1. A glance at Con Dao National Park
Con Dao National Park, located in Con Dao Archipelago, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, was officially established in 1993 as one of 34 Vietnam national parks. This archipelago comprises 16 islands, with Con Son being the largest. It is situated 185 km away from Vung Tau City and 250 km away from Ho Chi Minh City.
The terrain of Con Dao Island is characterized by granite mountain ranges running from southwest to northeast. The highest peaks, Mount Thanh Gia and Mount Chua, reach impressive heights of 577m and 515m respectively.
Spanning a total area of 19,883.15 hectares, the park encompasses 5,883.15 hectares of forested islands and 14,000 hectares of marine protected areas. A substantial marine buffer zone of 20,500 hectares further safeguards this unique ecosystem.

Con Dao National Park is part of Con Dao Archipelago (Source: Collected)
Internationally recognized, Con Dao National Park has earned several prestigious awards, including its designation as Vietnam’s sixth Ramsar site in 2013. As a vital member of the Indian Ocean-Southeast Asian Sea Turtle Conservation Network, the park has set national records for sea turtle breeding and release programs.
Its natural heritage includes three nationally recognized Heritage Trees – two Bischofia javanica and one Lumnitzera littorea. In April 2023, Con Dao was honored with the ASEAN Heritage Park certification by the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity.
2. Things to learn about the biodiversity of Con Dao National Park
2.1. Forest ecosystem
Con Dao National Park’s forest ecosystem encompasses four distinct types: tropical evergreen closed forest, tropical semi-deciduous closed forest, thorny bamboo forest, and wetland vegetation communities. These diverse landscapes create vital habitats for wildlife.
The park’s flora is remarkably rich: 1,077 species, including 420 trees, 273 shrubs, 137 climbing plants, 174 herbaceous plants, 53 pteridophytes, and 20 epiphytic species. This botanical diversity reflects influences from multiple regions – Malaysian-Indonesian, Indo-Burmese, Himalayan-Yunnan-Chinese, and Northern Vietnam-Southern China.
Con Dao hosts 155 animal species, including 25 mammals, 85 birds, 32 reptiles, and 13 amphibians. While the island’s isolation has led to the park’s limited animal diversity, it is home to endemic animals such as the Con Dao long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis condorensis), Con Son black squirrel (Ratufa bicolor condorensis), among other reptiles and amphibians.

The park’s forests provide essential habitats for many rare species (Source: Collected)
2.2. Marine ecosystem
The marine ecosystem of Con Dao National Park is one of the World Bank’s “highest priority protection zones” among marine protected areas. Its waters boast Vietnam’s richest marine biodiversity with 1,725 recorded species, including 46 mangrove species, 133 seaweed species, 11 seagrass species, 226 phytoplankton species, 143 zooplankton species, 360 coral species, and numerous other marine organisms.
The park encompasses three crucial marine ecosystems: coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves. Its coral system, with 360 species across 61 genera, ranks among Vietnam’s most diverse. The seagrass ecosystem features 11 species, supporting a population of 8-12 dugongs while the mangrove ecosystem is home to 46 species. These interconnected habitats shelter 7 critically endangered species and 67 endangered species.
Con Dao has earned international recognition for its marine conservation efforts, particularly in sea turtle protection. The park’s 18 nesting beaches release an average of 110,651 green turtle hatchlings annually, leading to its membership in the Indian Ocean-Southeast Asian Sea Turtle Conservation Network. The waters also provide sanctuary for marine mammals including spinner dolphins, blue whales, and dugongs.

