CON DAO
7 MUST – SEE CON DAOR ATTRACTIONS – PLACES TO VISIT TOURISTS
Con Dao is an archipelago off the coast of Southeast Vietnam and is a district directly under Ba Ria – Vung Tau province.Con Dao or Con Son is also the name of the largest island in the archipelago, which has been famous for its prison built by the French colonial government. Vietnam History before the 20th century often called the island Con Lon Island or Con Non Island. The ancient name of Con Dao in the text in English and French is Poulo Condor. In 1977, the National Assembly of Socialist Republic of Vietnam decided to call the official name Con Dao. Con Dao is also district- level administrative unit in Ba Ria – Vung Tau. Con Dao Island is one of 21 national tourism areas in Vietnam. It is much appreciated as the resort paradise and nature exploration (forest and sea). Con Dao Island is considered as a tourism paradise with beautiful unspoiled beaches, the cool blue water, and smooth long sands. Owning virgin forests and high biodiversity marines, Con Dao is not only a rendezvous of research scientists but also a place for tourists to explore tourism, with attractive eco-tourism programs.1.Con Dao Museum
Con Dao Museum (Bảo Tàng Côn Đảo) is a good introduction to the history of Con Dao and it’s dark past. First the French then the Americans occupied Con Dao and used it as a prison (also known as “Hell on Earth”) from 1862 – 1975. We recommend that you visit the museum before checking out the prison cells on the island. The museum has plenty of English translated signs as you walk through the galleries.
There are two parts to visit – 1) overview of Con Dao’s biodiversity and 2) history of the prison system. The history section is extensive with over 2000 artifacts and photos of life in the prison and its influential Vietnamese fighters, including Vo Thi Sau (Võ Thị Sáu) who fought against the French, was captured, tried, and executed at 19 years old. You’ll also see how two U.S. Congressmen, Augustus Hawkins and William Anderson, exposed the gruesome tiger cages to the world.
2. Con Dao Prisons
The three main prison sites are open to the public for you to explore – Phu Hai, American Tiger Cages, and French Tiger Cages. It’s a solemn experience to think about how far the human race went to torture and kill thousands of Vietnamese fighters and revolutionary soldiers. You’ll see the tiger cages which were cells with bars and barbed wire so prisoners could get tortured and abused like animals.
Phu Hai Prison (Di Tích Phú Hải) was built in 1862 and was named No. 1 Prison and No. 2 Prison before officially called Phu Hai Prison in 1974. As the largest and oldest prison on the island, there are 10 large rooms and 20 smaller blocks of prison cells for you to glance at how life was like back then. Some of the rooms are dark and damp so it can be a bit spooky. You’ll see mannequins representing their anguish with their ankles chained. The center of the prison has a memorial which also shows a video on Con Dao history.
American Tiger Cages (also called Di Tích Chuồng Cọp Mỹ and Trại Phú Bình) is the prison area with the Americans style tiger cages used during the Vietnam War. When you inside the prison cells near the entrance, you’ll see bars in the ceiling which guards used to torture the prisoners. The idea is that prisoners were captured and placed in cages (cells) just like a tiger. Check out the buildings A-H with 48 cells in each building. After you see one of the buildings, the others look the same so you don’t necessarily need to go to them.
French Tiger Cages(Di Tích Chuồng Cọp Pháp) was built in the 1940s and located next to the American tiger cages prison. Even though the area is much smaller between the other two prisons, the French tiger cages were more brutal. One of the more infamous rooms was one large cell area that had open ceiling bars where guards poked and abused the prisoners from above. You’ll need to walk up a set of stairs so you can see the guards’ perspective. Another cell area didn’t have roofs so prisoners exposed to sunlight all day eventually became blind.
3. Relax on Beaches
Nhat Beach (Bãi Nhất)– This unassuming beach is off of the main road, Bến Đầm. It’s the perfect spot to see the stunning sunset from the warm and clear waters. Unfortunately, there isn’t anything interesting to see in the water. Many minivans stop by here in the late afternoon for the sunset view.
