From high-end to budget-friendly: Seven Con Dao retreats

Six Senses Con Dao

Covering 12 hectares along Dat Doc Beach, Six Senses Con Dao is the only five-star beach resort in Vietnam’s archipelago. Its reputation catapulted to global fame after Hollywood couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie along with their children visited the resort in 2011.

Located inside Con Dao National Park, protected for decades, the resort boasts 50 pristine-beach view villas, built mainly with natural materials and each with a private swimming pool.

The price of a villa for two people ranges from VND14.7-25.7 million ($637.85-1,115), with a three to four bedroom option costing from VND56-83 million.

Con Dao, blessed with 16 lush tropical islands, is home to some of the most beautiful beaches and coral reefs in the country. Before 1975, it formed the biggest prison in Indochina, run by the French and later by the Americans. Today, Con Dao is loved by locals and foreign tourists, with white sandy beaches and crystal-clear water.

Photos courtesy of Six Senses Con Dao

The Secret Con Dao

The resort opened its door to tourists in August last year, with 196 rooms and suites, their balconies featuring breathtaking sea views. One of the highlights of The Secret Con Dao is a 100-year-old French colonial villa, renovated by the investor though retaining its unique architectural appeal. Prices range from VND2.8 million ($121.39) for a room for two people a night.

Photo courtesy of The Secret Con Dao

Poulo Condor Boutique Resort & Spa

The resort is at the foot of a mountain in Lo Voi (Lime Kiln), a historical site which witnessed the persecution of Vietnamese prisoners by the French. The resort features a mixed French and Indochinese design. Each villa is located separately, with its own swimming pool. The resort has a restaurant and shared bar. The price for a villa for two is VND7.9 – 9.3 million and a family option for four people ranges from VND12.5 – 14.7 million.

Photo courtesy of Poulo Condor Boutique Resort & Spa

De La Rosa Con Dao

Around 2.1 kilometers from Dat Doc Beach and nearly 1.3 kilometers from Con Dao Prison, the resort is surrounded by green trees and has bungalows featuring one double or two double beds. Each bungalow costs from VND945,000 to VND1.2 million a night.

Photo courtesy of De La Rosa Con Dao

Hotel De Condor

For budget travelers, this hotel on Phan Chu Trinh Street near Con Dao Prison is an ideal choice with prices ranging from VND650,000-1.2 million a night. The hotel has 30 rooms designed in a classic style.

Photo courtesy of Hotel De Condor

Uyen's House

Located on Pham Van Dong Street, around 2.5 kilometers from Dat Doc Beach, the homestay facility has 10 rooms and three restrooms. Each room is designed using eco-friendly materials and covered by green spaces.

It is close to Hang Duong Cemetery, the largest in Con Dao where the tombs of over 2,000 Vietnamese martyrs are worshipped. Its owner is a Con Dao local, and is available to help tourists prepare offerings to the martyrs.

Each room costs from VND200,000 to VND1.2 million.

Photo courtesy of Uyen's House.

Nicobar Con Dao Hotel

Around 2.5 kilometers from Dat Doc Beach, the two-star hotel has 25 rooms designed in a simple and modern style. Each costs VND1-3 million a night.

Photo courtesy of Nicobar Con Dao Hotel
By: Tam Linh, Hoang Phong/VnExpress