Ho Chi Minh City Municipality (Historical: Ba Ria - Vung Tau) • Verified 2026-10-20
Con Dao
Con Dao
Con Dao
south Vietnam • Côn Đảo

Things to do in Con Dao: Tours, Things to Do & Travel Guide

Once an isolated French and wartime penal island—now revered by Vietnamese pilgrims at Hang Duong Cemetery and historic prison museums—over 80% of the 16-island Con Dao Archipelago is protected within Con Dao National Park, Vietnam’s most important green sea turtle nesting sanctuary (May–September).

Recommended activities & tours in Con Dao

See all activities →

Top attractions in Con Dao

All attractions →
Swim on completely undeveloped golden-sand beaches at Dam Trau, Bai Nhat, and Dat Doc
Witness green sea turtles nesting and hatchlings released on Bay Canh Island (June–September)
Walk the quiet tree-lined avenues and preserved heritage prisons of Con Son Town

Things to do in Con Dao

Filter by indoor/rain/family →
Swim on completely undeveloped golden-sand beaches at Dam Trau, Bai Nhat, and Dat Doc
Witness green sea turtles nesting and hatchlings released on Bay Canh Island (June–September)
Walk the quiet tree-lined avenues and preserved heritage prisons of Con Son Town

Con Dao travel guide

Practical planning advice for visiting Con Dao.

Best time to visit
March – September
How many days
3–4 Days
How to get there
Con Dao Airport (VCS) on Con Son Island & Ben Dam Ferry Port
Typical daily budget
~$110 / day

How to get there

Fly 50 minutes directly from Ho Chi Minh City (SGN to VCS), or take the high-speed ferry from Soc Trang / Vung Tau.

Where to stay in Con Dao

Dat Doc & Dam Trau Bays$180–$950/night

Secluded eco-luxury beach villas framed by headlands

Con Son Heritage Town$45–$130/night

Charming boutique hotels along quiet banyan-shaded streets

Typical costs in Con Dao

Backpacker Daily Budget$35–$55/day
Mid-Range Boutique Daily Budget$85–$175/day
Luxury Resort / Private Guide Daily Budget$350–$950/day

Food to try in Con Dao

Full Con Dao food guide →
Oc Vu Nang Nuong (Grilled Moon-Snail Shells)

Authentic local specialty in Con Dao (Ho Chi Minh City Municipality).

Ca Mu Do (Steamed Red Grouper)

Authentic local specialty in Con Dao (Ho Chi Minh City Municipality).

Kem Dua Con Dao (Fresh Island Coconut Ice Cream)

Authentic local specialty in Con Dao (Ho Chi Minh City Municipality).

Local safety tips for Con Dao

Book sea turtle night rangers through official Con Dao National Park headquarters in advance, as daily island permits are strictly capped.

Frequently asked questions about Con Dao

When is sea turtle nesting season in Con Dao?

Green sea turtles nest on Bay Canh and Hon Cau islands from May through October, with peak nesting and hatchling releases in July and August.