Dam Trau Beach (Bãi Đầm Trầu) –Located on the north side of the island near the airport is the Dam Trau Beach. If you want a good place to relax and see the propeller planes fly by, then this is the place to visit. It’s a neat experience to have them fly right overhead and so close to you.
An Hai Beach (Bãi An Hải)– It’s an early wake-up call to see the orange and pink hues of the sunrise at 5am. Since you’re hanging out in the area, check out the fishermen’s daily catch of fresh seafood in the morning. The beach turns into a mini market with the sale of squid, fish, and rays.
4. Take a boat trip and snorkel on Con Dao’s other islands.
While riding your motorbike around Con Son, you’ll see many signs for boat trips and phone numbers listed. By collecting these numbers and calling around, you can find yourself a boat tour operator to explore the other Con Dao islands via a day trip. It’s recommended to speak Vietnamese to make the arrangements as English isn’t widely spoken.
We met our tour contact and the boat operator at the ferry terminal (Cầu tàu du lịch) which is in the downtown area. The boat holds 7-8 people so the more people that you have in your group, the cheaper it costs per person. Foreigners need to carry their passport for the trip to register at the port.
The day trip includes two swimming excursions and hanging out at a private island. The coral reefs were the most impressive that have seen in Vietnam, even after snorkeling in Ly Son, Phu Quoc, and Quy Nhon. The water is also super blue and clear due to the low number of visitors. We saw no one else at our “private” island and just 2-3 groups snorkeling at the second swimming spot.
5. Con Son Night Market
Vietnam loves having night markets! Con Son Night Market is an impressive size as the intersection between is closed to vehicles every night. Check out the various sections of fresh grilled seafood, Vietnamese local delicacies, and desserts. Or, sing your heart out in the public karaoke section and also try traditional Vietnamese games such as balancing on a beam.
6. Con Dao National Park
If you want some hiking and to experience nature through the forest, then you must visit Con Dao National Park (Vườn Quốc Gia Côn Đảo). Depending on your interest and time, feel free to spend all day here. While we didn’t do any of the longer hikes, we’ve read that there are beautiful views from the mountain peaks.
Due to the humidity and heat, we spent 4 hours at the park and we started at 8am. The highlights include:
Taking a short hike to Ave Mariaholy cave (Hang Đức Mẹ).
Hiking to Ong Dung Beach(Bãi Ông Đung) to experience the crystal clear waters. Feel free to snorkel in the area. As a heads up, the walking path has steep steps. While there isn’t a sandy area to relax, you can rent lawn chairs for extra comfort. Ensure that you have your ticket as there will be a guard asking for it.
Walking through the trees on unmarked paths to see the hundreds of years old Heritage Tree. We encountered lots of spider webs along the walking path so not too many people have seen the heritage tree. On the way, there are unique twisted branches to sit on and take photos with.
The national park has trails to visit other beaches in the park, such as Bang Beach (Bãi Bàng) and Dat Tham Beach (Bãi Đất Thắm) but it’ll require more time. Expect to spend about 1-2 hours each way to get to the beaches. Come prepared with water and sunscreen.
7. Hang Duong Cemetery
Hang Duong Cemetery (Nghĩa Trang Hàng Dương) is one of the somber locations which reminds you of Con Dao’s horrific past. While there are over 1900 graves with many unmarked tombstones, it’s a peaceful place to walk through. Most Vietnamese people pay respect to the unknown prisoners of wars and famous martyrs, such as Vo Thi Sau. You’ll see a crowd of people praying in front of her grave. The center of the cemetery also has an impressive memorial.
Please wear appropriate clothes prior to entering the cemetery, such as no shorts above the knees. If you’re sensitive to incense smoke, you may want to avoid this place.
THINGS MUST KNOW BEFORE TRAVELLING TO CON DAO
How to get to Con Dao?+ By Plane :
What is great about Living in Ho Chi Minh City is that visiting Con Dao is easy with a little bit of planning. From Ho Chi Minh to Con Dao, there are several options to take depending on your budget and your preferred transportation method. Take a flight to on Vietnam Airline directly to Con Dao Airport. VASCO, partnering with Vietnam Airlines, is the only airlines that go directly to Con Dao (airport code: VCS) from Ho Chi Minh City (airport code: SGN).
