Are you dreaming of a perfect beach getaway where you can soak up the sun, explore colorful coral reefs, and immerse yourself in nature? Look no further than the Con Dao archipelago! With its secluded beaches, lush national park, and crystal-clear waters, Con Dao has everything you need for an idyllic holiday. In this travel guide, we’ll show you seven incredible ways to make the most of your time on the island.
Soak up the Beachy Vibes
As soon as you step foot on Con Dao, you’ll be greeted by flip-flops, summer dresses, and the laid-back attitude of the locals. The weather here is warm all year round, making it the perfect destination for beach lovers. Spend a day at Đầm Trầu Beach, surrounded by a peaceful pine forest with easy access to the water. If you prefer something closer to town, head to Lò Vôi Bay. Take a walk during low tide and witness fishermen in their basket boats and children searching for seashells in the sand.
Test out the Waters
Diving and snorkeling in Con Dao are among the best in the country. Join a boat tour and explore the vibrant coral reefs at Hòn Tài, Bảy Cạnh, or Câu islands. Here, you can encounter stingrays, barracudas, turtles, moray eels, batfish, clownfish, and cuttlefish. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to snorkel at Đầm Tre Lagoon, one of the best spots on Côn Sơn Island. A two-hour hike will take you to this stunning location, where you can admire the underwater world inhabited by a variety of clams.
Hike the National Park
Nature lovers will be delighted by the vast national park that covers most of Côn Sơn Island. Explore the well-maintained trails, beginning right at the park’s entrance. An easy paved trail will lead you to Ông Đụng rock beach, where you can learn about the island’s unique ecosystem. For a full-day adventure, take one of the many trails that branch off at Ông Đụng beach. Just keep in mind that some trails, like the one to Thánh Giá, the highest point on the island, may require a guide for a safe and insightful experience.
Ride the Coastal Highway
Driving a scooter is a favorite pastime on Côn Sơn Island. The scenic coastal highway that runs along the coast offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Take a leisurely ride and make sure to stop at Chim Chim Cape, where you can witness the waves crashing against the island’s steep cliffs. This is the perfect spot to catch a stunning sunset or admire the starry night sky.
Visit a Turtle Hatching Sanctuary
Bảy Cạnh Island is a significant nesting site for marine turtles from the Philippines. If you visit during the hatching season (April to October), you can join organized tours to witness this incredible natural phenomenon. The knowledgeable guides, who are also conservationists, will provide fascinating insights into the behavior of these majestic creatures. If you’re lucky, you may even see hundreds of baby turtles making their way to the ocean at sunrise.
Get to Know the Town
Côn Sơn, the main town on the island, offers a mix of colonial-era buildings, modern shops, hotels, and restaurants. Take a leisurely bicycle ride to explore the town and stop by Infinity café for a refreshing cà phê sữa đá, a Vietnamese iced coffee. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Phú Hải Prison, which provides a glimpse into the island’s history as a former penal colony. When it comes to dining, Côn Sơn is a seafood lover’s paradise. Choose a restaurant with a live catch on display for the freshest seafood dinner. For a taste of authentic Vietnamese cuisine, try Quán ăn Nguyen An or indulge in delicious handmade noodles at Gia Minh.
Relax at Your Resort
When it comes to accommodation, Six Senses is the talk of the town. This luxurious resort specializes in immersive wellness retreats and offers bamboo beachfront villas that provide the perfect setting for relaxation. Enjoy the resort’s long private beach, eco-friendly design, and the possibility of spotting a celebrity or two. If you prefer a boutique experience, Villa Maison is a charming hotel located in the heart of Côn Sơn with stylish rooms and a fantastic restaurant. Budget travelers can opt for Mai’s Homestay, a sustainable homestay run by a friendly local island girl and her partner.