• Islands -

Con Son is the largest island in the Con Dao Archipelago which consists of 16 mountainous islands and islets

• Visa -

Visa conditions vary a bit. Some countries can get 15 days without a visa. Others have to get a visa which cost about $100. Definitely go through the Vietnamese Embassy in your country. Do not use online sites/scams that say they can get you a visa on arrival

• Budget -

Vietnam is a relatively cheap country to travel in. Because this is an island and everything has to be brought over the prices will be higher than on the mainland

• Population -

5,000

• AKA -

Con Lon / Grande Condore / Pulo Condore / Isles of the Satyrs / Koh Tralach / Palau Kundur / The Devils Island

• About -

Perfect for that relaxing break on a tropical paradise that hasn't been discovered  yet. Can be done on all budgets.

Fly direct from Saigon Airport. 

Or spend a few nights in Saigon and perhaps Vung Tau before you hop on the ferry for your island paradise. The crossing can be a bit rough at times.

Spend a week unwinding and communing with nature. Hire a motorbike or scooter to get around and have a look at the place.

• Go -

Between June and September you may see turtles laying their eggs

Weatherwise the best time is November to February when it's dry

February to July is good for diving as this is when the water is clearest 20 - 30m

June to August is holiday season for the Vietnamese and you may need to book ahead

• Flights - 

Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) - 

has direct flights to 76 destinations in 24 countries. Including San Francisco, London, Paris, Frankfurt, Istanbul, Asia, Australia, Doha and Dubai

Con Don (Con Dao) Co Ong Airport (VCS) -

most easily reached from HCM City - 1 hour flight - also has flights to Hanoi

• Ferries -

From Vung Tau takes 4 hours and from Soc Trang 2 hours 30 minutes - can combine bus and ferry tickets for both ferries

• Stay -

Most of the hotels are in the town and come in a range of prices. There are some 3*** resorts near the beach. There is one top end place with top end prices - 

Six Senses ***** where Brangelina had a family holiday in 2011. 

Con Dao Resort *** - 

Great private beachfront location and close to town, 2 way free transfer from airport or ferry, fabulous breakfast buffet included, motorbike rentals, outdoor pool, restaurant, bar, beach volleyball, tennis

Tan Son Nhat Con Dao Resort *** - 

Great beachfront location a short walk from town, restaurant, bar, garden, terrace, bidet, cafe, scooter hire, good breakfast buffet included

• Features -

It has beautiful beaches, hidden lagoons and few tourists

The largest turtle sanctuary in Vietnam

• History -

Mentioned by Marco Polo in 1292

Originally it was a part of the Khmer Empire

The British East India Company founded a settlement here in the 18th century. Since then it was a trading post for ships travelling between China and India.

The French took over in 1787 and the island became a penal colony for political prisoners. The South Vietnamese government also used it for political prisoners during the Vietnam War. It was closed when the North took over in 1975

· See -

Prisons and Tiger Cages

Stingrays, Barracudas, Moray eels, and Dugongs.

Con Dao Museum 

Hang Doung Cemetery - contains the grave of National hero and martyr Vo Thi Sau

· Do -

Swimming

Island hopping

Snorkelling

Diving (The best in Vietnam) 

Hiking 

Idyllic Beach Hopping 

Scooter tour 

Boat Trips

· Highlights -

In 1894 it became a National Park protecting Coral reefs, Sea Turtles and Dolphins

Fabulous views of rich green jungle covered mountains leading down to pristine sandy beaches with crystal clear turquoise waters

• Eat -

Fresh Seafood

Bar 200 -  

Good food including full English breakfast

Con Son Market

The Night Market - 

features seafood

These days there is a decent range of street food, cafes and restaurants that provide Vietnamese, Western and Seafood dishes

• Drink -

A cafe culture 

is developing here

There isn't much nightlife here but there are low key bars are spread about the island and beaches / meet new friends and make your own fun

• Sundowners -

Dam Trau Beach Bars

• Specialties -

Oyster Porridge

Vu Nang Snail 

Moon Crab 

Red Lobster 

Red Grouper

• Tips -

There are sandflies so take your DEET

Get here before it gets discovered

• Famous -

Mentioned by Marco Polo on his China to India voyage in 1292

It was the location of the notorious "Tiger Cages" during the Vietnam War

· Festivals -

Remembering Phi Yen

• Extra -

Head up to the World's Best City, Hoi An for a week or two - see "Cities"