Con Dao Island is a hidden paradise in the sea, just a short flight from Ho Chi Minh City. These islands offer a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. In this guide, we take a closer look at what makes the Con Dao Islands special, from their beautiful beaches and national park to their moving history, to help you plan an amazing trip.
Con Dao Island at a glance (updated November 2026)
- Location: an archipelago of 16 islands, about 185 km from Vung Tau and 230 km from Ho Chi Minh City; since 1 July 2025 it is the Con Dao Special Zone of Ho Chi Minh City.
- Fastest way there: a 40–50 minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam Airlines/VASCO, Vietjet) or about 2 hours 10 minutes from Hanoi (Vietjet).
- By sea: high-speed ferries from Vung Tau, Tran De (Can Tho) and central Ho Chi Minh City, taking about 2–5 hours depending on the route.
- Best time to visit: March to September, when the sea is calm; October to February brings rough seas and ferry cancellations.
- Sea turtle season: April to October, peaking from July to September at Hon Bay Canh.
- Key fees: Con Dao National Park entry 60,000 VND (≈ ₹220); Con Dao prison relics and museum about 50,000 VND (≈ ₹183).
Location
Con Dao Island is an archipelago of 16 unspoilt islands with a total land area of about 76 km², located about 185 km from Vung Tau and 230 km from Ho Chi Minh City. The largest island is Con Son, where the town, airport and most hotels are located. Formerly part of Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province, Con Dao has been a special zone of Ho Chi Minh City since 1 July 2025.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Con Dao Island is from March to September, when the sea is calm, ferries run regularly and the water is clear for swimming and snorkelling. April to June is the calmest period, while July to September is the peak season for sea turtles laying eggs.
From October to February, the northeast monsoon brings strong winds and rough seas. Ferries may be cancelled and some boat trips to the outer islands may not run, so flying is the safer option. Temperatures stay warm all year, around 25–32°C, and showers in the rainy months are usually short.
How To Get There
Airway
Flying is the fastest and most reliable way to reach Con Dao. Vietnam Airlines (operated by VASCO) and Vietjet fly from Ho Chi Minh City in about 40–50 minutes, and Vietjet also flies from Hanoi in about 2 hours 10 minutes. Con Dao Airport (Co Ong) is about 15 km from the town centre, a 20–30 minute drive; many hotels offer airport transfers.
Waterway
High-speed ferries arrive at Ben Dam Port, about 15 km from the town.
- From Vung Tau: PhuQuoc Express operates large high-speed boats, departing Vung Tau in the morning and returning from Con Dao in the early afternoon. Fares in 2026 are about 410,000–690,000 VND (≈ ₹1,500–2,530) one way depending on the day and class.
- From Ho Chi Minh City: a high-speed boat from Nha Rong–Khanh Hoi port resumed in June 2026, taking about 5 hours 15 minutes.
- From Tran De (Can Tho, formerly Soc Trang): the shortest sea route, about 2–2.5 hours, run by operators such as Superdong. Sailings are reduced from October to March.
Ferry schedules change by season and weather; book in advance and reconfirm a day before departure.
>> Learn more about other beautiful islands in vietnam
If you love quiet islands, you can also combine Con Dao with may rut ngoai island in the Mekong Delta, the luxury bay of ninh van bay near Nha Trang, or tuan chau island in Ha Long Bay.
Top 12 must-try experiences on Con Dao
Relaxing with stunning seascapes
Relaxation is one of the top things to do in Con Dao. Lounge on the sand, take a sunset stroll or treat yourself to a spa day. With pristine beaches and lush scenery, the island is the perfect setting to let stress melt away.
Clear turquoise water on a Con Dao beach.
Cooling off by swimming and snorkeling
Con Dao is well known for swimming and snorkelling. Hon Tai, Hon Cau and Hon Bay Canh are top spots to see coral reefs of many shapes and colours, along with tropical fish. Snorkelling tours provide all the gear you need, including life jackets, masks and fins, and guides show beginners how to snorkel safely.
Hiking around Con Dao National Park
Con Dao National Park (entry about 60,000 VND, ≈ ₹220) is a fantastic place for wildlife lovers. It protects forests, coral reefs and rare species, including the Con Dao black squirrel and the long-tailed macaque, as well as nesting sea turtles and dugongs in its marine area.
A forest trail in Con Dao National Park.
The park is perfect for trekking lovers. Short hikes lead to quiet beaches, viewpoints and centuries-old trees. On clear days, the higher trails offer an amazing view over the whole island.
Chilling out on An Hai Beach
An Hai Beach, the main beach in Con Son town, is known for its long stretch of soft sand and calm, clear water in the dry months. It can get busy in the late afternoon before sunset, but you can find quieter spots by walking further along the beach.
Soft sand and calm water on Con Dao’s coast.
Visiting the historic Con Dao Prison
No trip to Con Dao Island is complete without visiting the Con Dao Prison relics, a powerful reminder of the island’s difficult past. A combined ticket for the prisons and museum costs about 50,000 VND (≈ ₹183).
A reconstructed cell at the Con Dao Prison relic site.
Visitors can explore Phu Hai Prison, the oldest and largest camp, built in 1862, and see the “tiger cages” at Phu Tuong camp (French era) and Phu Binh camp (US era), where political prisoners were held in terrible conditions. About 20,000 prisoners died on the islands between 1862 and 1975.
Taking an island-hopping tour on Hon Bay Canh
One of the most remarkable experiences on Hon Bay Canh is watching sea turtles lay their eggs. Nesting runs from April to October, with the peak from July to September, when dozens of turtles can come ashore in a single night across the islands. Turtle-watching and hatchling-release tours are organised by Con Dao National Park and must be booked in advance.
