Con Dao

Location

Con Dao Islands, also known as Poulo Condore, is an archipelago consisting of 16 islands located in the Ba Ria-Vung Tau province of southeastern Vietnam. The islands are renowned for their natural beauty and historical significance.

Dat Doc Beach in Con Dao Island

Things to Know Before You Go

The islands are famous for their colonial history, particularly the notorious prison built by the French during their rule, which served as a detention center for anti-colonial activists. Despite the increasing interest in tourism, Con Dao remains relatively untouched due to limited transportation options, allowing it to preserve its pristine environment and tranquil atmosphere. Visitors can engage in a variety of activities, including diving among vibrant coral reefs and witnessing the region's rich wildlife, such as the green sea turtles.

The Con Dao archipelago boasts approximately 200 km of coastline, featuring stunning beaches with soft, white sands and crystal-clear waters. Popular spots like Dam Trau, Lo Voi, An Hai, Dat Doc, Tre Lon, and Hon Ba offer great opportunities for water sports, biking, and trekking through lush rainforests.

How to Get There

By Plane:

You can reach Con Dao by flying to Con Dao Island. Daily flights from Ho Chi Minh City are operated by Vasco (Vietnam Air Services Company), with round-trip tickets priced around $90. Once you arrive at the airport, options for transport to town include hotel shuttle vans or local taxis, which can be booked in advance or arranged upon arrival.

Airplane landing in Con Dao Island

By Boat:

Boats from Vung Tau City also provide access to the Con Dao Islands. To travel by sea, you’ll first need to reach Vung Tau and depart from Cat Lo port. The boat trip typically lasts about 12 hours, but the experience is generally comfortable as the vessels are equipped with air conditioning. Safety is emphasized, as boats set sail only in favorable weather conditions. A one-way ticket is approximately $12.

Boat carrying visitors in Con Dao Island

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit Con Dao is from March to July when the sea is at its calmest. However, your travel plans may also depend on specific activities, such as turtle watching or diving.

Overall, Con Dao enjoys a moderate climate year-round, tempered by its surrounding waters. The island experiences two primary seasons: dry and rainy. With about 80% of the area covered in forest, the average annual rainfall reaches around 2 meters, and heavy, unexpected downpours can occur typical of tropical climates. Prepare for high humidity by packing lightweight clothing and always carry sunscreen. The hottest months are June, July, and August, where temperatures can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius, but thanks to coastal breezes, the heat is manageable. The weather is typically less breezy from March to May, while the coolest months are from September to January.

Beautiful beach in Con Dao Island

If observing nesting and hatching turtles is part of your itinerary, plan your visit between May and October. Conversely, the best time for diving is from February to July, when the waters are at their clearest, offering visibility of up to 30 meters.

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