Con Dao Islands Travel Essentials
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Ideal duration: 2 days
Best Time: November to February Read More
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"A Resort Island"
Con Dao Islands Tourism
A picturesque archipelago of 16 Islands, Con Dao lies off the southern coast of Vietnam. Out of the 16, Con Son is the largest and the only inhabited island. However, even the uninhabited islands are rich with stunning beaches.
Emerging out of its past as prison islands for prisoners of war, the development in Con Dao in terms of resorts and transport options has helped it gain popularity as one of the key destinations to visit in Vietnam. The islands are also rich in biodiversity and hence, the area is also known as Con Dao National Park.
A prime nesting site for sea turtles between the months June and September, Con Dao Archipelago is a beautiful beach destination filled with natural grandeur and some luxurious resorts.
The islands are rich in marine biodiversity and thus, are also a popular site for Diving in Vietnam. One of the best-kept secrets of Vietnam, Con Dao carries a resort-like ambience and has only recently begun to attract luxury travellers as well as backpackers.
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Things to do in Con Dao Islands
1. The Prison Museum
Providing a peek into the island's more bleak and violent periods of history, the prison museum is far more than just a tourist site. It opens up a perspective to the visitors of just how far Vietnam (Read More)has come from its war-torn past. There are more than 2000 separate exhibits here, each with its own share of importance. This includes Dioramas, documents, and even enactments of wartime prison atrocities.
2. Bai An Hai
Bai An Hai, also known as An Hai Beach, is a beautiful shore with a view of green mountains and fishing boats anchored to the coast. Located off the southwest coast of Con Son Islands, it is among the (Read More) least populated and virgin Beaches of Vietnam.
3. Chua Van Son
Translating to mean 'Cloudy Hill Palace', the Van Son Pagoda is among the few religious buildings on the Con Dao Islands. Although not a place of importance from the religious point of view, the pagod (Read More)a offers sweeping views of the Con Son Bay, the lake and of course, the town of Con Dao.
4. Dam Trau Beach
Located just about 200 metres to the west of the Con Dao Airport, Dam Trau Beach is an exhilarating expanse of yellow sand and crystal clear blue waters. Stretching as far as the eye can see, on one h (Read More)and, lies the sandy shore and on the other tall rock formations. Mostly populated by the local fishing community. Its unspoilt environs attract beach lovers from world over.
5. Bai Dat Doc Beach
Dat Doc Beach is a white sand beaches with a mesmerising backdrop of sorrounding forest mountains.
6. Hang Duong Cemetery
Hang Duong Cemetery is a shrine to 20,000 national heroes of the country who died when they were imprisoned or were executed. The most respected among these national heroes is the grave of Vo Thi Sau (Read More)- a 14-year old martyr who took up arms against the French Resistance at a tender age. Her sacrifice is revered and respected among the locals who come here to pay homage to the freesom fighter.
Top Hotels In Con Dao Islands
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Accommodation Options at Con Dao
Marking a remarkable transformation from being a historical war site to now being a popular leisure island. Con Dao has stunning accommodations to offer luxury travellers as well as budget accommodations for the backpackers. However, the cost of living on these islands is typically high and hence, you are likely to be charged double the cost that you would pay in a normal hotel on the mainland, a fact that is easily made up for the unadulterated views from the island. The most popular choice among travellers are the luxury resorts for the amenities that they offer.
War History of Con Dao Islands
The Con Dao Islands, although among the tourist favourites in Vietnam, carry with them a past that is bloody and violent. The islands were used as prisons for war criminals as well as for prisoners of war during the French Occupation of the country as well as by the South Saigon government backed by the US. There are still traces of its past, infamous for the 'Tiger Cages', in which prisoners were kept in a state worse than animals.
The administration tries to make repatriations by giving concessions to families of the ex-prisoners who come here to pay their respects.
Con Dao National Park
Having broken away from the mainland of Vietnam almost 15,000 years ago; Con Dao Islands are also home to a number of wild and marine life species that are still waiting to be discovered and documented. No wonder then, that the Con Dao Islands are also known as Con Dao National Park. However, at present, there are no efforts being taken to actually conserve the wildlife in these parts. It sees a population that is rich with endemic species such as Black Squirrel and a species of Macaques. In recent years, a number of efforts were taken by authorities and organisations to protect and stop the endangerment of wildlife at Con Dao National Park.
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How to Reach Con Dao Islands
How to Reach Overview
Con Dao Islands are connected with Vietnam's mainland through flights and ferries.
How to reach Con Dao Islands by flight
- There are many flights available from Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam Airlines provide the services and almost all the flights are in the morning with a round trip costing up to USD 150. You can also get in Con Dao from Can Tho by Mekong Delta via Vasco/Vietnam Airlines.
- There are four weekly flights with a cost of around USD 60 for a round trip.
- However, the airport at Con Son islands is quite removed from the mainland.
- Your best bet is to arrange for transport yourself or ask the resort to arrange one for you.
How to reach Con Dao Islands by waterways
Ferries are available from Vung Tau on the mainland which is around 200 kms Con Son island. It costs around 100,000-200,000 VND. Yes, this cheap! But the journey is quite long and tiring, and it is advisable to opt for a flight journey.
Local transport in Con Dao Islands
Walking on foot is the best way of getting around Con Son as it is a small village. Better still, motor bikes are available for rent and also as taxis. Before you get off on your bike make sure that the fuel tank is full because of the limited timings of the petrol sale which are 7:00-10:30 AM and 2:00- 4:00 PM. If you want to go to and from the airport, Hotels also arrange for minibuses which provide this service. Taxis are also easily available but can be significantly costlier. If you want to visit other (inhabited) islands, boats are also available.
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FAQs on Con Dao Islands
What are the places near Con dao islands?
The top places near to Con dao islands are Ho chi minh city which is 236 km from Con dao islands, Nha trang which is located 484 km from Con dao islands, Hanoi which is located 1373 km from Con dao islands, Halong bay which is located 1359 km from Con dao islands, Ben tre which is located 172 km from Con dao islands
What are the things to do in Con dao islands?
The top things to do in Con dao islands are The Prison Museum, Bai An Hai , Chua Van Son, Dam Trau Beach, Bai Dat Doc Beach, Hang Duong Cemetery. You can see all the places to visit in Con dao islands here
What is the best way to reach Con dao islands?
Con Dao Islands are connected with Vietnam's mainland through flights and ferries.
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What is the local food in Con dao islands?
Vietnamese food is easily available here. Not surprisingly, the most prominent food category is seafood, which is both cheap and delicious here. Recommended places to eat are Thu Ba (for best seafood), Caffe Infiniti, Bar200 and Nam Dinh on Pham Van Dong Street.
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What is the best time to visit Con dao islands?
June to September is the rainy season in Con Dao and after that hot summers start. November to February are the driest months to visit Con Dao. If you want to go when the sea is calmest, March to June would be the best.
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