All you need to know about traveling to Con Dao

In this article, we will provide you with a detailed A-Z guide to self-sufficient travel in Con Dao:

Where is Con Dao located? The best time to visit Con Dao. Transportation options to Con Dao. Popular homestays and hotels favored by travelers. Must-visit attractions on Con Dao. Local specialties and delicacies on Con Dao.

Where is Con Dao located? Con Dao archipelago is a district comprising islands located in Ba Ria - Vung Tau province, with a total area of about 76km2 spread across 16 different islands. The largest island is Con Son (also known as Con Lon) with an area of 51.52km2. Due to its relatively low population density (approximately 110 people per km2), Con Dao maintains its pristine beauty.

When is the best time to travel to Con Dao?
 

From March to September, despite being the rainy season, the sea is calm, rains are not prolonged, and the sun isn't too harsh, making it ideal for beach activities. Especially during this period, it's the nesting season for turtles in Con Dao, offering opportunities to see them gathering around.

From October to February is the dry season in Con Dao. Traveling during this time means enjoying warm sunlight, calm and clear blue seas, and a harmonious and serene atmosphere. However, it's advisable to avoid the Con Son Bay area during this period due to rough seas influenced by the Northeast monsoon.

Transportation to Con Dao:
Traveling to Con Dao by airplane: Flying is the fastest way from Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao (approximately 55 minutes). Currently, besides Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways also operates flights on this route.

Traveling to Con Dao by high-speed boat: In addition to flying, you can travel to Con Dao by first taking a bus from Saigon to Vung Tau, which takes about 2 hours. Then, board the Con Dao Express 36 high-speed boat from Vung Tau to Con Dao, departing from Ben Dam Port (09 Ha Long - Vung Tau). The travel time is 3 hours and 30 minutes. Although it takes longer, it's an interesting experience for those who enjoy exploring by high-speed boat!

Traveling to Con Dao by ferry: Alternatively, you can opt for a more budget-friendly option by traveling to Con Dao via ferry, which costs significantly less than the other two methods. However, the travel time is much longer, so careful planning is essential to ensure your itinerary.

Getting around in Con Dao: 
Due to Con Dao frequently receiving group tours, you'll find many 16 and 24-seater vans, but taxis are quite limited. Therefore, if you're traveling to Con Dao independently, renting a motorbike is convenient. Prices range from 100,000 to 150,000 VND per bike per day. Remember to check the bike's fuel, brakes, rearview mirrors, and raincoat before renting.

Some motorbike rental addresses in Con Dao: Phuong An Motorbike Rental: Address: Zone 10, 30m from Ben Dam Port, Con Dao, Ba Ria Vung Tau. Phone: +84 945.609.470

Tan Chau Motorbike Rental: Address: Zone 10, 20m from Ben Dam Port, Con Dao, Ba Ria Vung Tau. Phone: +84 899.009.799

Accommodations in Con Dao: 
Tourist accommodation in Con Dao has developed significantly in recent years, mainly comprising budget guesthouses and hotels (1-2 stars) or homestays, with limited availability of 3-5-star hotels. However, rooms are clean, well-equipped, and service is professional. As a result, staff are friendly, approachable, and knowledgeable about local entertainment and dining spots known only to locals.

Saigon Con Dao Resort (3 stars): This hotel is centrally located in Con Dao town with sea-facing rooms that provide a close connection to nature. Facilities include a souvenir shop, children's pool, outdoor swimming pool, cafe, free airport shuttle service, and WiFi in all rooms, among other amenities. It's a budget-friendly option with full amenities, isn't it?

Address: Ton Duc Thang Street, Con Dao, Ba Ria - Vung Tau. Room rates: from 1,250,000 VND per night.

Con Dao Camping Hotel: Con Dao Camping Hotel offers basic amenities such as parking, TV, electric kettle, hairdryer, and free WiFi in all rooms. Additional services include laundry, sunbathing spa, bar, and non-smoking rooms. Specially, we believe photography enthusiasts will love this because the hotel has a pedestrian pathway leading directly to the beach.

