Con Son Beach Con Dao
Escape to Con Son Beach, a tranquil island paradise with pristine, uncrowded shores and a rich, poignant history.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Dry season, pleasant weather
Con Son Beach Con Dao
Best Time
Dry season, pleasant weather

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Escape to Con Son Beach, a tranquil island paradise with pristine, uncrowded shores and a rich, poignant history.
"Vast stretches of beautiful empty white sand beaches were ours to explore."
🌅 Catch the Sunrise
Wake up early for a magical sunrise experience at the Island Palace, about 2km from town.
🛵 Rent a Scooter
Explore the island's scenic beauty and discover hidden beaches at your own pace.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dat Tham Beach
Con Son National Park
Untouched paradise accessible only by foot, offering solitude and pristine nature.

Sunrise at the Island Palace
Near the island center
Catch a breathtaking sunrise at this serene spot, a must-do for early risers.

Con Dao Prison & Museum
Con Son Town
A somber yet essential visit to understand the island's significant historical past.

Coastal Scooter Ride
Around Con Son Island
Scenic rides reveal spectacular views and hidden beaches, a perfect way to explore.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tranquility
Island History & Nature
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Catch the Sunrise
Wake up early for a magical sunrise experience at the Island Palace, about 2km from town.
🛵 Rent a Scooter
Explore the island's scenic beauty and discover hidden beaches at your own pace.
💰 Buy Seafood Early
Get fresh seafood at the port in the morning and have your hotel cook it for a delicious meal.
🚶♀️ Hike to Dat Tham Beach
Access this secluded beach within the national park by foot for an untouched experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Catch the Sunrise
Wake up early for a magical sunrise experience at the Island Palace, about 2km from town.
🛵 Rent a Scooter
Explore the island's scenic beauty and discover hidden beaches at your own pace.
💰 Buy Seafood Early
Get fresh seafood at the port in the morning and have your hotel cook it for a delicious meal.
🚶♀️ Hike to Dat Tham Beach
Access this secluded beach within the national park by foot for an untouched experience.
🚫 Minimize Plastic Waste
Help preserve the island's pristine environment by avoiding single-use plastics.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Con Dao is lauded as one of Vietnam's most beautiful and serene islands, offering vast, empty beaches and spectacular natural scenery. Visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, the opportunity for scenic scooter rides, and the chance to disconnect. However, some find dining options a bit pricey, and the island's historical significance adds a somber layer to its beauty.
"One of the most beautiful island of VN"
Ngọc Phạm
"This island belongs to Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province, which is approximately 100 kilometers away from Ho Chi Minh City. The most popular and convenient way to reach Con Dao is by air. You can reach the island by taking domestic flights from cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho. Flights from Ho Chi Minh and Cann Tho to Con Dao Island usually take around 45 to 55 minutes. You could access Con Dao by ferry, departing from Vung Tau or Soc Trang. It takes you from 2 hours and a half to 3 hours and a half to get Con Dao from Soc Trang and Vung Tau.
The best time to visit Con Dao is in dry season, which runs from November to April. During this time, the weather is cooler and drier, with average temperatures ranging from 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F). You can enjoy pleasant beach weather, engage in various water activities, and explore the natural beauty of Con Dao without the interruption of heavy rainfall.
In addition to the beautiful nature, Con Dao is home to one of the most infamous former prisons in Vietnam, which was an incarceration facility for the French as well as the Americans. You can get a solid background on the island's history at Con Dao Museum.
Learning about Con Dao Prison's history is a must when visiting this island."
Do Dong
"We weren’t exactly sure what to expect from Con Dao but we were eager to find out .
What we discovered is that we felt that we had the place to ourselves .
Vast stretches of beautiful empty white sand beaches were ours to explore .
No shortage of spectacular scenery on our relaxing scooter ride around the Island .
An abundance of tasty dining options in town as well .
We would definitely go back ."
Kevin Buchanan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular way to reach Con Dao is by domestic flights from Ho Chi Minh City or Can Tho, taking about 45-55 minutes. Alternatively, ferries depart from Vung Tau or Soc Trang, with journeys lasting 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
Yes, renting a scooter is highly recommended for exploring the island's scenic routes and beaches at your own pace.
While scooters are the primary mode of transport, taxis are available for shorter distances or if you prefer not to drive.
