So Ray Plantation Con Dao National Park - Image 1
1 / 3

So Ray Plantation Con Dao National Park

4.4
·59 reviews·, Vietnam

Hike through lush jungle to a summit viewpoint, discovering a mystical abandoned house along the way. A refreshing natural escape.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning

Beat the heat and enjoy nature

CrowdLow
Loading map...
So Ray Plantation Con Dao National Park - Image 1

So Ray Plantation Con Dao National Park

Best Time

Morning

Beat the heat and enjoy nature

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Hike through lush jungle to a summit viewpoint, discovering a mystical abandoned house along the way. A refreshing natural escape.

4.4
(59 reviews)

"Great hike in the jungle with stunning scenery and interesting sights!"

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Proper Shoes

Sturdy trainers or walking shoes are a must; trails get slippery when wet.

💧 Bring Cold Water

It gets quite hot under the tree canopy, so stay hydrated.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Jungle Trek

Jungle Trek

Immerse yourself in lush jungle with towering trees, diverse wildlife, and the sounds of nature. A truly refreshing experience.

Reddit
Abandoned House

Abandoned House

Mid-trail, hilltop

Explore a mystical, abandoned house offering a unique, slightly eerie atmosphere. Watch out for construction nails!

Reddit
Summit Viewpoint

Summit Viewpoint

Summit

Enjoy stunning panoramic views from the new observation tower at the summit. A rewarding sight after the hike.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Trailhead Location & Start

The start of the trail can be tricky to find, appearing as high grass between houses. Don't be deterred! The initial section might be less maintained, but the path quickly becomes clear and well-kept as you ascend into the forest. Reddit

Footwear & Safety

Wear sturdy trainers or walking shoes, not sandals, as the trail can get slippery, especially after rain. Cover legs and arms to protect against stinging plants and insects. Avoid hiking at night. Reddit

Best Times

When
Morning
Why
Beat the heat and enjoy nature
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Stunning light for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

👟 Wear Proper Shoes

Sturdy trainers or walking shoes are a must; trails get slippery when wet. Reddit

💧 Bring Cold Water

It gets quite hot under the tree canopy, so stay hydrated. Reddit

🌿 Cover Up

Protect legs and arms from stinging plants and insects. Reddit

🧭 Trailhead Location

Look for high grass between houses; the start is less obvious but worth it. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Proper Shoes

Sturdy trainers or walking shoes are a must; trails get slippery when wet. Reddit

💧 Bring Cold Water

It gets quite hot under the tree canopy, so stay hydrated. Reddit

🌿 Cover Up

Protect legs and arms from stinging plants and insects. Reddit

🧭 Trailhead Location

Look for high grass between houses; the start is less obvious but worth it. Reddit

🏠 Abandoned House Caution

Be mindful of hazards like construction nails inside the old house. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(59 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise So Ray Plantation for its beautiful jungle hike and well-maintained trails, offering a refreshing escape into nature. The summit views are a major highlight, as is the unique, albeit slightly eerie, abandoned house. Some minor challenges include finding the trailhead and potential slipperiness after rain, but overall, it's a highly recommended trek.

"Really nice hike!

I did it alone all the way to other side of the island! And the trail is really well maintained!

Don't miss the start of the trail. It looks like just high grass between residential houses. (But, that is what you need!) The beginning of the trail is somehow not maintained (despite the rest of the trail). Just go up to the forest!

It's absolutely safe, just don't go in the night (which is quite obvious, right?). The only issue is that trail was going all the way to the beach on the other side of the island, but now there was a road built (at 80% point of this trail, approx.). So you need to go through at this point, or go right till you find stairs (on your left side) to go down to the beach.

In the middle, on top of the hill, there's is an abandoned house. Be aware of construction nails! I stepped on one, luckily not deep enough. But the area is ghosty, mystical and mesmerizing ;) you'll love it!"

Ariston Aristarkhov

"Nice trekking course. If it rains, have to wear proper shoes, so slippery. But finally it will yield a stunning scenery for you"

Solari Udine

"Great hike in the jungle. Beautiful trail, steep in short sections. Huge trees, song birds, monkeys, gekos, frogs. Nice new observation tower at the summit. Very interesting!!"