It also has flights from Can Tho (airport code: VCA) Although, this option is convenient with the one hour flight, it’s one of the most expensive options
From September 2020, Bamboo Airways opened directly from Hanoi to Con dao
+ By Boat
A new speedboat route started from Vung Tau to Con Dao in February 2019. The other speedboat route is from Soc Trang, south of Can Tho, which is still running.
Overnight Ferry from Vung Tau: The overnight ferry from Vung Tau to Con Dao makes sense in principle, given that both are part of Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province, but the enormous 210km distance and 13-hour travel time would put a lot of people off as soon as they consult a map.
Transportation around Dalat
+ Motorbike
Guesthouses and hotels rent motorbikes for 100,000 dong per day. There are two petrol stations in town. The PV Oil station on Nguyen Hue St is open all day, while the one a couple blocks west of the clock tower closes for lunch between 11:30-13:30
+ Bicycles
Cycling is nice as the roads are all but empty and the scenery gorgeous. Bikes can be hired from most accommodations on the island.
+ Taxi
This is a suitable vehicle for elderly families and children who are traveling by motorbike or bicycle. When you come to Con Dao, you can get a phone number and rent a fixed one.
Accommodation in Con Dao
Con Dao is a cluster of 16 islands and islets, among which, Con Son island is the largest and most populated site in the area. Most tourist attractions, historical sites, and local spotlights are here, particularly in Con Dao Town and Con Son Bay. This is also where you should book your room and spend several days enjoying the sunny charms.
WEATHER & THE BESAT TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT CON DAO
Con Dao’s weather is tropical all year round with temperature ranges from 28C – 37C degrees
Dry Season in Da Lat
- The dry season takes place between December to April
Rainy Season in Da Lat
- The Rainy season take places from May to November
Best Time to Go
The best time to visit Con Dao Islands is during the dry season (November to February), but if you’re looking to see turtles nesting on Hon Bay Canh Island, visit between June and September. February till July is ideal for diving excursions as the waters around Con Dao have visibility averaging between 20 and 30 metres.
CON DAO ISLAND FOOD& DRINK GUIDE
Con Dao, is a peaceful island located in South Vietnam, 97 sea miles (178 kilometers) from its home province, Ba Ria-Vung Tau. Since its recognition as a great destination, Con Dao has topped every bucket list with not only its pristine beaches, marvelous forests, and tranquil atmosphere but also heart-warming local people and scrumptious dishes, especially seafood. Below are my recommendations on where to discover the best places to eat in order to make your island getaway that much better!
1.Bun Rieu Cua Ba Hai Khiem (Crab Noodle Soup)
Bun rieu cua is a famously savory dish composed of tomato broth, crab cakes, congealed blood cubes, and topped with pounded freshwater crabs. Originally from South Vietnam, this delicacy has spread to not only other regions but also all over the world. Favored by both the locals and foreigners alike, it is easy to understand why this spot in Con Dao always runs out of stock so early in the morning. Moreover, it costs only 30,000 VND (1.4 USD) for a big bowl, so you’d better get up early to successfully taste the amazing flavors.
Bun rieu cua has spread to not only other regions but also all over the world
Google Maps location: Bun Rieu Cua Ba Hai Khiem
Opening hours: 6 AM – 11 AM 
2. Bun Mam Thi Bich (Fermented Thick Vietnamese Vermicelli Soup)
If you love the unique smell of fermented fish paste, bun mam will definitely be your favorite. A complete bowl of bun mam never lacks tempting shrimp, chewy squid, lean fish or a fish head, and it’s accompanied by a heaping side of eggplants, bean sprouts, cilantro, mint, and other local herbs. This dish is truly a gift from the water which brings you nearer to the ocean, so while you’re in Con Dao, don’t forget to try this specialty at Bun Mam Thi Bich. The food stall opens before sunrise, which also means that they sell out early. To make sure that you grab a bowl of bun mam, it’s necessary to arrive before 7:30 AM. A morning stroll in the cool weather is never a bad idea, so go for it!
