Things To Do
in Côn Đảo
Con Đảo is an archipelago off the southern coast of Vietnam renowned for its pristine beaches, clear turquoise waters, and dramatic limestone cliffs. It blends natural beauty with a somber colonial history, most notably the prison ruins that once held political prisoners. The main island, Con Son, offers welcoming seafood eateries, friendly locals, and several scenic viewpoints.
While remote and tranquil, the area rewards explorers with rich marine life, turtle nesting beaches, and unforgettable sunsets.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Côn Đảo Airport and take in the stunning views as you make your way to your accommodation. Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese breakfast at a local café, sampling dishes such as bánh mì or phở. After checking in, unwind and prepare for the day's activities.
Embark on a leisurely bike ride around the island to explore the beautiful landscapes and the rich history that Côn Đảo has to offer. Visit the famous Côn Đảo National Park, where you can enjoy scenic trails and stunning coastal views. Stop by the beach for a refreshing swim and some sunbathing.
Dine at a seaside restaurant, savoring fresh seafood caught from the surrounding waters. Enjoy a peaceful evening stroll along the beach, listening to the gentle waves and enjoying the sunset. Conclude your day with a visit to a local night market, where you can experience the vibrant atmosphere.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast, then head out to explore the historic sites of Côn Đảo. Visit the infamous Prison museum to learn about the island's dark history and the resilience of the Vietnamese people. Afterward, take a guided tour of the prison cells and memorials.
Continue your exploration at the Hang Duong Cemetery, where you can pay your respects to notable figures from Vietnam's past. Enjoy lunch at a local eatery, sampling traditional Côn Đảo dishes. In the afternoon, visit the beautiful Ao Suppose beach, perfect for a refreshing dip.
Return to your accommodation to freshen up before dinner. Dine on delicious local dishes at a nearby restaurant, enjoying the fresh ingredients and flavors. After dinner, take a leisurely evening walk and enjoy the starlit sky over the ocean.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| 🫖Coffee or tea | $1-3 |
| 🧴Sunscreen or basic toiletries | $5-12 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel room (per night) | $25-60 |
| 🚲Bike rental (half day) | $4-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural scenery and pristine beaches
- Excellent seafood and friendly, welcoming locals
- Rich history with well-preserved prison ruins and memorial sites
- Relatively uncrowded compared with mainland destinations
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options
- Smaller selection of restaurants and amenities compared to cities
- Occasional limited connectivity and remote medical services
- Seasonal travel disruptions due to weather and seas
- "Xin chào" - Hello
- "Cảm ơn" - Thank you
- "Bao nhiêu tiền?" - How much is this?
- "Ở đây có chấp nhận thẻ tín dụng không?" - Do you accept credit cards here?
- "Tôi ăn chay." - I am vegetarian.
- "Bạn có thể chụp ảnh giúp tôi được không?" - Could you take a photo of me, please?
- "Tôi cần một bác sĩ." - I need a doctor.
Places to Visit in Côn Đảo
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic sunrise/sunset location with the silhouette of the lighthouse against the calm sea and fishing boats.
Long quiet beach with pristine sand and dramatic coastlines, great for wide-angle ocean photography.
Coral reefs and turquoise water views; ideal for underwater and overhead landscape shots when conditions permit.
Coastal cliffs and dense forest provide dramatic elevational shots and wildlife scenery.
Ruins and sea-facing structures offer a stark historical contrast with the sea spray and morning light.
Food in Côn Đảo
Côn Đảo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Grilled lobster with garlic butter, a signature seafood treat widely available at seaside restaurants.
Must-Try!
Grilled squid with lemongrass and chili, often cooked over an open flame by the shore.
Seafood hotpot featuring a mix of local catches, vegetables, and spicy broth; perfect for sharing.
Salted crab stir-fry with garlic and pepper, a robust option when crab is in season.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Main market where fresh catches, dried seafood, and regional ingredients are sold; great for a quick bite and to observe local food culture.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
When visiting memorial sites and temples, dress modestly, keep voices down, and ask for permission before taking photos of people.
A simple greeting of 'Xin chào' or 'Chào bạn' goes a long way; addressing elders with courtesy is appreciated.
In homes and temples, remove shoes if requested; avoid pointing feet at people or sacred objects.
Safety
Tipping in Côn Đảo
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary but not obligatory. Small tips to guides, boat operators, and hotel staff are appreciated, typically around 5-10% or a couple of dollars, depending on service quality.
Cash (Vietnamese dong) is widely accepted at markets, small restaurants, and street stalls. Some larger hotels and restaurants may accept cards, but cash is safer on the island. ATMs are available in town, though network access can be limited on remote days.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Generally sunny and pleasant with lower rainfall; sea conditions are favorable for swimming, snorkeling, and boating. Nights can be cooler toward January–February, so bring a light jacket.
Frequent rain showers and higher humidity; seas can be rough during monsoon spells, which may affect boat trips. This period can still offer lush landscapes and fewer crowds, with occasional typhoon risk in late summer.
Winter to early spring offers clearer waters for diving, while certain turtle nesting seasons (varies by year) influence the best times to see nesting behavior and hatchlings on Bay Canh Island.
Côn Đảo at Night
Hiking in Côn Đảo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle to moderate trails offering coastal views, forest scenery, and opportunities to spot wildlife.
Short, scenic hikes or walks to overlooks with sweeping sea panoramas.
Airports
How to reach Côn Đảo by plane.
Small regional airport on the island with flights to Ho Chi Minh City and occasionally Hanoi or other hubs; services can be weather-dependent.
Main hub in Ho Chi Minh City with frequent connections to domestic and international destinations; common gateway for reaching Con Đảo by flight or combined travel.
Regional airport in the Mekong Delta; serves as an alternative mainland gateway, with some routes to the south.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly ethnic Vietnamese (Kinh) with a strong fishing community and tourism service workers.
Travelers drawn to beaches, diving, and historic sites; a small number of expatriate divers and sustainable tourism operators.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular activities due to vibrant reefs and clear water.
Traditional fishing experiences and boat tours are common and enjoyable.
Calm coves and shorelines offer relaxed paddling routes.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Côn Đảo.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many dishes center on seafood, but vegetarian options include fresh vegetables with rice, tofu-based dishes, and fruit. Communicate clearly with staff and request vegetable-focused preparations or sauces without fish sauce. In markets, you can ask for steamed vegetables or tofu dishes as a safe alternative.