The marine ecosystem of Con Dao National Park is one of Vietnam’s most well-preserved (Source: Collected)
More on: Forests in Vietnam: 13 best spots to explore Vietnam’s untamed beauty
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3. How much is the entrance fee of Con Dao National Park?
The entrance fees for Con Dao National Park are structured by route.
Con Dao National Park routes:
- Route 1: Con Son Island – Small islands
- Route 2: Con Son Island – Hon Tai – Hon Bay Canh
- Route 3: Con Son Island – Hon Bay Canh – Hon Cau
- Route 4: Con Son Island – Hon Tre Lon – Hon Tre Nho
- Route 5: Con Son Island – Duong Beach – Dam Tre Bay
- Route 6: Con Son Island – Hon Ba – Hon Tre Lon
- Route 7: Con Son Island – Hon Trung – Dam Tre Bay
- Route 8: Ma Thien Lanh – Duc Me Cave – Ong Dung Beach
- Route 9: Ma Thien Lanh – Duc Me Cave – Ong Dung Beach
- Route 10: Ma Thien Lanh – Dam Trau Beach – Ong Cuong Beach
- Route 11: Ma Thien Lanh – An Hai Lake – Thanh Gia Mountain
- Route 12: Ma Thien Lanh – So Ray – Ong Dung Beach
- Route 13: Ma Thien Lanh – Ca Map Cape – Dam Pier – Hon Ba
- Route 14: Ma Thien Lanh – Ot Stream – Dam Tre Bay
- Route 15: Ma Thien Lanh – Chua Mountain – Nha Ban Mountain – Co Ong
- Route 16: Dat Doc – Nha Ban Mountain
- Route 17: Co Ong Airport – Hon Cau
Ticket prices:
- Adults: 60,000 VND (Routes 1-3) or 50,000 VND (Routes 4-17)
- Children over 6: 10,000 VND per route
- Children under 6: Free of charge
*Note: These entrance fees have not included any additional tourism service. Contact the Con Dao National Park management board for the latest updates on the ticket prices.

The Con Dao National Park map showcases its vast network of attractions (Source: Collected)
4. Best Con Dao National Park tours & fantastic things to do
4.1. Turtle tours
From April to October, the pristine beaches in Con Dao become nature’s nursery as over 400 green turtles and hawksbill turtles return to nest here. The main nesting sites on the islands of Hon Bay Canh and Hon Cau offer visitors an opportunity to witness these ancient mariners in their natural habitat.
For an unforgettable Con Dao National Park tour, visitors can arrange overnight stays at the forest ranger stations to observe female turtles nesting under the stars. After 45-60 days of incubation, lucky visitors can participate in one of the conservation’s most heart-warming moments – helping release baby turtles into the ocean. Watching hundreds of tiny hatchlings make their first journey across the sand to the sea is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
| Tour | Duration | Price range (VND) |
| Baby Turtle Release | Half day | 850,000 – 1,700,000 |
| Sea Turtle Nesting Night | 1 day 1 night | 1,850,000 – 3,500,000 |
| Dam Tre Bay Hiking & Hon Bay Canh Turtle Watching |
1 day 1 night | 2,520,000 – 5,250,000 |

The turtle nesting season in Con Dao is from April to September (Source: Collected)
4.2. Forest tours
Con Dao’s pristine forests invite visitors into a world of untamed nature. Well-maintained hiking trails weave through tropical vegetation, where endemic wildlife can be spotted and birds fill the canopy with their songs. These trails often lead to hidden beaches, offering breathtaking views where the jungle meets the sea.
Early morning hikes reveal stunning sunrises over the South China Sea, while afternoons bring perfect sunset spots. Beach hammocks hung between casuarina trees provide relaxing oceanfront retreats. These Con Dao National Park hikes offer an enriching combination of forest and marine experiences. Tourists can also complement their woodland adventures with boat trips.
| Tour | Duration | Price range (VND) |
| So Ray Hiking | Half day | 520,000 – 950,000 |
| Heritage Tree Hiking | Half day | 520,000 – 950,000 |
| Bang Beach – Dat Tham Beach Hiking | Full day | 850,000 – 1,250,000 |
| Love Peak Hiking | Half day | 1,010,000 – 1,410,000 |
| Dam Tre Bay Hiking | Full day | 1,110,000 – 1,555,000 |
| Speed Hiking – Back to the Forest | Full day | 1,655,000 – 1,945,000 |

