Con Dao
Con Dao is an archipelago off Vietnam’s southern coast. Con Dao is also a stunningly beautiful island with forested hills, desolate sandy beaches, and extensive coral reefs that make for great scuba diving.
The Con Dao islands consist of sixteen islands. The name of the largest island is Con Son.
Con Dao functioned as a prison island for political prisoners during the French colonial era, when it was known as Poulo Condore. Later, the Saigon dictatorship imprisoned regime opponents in the famed “tiger cages” cells. The historic jail buildings and a small museum detailing the island’s history are still standing and open to the public.
The jail system is comparable to the prisons on Phu Quoc, with the exception that the Viet Cong were detained here during the American war, whilst the North Vietnamese Army was incarcerated on Phu Quoc. Due to the fact that the inhabitants of Con Dao were traitors to their own country (the Republic of South Vietnam), the conditions there were particularly harsh. Surprisingly, both jailers and former convicts coexist together here.
Con Dao is an island of tremendous natural beauty, with forested hills, desolate sandy beaches, and huge coral reefs that make for excellent diving, in addition to having a rich history (Marco Polo even stopped by).
15,000 years ago, the Con Dao Islands separated from the mainland. This has led to the emergence of dozens of unexplored or unreported animal species.
Con Dao National Park has jurisdiction over the entire archipelago.
Con Dao is a tragic example of a national park that does nothing to maintain the ecosystem; nonetheless, due to its distant and little-known position, it has been preserved from the consequences of development (so far). Eighty percent of the land area of the archipelago is a national park with primary jungle abounding with fascinating species such as the indigenous black squirrel and the crab-eating macaque. In addition to beautiful beaches and secret lagoons, there are very few tourists here. Con Dao is an off-the-beaten-path oasis. For the time being.
The majority of the marine region is a no-take marine protected area (MPA). As is the case throughout Vietnam, the national park is a disgrace. The national park is in no way responsible for the pristine reefs that round the islands and are home to an abundance of marine life unmatched anyplace else in Vietnam.
DANIDA, a vital aid agency, withdrew financing recently (2011) after it was determined that the Park was administered for personal profit at the expense of the environment and in contravention of its mandate. Before utilizing any of the National Park’s services on the island, it is advisable to conduct extensive research and inquire with locals.
Urgent international oversight is required to ensure that environmental violations cease. Recent (2010) reports to the National Park of turtle shells drying in the sun on the hotel Anh Dao’s roof have not resulted in any inquiry, investigation, or prosecution of the hotel. In a recent (2012) N.P. operation conducted by the Park against the Anh Dao Hotel, the receptionist was found trafficking in around 200 Green turtle eggs. She was fined US$250 and was not required to divulge who she was buying them for.
Despite its general slumber, the National Park appears to be emerging from its slumber as foreign tourism exerts increasing pressure. Some very positive measures have been identified, and while recognition is given, these actions are the Park’s responsibility.
Con Dao Islands consist of sixteen islands with a total area of 76 km2:
- Côn Lôn Island or Côn Sơn (French: Grande-Condore), Phú Hải, 51.52 km²
- Little Côn Lôn Island (Petite-Condore), or Hòn Bà, Phú Sơn, 5.45 km²
- Bảy Cạnh Island, or Bãi Cạnh Island, Phú Hòa, 5.5 km²
- Cau Island, or Phú Lệ 1.8 km²
- Bông Lan Island, or Bông Lang, Bông Lau, Phú Phong, 0.2 km²
- Vung Island, or Phú Vinh 0.15 km²
- Ngọc Island, or Trọc Island, hòn Trai, Phú Nghĩa, 0.4 km²
- Trứng Island, or Đá Bạc Island, Đá Trắng Island, Phú Thọ, 0.1 km²
- Tài Lớn Island, or Phú Bình 0.38 km²
- Tài Nhỏ Island, or Thỏ Island, Phú An, 0.1 km²
- Trác Lớn Island, or Phú Hưng 0.25 km²
- Trác Nhỏ Island, or Phú Thịnh 0.1 km²
- Tre Lớn Island, or Phú Hòa 0.75 km²
- Tre Nhỏ Island, or Phú Hội, 0.25 km²
- Anh Island, or Trứng Lớn Island
- Em Island, or Trứng Nhỏ Island
Con Dao - Introduction
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Con Dao Travel Guide
Best Time To Visit Con Dao
Con Dao features two predominant seasons: dry and wet seasons. The rainfall period occurs between April and September with highest precipitation in August-September period.
Therefore if you like diving or exploring marine life, you should visit it between February-July when the beach is not crowded and its surrounding seas have average visibility of 20 to 30 meters.
