The islands of Con Dao are nowadays one of the most famous highlights of Vietnam. It used to be called Devil’s Island because prisoners were tortured here. Today it is a beautiful island with white beaches, coral reefs, beautiful bays, and dense forests. Hiking, diving, and wildlife watching are some of the activities you can do on this island.
Best time to visit
- The best time to visit Con Dao Islands is from November to February during the dry season.
- If you want to see the turtles nesting on Hon Bay Canh Island, it is best to visit between June and September.
- For diving the best time to visit Con Dao is from February to July when the waters around the islands have visibility averaging between 20 and 30 meters.
Top things to do in Con Dao
1. Go beach-hunting
Con Dao travelers are spoiled for choice when it comes to secluded beaches. Take a hike to Bai Ong Dung, a stony coastal spot where you can snorkel close to shore, or head to Dam Trau Beach or Dat Doc Beach for sunbathing.
2. Sign up for a day trip
Snorkeling and diving excursions on Con Dao reveal some of Vietnam's best underwater sightseeing. On land, hikers can arrange a guide through the national park office or set off on their own with a national park map.
3. Visit the Con Dao Museum
Con Dao is home to one of the most infamous former prisons in Vietnam, which was an incarceration facility for the French as well as the Americans. You can get a solid background on the island's history at the newly built Con Dao Museum.
4. Have a wellness retreat
There are few places in Vietnam that are more peaceful and relaxing than Con Dao. The Six Senses Con Dao is a stunning, sustainable resort in a private bay, complete with nourishing meals, yoga sessions, and an award-winning spa.
5. Get on two wheels
The coastal roads of Con Dao are a dream for cyclists and motorists alike. Within the town, you can ride under ancient trees and past colonial buildings, and just outside are windy beaches, rocky coastlines and jungled-covered slopes.