Côn Đảo.

BÀ RỊA–VŨNG TÀU/VIETNAM/8.6844° N, 106.6010° E
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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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What to do in Côn Đảo Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu Vietnam

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.

24 hours in Côn Đảo Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu Vietnam

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.

2 days in Côn Đảo Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu Vietnam

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.

3 days in Côn Đảo Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu Vietnam

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.

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