Many beaches are accessible by scooter. For more secluded spots like Dat Tham Beach, a short hike might be required.
Currently, direct international flights are not available. You'll need to fly into a major Vietnamese city like Ho Chi Minh City first.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Con Son Beach itself is generally free to access. However, some areas within the Con Dao National Park might have small entrance fees for conservation.
The Con Dao Museum and Prison typically have standard daytime operating hours. It's advisable to check locally for the most up-to-date times before your visit.
Yes, access to certain parts of the Con Dao National Park, including some beaches, may involve a nominal entrance fee to support conservation efforts.
While not strictly necessary due to lower crowds, booking tours for historical sites or boat trips in advance can ensure availability, especially during peak season.
There is no general entry fee to Con Dao Island. You only pay for flights or ferry tickets to get there and any specific attraction tickets.
🎫 🏝️ Onsite Experience
Don't miss Dat Tham Beach for its untouched beauty, the historical Con Dao Prison and Museum, and catching a sunrise at the Island Palace. A scenic scooter ride around the island is also a must.
Enjoy swimming, sunbathing on the vast stretches of sand, and simply relaxing in the peaceful environment. The clear waters are also great for snorkeling.
Yes, Con Dao offers a peaceful environment with beautiful beaches for families. However, the historical sites might be more impactful for older children.
Pack light clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, and comfortable walking shoes. A reusable water bottle is also a good idea.
Signal can be spotty in some areas, especially on more remote beaches. Embrace the opportunity to disconnect!
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The port area is the best place to buy fresh seafood in the morning. Many local restaurants can prepare it for you.
Seafood restaurants on the island can be a bit pricey. Buying fresh seafood from the port and having it cooked is a more budget-friendly option.
While seafood is abundant, many local eateries can prepare vegetable dishes. It's best to communicate your dietary needs clearly.
Besides fresh seafood, look for local fruits and Vietnamese staples. The island offers a taste of authentic Vietnamese coastal cuisine.
Some accommodations might offer kitchen facilities. If not, purchasing fresh ingredients from local markets and having them prepared by a hotel is a great alternative.
📸 📸 Photography
Dat Tham Beach, the scenic coastal roads, the historic prison, and the sunrise at the Island Palace offer incredible photo opportunities.
Early mornings for sunrise and late afternoons for golden hour light provide the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for your shots.
Generally, photography is allowed in most public areas. However, be respectful when photographing historical sites or local people.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto can capture wildlife. A polarizing filter can enhance beach and sea shots.
Drone usage might be restricted in certain areas, especially near historical sites or the national park. Always check local regulations before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🧘♀️ Solo Travelers Seeking Peace
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Serene Beauty of Con Son Beach
Beyond the main beach, the island is dotted with numerous other stunning coves and stretches of sand, many of which are accessible only by foot or scooter. Dat Tham Beach, for instance, is highlighted as a hidden gem within the Con Dao National Park, accessible only by hiking, which further enhances its untouched charm. The lack of signal and shops in some areas is seen not as a drawback, but as an invitation to disconnect and immerse oneself in nature. This emphasis on natural preservation makes Con Son Beach a sanctuary for those seeking peace and quiet amidst breathtaking scenery.
A Glimpse into Con Dao's History
While the historical sites are a significant draw, they contribute to the island's unique, quiet atmosphere. Some visitors mention that the prevalence of graveyards and the island's ghost stories contribute to its emptiness, which paradoxically enhances its appeal for those seeking solitude. This blend of natural beauty and poignant history creates a complex and deeply moving travel experience, offering more than just a typical beach getaway. It's a place where reflection and appreciation for both nature and history are paramount.
Navigating Con Dao: Transport and Exploration
For those who prefer not to drive, taxis are available for shorter trips. However, the true essence of exploring Con Dao often involves the freedom that a scooter provides. The journey to more secluded spots, like Dat Tham Beach, might involve a short hike after parking your scooter, adding to the adventure. The island's compact size means that most attractions are within a reasonable scooter ride from the main town, making it easy to cover significant ground and experience the diverse landscapes Con Dao has to offer.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit