What to Do in Con Dao?
Located in southern Vietnam, the Con Dao Islands form an archipelago that is home to numerous historical monuments from the colonial period. But the islands also feature paradisiacal beaches and many sea turtle nesting sites...
Located in southern Vietnam, the Con Dao Islands form an archipelago that is home to numerous historical monuments from the colonial period. But the islands also feature paradisiacal beaches and many sites for sea turtle nesting… Here's an overview of the must-see sites and activities in Con Dao!
Natural Sites: Outdoor Activities to Do in Con Dao
Hiking in the National Park
If you're a nature lover, set out to discover the magnificent Con Dao National Park! Established in 1993, this protected area is known for its rich biodiversity – the site spans 5,990 hectares of forest and 14,000 hectares of marine zone!
The park also houses several houses built during the colonial era (including one on stilts, which offers an exceptional view of the city and surrounding islands), as well as several hiking trails through the jungle – one from the park office, heading toward Dam Trau and Ong Dung beaches; another located north of the city, which leads to Ong Dung beach (and crosses the famous So Ray fruit plantations).
Observing Sea Turtles
Between May and October, Con Dao is a magical place to witness sea turtle nesting! Highly favored by these reptiles, the National Park, in particular, allows you to observe thousands of turtles once night falls…
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Dam Trau: Our Favorite Beach The archipelago is celebrated for its stunning wild beaches. Our favorite? Dam Trau beach! Renowned for its ochre-colored sand, this beach is accessible after a short walk through the jungle (or by scooter). Bordered by hills, Dam Trau is located next to an airfield, which allows you to watch planes take off from your beach towel (but no need to worry, flights are rare!). Dam Trau beach is renowned for its tranquility and the beauty of its coastline, perfect for snorkeling. |
Historical Sites: Monuments to See in Con Dao
The Prisons
Heavily marked by colonialism, the Con Dao archipelago preserves significant historical heritage. Among this legacy, the islands contain several prisons, three of which are sadly known for their violence – nevertheless, these places must be visited to keep collective memory alive, and not to forget…
Phu Hai Prison
Designed in 1862, this penitentiary is the largest in Con Dao. Once, approximately 200 prisoners were crammed into this torture center... To make visitors aware of the prisoners' living conditions, each room features emaciated mannequins. You can notably see some bound to each other by chains…
Phu Tuong Camp
Built in 1941, this center houses numerous cramped cells and the infamous "tiger cages" – cages made with barbed wire by French colonists, in which political prisoners were incarcerated.
Phu Binh Camp
Built in 1971 by American colonists, this camp housed nearly 400 cells (closed in 1973 due to torture), today, only the main buildings still stand…
Phi Yen and Prince Cai Temples
The Phi Yen Temple (also known as the "An Son Sanctuary"), is the former place of worship of Madame Phi Yen, the concubine of King Gia Long, founder of the Nguyễn imperial dynasty. This sacred monument, very important to the local population, is located near An Hai lake. Phi Yen's son has his own sanctuary as well – the white horses present on the site represent the child's premature death, and the loss of innocence.
The Pagodas
Con Dao is home to splendid pagodas – Buddhist places of worship known for their flared architecture. Among the most beautiful? Don't miss the Van Son Pagoda. Accessible by trail or by a grand staircase, the building stands on a mountain and offers a stunning, breathtaking view. The second pagoda, which bears the name of the city, is located near a cemetery dedicated to those who died during their detention…
Hang Duong Cemetery
Spanning 20 hectares lined with acacias, Hang Duong Cemetery contains nearly 20,000 graves – of which only 700 display the identities of the victims… Among them, you will notice that of young Vo Thi Sau (1933-1952), a schoolgirl resistance fighter during the Indochina War. Many visitors regularly leave offerings on the tomb of this national heroine.
The Con Dao Museum
The Con Dao Museum shares extensive information about the colonial era and enlightens visitors about the heavy historical past of the archipelago… An essential stop if you visit the prisons and cemetery, in order to better understand the context of the era.
Audrey Denjean
