A Hidden Gem of Vietnamese Tourism, Tourists Have Remarked: “The Scenery Here is Truly Amazing!”

When mentioning famous tourist destinations in Vietnam, many tourists will immediately list renowned places like Da Nang, Nha Trang, or Phu Quoc. However, on Reddit - a discussion forum that attracts millions of visits each month, when a user asked about the best place to travel in Vietnam, many responses pointed to a different location. “Hidden Gem in Vietnam” is “the nickname” they have given this destination. That place is Con Dao.
“Con Dao is one of my favorite places in Vietnam. The scenery here is truly amazing”; “I have been to many famous places in Vietnam like Hanoi, Da Lat, Da Nang, Ninh Binh, and Hue. Recently, I had the chance to visit Con Dao and I loved it, it's like a hidden gem”, remarked several other users.
Con Dao has been praised many times by international websites and magazines. For example, it was named in Lonely Planet's “Top 10 Most Enchanting Islands on Earth” and was called “One of the World's Most Mysterious Islands” by Travel + Leisure.
So, what makes Con Dao so attractive to tourists, especially foreign tourists?
According to the information from the Con Dao Electronic Portal, Con Dao belongs to Ba Ria-Vung Tau province and comprises 16 large and small islands, located 185 km from Vung Tau city. The total area of the entire district is about 76km2, with the largest island covering over 51km2 known as Con Lon, or Con Dao. Many people assess this largest island on the map as resembling a bear in the East Sea.
This is also the economic and political center of the district. It is where many tourist attractions and historical sites are concentrated, attracting a lot of tourists' interest.
Currently, there are two ways for tourists to travel to Con Dao: by sea and by air. By sea, tourists can choose between regular ferries or, most recently, a newly launched high-speed ferry service.
The travel time by ferry varies from 2 to 5 hours depending on the departure location. Despite being part of Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, the closest mainland point to Con Dao is actually in Soc Trang. Traveling by ferry from Vung Tau takes about 5 hours, whereas, from Tran De port in Soc Trang, the journey time is reduced to 2 hours.
If there are numerous options for tourists by sea, the opposite holds for air travel to Con Dao, which is relatively limited. Due to this scarcity, flight tickets to Con Dao are often significantly more expensive compared to other domestic destinations, averaging 2 to 3 million VND or more for a one-way ticket. The flight duration is relatively short, typically lasting only 50 to 60 minutes each way.



Con Dao is situated amidst the sea, making it a must-visit destination for tourists seeking to immerse themselves in nature, swim in the pristine waters, and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of its untouched beaches. Here are some renowned spots highly recommended by experienced travelers:
- Dam Trau Beach: A serene beach located near Con Dao Airport.
- An Hai Beach and Cau Tau Beach: Beaches in the central part of the main island, popular among tourists and locals alike.
- Nhat Beach: Located along the island's main road, featuring a unique sloping descent.
- Ong Dung Beach: Ideal for renting boats to explore nearby islands like Tre Lon and Tre Nho Islands.
Not only known for its beaches, Con Dao also offers many other unique landscapes and destinations waiting to be explored. For adventurous travelers, visit Dam Tre Bay in the northern part of the island. Here, you'll find mangrove forests, colonies of nesting swallows during breeding season, and a variety of marine life to discover.
     Don't miss the chance to experience sunrise at Mui Tau Cape. This cape marks a unique path from the airport to the town center of Con Dao, surrounded by standing rocks that form a natural arc embracing the sea. The best time to visit is between 4-5 AM when it's most crowded, as everyone desires to capture stunning photos or witness the sunrise in this picturesque and ruggedly beautiful setting.
For an even harder challenge, tourists can explore the pristine jungle of Ong Dung Primeval Forest, Nui Chua. This is a favorite destination for trekking enthusiasts, offering an adventurous journey through dense primeval forests that lead to a secluded beach at the end.
Lastly, tourists to Con Dao often explore spiritual sites and historical landmarks such as the Con Dao Museum, the Island Lord's Palace, the Con Dao Prison system, and Hang Duong Cemetery – the resting place of figures like Vo Thi Sau…


Con Dao is indeed a destination that perfectly combines both sea and mountainous landscapes, offering diverse experiences for tourists throughout the year. If you're planning a trip to Con Dao, it's best to plan and book accommodations and transportation early to avoid shortages and high prices.