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Things to do in Con Dao

11 unmissable things to do in Con Dao for first-time visitors

24/11/2025 50 views

Rising quietly from the turquoise sea off Vietnam’s southern coast, Con Dao is an archipelago of contrasts: serene yet storied, wild yet sacred. Below are the best things to do in Con Dao – each offering a different side of this remarkable destination.
Quick Tips
  • Trek through Con Dao National Park and explore untouched jungle trails.
  • Dive among coral reefs and watch sea turtles nest at Bay Canh Island.
  • Visit Con Dao Prison and Con Dao Museum to uncover the island’s powerful history.
  • Relax at Dam Trau Beach or catch sunrise views at Tau Be Cape.
  • Enjoy fresh seafood and local life at Con Dao Night Market.

1. Trek through the pristine trails of Con Dao National Park

Covering over 19,000 hectares of land and sea, Con Dao National Park is a biodiversity haven with forests, mangroves, coral reefs, and more than 1,300 recorded marine species. Trekking here means stepping into a world of giant trees, bird calls, and cool streams hidden under the canopy. Popular routes include the Ong Dung Trail (about 4 kilometers from the park entrance to Ong Dung Beach) and the Bai Bang Trail, where visitors can enjoy a mix of jungle paths and coastal views.

Trekking through Con Dao National Park is one of the best things to do in Con Dao

Trekking through Con Dao National Park is one of the best things to do in Con Dao (Source: Collected)

2. Explore the infamous Con Dao Prison

Built by the French colonial government in 1862, Con Dao Prison once held thousands of Vietnamese revolutionaries. The complex includes multiple sections, including the infamous “tiger cages” – narrow cells with iron bars used for brutal confinement. Walking through the exhibitions, tourists will see personal belongings, documents, and statues depicting the harsh conditions the prisoners endured. Despite its grim past, Con Dao Prison now stands as a national relic – a symbol of resilience and freedom in Vietnam’s history.

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3. Dive into a coral paradise beneath Bay Canh and Cau Islands

Con Dao’s surrounding waters are home to Vietnam’s most vibrant coral ecosystems. The best spots for Con Dao snorkeling and Con Dao diving are Bay Canh Island and Cau Island, both protected marine zones within Con Dao National Park. From April to September, the sea is calm and visibility excellent – perfect for exploring coral gardens teeming with clownfish, sea turtles, and anemones. Snorkeling tours cost around 500,000 – 1,000,000 VND per person, while full diving trips range between 1,200,000 – 2,000,000 VND.

Snorkeling is one of the most exciting things to do in Con Dao

Snorkeling is one of the most exciting things to do in Con Dao (Source: Collected)

4. Uncover the stories of the island at Con Dao Museum

Located on Nguyen Hue Street, near Con Dao Prison, Con Dao Museum provides valuable insight into the island’s layered past. Its two-story building features over 2,000 artifacts, photos, and documents chronicling the island’s transformation: from a colonial prison to a protected national park. The exhibits here recreate prison life, honor revolutionary heroes, and showcase cultural-ecological treasures. The museum’s solemn, beautifully curated space allows tourists to reflect on Con Dao’s journey in history.

Read more: Is Con Dao worth visiting? 8 compelling reasons to say yes

5. See sea turtles nesting under the moonlight

One of the popular things to do in Con Dao is to see sea turtles’ nesting. From May to October, Con Dao Island becomes Vietnam’s largest sea turtle nesting ground. The best place to watch this is Bay Canh Island, where rangers guide tourists at night to see the turtles laying eggs. The eggs are later brought to protected hatcheries, and tourists may even participate in releasing the baby turtles back to the sea at dawn. This experience is both emotional and educational, a reminder of the island’s strong commitment to conservation.

See sea turtles nesting under the moonlight in Con Dao

This is a must-try for those seeking meaningful things to do in Con Dao (Source: Collected)

6. Discover Con Dao’s sacred sites

Con Dao is not only beautiful but also deeply spiritual. Some sacred sites worth visiting include:

  • Van Son Pagoda: This is the island’s most famous temple, perched on a hill overlooking Ben Dam Bay.
  • Phi Yen Shrine: This shrine is dedicated to Lady Phi Yen, wife of Lord Nguyen Anh, a figure revered for her loyalty.
  • Cau Temple: This temple was built to honor Prince Cai, Lady Phi Yen’s young son. It is a symbol of local faith.

