Con Dao was once a territory of the Cambodian Khmer Empire, a tiny island off the coast of southern Vietnam. With the advent of French colonial rule that Con Dao became known as the site of a notorious prison that utilized tiny, stifling tiger cages, and a practice that continued until the end of the Vietnam War. Today, perhaps because of its seclusion and former role as a prison, Con Dao is a largely unspoiled area. The island sports virgin forests and tranquil beaches – perfect for eco-travelers who wish to enjoy nature in its truest form. The island was recently opened to tourism, and is now home to a new Six Senses resort.
Region
Con Dao Island
language
Vietnamese
capital
Hanoi
population
10,760
area
76,78 km²
currency
Vietnamese dong
FIND YOUR
Inspiration
Locally based with in-country expertise means our Destination Experience Designers can curate exceptional activities and experiences for you that are beyond the reach of the average traveller. We piece these together as a framework for your own bespoke adventure, you can find it in our featured journeys or speak to our travel advisors.
Inspiration
Locally based with in-country expertise means our Destination Experience Designers can curate exceptional activities and experiences for you that are beyond the reach of the average traveller. We piece these together as a framework for your own bespoke adventure, you can find it in our featured journeys or speak to our travel advisors.
PRIVATE SUNSET GETAWAY
QUICK escape to experience the sunset privately for you and your family with bartender’s handpicked cocktails. Cruise to the western side of Con Dao, passing the Shark Cape and Lovers Peak islands before settling down by far at Grandmother island. Enjoy this amazing momentum with overwhelming display of colors as the sun slowly deeps down the horizon.
DISCOVER THE UNTOUCH BEAUTY OF CON DAO UNDERWATER LIFE
TIME to unwind and challenge. Explore the beauty of the underwater life with our custom designed by our PADI professionals. Transfered by speedboat to Vietnam’s premier protected area, discover some of the documented 1943 species of marine life and the best coral formations of the country.
TREKKING TO BAY CANH LIGHTHOUSE & SNORKELING
MAKE the most of your time in Con Dao with an exciting speedboat ride from the pier to Bay Canh island . Trekking through the densed forest to Bay Canh lighthouse, built in 1883-1885. Enjoy the breathtaking view and have a chat with the keeper. An amazing option to end the day with coral snorkeling escorted by the professional.
TASTE OF CON DAO
SAVOUR Con Dao specialties like banh xeo (sizzling rice cake), bun rieu (rice vermicelli with pork balls, crab broth), BBQ moon crab and more on an insider’s journey to discover the city’s best street eats and authentic restaurants that only the locals know about.
SEE CON DAO LOCAL LIFE THROUGH THE LENS OF AN INSIDER
DISCOVER the island and find out what authentic Con Dao daily life is about. Travel across the island with your guide, through the back roads, small dwellings and local agricultural plots. Along the way you’ll see Ben Dam Harbor, Nhat Beach and Shark Cape, Van Son Tu Pagoda, the Shrine to Lady Phi Yen and a local market. Your trip will culminate over a traditional Vietnamese coffee.
INSIDER’S HISTORIC CON DAO TOUR
EXPLORE the history of con Dao and delve into its darker side. See series of prison systems constructed throughout the 113 years of colonization, thousands of prisoners where interred here. Visit the Con Dao Museum, Phu Hai Prison – Bagne I, French Tiger Cage, American Tiger Cage and Hang Duong Cemetery.
When to go
Vietnam has a tropical climate with average annual temperatures ranging from 22°C to 34°C. Although temperatures are consistent year round, various parts of the country, at certain times of the year, can be affected by unpredictable storms which may cause flooding. From May to November, most of the country is affected by south-western monsoons. The rains, which tend to be concentrated in the late afternoons, provide welcome relief from the heat. The heaviest rainfall tends to occur between July and August in the north; June to October in the south; and October to December in Central Vietnam.
December to March is a pleasant time to visit the southern city of Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, although temperatures in Hanoi and northern regions tend to be cooler during those months. In the mountainous regions in the far north such as Sapa, the temperature can at times drop below zero. The best time to visit the north is between September and December when there’s a good chance of clear skies and low humidity, while March to September is an ideal time to enjoy the beaches and attractions of Central Vietnam. Beach destinations in the south such as Nha Trang, Phu Quoc and Con Dao Island are warm and sunny most of the year. However, the rainy season varies for each destination: Nha Trang (October to December); Phu Quoc (June to September) and Con Dao (November to January).
Destination Indochina DMC has been delivering rare opportunities to engage with beautiful Vietnam and her people. Our dedicated team of travel professionals have their finger on the pulse of what is new and trending in the region and our transformational journeys inspire travellers of all walks of life. Connect with specialists in culture, food, art, religion and history and get the best advice on where to eat, shop and unwind.