Address: Nguyen Duc Thuan Street, Con Dao, Ba Ria - Vung Tau. Room rates: from 750,000 VND per day.

7 Condore Homestay: Located in the center of Con Dao, near the market, easy to find, and within walking distance to the beach. This accommodation has only two rooms, a shared kitchen fully equipped for cooking freely. Particularly, the host is very friendly, easy-going, and extremely attentive.

Address: 64A1 Nguyen Hue Street, Con Dao. Price: from 500,000 VND per night. 

Uyen’s House: This homestay is highly praised by independent travelers to Con Dao for its hospitable and enthusiastic host. The rooms are clean, airy, and feature numerous picturesque corners perfect for photo enthusiasts. It's especially suitable for large groups as it offers convenient cooking facilities and a cozy atmosphere for gatherings.

Address: Cluster 4, Zone 7, Pham Van Dong, Con Son. Price: from 500,000 VND per night.

Travel experiences for hot destinations in Con Dao
 
For nature enthusiasts:

Con Son Bay 

A must-visit destination in Con Dao is Con Son Bay, encompassing 14 variously sized islands. When the sun rises, its vibrant golden light reflects off the water's surface, enhancing the sparkling beauty of coral reefs.

Dam Trau Beach 

Located 12km from Co Ong Airport and 14km from the town center, this lesser-known spot stretches along the coastline with soft white sand. Encircled by curved mountains, the gentle waves here create a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for relaxing after busy days.

An Hai Beach 

Just a 10-minute walk from the district center, An Hai Beach is beloved by families for its calm, clear, and serene waters, ideal for families with young children.

Ben Dam Bay

The Lime Beach

Located northeast of Con Dao town, Lime Beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches situated at the ends of the island. The pristine atmosphere, refreshing sea water, and untouched natural beauty are the main reasons why travelers to Con Dao should not miss this destination.

Seven-sided Islet

Surrounded by pristine forests, Seven-sided Islet - the second largest in the Con Son archipelago - enjoys a cool and refreshing climate. Popular activities among tourists here include releasing baby turtles into the sea, drifting on boats over the sea, enjoying sunrise or sunset, and diving to explore vibrant coral reefs. Isn't it amazing?

Big Bamboo Islet
According to locals, Big Bamboo Islet is a nesting ground for sea turtles during their breeding season. Visitors have the opportunity to observe hatchlings up close, which is both authentic and fascinating. Additionally, the diverse and abundant vegetation on Big Bamboo Islet enhances the greenery and wilderness of Con Dao's tourism area. To get here, you'll travel by boat from Con Son.

Ong Dung Primeval Forest

Ong Dung Primeval Forest is part of Con Dao National Park, known for its pristine beauty amidst the blue sea and white sand. Just the sight of stacked rock formations will immediately bring this place to mind. With its tourism potential, locals have developed various recreational activities and sightseeing tours to nearby islands. Popular activities include trekking through the forest, boating combined with fishing, and snorkeling in the clear sea.

Con Dao National Park

Con Dao National Park is part of the special-use forest system, one of the thirty-three national parks in Vietnam. With nearly 6,000 hectares of land and nearly 14,000 hectares underwater, it houses 1,077 high-level plant species, 155 vertebrate species, and 6 endemic species including the Con Dao Long-tailed Macaque, Mun Squirrel, Con Dao Black Squirrel, Skink lizard, Round-eyed lizard, and Con Dao Keel-bellied Whip Snake, along with 29 other rare species.

Due to minimal human impact on the ecosystem, Con Dao National Park maintains its original pristine beauty. Nature enthusiasts and wildlife explorers will find the rich biodiversity here quite fascinating.

Operating hours: 7:00 - 19:00 Ticket prices: 60,000 VND/adult, 20,000 VND/student, 10,000 VND/child. Note: The ticket prices do not include costs for Con Dao tours, visits to specific locations, and other recreational activities within Con Dao National Park.