For instance, if you want to see nature at its best and witness wildlife in their natural habitats then this would be a good time for you to visit Con Dao during this season otherwise known as ‘dry’.
You can also go turtle-watching during this season at Hon Bay Canh Island but ensure that you do not disturb them unnecessarily because some species are very delicate.
How To Travel To Con Dao
The journey from Vung Tau to Con Dao Island takes about 11 hours by boat. The ship only sails on specific days of the week, so you should book your seat at least one week in advance.
On Vietnam’s Con Dao Islands or in Vung Tau, tickets are collected (no calls) just by the Vietnamese speaking staff. It is not recommended by some travelers who have just been there.
There are a lot of costs involved in going from Saigon including taxi fares, possibility of missing days waiting for boat departure during windy seasons and transfer from Ben Dam post to the main town.
In general flying is better than driving. The cost of the boat will stay same as before or even increase.
How To Travel Around Con Dao
Con Son is a tiny, level settlement that is simple to navigate on foot. The greatest times to walk are in the morning and evening, when the light is harshest and there is less shadow on the streets.
There’s less traffic and large hotels make it easy to hire motorcycles. The quantity of bikes that are offered for rent has significantly increased. For the identical bicycles that are available for rent nearby, hotels frequently charge more.
There is just one petrol station on the island, and it is only open from 7:00 to 10:30 and 14:00 to 16:00. Be cautious while purchasing a bike with a full tank of gas, since there are none for sale on the streets, just as in the rest of Vietnam. Although they are difficult to manage, they are fun to ride.
Beaches in Con Dao
The Côn Đảo islands are home to some of the most pristine beaches in the region, making it an ideal destination for those who want to spend their time lazing on a sandy shoreline.
The vast bulk of the coastline is undeveloped, and it features palm trees that appear to be towering above postcard-perfect stretches of white sand.
An Hai Beach is the more scenic of the two city beaches, and it is also the one that is less remote. Located to the south (to the right) of the municipal boat dock is where you will find it. Extensive areas of white sand that are accompanied by waves that are tranquil.
There are a number of hotels located in the vicinity of the northern end of the beach; nevertheless, the beach extends for a great distance to the south, which means that you will have the opportunity to find privacy if you so wish.
Attractions & Things To See In Con Dao
There are beautiful, untouched beaches that are increasingly being recognized as the main attraction of Vietnam’s Con Dao Island.
What visitors to the island will find most amazing is its breathtaking beauty in terms of lovely beaches, scenic coves and lots of corals including a part that is extensively occupied by dense forests.
Con Dao, the biggest among 16 islands and 200 kilometers of coastline with clear crystal waters and gorgeous white sandy beaches. It looks like a robust marine bear on the hunt from above, placed against an exceptional blue ocean.
Among those few places in Vietnam where one can see endangered dugong, sea turtles, dolphins or orchid genera unique for this country is the Con Dao. This shows how nature conservation should be practiced.
Activities & Things to do in Con Dao
Vietnam’s most famous tourist attraction today is the Con Dao Islands. It was known as Devil’s Island because prisoners were tortured here.
It is now a beautiful island with its white sandy beaches, coral reefs, scenic bays and dense forests which have grown back completely.
There are many things you can do such as hiking, diving and watching animals on this island.
Con Dao offers Vietnam’s best snorkeling and scuba diving experiences. Compared to elsewhere in Southeast Asia, the corals are massive and generally unspoilt.
The marine life consists of large turtles, rays, giant barracuda, cuttlefishes, cobias as well as fish living on tropical reefs worldwide. Meaning that there exists a choice of sixteen islands.
Food & Restaurants in Con Dao
There is a series of tiny neighborhood restaurants and businesses directly across the street to the east of Phạm Văn Đồng Park, a triangle of green on the southeast side of town.
You may also find some neighborhood eateries where you can have delicious noodle soups during lunchtime for 15000 dong. On Nguyen Hue Street’s left side just past Vo Thi Sau Street’s intersection will be one as soon as you start moving to the east.
Many larger hotels have in-house restaurants. Most hotels serve reasonably priced meals but expect slightly higher prices than in Saigon. Besides, please note that not all items listed on a hotel menu might be available.
Stay Safe & Healthy in Con Dao
Medical services are subpar, just like they are in most developed and rural areas of Vietnam. Helicopter evacuation takes five hours, costs US $5,000, and requires payment in cash.
Due to the government’s refusal to grant “Medical Wings” access to Con Dao without first stopping in Saigon, which adds four hours to the trip and costs US$30,000, serious issues that necessitate evacuation to Thailand will take eight or more hours. Therefore, if you’re thinking of traveling here, think about getting adequate travel insurance.
There is seldom any crime. According to reports, it is the only location in Vietnam where bicycles and motorcycles can be kept outside at night.
