Con Dao is a group of 16 islands located off the southern of Vietnam, in the South China Sea. The largest island, also called Con Dao, is known for its natural beauty, rich history, and pristine beaches. The islands are a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists who are looking for a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and culture. It’s a great place to relax and unwind, explore the island’s rich history, or indulge in outdoor activities such as hiking, diving, and snorkeling.

The number of days to spend in Con Dao depends on your travel schedule and interests. Con Dao is a relatively small island, but it offers a variety of activities and attractions, including historical sites, natural wonders, and outdoor activities.

What are the best things to do in Con Dao?

Con Dao

Itinerary for 2 days in Con Dao

Day 1:

– Visit Hang Duong cemetery – the cemetery was used to bury the bodies of political prisoners and soldiers who died in the conflict. It contains the graves of over 20,000 Vietnamese prisoners, including many who were executed or died due to harsh living conditions and mistreatment. Burn incense in the following zones: A, D, and C.

– Have lunch at local restaurant

Afternoon:

– Visit Love Peak, White Rock Beach, Shark Cape

White Rock Beach

– Have dinner

– Visit Ms. Vo Thi Sau’s tomb to pray for peace, health, and success in your career. People often visit Ms. Sau’s grave in the time frame from 22:00 to 23:55 at night because people think that this is a sacred time, if sincere, all wishes will come true.

Ms. Vo Thi Sau's tomb

Day 2:

Morning:

– Visit Nui Mot Pagoda: Also known as Van Son Tu, a relic associated with the place of Con Dao, is the spiritual place of the local people. Nui Mot Pagoda is a majestic structure located on the top of the mountain.

Nui Mot Pagoda

– Visit Lady Phi Yen’s Temple: Also known as An Son Mieu, it is a place to worship Phi Yen, the concubine of Lord Nguyen Anh. People often come here to pray for love

Lady Phi Yen Temple

– Visit Temple of Five Elements (Temple of 5 Co): Temple of Ngu Hanh Nuong Nuong, according to folk legend, the five goddesses have special powers for professions related to metal, wood, cradle water, firewood. and land.

– Have lunch at local restaurant

Afternoon

– Visit Cau Temple: The place to worship Prince Cai and the grave of the Prince, the son of Lord Nguyen Anh and Mrs. Hoang Phi Yen. Temple of Prince Cai is very sacred, you can come here to pray for children, fortune, and health. If you want to celebrate Mass, you should prepare flowers, candies, fruits, votive papers, maybe even toys that children like.

Cau Temple

– Explore Con Dao Prison – was a prison camp established by the French colonial authorities in 1862 on Con Son Island. The prison was used to hold Vietnamese political prisoners and other dissidents who opposed the French colonial rule.

– Enjoy dinner

2 days in Con Dao

*Note: This itinerary is more suitable for people who come to Con Dao for the purpose of praying than those who come to relax

Itinerary for 3 days in Con Dao

Day 1:

Morning:

– Start your day with a visit to the Con Dao Market at Pham Van Dong Street. You can try some local street food such as banh mi, banh cuon, and pho, which range from 20,000 to 50,000 VND (less than 1-2 USD) per dish. You also can buy gifts, souvenir,…

– Have lunch

Afternoon:

– Visit the Con Dao Prison, known as hell on earth. Admission fee is 40,000 VND (about 2 USD) per person.

Con Dao Prison

– Enjoy dinner, you can try some of the island’s seafood specialties, such as grilled squid, crab soup, or fried fish at Con Dao Seafood Restaurant at Nguyen Van Linh Street. Prices range from 100,000 to 500,000 VND (4-22 USD) per dish.

Day 2:

Morning:

– Take a walking tour of Con Dao Town and visit some of its historical and cultural landmarks: Van Son Pagoda, visit the French-built,… Admission fees for most landmarks are free.

Van Son Pagoda

– Have lunch at Nha Hang Bien Nho at Bai Dat Doc. Prices range from 100,000 to 300,000 VND (4-13 USD) per dish.

Afternoon:

– Relax on one of Con Dao’s beautiful beaches, such as Dam Trau Beach or Bai Dat Doc Beach.

Dam Trau Beach

– For dinner, you can try some other local dishes at Nem Nuong Nha Trang at Le Duan Street. Prices range from 50,000 to 150,000 VND (2-7 USD) per dish.

Day 3:

Morning:

– Take a boat tour of the Con Dao Archipelago with one of the local tour operators, such as Con Dao Dive Center or Con Dao Camping. Prices range from 500,000 to 1,500,000 VND (22-66 USD) per person.

Afternoon:

– Visit the Hang Duong Cemetery, located at Nguyen Van Linh Street, Con Dao Town. Visit Ms. Vo Thi Sau’s tomb to pray for peace, health, and success in your career. 