Google Maps location: Bun Mam Thi Bich
Opening hours: 4 AM – 7:30 AM
3. Banh Xeo Chao Vit Kieu Tam (Vietnamese Sizzling Crepe and Duck Porridge)
Just as inviting as the name, banh xeo (sizzling crepe) wins every foodie’s heart, even the pickiest one. This delicious southern-style crepe is mainly made from rice flour, coconut milk, turmeric, chopped green onion, then stuffed with cooked pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts.
People say that the best place to gobble this dish down on Con Dao island is Kieu Tam food store, and I agree with them! It takes only a dollar to get a scrumptious crepe but if your belly isn’t full yet, challenge yourself with a big bowl of chao vit (duck porridge) which is only 40,000 VND (1.8 USD). Are you up to go all in?
Google Maps location: Banh Xeo Chao Vit Kieu Tam
Opening hours: 2 PM – 11 PM
4. Seafood Spots – Thu Ba Restaurant
Thu Ba restaurant always makes it to the top when it comes to the best restaurants on Con Dao island. Whether it’s fish, seven-eleven crab, shellfish, lobster, or squid, this restaurant has them all! Supplied by the local fishermen and prepared by the skillful chef, the delicacies here will satisfy your taste buds starting with your first bite.
Google Maps location: Thu Ba Restaurant
Opening hours: 10 AM – 11 PM
5. Che Thao Lien (Vietnamese Sweet Gruel Soup)
If you have a sweet tooth, never miss a chance to try che – Vietnamese sweet gruel soup. It is often prepared with glutinous rice and different kinds of beans or fruit, then cooked in water and sweetened with sugar. In South Vietnam, it is often garnished with coconut creme, which creates a pleasant smell and easy taste that you will never forget. The price is only 10,000 VND (45 cents) which has made Quan Che Thao Lien a popular spot for both travelers and local people, especially the youth. You can also try jackfruit yogurt, organic juice, and tropical smoothie here.
Google Maps location: Che Thao Lien
6. Bar/Café- Con Son Cafe
If you were to ask me where the local people kick off their day, the answer is Con Son cafe. Just a few steps from the marvelous beach, this cafe will broaden your horizon of Vietnamese beverages. Ca phe sua da (ice coffee with condensed milk) and ca phe phin (filter coffee) are favored by locals the most, so don’t be afraid to give them a try! Sit under the shaded trees, sip a cup of coffee, and admire the ocean view from a distance.
Google Maps location: Con Son Cafe
Opening hours: 6 AM – 11 PM
7. Bar200
Not only does it serve food, but Bar200 is also a perfect place for you to meet up with your fellow travelers. This bar also offers diverse food and drinks, from sandwiches, pizza, and salad to cocktails, beer, and alcohol. Live music is also available, so if you don’t know what to do at night, remember to come here.
Google Maps location: Bar200
Opening hours: 6 PM – 9 PM (closed on Sunday)
8. Infiniti Cafe & Lounge
Another option for a happy day in Con Dao is Infiniti Cafe & Lounge. Don’t worry about the quality at all since Lonely Planet listed this place as one of the must –visit spots on the island! The atmosphere is so cozy and relaxing, and not to mention the food, which is hands-down superb and mouth-watering.
Google Maps location: Infiniti Cafe & Lounge
Opening hours: 7 AM – 11 PM
9. Vegetarian food- Chay Con Dao Healthy
If you are a vegetarian, finding a place to eat may seem a little difficult. But don’t give up too early, because at Healthy Vegetarian food store, you can tackle every Vietnamese delicacy for a reasonable price. The menu is so diverse, from com tam (broken rice), hu tiu (rice noodles), and banh uot (steamed thin rice pancake) to dozens of other delightful dishes. Come here and try the Vietnamese vegetarian cuisine!
