Con Dao is one of the top destinations in Vietnam in sea and island tours. Visiting the island, tourists have a chance to see beautiful seas, primitive forests, notorious prison cells, historical sites and culture.

A corner of Saigon-Con Dao Tourist Complex on Con Dao Island.

Con Dao is 97 nautical miles and 120 nautical miles off the southern province of Vung Tau and HCMC, respectively. The 76-square-kilometer Con Dao archipelago comprises 16 big and small islands. The biggest island is Con Son, covering 51 square kilometers. Some other prominent islands are Hon Ba, Hon Bay Canh, Hon Cau, Hon Bong Lan and Hon Vung. These islands are home to some 6,000 friendly and hospitable people.

On the map, Con Dao looks like a bear stretching out in the East Sea. Con Dao is endowed with many long, beautiful beaches shaded by almond trees and clear, blue seawater. It is a national park with diverse fauna and fl ora systems. In the sea, there are a wide range of colorful fi sh and coral reefs. Wild orchids, black squirrels, red-bowel squirrels and “gam gi” (a pigeon species) are abundant. Especially, Con Dao is one of the few locations in Vietnam where dugongs, dolphins and sea turtles are preserved.

During the war, Con Dao Island was a prison where revolutionaries were jailed. The Hang Duong martyrs’ cemetery is a place for commemorating heroes and heroines of national defense. Con Dao Museum protects objects and photos featuring the island’s history.

During the war, Con Dao Island was a prison where revolutionaries were jailed. The Hang Duong martyrs’ cemetery is a place for commemorating heroes and heroines of national defense. Con Dao Museum protects objects and photos featuring the island’s history.

Nowadays, these islands are a paradise for tourists to discover. Exploring Ong Dung and So Ray primitive forests, going fishing on Bong Lan Islet, catching squid on Tau Be tip, snorkeling, diving by Tre Islet and watching turtles laying eggs at night on Bay Canh Islet may be unforgettable trips.

Saigon-Con Dao Tourist Site under the umbrella of Saigontourist Holding Company is on Con Son Island. The resort has 120 well-furnished rooms and professional and enthusiastic staff. The resort is divided into two sections. Section one has 36 villas renovated from those built by the French in the 1920s. The villas with green lawns and old banyan trees were once residences of French civil servants. The building section has 82 rooms built in 2009. All these modern rooms face the sea. In addition, chefs and staff from Poulo Condore and Hoa Bien restaurants are ready to serve guests with delicious seafood dishes and specialties on Con Dao.

Staying at the resort, guests can use other services such as swimming pool, tennis court, business center, karaoke parlor, massage, wifi, satellite TVs and in-room safe boxes. Saigon-Con Dao Tourist Complex also organizes tours of the islands and historical sites.

Saigon-Con Dao Tourist Site: 18 Ton Duc Thang St., Con Dao Island District, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province. Tel: 064.3830 336. Email: sgtcd@ saigoncondao.com.