Con Dao

Con Dao Airport (VCS) on Con Son island receives flights from Ho Chi Minh City (45 minutes, 3-5 daily on Vietnam Airlines and Bamboo Airways) and occasional services from Hanoi and Can Tho. The airport is small and flights fill quickly in peak season - book well in advance. VASCO (Vietnam Air Services Company) operates most routes using ATR 72 turboprops.

High-speed ferries operate from Vung Tau (3.5 hours, Con Dao Express) and from Soc Trang's Tran De port (2.5 hours, Superdong). Ferry services are weather-dependent and may be cancelled during rough sea conditions from June to September. The Vung Tau route is more frequent and reliable.

Bai Dat Doc

A secluded crescent of fine sand backed by forested hills, accessible via a winding road from Con Son town. Home to the Six Senses resort but with public access at the far end. One of Vietnam's most beautiful beaches.

Bai Nhat

A small, photogenic beach on the northeast coast of Con Son, famous for its clear turquoise water and dramatic rocky surroundings. Best visited at low tide when the sand is most exposed.

Dam Trau Beach

Located near the airport at the northern tip of Con Son, this wide beach with golden sand is popular with locals and offers views of planes landing overhead. Good swimming conditions.

Bay Canh Island beaches

Pristine beaches on the uninhabited Bay Canh island, accessible by boat. This is the primary sea turtle nesting site - night visits are organized by the national park during nesting season.

Sea Turtle Nesting Observation

From June to September, the national park organizes guided night visits to Bay Canh island to watch endangered green turtles lay eggs on the beach. One of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences in Vietnam. Limited permits available - book through Con Dao National Park headquarters.

500,000 - 1,000,000 VND ($20-40) including boat transfer and park ranger guide

Scuba Diving

Con Dao offers Vietnam's best diving conditions with 20-30 meter visibility, healthy coral gardens, and marine life including reef sharks, barracuda, manta rays, and sea turtles. Dive sites around Bay Canh and Hon Tai islands are highlights.

1,500,000 - 2,500,000 VND ($60-100) for two-dive boat trips with equipment

Con Dao Prison Museum Complex

A sobering historical site encompassing multiple prison compounds built by the French from 1862, including the notorious 'tiger cages' where political prisoners were held in inhumane conditions. The museum provides essential historical context and is one of Vietnam's most important memorial sites.

40,000 VND ($1.60) entry; guided tours available

Trekking in Con Dao National Park

Several marked trails through the island's tropical forest, ranging from easy coastal walks to challenging summit hikes. The trail to Thanh Gia peak (577m) rewards hikers with panoramic views of the archipelago.

Free for most trails; national park entry 60,000 VND ($2.40)

Island-Hopping by Boat

Charter a boat or join a tour to visit the smaller islands of the archipelago, including Hon Bay Canh, Hon Cau, and Hon Tre Lon. Snorkeling, swimming, and picnic lunches on uninhabited islands.

800,000 - 2,000,000 VND ($32-80) per person for full-day tours

Guesthouses and mini-hotels in Con Son town from 300,000 VND ($12)/night. Basic but clean, with air conditioning and hot water. Options are limited compared to mainland destinations.

Con Dao Resort and Poulo Condor Boutique Resort from 1,200,000 VND ($48)/night. Good locations with pool and restaurant facilities.

Six Senses Con Dao from 12,000,000 VND ($480)/night, consistently ranked among Asia's best eco-luxury resorts. Private pool villas on Bai Dat Doc beach with exceptional service and sustainability practices.