 martyrs, including the tomb of martyr Vo Thi Sau. Every night, many visitors come here to pay their respects and offer prayers.
Nestled as a sacred part of Vietnam, Con Dao presents a distinctive fusion of historical discovery, untouched natural splendor, and serene ocean views. Discover the heroic past through its poignant relics, immerse yourself in the untouched wilderness and mysterious landscapes, and ultimately, find serenity in the gentle embrace of its coastal charm. A visit to Con Dao promises an enriching journey through history and nature, leaving you with unforgettable memories of this remarkable island.
To explore more about Vietnam, visit: Vietnam Travel: 15 Amazing Places You Must Visit – Exploreve
