An archipelago 230 km off the south coast, mostly national park: empty beaches, coral reefs for diving, and green turtles nesting from May to October. The island's history is grim and essential: the French and later the South Vietnamese held political prisoners here, and the prisons, "tiger cages" and Hang Duong cemetery can be visited. Reached by a one-hour flight from Saigon, or by high-speed boat from the Mekong coast in calm weather.
Highlights
- Con Dao Prison and the tiger cages
- Hang Duong cemetery at night
- Turtle nesting on Bay Canh (May–Oct)
- Diving and snorkelling the reefs
- Dam Trau beach under the runway
- Jungle trail to Ong Dung bay
Things to do
- Con Dao Prison and the tiger cagesMorning · 3h
- Hang Duong cemeteryEvening · 1h 30m
- Snorkel or dive tripMorning · 5h
- Overnight turtle watch on Bay CanhMay–OctEvening · 12h
- Dam Trau beach afternoonAfternoon · 3h
Tours & tickets
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When to go
Best time: March – September
Worth knowing
Rough Seas: Ferries to Con Dao Cancelled
The north-east monsoon brings rough seas from about November to February: high-speed ferries from the mainland are often cancelled, leaving only the small planes from Saigon, which sell out. Fly, and keep a spare day before your flight home.
Heads up
Turtle Nesting Season
Green turtles nest on Bay Canh and the outer islands from May to October; the national park takes small groups to watch overnight. Book through the park office in town, well ahead.
Worth knowing
Tet: Closures and a Travel Rush
Tet (Lunar New Year) falls on 6 February in 2027. In the week before, trains, buses and flights sell out and fares rise; for three to five days after, many shops, restaurants and family-run hotels close. Check the date for your year, book transport a month or more ahead, and expect higher prices.
- Tet (Lunar New Year) — Vietnam's biggest holiday. In the week before, trains, buses and flights sell out and prices rise as everyone travels home; for three to five days after New Year's Eve many shops, restaurants and family-run hotels close, while temples and flower markets are at their liveliest. Book transport a month or more ahead, or avoid travelling in the days either side.