Hang Duong Cemetery

– Enjoy dinner, you can have a barbecue or hot pot at Anh Tuan Hot Pot at Nguyen Van Linh Street. Prices range from 100,000 to 300,000 VND (4-13 USD) per person.

3 days in Con Dao

Detailed itinerary for 4 days in Con Dao

Day 1:

Morning:

– Visit the Con Dao Prison. Admission fee is 40,000 VND (about 2 USD) per person.

Hang Duong Cemetery

– Have lunch at Thanh Tam Restaurant, located at Nguyen Hue Street, Con Dao Town. This restaurant serves a variety of Vietnamese dishes, including seafood, vegetarian options, and local specialties. Prices range from 50,000 to 200,000 VND (2-9 USD) per dish.

Afternoon:

– Explore the Con Dao National Park on foot or by bike. The current entrance fee is 60,000 VND (approximately 2.6 USD) per person, and 20,000 VND for student.

Con Dao National Park

– Enjoy dinner at Con Dao Seafood Restaurant at Nguyen Van Linh Street, in Nguyen Hue Street. Prices range from 100,000 to 500,000 VND (4-22 USD) per dish.

Day 2:

Morning:

– Visit Shark Cape – a scenic viewpoint located on the eastern side of Con Dao Island in Vietnam. The cape is known for its stunning natural beauty, panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding islands, and its significance in Con Dao‘s history.

Shark Cape

Have lunch at Con Dao Seafood Restaurant. Prices range from 100,000 to 500,000 VND (4-22 USD) per dish.

Afternoon:

– Relax on one of Con Dao’s beautiful beaches, such as Dam Trau Beach or Bai Dat Doc Beach.

Bai Dat Doc Beach

Enjoy dinner, you can try some other local dishes such as banh xeo or nem nuong at Banh Xeo Phuong Nam at Nguyen Hue Street Prices range from 50,000 to 150,000 VND (2-7 USD) per dish.

Day 3:

Morning:

– Take a boat tour of the Con Dao Archipelago with one of the local tour operators, such as Con Dao Dive Center or Con Dao Camping. Prices range from 500,000 to 1,500,000 VND (22-66 USD) per person.

Scuba Diving in Con Dao

– For lunch, you can try some vegetarian or vegan options at Lotus Vegetarian Restaurant at Nguyen Hue Street. Prices range from 30,000 to 100,000 VND (1-4 USD) per dish

Afternoon:

– Participate in a spiritual activity, such as prayer or meditation at the Van Son Pagoda. There is no admission fee.

– Enjoy dinner. You can have a barbecue or hot pot at your accommodation or at BBQ Hoang Phi at Nguyen Hue Street. Prices range from 100,000 to 300,000 VND (4-13 USD) per person.

Day 4:

Morning:

– Visit the Hang Duong Cemetery, located at Nguyen Van Linh Street, Con Dao Town. There is no admission fee.

Hang Duong Cemetery

– Have lunch, you can try banh mi or pho, which can be found at various food stalls and vendors around Con Dao Town. Prices range from 20,000 to 50,000 VND (less than 1-2 USD) per dish.

Afternoon:

– Visit Con Dao Market – a vibrant and lively place, with vendors selling an array of fresh produce, seafood, meat, and poultry. Visitors can also find a variety of handicrafts, souvenirs, and clothing items at the market.

Con Dao Market

– Enjoy dinner, you can try some of the island’s fusion cuisine at Con Dao pizza or the seafood pasta at Con Dao Foodie at Tran Huy Lieu Street. Prices range from 50,000 to 200,000 VND (2-9 USD) per dish.

4 days in Con Dao

Transportation

Flying is the most convenient and fastest way to get to Con Dao from other cities. There are regular flights from Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Noi, Can Tho,… to Con Dao. The flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao takes about 45 minutes, while the flight from Can Tho takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. You can book your flights online or through a travel agent.

Con Dao Airport

If you prefer to take a bus and ferry, you can take a bus from Ho Chi Minh City or Can Tho to Vung Tau, which takes about 2-3 hours. From Vung Tau, you can take a ferry to Con Dao, which takes about 3-4 hours. There are also buses from other cities in the Mekong Delta region, such as Rach Gia and Ha Tien, to Soc Trang, where you can take a ferry to Con Dao. The bus and ferry combination may take longer than flying, but it’s a cheaper option

Tips to help you make the most of your experience:

– Pack appropriately: Con Dao has a tropical climate, so it’s important to pack light and comfortable clothing, as well as sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat. If you plan on doing water activities, bring swimwear, a towel, and water shoes.

– Bring cash: While some hotels and restaurants may accept credit cards, it’s always a good idea to bring cash in Vietnamese Dong, as many places do not accept foreign currency.