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.