The trails in Con Dao National Park range from easy walks to challenging hikes (Source: Collected)
4.3. Marine tours
Con Dao’s pristine waters showcase Vietnam’s most spectacular marine environments, with untouched coral reefs and secluded sandy beaches. The park’s vibrant underwater world hosts 360 coral species alongside 11 seagrass species, creating a thriving marine ecosystem.
Visitors can explore this aquatic paradise through island-hopping tours to Hon Bay Canh, Hon Cau, and Hon Tai. These islands offer excellent snorkeling opportunities over shallow reefs, with crystal-clear waters providing perfect conditions for observing the diverse marine life.
| Tour | Duration | Price range (VND) |
| Coral Seeing – Hon Bay Canh – Hon Tai | Half day | 520,000 – 2,090,000 |
| Coral Seeing – Hon Bay Canh – Hon Cau | Half day | 570,000 – 2,140,000 |
| Coral Seeing & Sunset Watching – Hon Ba | Half day | 1,060,000 – 1,400,000 |

Discover the thriving underwater world of Con Dao with snorkeling tours (Source: Collected)
*Note: These tours are seasonal and require advance booking. Contact the Con Dao National Park management board for more info on the tour availability and reservation.
Explore: Con Dao map: Best spots & experiences you can’t miss
5. Guide for first-time visitors to Con Dao National Park
5.1. When to visit?
Con Dao National Park reveals its unique beauty during the rainy season (May – October). Characterized by warm, humid weather and frequent rainfall, this period showcases the park’s forest ecosystem at its most vibrant, with lush vegetation reaching peak growth. More importantly, the rainy season coincides with the sea turtle nesting season, offering visitors the opportunity to witness nesting turtle mothers and participate in baby turtle release.
Know the essentials about Con Dao weather before you go!
5.2. How to get there?
Visitors can reach Con Dao Island by air or sea. For the former, there are direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho operated by Vietnam Airlines. For the latter, there are high-speed ferries departing from Vung Tau and Soc Trang.
In Con Dao, visitors can reach Con Dao National Park either from the seaport or the airport.
- From Con Dao Seaport: Hop on a boat that travels southeast for approximately 15 km (25 minutes) to reach the park. This option provides visitors with scenic views of the archipelago.
- From Con Dao Airport: Rent a motorbike or hail a taxi to get to the park. If you want to drive yourself, follow the route along Co Ong Road – Phan Chu Trinh Street – Huynh Thuc Khang Street to reach the park’s entrance.
5.3. What to note?
Keep these tips in mind for a well-prepared visit to Con Dao National Park:
- While hotels in Con Dao typically provide basic amenities, bringing your personal items is recommended for added convenience.
- Don’t forget swimwear and a waterproof camera.
- Pack lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for tropical weather and hiking activities.
- If you are visiting during the rainy season (May – October), bring some rain gear, including an umbrella and waterproof clothes.
- Wear walking shoes for forest hiking.
- Bring a basic medical kit with motion sickness medication for boat trips, insect repellent, and sunscreen.
- Bring some cash (preferably in VND) as there are few ATMs on the islands.
*Note: The information in this article is for reference purposes only and may be subject to change over time.
Con Dao National Park offers a stunning blend of lush forests, diverse wildlife, and serene landscapes. Its rich ecosystem and tranquil beauty have made it a perfect destination for nature lovers, providing visitors with a chance to explore and appreciate Vietnam’s coastal biodiversity in a pristine environment.
In addition to Con Dao Island, southern Vietnam is also home to the stunning Phu Quoc Island in Kien Giang Province. Renowned for its pristine beaches, Phu Quoc offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and exciting entertainment. In the northern part of Phu Quoc, visitors can experience VinWonders Phu Quoc, the largest theme park in Vietnam. Nearby, Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc offers a unique opportunity to get up close with exotic wildlife in a naturalistic setting. Additionally, Grand World Phu Quoc provides a lively destination for shopping and dining, perfect for those seeking vibrant around-the-clock experiences.

VinWonders Phu Quoc – Vietnam’s largest theme park

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For a luxurious stay in Phu Quoc, the hotels and resorts of Vinpearl Phu Quoc offer world-class accommodation, exceptional service, and a range of modern amenities. Whether you are seeking adventure or relaxation, Phu Quoc has something for everyone.
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