Sitting 185 kilometres south of Vũng Tàu, the Côn Đảo archipelago is reached by a 45-minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City or an express ferry. It is known for its brutal French and American-era penal history and its quiet marine national park. Côn Đảo is worth visiting if you want empty coastal roads, profound modern history, and exceptional offshore diving. Look elsewhere if you expect late-night clubs, busy night markets, or a walkable town packed with boutique resorts.
Last updated 31 Oct 2026
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Côn Sơn, the main island, gathers around a quiet seafront promenade shaded by massive French-planted almond trees. Days follow the rhythm of the tides, with mornings spent in market stalls or historic sites, afternoons on isolated beaches, and evenings eating grilled fish along the harbour. It suits independent travellers, history buffs, and divers who prefer silence to beach clubs.
Start at dawn at Cho Con Dao for noodle soup, then spend the morning walking Phu Hai Prison and the French Tiger Cages. Rent a scooter for the twenty-minute ride north to Dam Trau Beach for lunch. At midnight, join locals at Hang Duong Cemetery for incense offerings. Select 1 Day above to see it.
A second day lets you ride south along the coastal road to Ben Dam port, where fishing boats unload their catch. Trek the shaded trail through the national park forest to rocky Ong Dung Beach, then dine on stir-fried moon snails and cold beer near Ton Duc Thang. Choose 2 Days to expand the plan.
A third day allows a boat trip across to Hon Bay Canh for reef snorkelling and sea turtle conservation grounds. Return to town for roasted almond seeds, a climb up Mount Thanh Gia for island-wide views, and slow, undisturbed coffee by the seafront.
Savour grilled red snapper, moon crabs, and sweet sea snails prepared with salt, pepper, and fresh lime at seaside stalls along Nguyen Duc Thuan.
Tour the French-built Tiger Cages, Phu Hai Prison, and the solitary cells where Vietnamese political prisoners were held throughout the 20th century.
Charter a boat to Hon Bay Canh or Hon Cau to dive alongside green sea turtles, giant clams, and healthy hard coral reefs in protected waters.
Hike the shaded forest path across the national park to Ong Dung Beach or climb to the radar station on Mount Thanh Gia for panoramic views.
Visit Hang Duong Cemetery late at night to join locals lighting incense and leaving white flowers at the tomb of national martyr Vo Thi Sau.
Rent a scooter and ride the sweeping, quiet asphalt of Co Ong Road, curving along the coast past towering granite cliffs and empty bays.
Wander Cho Con Dao early in the morning for roasted terminalia catappa seeds, fresh squid, morning noodles, and strong iced robusta coffee.
Watch green sea turtles nesting on Hon Bay Canh between May and October, or spot endemic black giant squirrels in the dense canopy above.
Spend quiet afternoons at Dam Trau Beach near the northern airstrip or relax on the broad, pale sand of An Hai directly south of the town.
Order a steaming bowl of bun rieu cua filled with crab paste, fried tofu, and tomato broth, served with fresh herbs from morning market stalls.
Walk Ton Duc Thang street under ancient almond trees to inspect the yellow French governor's residence and seafront customs buildings.
Hire a wooden boat out of Ben Dam port to explore uninhabited outer islets, secluded pebble coves, and pristine offshore mangrove forests.