CON DAO · 3 DAYS
Between Heaven and Hell – History · Nature · Spirituality
3 days / 2 nights Revolutionary heritage Pristine beaches Bay Canh snorkeling Best: Mar–Sep (turtle season)
Con Dao: An archipelago of 16 islands, now a special administrative zone of Ho Chi Minh City. Once dubbed “Hell on Earth” as the most notorious prison under French colonial rule and the US-backed regime, today it is a place of pilgrimage, pristine nature, and profound contrast. Con Dao receives over 600,000 visitors annually, with 80% visiting historical sites.
2026 Update: Vung Tau – Con Dao High-Speed Ferry Resumes
After a 5-month suspension, the high-speed ferry service from Vung Tau to Con Dao officially resumed operations on February 26, 2026. This provides a scenic alternative to flying, with tickets reduced by approximately 40% from March 15th (from 410,000 VND). The modern vessel, Thang Long, can carry over 1,000 passengers and features Eco decks, a VIP deck, and a rooftop cafe.
Schedule: Vung Tau → Con Dao: 7:30 AM (Tue, Thu, Sat) · Con Dao → Vung Tau: 1:00 PM (Wed, Fri, Sun) · Journey time: ~3.5 hours.
On February 10, 2026, Con Dao also welcomed its first international cruise ship of the year – the luxury vessel Le Jacques Cartier from France, docking at Ben Dam Port with over 100 international passengers. The island is positioning itself for sustainable, high-quality tourism.
How to get to Con Dao (2026)
By Air (Fastest): 50 min from Ho Chi Minh City, also from Can Tho. Vietnam Airlines, VASCO. Approx 1.3–2.7M VND one-way.
High-speed ferry (NEW): From Vung Tau (3.5h) – from 410,000 VND. Departs Tue/Thu/Sat 7:30 AM.
Ferry from Soc Trang: From Tran De port, 2–2.5 hours, cheaper but less frequent.
Local transport: Motorbike rental (150,000 VND/day) is the best way to explore. Taxis ~12,000 VND/km.
Historical deep dive · 50,000 VND combo ticket (museum + all prison sites)
Afternoon
- Arrive Con Dao (by morning flight/ferry), check into accommodation
- 13:30 – Visit Con Dao Museum (over 2,000 artifacts, 113 years of prison history)
- 15:00 – Walk to Phu Hai Prison – see the infamous “Tiger Cages” (French and American sections)
- 16:30 – Continue to Phu Son Prison, where prisoners were kept in roofless cells
Evening
- 19:00 – Dinner (try local seafood or oyster porridge – cháo hàu)
- 20:30 – Prepare for a deeply spiritual experience
- 21:00 – Visit Hang Duong Cemetery – thousands gather nightly to pay respects, especially at the grave of national heroine Vo Thi Sau
- 22:30 – Return to hotel, reflect on the day
Pro tip: The museum provides essential context before visiting the prisons. At Hang Duong Cemetery, be quiet and respectful. Buy incense and flowers from vendors outside – it’s a moving, unforgettable experience.
Rent a motorbike (~150,000 VND/day) – empty roads, stunning scenery
Morning
- 8:00 – Breakfast, pick up motorbike
- 9:00 – Drive south to Nhat Beach and Shark Cape (Mũi Cá Map) – pristine, accessible only at low tide (10 AM – 1 PM)
- 11:00 – Relax on the secluded sandbar, swim in turquoise water
- 12:30 – Lunch at local spot (seafood)
Afternoon
- 14:00 – Ride to Dam Trau Beach (voted one of the world‘s most beautiful beaches by Travel & Leisure) – right next to the airport, watch planes land overhead
- 16:00 – Return to town, visit Con Son Market – browse local produce, seafood, and souvenirs
- 18:00 – Sunset walk along An Hai Beach (town center)
- 19:30 – Dinner (try Con Dao specialties)
Pro tip: The coastal road is one of Vietnam’s most scenic rides – smooth, empty, with jungle on one side and ocean on the other. Fill up on petrol in town before heading out.
Boat tour to Bay Canh Island (approx 1.2-1.5M VND, includes lunch, snorkeling)
Morning
- 7:30 – Transfer to Ben Dam port
- 8:00 – Boat departs for Bay Canh Island (largest satellite island, covered in mangrove forest)
- 9:00 – Arrive Bay Canh, snorkeling at pristine coral reefs (Con Dao has the healthiest reefs in Vietnam)
- 11:00 – Explore mangrove forest, climb lighthouse for panoramic views
Afternoon & Departure
- 12:30 – Lunch on boat or island (fresh seafood)
- 14:00 – Visit sea turtle sanctuary (seasonal, March–October – nesting and hatching season)
- 15:30 – Return to mainland
- 16:30 – Free time for last souvenirs or coffee
- 18:00+ – Transfer to airport or ferry for departure
Pro tip: Book boat tours through your hotel or dive center (Amadive Con Dao is highly recommended for diving/snorkeling). If visiting in turtle season (May–October), you may see baby turtles released – a magical experience.
Con Dao must-eat specialties
Cháo hàu (oyster porridge): Creamy, savory – local favorite
Hải sản tươi sống (fresh seafood): Crabs, clams, fish – buy at Con Son market early morning
Mực một nắng (one-sun dried squid): Grilled, with chili salt – perfect with beer
Ốc vú nàng: A type of sea snail, steamed with lemongrass
Cà xỉ (tropical almond seeds): Roasted – unique local snack
Pro tip: Visit the early morning fish market at the port for the freshest catch – some hotels will cook it for you.
Where to stay in Con Dao
Luxury (5*): Six Senses Con Dao – world-class eco-luxury, private villas
Boutique/Heritage: The Secret Con Dao – restored French colonial villa, central
Mid-range: Poulo Condor Boutique Resort & Spa, Marina Bay resort
Budget: Uyen‘s House, guesthouses on Ton Duc Thang street
Con Dao essentials & packing list
Clothing: Light layers, modest dress for temples/cemetery, swimwear
Footwear: Sturdy shoes for walking (prison sites), flip-flops for beach
Sun protection: High SPF, hat, sunglasses – tropical sun is intense
Insect repellent: Essential for evenings and mangrove areas
Camera: Coastal roads, beaches, and historical sites are photogenic
Cash: ATMs on island, but bring enough for small vendors (especially for ferry ticket purchases)
Water: Stay hydrated – buy bottled water
Rain gear: Poncho if visiting rainy season (April–November)
Protect Con Dao: The island is a pioneer in sustainable tourism – join the “Green Offering Basket” campaign, say no to burning votive paper at historical sites, and never leave plastic waste.
Con Dao 3 daysCon Dao itineraryTiger CagesVo Thi SauHang Duong Cemetery Dam Trau BeachBay Canh snorkelingCon Dao prisonCon Son islandCon Dao ferry 2026 Con Dao travel guideVietnam island escapeCon Dao 2026
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