I visited Con Dao during the most beautiful season of the year

More Than Just a Spiritual Destination
My name is Pham Trong Nghia, 34 years old, a photography enthusiast. For my first trip to Con Dao, I initially invited some friends to join, but they all declined. Eventually, I decided to go solo. I traveled by high-speed boat from Tran De Port (Soc Trang) to the island, stayed in a mid-range hotel, and explored the area by motorbike.
At first, I thought Con Dao was merely a spiritual destination, but the raw, untouched landscapes left me in awe. "Majestic" is the only word that could truly describe it. Dam Trau Beach had emerald waters, fine white sand, surrounded by green-covered rocky hills. From here, you can even watch planes landing up close. After a 30-minute hike up Con Voi Mountain, a vast, endless beach unfolded before my eyes—I felt as small as a grain of sand amid this vast nature.
Near Ben Dam, there’s a stranded, rusted ship lying in a large open space. It’s a photographer’s dream, with beautiful shots from any angle. However, visitors should come before 10 a.m. to avoid the rising tide. Sunsets on the island are also breathtaking. I sat at a café, watching the sun turn the sea orange, everything falling silent until the last ray disappeared.

 




 

 

 

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 Nature, Tranquility, and Local Charm
Nhat Beach, located along the road from Ben Dam to Con Dao's center, remains mostly untouched, giving it a clean, smoke-free atmosphere. From a higher vantage point, the winding road hugging the mountain, the blue sea, and uniquely shaped rocks carved by centuries of waves create a mesmerizing scene.
Mui Tau Be, also on the way to town, is surrounded by steep rocky cliffs forming a curved shape resembling a ship’s bow. I visited at noon when the warm sun made the sea appear even bluer. If you come early in the morning, you can enjoy the sunrise and fresh greenery of a new day.
The locals are extremely friendly, which made my solo trip far from lonely. However, Con Dao remains quite wild—monkeys often come down to the roads begging for food from tourists.
During my stay, I tried many dishes: seafood, crab noodle soup, fish cake noodle, crispy rice with caramelized dipping sauce, and especially Con Dao’s local coconut ice cream, which I found to be the best in town.
The total cost for my trip was around 3.3 million VND (about $130 USD). With a blend of spiritual experiences and scenic exploration, Con Dao truly offers a "two-in-one" travel experience.

Photo: Phạm Trọng Nghĩa