A sheltered bay at Hon Bay Canh.
Outside turtle season, there is still plenty to see on Hon Bay Canh. Covered in forest, it is a wildlife haven, and you can snorkel over plate, table, branching and boulder corals protected by the national park.
Going on a sunset cruise
A sunset cruise is one of the most enchanting activities in Con Dao, with the islands glowing in warm evening light. It is the perfect romantic outing; our vietnam package for couple can include a private cruise like this.
Watching the sunset on a Con Dao boat trip.
Visiting Hang Duong Cemetery
Hang Duong Cemetery may not seem like a typical holiday stop, but it is one of the most important places on the island. About 20,000 prisoners died on Con Dao, and the cemetery has about 1,900 graves, of which only around 790 bear names. Many Vietnamese visitors come at night to pay respects.
The memorial at Hang Duong Cemetery.
Exploring Island Lord’s Life in Chua Dao Palace
Chua Dao Palace (Dinh Chua Dao) is on Ton Duc Thang Street in Con Son town. It was the home and office of the island’s French governors, who ran the prison system. Today it is a museum showing how different life was for the colonial rulers compared with the harsh reality faced by prisoners.
The colonial-era Chua Dao Palace.
Conquering the highest Thanh Gia Mountain
Thanh Gia Mountain is the highest point on the island at 577 metres above sea level. The trek starts with a short drive to the foothills, followed by a forest hike of about an hour or more to the top, with sweeping views over Con Son and the surrounding islands.
Sea views from the ridge on the way to Thanh Gia Mountain.
Wandering through Ong Dung Primeval Forest
For nature lovers, the Ong Dung forest trail is a must. The well-marked path takes about 30 minutes through tall trees and dense greenery, filled with birdsong, and ends at Ong Dung Beach. It is a peaceful escape and a chance to recharge.
The forest trail to Ong Dung Beach.
Savoring unique local cuisine
Con Dao’s food scene blends fresh seafood with classic Vietnamese dishes.
- Fresh seafood: lobster, fish, prawns, crabs and sea snails, served steamed, fried or grilled.
- Local specialities: cobia hotpot (lau ca bop), oc vu nang (a local sea snail), red grouper (ca mu do) and sa sung (sea worms).
- Vegetarian food: there are a few vegetarian restaurants in Con Son town, but no Indian restaurants, so ask your hotel or tour operator to arrange vegetarian or Jain meals.
- Street food: try banh mi, banh xeo and grilled snacks at the night market.
Grilled snacks at the Con Dao night market.
Where To Stay In Con Dao Island
Six Senses Con Dao
Six Senses Con Dao has 50 pool villas and residences on Dat Doc Beach and was awarded One MICHELIN Key in 2025. It offers a peaceful, eco-friendly luxury retreat in harmony with nature.
Orson Hotel & Resort
Orson Hotel & Resort is a modern, white-themed resort near the sea, with family rooms and a large pool, making it a popular choice for families.
Villa Maison Con Dao
The Villa Maison Boutique Hotel is in the centre of Con Son town, close to the sea and local attractions. It has a garden, and all rooms look out onto the greenery, giving guests a peaceful setting.
Marina Bay
Marina Bay is located on Nguyen Hue Street, across from the seafront park and the tourist boat pier. It is a convenient base for beach activities and sightseeing in town.
The Secret Resort
The Secret Con Dao is a large, upscale resort with nearly 200 rooms, sea views and a big pool, offering comfort close to the town and the main historical sites.
Looking for another island holiday in the south? Our phu quoc trip package is ideal from November to April, when Con Dao’s seas are rougher.
Tips When Visiting Con Dao Island
When travelling to Con Dao, Indian tourists should keep the following in mind:
- Wear modest clothing when visiting spiritual or historical sites such as Hang Duong Cemetery and the prisons.
- Do not joke about or make light of the island’s spiritual sites; many locals and Vietnamese visitors treat Con Dao as sacred.
- Follow beach rules and listen to lifeguards, as some beaches have strong waves and currents. Watch children closely at the beach.
- Stick to marked trails in the national park, and book turtle-watching tours only through official channels.
- From October to February, plan to fly rather than take the ferry, and keep a spare day in case of weather delays.
Want to add Con Dao to your Vietnam itinerary? Share your travel details and our team will arrange flights, hotels and tours for you.
FAQs About Con Dao Island
Where is Con Dao Island in Vietnam?
Con Dao is an archipelago of 16 islands off southern Vietnam, about 230 km from Ho Chi Minh City; it is now a special zone of Ho Chi Minh City.
How do I get to Con Dao from Ho Chi Minh City?
The quickest way is a 40–50 minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City; you can also take a high-speed ferry from Vung Tau or Ho Chi Minh City.
When is the best time to visit the Con Dao Islands?
March to September is best, with calm seas and clear water; July to September is also the peak sea turtle nesting season.
Is Con Dao worth visiting?
Yes. Con Dao combines quiet beaches, coral reefs, a national park with sea turtles and important historical sites, with far fewer crowds than Phu Quoc.
How many days do you need in Con Dao?
Three days and two nights is enough to see the main beaches, historical sites and one island-hopping tour.
Flight, ferry and ticket details in this guide were last checked in November 2026 and may change.
Conclusion
We hope this comprehensive guide helps you plan your trip. Discover the untouched beauty of Con Dao Island with our exclusive vietnam holiday packages, offering a unique blend of adventure, relaxation and cultural immersion. Book now and experience Vietnam like never before!
