VN · Ho Chi Minh City · 8.69°N 106.58°E

con dao

Remote islands of old prison history, nesting turtles and empty beaches.

Best time
March to June usually has the calmest seas and clearest water. Turtle nesting runs roughly from May to October, and the sea gets rougher towards the end of the year.
How long
3 days, 2 nights
Getting there
Fly from KL to Ho Chi Minh City (about 2 hours), then about an hour on a domestic flight to Con Dao. Fast boats also run from Vung Tau (about 4 hours) and from Tran De in the Mekong Delta (about 2.5 hours), but the sea can be rough.
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VN · Ho Chi Minh Citycon dao8.69°N 106.58°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Remote islands of old prison history, nesting turtles and empty beaches.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingCon DaoVN, Ho Chi Minh City
KLcon dao
≈ 820 km from KL, as the crow flies
Côn Đảo, Bà Rịa - Vũng Tàu, Vietnam

Photo: Lam Tr Th · CC BY-SA 3.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

A group of islands off Vietnam's southern coast, once home to a notorious prison built by the French. Today much of it is national park, with forested hills, quiet beaches and sea turtles that come ashore to nest.

Makan

  1. Fresh seafoodGrilled fish, squid and shellfish at the market and small restaurants in town.Map ↗
  2. Sea almond nuts (hạt bàng)From the island's many sea almond trees, sold roasted or as sweet brittle to take home.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Con Dao PrisonWalk through the old cells and the infamous "tiger cages" where political prisoners were held.Map ↗
  2. Hang Duong CemeteryWhere many prisoners are buried, including the revolutionary heroine Vo Thi Sau. Vietnamese visitors come to pay respects late at night.Map ↗
  3. Turtle watching on Bay Canh IslandIn season, join a national park trip to see green turtles nest and hatchlings released.Map ↗
  4. Dam Trau BeachA curved, quiet beach at the north end of the island, right by the airport runway.Map ↗
  5. Snorkelling and divingCoral reefs around the outer islands, much of it inside the protected marine park.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Turtle trips are run by the national park with permits and limited places. Book through the park office, don't touch the turtles and never use flash.
  • The prison and cemetery are solemn places for Vietnamese visitors. Dress modestly and keep your voice down.
  • Rent a scooter to get around. The main island is small but public transport is limited.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.