Giovanni Bernard

What People Like

Beautiful jungle hike
Stunning summit views
Mystical abandoned house

What People Dislike

Tricky trailhead start
Slippery when wet

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The trailhead can be a bit hidden, appearing as high grass between residential houses. Look for this unassuming entrance to begin your hike into the jungle. Reddit

Information on public transport directly to the trailhead is limited. It's often best reached by scooter or taxi from Con Dao town. Reddit

Renting a scooter is a popular and convenient way to explore Con Dao and reach various natural attractions like So Ray Plantation. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While specific fee information isn't widely publicized, many visitors report no explicit entrance fee for the hiking trails. It's always good to check locally upon arrival. Reddit

The park is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's advisable to start your hike in the morning and finish before dusk. Reddit

No advance booking is typically required for hiking the trails. You can usually just show up and start your trek. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Most visitors complete the hike in about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on their pace and how long they spend at the summit or abandoned house. Reddit

Expect to see various jungle inhabitants like songbirds, monkeys, geckos, and frogs. Keep an eye out for them during your trek! Reddit

The trail is generally well-maintained, especially after the initial section. However, it can become slippery when wet. Reddit

Facilities are minimal. It's best to bring all the water and snacks you'll need for the hike. Reddit

The trail features steep sections and can be uneven. Good walking shoes are essential for navigating the terrain safely. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The summit viewpoint offers panoramic island vistas, while the abandoned house provides a unique, atmospheric backdrop. The lush jungle itself is also very photogenic. Reddit

While atmospheric, be cautious of potential hazards like construction nails inside the abandoned house. Reddit

Mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, while afternoons can provide dramatic lighting, especially near the summit. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

So Ray Plantation offers a great opportunity for families to experience Con Dao's natural beauty. The well-maintained trails (after the initial section) make it manageable for older children who can handle some steep parts. Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks, as facilities are limited. Reddit Encourage kids to look for wildlife like monkeys and birds, making the hike an educational adventure. The summit views provide a fantastic reward for their efforts. Reddit

🚶 Solo Travelers & Hikers

This trail is a fantastic option for solo adventurers looking for a rewarding hike. The path is generally safe during daylight hours, and the well-maintained sections offer a sense of security. Reddit The abandoned house adds an element of intrigue, and the summit views are a perfect spot for quiet contemplation or capturing memorable photos. Just ensure you have adequate water and wear appropriate footwear. Reddit

🌿 Nature Enthusiasts

For those who love immersing themselves in nature, So Ray Plantation is a must-visit. The hike takes you through a vibrant jungle ecosystem, alive with the sounds of birds and the sight of diverse plant life. Reddit Keep an eye out for the various animals mentioned by visitors, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere away from the main tourist hubs. The summit offers a breathtaking perspective of the island's natural landscape. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Trail

The So Ray Plantation trail offers a rewarding hiking experience through Con Dao's lush interior. While the rest of the trail is well-maintained, the very beginning can be deceiving, appearing as just high grass between houses. Don't let this deter you; push through this initial section to find the clear path ascending into the forest. Reddit The hike is described as steep in short sections, so good footwear is crucial. Visitors have noted that the trail can become quite slippery if it rains, emphasizing the need for proper walking shoes or trainers rather than sandals. Reddit

As you progress, you'll encounter a variety of jungle flora and fauna, including large trees, songbirds, and small animals like monkeys, geckos, and frogs. The journey is as much about the immersion in nature as it is about reaching the destination. Reddit One unique feature is an abandoned house located near the hilltop. While offering a mystical and mesmerizing atmosphere, hikers are cautioned to be aware of potential hazards like construction nails within the structure. Reddit

Summit Views and Beyond

The culmination of the hike is the summit, which boasts a new observation tower providing stunning, expansive views of the island and its surroundings. This viewpoint is a significant draw for visitors, offering a beautiful reward for the trek. Reddit It's worth noting that a road has been built for about 80% of the way to the other side of the island, which means the trail might not lead directly to the beach as it once did. Hikers may need to divert to find stairs leading down to the coast or follow the new road. Reddit

The entire hike can typically be completed within 1.5 to 2 hours, making it a feasible activity for most visitors. The combination of the jungle trek, the intriguing abandoned house, and the rewarding summit views makes So Ray Plantation a highly recommended natural attraction on Con Dao. Reddit