Hotels in Con Dao

Con Dao: Archipelago of Forests, Reefs, and Colonial History

Con Dao is a 16-island archipelago off the southern coast of Vietnam, roughly 230 km southeast of Ho Chi Minh City. The main island, Con Son, holds a French colonial prison complex built in 1862 — the Côn Đảo Prison — where Vietnamese independence figures including Võ Thị Sáu were held. That history draws pilgrims and history-focused travelers year-round. The Con Dao National Park covers 80% of the land area and extends into surrounding waters, protecting one of Vietnam's last hawksbill turtle nesting sites; rangers count nesting activity each night from May through October.

Where to Stay and Getting Around

Accommodation concentrates along Tôn Đức Thắng Street facing the main bay, ranging from guesthouses to a Six Senses resort on the northern headland. The island has no public bus network — motorcycle rental and taxis cover the short distances between Con Son town, Bãi Nhát beach, and the national park trailheads. Con Dao Airport receives daily flights from Ho Chi Minh City (50 minutes) and Hanoi.

Practical Tips

• Best season: November to April; seas are calmer and visibility for snorkeling peaks.
• Cash: ATMs are limited — carry sufficient Vietnamese đồng from the mainland.
• Prison visit: The museum at Trại Phú Hải opens daily; guided tours run approximately 90 minutes.
• Turtle watching: Ranger-led walks depart after 21:00 from the national park office during nesting season — advance booking required.