Con Dao Island off mainland Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province is highly recommended for those wishing to escape the sizzling hot summer days in HCMC. To reach the island, tourists can either travel by air from HCMC or by water from Vung Tau City.

What may impress tourists upon arrival at the island are crystal-clear blue seawater and white sand beaches. Visitors can hire a motorbike at VND100,000 (US$4.48) per day to explore the island on their own.

Six Senses Con Dao Resort is a nice place where tourists can stop by to take a look, have a round of drinks or relax in a tranquil atmosphere.

Dam Trau Beach near Co Ong Airport is a nice destination thanks to its soft white sand. There, tourist can find a mini bar serving seafood and Latin music. Many activities are available for tourists, including surfing, motor-boat riding and boat rowing.

For dinner, tourists are recommended to visit the night market where various seafood dishes are served and Con Son café on Ton Duc Thang Street to listen to music by the late musician Trinh Cong Son.

The next day on the island, tourists should take a trip to Tau Be Cape to enjoy a great view of the sea and the sky when standing on cliffs.

Tourists can also take a motor-boat ride for VND1.3 million to VND2 million to tour Bay Canh Islet, snorkel through coral reefs, swim in the clear blue water or rest at a peaceful beach.