Thánh Giá Peak

Dubbed as the "roof of Con Dao," Thánh Giá Peak is a must-visit for backpackers and mountain enthusiasts alike. Located in the southwest of the island, this mountain peak stands at 577 meters above sea level with an area of about 2,000 square meters. The reward upon reaching the summit is a panoramic view of the vast sea and sky, the pristine beauty of mountain forests, and the mystical fog reminiscent of fairy tales. Certainly, this is an unforgettable and not-to-be-missed tourist destination in Vietnam's paradise island.

Thánh Giá Peak is 3 km away from the town so you can take a taxi or ride a motorbike along the paved road at the base of the mountain. It takes about 1 hour to reach the summit through a challenging yet fascinating tropical forest trail.

Note: The trail can be foggy and slippery, especially during rainy days.

For those who love historical landmarks:

Mount One Pagoda

Mount One Pagoda, also known as Vân Sơn Pagoda, boasts unique architecture and is considered one of the most beautiful temples in Vietnam, a majestic scenic spot nestled on a high mountain that tourists cannot miss when visiting Con Dao.

Operating hours: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM 
Ticket price: Free

An Son Shrine
 

Located near Nghinh Phong Cape, An Son Shrine sits on a small island named Hon Ba, increasingly attracting many tourists. According to legend, the name Hon Ba comes from a sacred story of maternal love during the Nguyen Dynasty. When Nguyen Anh (King Gia Long) suffered defeat, he sought French colonial aid by sending his son as a hostage. Due to vehement opposition, Lady Phi Yen was imprisoned in a cave on the island by Nguyen Anh. In commemoration of her, future generations established An Son Shrine.

Notably, reaching An Son Shrine requires crossing a submerged path under the sea. Truly a new and exciting experience, isn't it?

Operating hours: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM 
Ticket price: Free

Con Dao Prison System

Spanning over 113 years, this is called the "school" for all generations of prisoners. Everyone should visit to gain knowledge and hear historical stories related to the former prison system.

In Con Dao, there are policies for former prisoners who were once detained here, providing support and offering tours to explore the island. This policy reflects gratitude for the noble sacrifices of these revolutionary soldiers.

Operating hours: 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 1:30 PM - 5:30 PM 
Ticket price: 40,000 VND per person.

Must-try local specialties when visiting Con Dao:

Horseshoe Crab Porridge 
This nutritious specialty dish is a must-try for new visitors. Made from rice and fresh Con Dao horseshoe crab, seasoned with a touch of pepper, cilantro, and sautéed shallots, it offers a bowl of nutritious and delicious porridge.

Address: Cay Bang restaurant, intersection of Pham Van Dong and Nguyen Van Troi, Con Dao. 
Opening hours: 09:00 – 24:00 
Price: from 35,000 - 50,000 VND.

"Nang Breast" Sea Snails 

This is one of the special dishes that attract tourists in Con Dao. Prepared boiled, grilled, or in salads, visitors often choose boiled sea snails served with salt, pepper, and lime to fully experience the fresh flavor, sweet and tender meat, a slightly chewy texture, and a hint of spicy dipping sauce.

Address: Phuong Hanh restaurant, 38 Nguyen Hue Street, Con Dao, Ba Ria-Vung Tau. 
Opening hours: 9:00 - 21:00 
Price: from 70,000 - 100,000 VND.

Elephant Ear Shell With a shape resembling an elephant's ear, these shells can reach a diameter of up to 10kg each. The white, firm meat inside is prepared in various ways such as porridge, spicy butter stir-fry, chili garlic stir-fry, or steamed with dipping sauce. According to locals, the best ones to choose weigh around 1kg or more.

Address: Thu Ba Seafood Restaurant, near Con Dao market. 
Opening hours: 10:00 - 23:00 
Price: from 250,000 - 300,000 VND.

