Côn Đảo Town

A notorious prison of the past and friendly locals of the now.

Côn Đảo town offers historical prison sites, lush national parks, and fresh seafood. Accessible by flights and ferries.

out of 5

**Côn Đảo is the town on the island with the same name known for Côn Đảo Prison, a historical complex used during French colonial rule and the Vietnam War. **

Côn Đảo Prison Complex

Côn Đảo Prison Complex is a significant historical site. Originally built by the French colonialists in 1861, it later housed political prisoners during the Vietnam War. The complex consists of several smaller prisons within its grounds, such as Phu Hai Prison and Phu Son Prison. The infamous "tiger cages" are here, where prisoners were kept in brutal conditions. Visiting these prisons provides insight into the island's dark history and the resilience of the Vietnamese people.

Côn Đảo National Park

Côn Đảo National Park offers various hiking trails that take you through lush tropical forests to secluded beaches and viewpoints. One notable trail is the hike to Dam Trau Beach, a serene location perfect for relaxation and swimming. Another interesting spot is Thanh Gia Mountain, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the island and its surrounding waters. The park is also home to diverse flora and fauna, making it an excellent place for nature enthusiasts.

Local Seafood Dishes

When in Côn Đảo, trying the local seafood is a must. The island's waters are rich in marine life, resulting in a variety of fresh seafood dishes available at local restaurants and markets. Popular items include grilled lobster, squid, and a variety of fish prepared in different styles. Seafood markets like the Con Dao Market offer both raw and cooked options, allowing visitors to taste the local flavors or buy fresh seafood to cook themselves.

How to Get There and Around

Reaching Côn Đảo can be done by air or sea. There are flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Côn Sơn Airport on the main island. Alternatively, ferries operate from Vung Tau city to Côn Đảo for those who prefer traveling by sea. Once on the island, renting a motorbike is a convenient way to get around and explore at your own pace. Bicycles are another option for those preferring a slower pace to take in the scenery.

Average temperatures during the day in Côn Đảo Town.

October

27°

Nov

26°

Dec

26°

Jan

26°

Feb

27°

Mar

28°

Apr

28°

May

28°

Jun

28°

Jul

27°

Aug

27°

Sep

27°

What people say about Côn Đảo Town

People

Food

Spaces

Value

Safety

Uyen

Located in Southern Vietnam, Con Dao island gets the benefit of nice weather throughout the entire year. It is laid back and a little underdeveloped compared to Phu Quoc island, another big tourist destination in Vietnam. The good side is that Con Dao is not packed with tourists and has much more relaxing vibes. It is famous for its history with Con Dao prisons which is a must-visit if you are on your first trip to Con Dao. Most local tourists consider Con Dao as a spiritual travel destination where they come to pray for good fortune and wealth from famous war heroes such as Vo Thi Sau. Good and cheap seafood, affordable prices for accommodation, a peaceful place, nice rainforest, and easy to get around by scooters and taxi are good things about Con Dao. A big downside is the amount of trash on the beach. The local Government is trying hard to clean up, so hopefully, we can see some improvement in the future. Another minus is not many choices of non-Vietnamese food, so if you are not into rice for every meal, maybe you do not want to stay for too long in Con Dao.

What to do in Côn Đảo Town

Where to go in Vietnam? See what a local recommends!

Article from August 2023 with 7 places

A wilder paradise

Con Dao Island is right behind Phu Quoc as the top beach destination in Vietnam for several reasons. It is known for its beautiful beaches and rich history, with several historical sites related to the French and American wars, as well as the prison where political prisoners were held. Con Dao Island is also home to a diverse array of wildlife and plants, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. Con Dao Island offers a unique blend of natural beauty, ocean views, and friendly wildlife species. It is less developed and simply feels a bit wilder than Phu Quoc, especially if you stay close to nature.

Where to stay in Con Dao

Depending on what you are looking for in Con Dao island, whether you want to explore the local's life or have some me time alone, it would affect the location of where to stay.

Most domestic tourists in Vietnam come to Con Dao Island to visit some war heroes' graves. The most popular one is Vo Thi Sau. For this purpose, local tourists will stay in Côn Sơn town where they can also reach Con Dao prisons and enjoy the Vietnamese local food scene.

Many of the visitors also choose Con Dao as an isolated destination to recharge and be near nature. If this is your reason for the trip, you could choose some exclusive and isolated resorts such as Poulo Condor Boutique Resort or the famous Six Senses Con Dao where you can get access to a private beach and premium service. Of course, these resorts come with a high price tag but are totally worth it even if it makes your stay shorter.

Apart from my favorite places in Vietnam there are more popular places such as Sa Pa, Ninh Binh, and Phong Nha Cave. I hope to visit these places in the near future and add them to this list. If they make the cut.