7. Feel the thrill of planes landing above Dam Trau Beach

Dam Trau Beach, located near Con Dao Airport, is often described as the island’s most unique photo spot – where airplanes glide just meters above beachgoers before landing. With golden sands, clear waves, and lush cliffs, it’s also a great place for swimming, kayaking, and enjoying seafood at beachfront cafes. Watching a plane descend overhead while sipping coconut juice has become one of the unique things to do in Con Dao for every tourist. Dam Trau Beach is also a perfect place for sunset strolls.

Dam Chau Beach is one of the most photographed places among all things to do in Con Dao

Dam Chau Beach is one of the most photographed places among all things to do in Con Dao (Source: Collected)

8. Wander around Con Dao Night Market

Every evening, from 5 PM to 11 PM, Con Dao Night Market buzzes with energy. Locals and tourists flock here for grilled seafood – squid, scallops, lobsters, and more – served fresh from the ocean. Beyond dining, the market also sells local specialties such as dried cuttlefish, roasted almonds, and coconut candies – perfect for souvenirs. Families and friends often gather here for an easygoing evening, making it one of the most authentic things to do in Con Dao.

9. Watch the sunrise at Tau Be Cape

Located on the eastern tip of the main island, Tau Be Cape is one of the best places to watch the sunrise in Con Dao. The rocky cliffs stretch into the blue sea, glowing golden as the first rays of light break through the horizon. The journey to Tau Be Cape takes about 15 minutes by motorbike from the center of Con Dao, passing through quiet roads lined with tropical greenery. Arriving just before dawn, you’ll hear the gentle sound of waves crashing against the rocks as the sky slowly brightens from indigo to amber. It’s a peaceful spot favored by photographers, a place to start your day with calm sea breezes and uninterrupted ocean views.

Watching dawn break over the ocean is one of the calmest things to do in Con Dao

Watching dawn break over the ocean is one of the calmest things to do in Con Dao (Source: Collected)

10. Stroll along beautiful beaches

Con Dao is famous for its unspoiled coastline. Some of the most beautiful Con Dao beaches include:

  • An Hai: Calm, shallow waters near the town center, ideal for families.
  • Bai Nhat: Known for its pinkish sand and view of Love Peak, best visited at sunset.
  • Cau Tau Beach: A quiet, photogenic bay perfect for relaxation.
  • Ong Dung: Located within Con Dao National Park, offering snorkeling among corals and tropical fish.

11. Shop for local specialties at Con Dao Market

Located on Pham Van Dong Street, Con Dao Market is where daily island life unfolds. Here, you can buy fresh seafood, seaweed, and island-grown produce. The most popular souvenirs are roasted almonds (mut hat bang) and ginseng wine (ruou sam dat) – the latter known for its herbal aroma and restorative properties. You’ll also find dried squid, fish sauce, and coconut candies to bring home as gifts. Visiting Con Dao Market is undoubtedly a must among the things to do in Con Dao.

Shop for local specialties at Con Dao Market

Don’t leave without tasting roasted almonds and ginseng wine (Source: Collected)

FAQs about things to do in Con Dao

What activities in Con Dao are most popular with tourists?

Snorkeling, diving, trekking, beach-hopping, and visiting historical sites are among the best things to do in Con Dao for tourists.

What unique experiences in Con Dao should I not miss?

Don’t miss watching turtles nest at Bay Canh Island, trekking through lush rainforests, and plane-spotting at Dam Trau Beach.

What are the top historical sites in Con Dao?

Visiting Con Dao Prison, Con Dao Museum, and Hang Duong Cemetery is one of the top things to do in Con Dao. Check out the Con Dao map for more details.

What is the best time of year to enjoy Con Dao’s attractions and activities?

The best time to visit Con Dao is from March to September, when the seas are calm and Con Dao weather is ideal for beach days.

Whether you come for adventure, or relaxation, there are various things to do in Con Dao. From jungle trails to coral gardens and sacred temples, every experience reveals another layer of this island’s story. If you’re seeking a destination that blends nature, culture, and tranquility – Con Dao is the place.

Beyond Con Dao, Vietnam boasts many other spectacular destinations such as Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Da Nang, and Hoi An, each offering its own charm. In these coastal paradises, you can immerse yourself in a world of fun at VinWonders, Vietnam’s leading system of entertainment complexes. Combining cultural heritage with modern thrill, VinWonders offers everything, from high-speed roller coasters and water slides to dazzling shows and interactive activities. 

Enjoy boundless excitement at VinWonders Phu Quoc

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VinWonders Nha Trang is the ideal entertainment destination for families

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VinWonders Nam Hoi An brings a blend of fun and culture

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For a perfect journey, relax at the hotels and resorts of Vinpearl, which are known for their luxurious designs, premium services, and prime locations.

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