Moon Crab The moon crab is a rare and precious seafood. Its shell has circular patterns in dark red with hints of orange and yellow, making it visually appealing. The meat is best enjoyed steamed and served with salt and pepper lime dip. The sweet and fresh taste of the meat combines with a slight spiciness that tantalizes the palate.

Address: Tri Ky Restaurant, Nguyen Duc Thuan Street, Con Dao. 
Opening hours: 9:00 - 23:00 
Price: around 200,000 - 300,000 VND.

Shark Salad (Whale Shark Salad) Shark salad is considered a specialty in Con Dao. Made from fresh ingredients including fresh whale shark meat, khế (a type of fruit), pineapple, peanuts, starfruit leaves, and chili.

Address: Sang Tuyen Restaurant, Nguyen Hue Street, Con Dao. 
Opening hours: 6:00 - 22:00 
Price: around 100,000 - 150,000 VND.

Red Lobster This dish is slightly more expensive, ranging from 800,000 - 1,200,000 VND per kg. Known for its high protein content and low fat, red lobster meat is highly regarded for its health benefits. Its firm texture and sweet taste make it ideal for various delicious and nutritious dishes.

Address: Thu Ba Seafood Restaurant, near Con Dao market. 
Opening hours: 10:00 - 23:00 
Price: around 1,500,000 VND per kg.

Sea Cucumber This was once a highly prized item for kings and officials due to its rarity and high nutritional value. Despite its somewhat intimidating appearance, sea cucumber is extremely nutritious. It is only available from March to July, so if you have the chance, give it a try and experience its unique flavor.

Address: Con Dao market. 
Price: from 3,500,000 - 4,500,000 VND.

These dishes showcase the rich and diverse seafood offerings of Con Dao, each offering a unique taste and culinary experience for visitors to enjoy.

Mắm Nhum

Originating from sea urchins, also known as sea hedgehogs, mắm nhum is considered a delicacy due to the small size and difficulty in catching these creatures at deep sea levels. It is often referred to as "aristocratic fish sauce" because it takes many sea urchins to produce a jar of mắm nhum due to their scarcity of flesh. Locals enjoy this daily with boiled meat or boiled vegetables, as a substitute for regular fish sauce with garlic and chili. Once you've tried mắm nhum during your trip to Con Dao, you'll forever remember its delicious aroma and taste.

Address: Con Dao Market.

Price: Approximately 120,000 - 135,000 VND.

This specialty dish reflects the local culinary culture of Con Dao, offering a unique and unforgettable taste experience for visitors.

Cá Thu Một Nắng

Known as a famous specialty of Con Dao, cá thu một nắng (sun-dried mackerel) is often bought by tourists as gifts for their families, friends, and loved ones. After being freshly harvested from the sea, the mackerel is washed with saltwater and doesn't require any additional seasoning. It is then sun-dried once. Locals typically prepare it by stewing, making tomato sauce dishes, and especially frying it to a crisp, served with ginger fish sauce.

Address: Coastal market.

Price range: 200,000 - 550,000 VND per kg.

Mứt Hạt Bàng

This is a product made from a type of forest tree on Con Dao. Unlike the bàng seeds we commonly see elsewhere, the fruits and leaves of this bàng tree are very large. Locals harvest them seasonally, dry the fruits, then remove the seeds and roast them with salt and sugar. Mứt hạt bàng has a rich, nutty flavor with a subtle sweet-salty taste from the seasoning.

Address: Dry food stores, supermarkets, or Con Dao market.

Price: Approximately 500,000 VND per kg.

These delicacies highlight the local flavors and culinary traditions of Con Dao, offering unique tastes that are cherished by both locals and visitors alike.

Itinerary for a 3-day 2-night trip to Con Dao

Above is a summary review of the 3-day 2-night self-guided trip to Con Dao from us. We hope that you will have a memorable journey, enjoying all the wonderful moments, exploring the beautiful landscapes of Con Dao, and bringing back heroic historical stories.