Con Dao Islands, Vietnam - Travel Guide

Con Dao Islands offer a pristine natural escape with stunning beaches, coral reefs, and lush national parks. It's also known for its historical significance as a former prison island, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and profound history.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay4 days

Budget$25/day

Mid-range$50/day

Luxury$500/day

Known For

Con SonHon Bay CanhHon BaHon Tre LonHon Tre Nho

🇻🇳 Country Information: Vietnam

CapitalHanoi

CurrencyVietnamese đồng (₫)

Language Vietnamese , English (tourism areas), French, Chinese, Khmer

Phone Code+84

Electricity220V (Type A, C, F)

Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated in tourist
oriented services such as hotels, restaurants, and tour guides
For restaurants, 5
10% is common for good service
For tour guides and drivers, a few dollars per day is appropriate
For hotel staff, a small amount (e
g
, 20,000
50,000 VND) for porters or housekeepers is customary

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available, especially in major cities; fees may apply
Credit cards are accepted in major hotels, restaurants, and shops, but cash is preferred for smaller establishments and local markets
It's advisable to carry a mix of cash (Vietnamese Dong, VND) for daily expenses and smaller purchases, especially outside of urban centers
There is no official black market for cash, but exchange rates at unofficial vendors may differ

Cultural Norms

Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites
Shoulders and knees should be covered
Avoid public displays of affection
When eating, wait for the oldest person to start eating first
Do not point with your finger; instead, use your whole hand
Remove your shoes when entering homes or temples

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. While there are no specific laws protecting LGBTQ+ rights, same-sex marriage was decriminalized in 2015, and there is a growing acceptance, particularly in urban areas. However, legal recognition of same-sex partnerships is not yet available.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

The legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are extremely strict, with severe penalties including long prison sentences and the death penalty for possession, trafficking, or manufacturing of illicit drugs, even in small quantities

Special Laws

When visiting temples or pagodas, dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees
Do not wear hats indoors, especially in religious places
Be mindful of traffic when crossing streets, as it can be chaotic
Respect local customs and traditions, such as removing shoes before entering someone's home

Common Phrases

HelloXin chào (sin chow)

GoodbyeTạm biệt (tam bee-et)

How much?Bao nhiêu? (bow nyoo)

Thank youCảm ơn (gam un)

Excuse me/SorryXin lỗi (sin loy)

Climate

Climate Zone: Tropical Savanna

Best Time to Visit

Monsoon season: May
Nov (heavy rainfall)
Dry season: Dec
Apr (hot and humid)

Getting There

Fly directly to Con Dao Airport (VCS) from Ho Chi Minh City (1h, \~$50
100) or Can Tho (45m, \~$40
80)
Alternatively, take a ferry from Vung Tau (3
4h, \~$15
25)

Getting Around

Taxis and motorbike rentals are the primary modes of transport
No major ride
sharing apps are widely available, but local drivers can be arranged through hotels or guesthouses

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations (Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, and Flu) are recommended
Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines are also advised for most travelers to Vietnam
Dengue fever is present; take precautions against mosquito bites
Consult a travel doctor for personalized advice

Staying Connected

eSIMs are generally available in Vietnam
Major providers include Viettel, Mobifone, and Vinaphone
Airalo and Nomad eSIM are likely to work well, offering convenient data plans

Local Cuisine

Eagle Tree Peanut Jam (Mứt Hạt Bàng) regional_speciality

This is considered Con Dao's most important cultural culinary dish. The jam is made from the seeds of the eagle tree (hạt bàng), which are cracked ope

Grilled Red Lobster (Tôm Hùm Đỏ Nướng) must_try

Red lobster is a famous seafood item on Con Dao, often steamed whole or grilled to perfection. Lucky diners in the winter might find a layer of golden

Oyster Porridge (Cháo Hào) regional_speciality

A comforting and savory dish featuring fresh oysters simmered in a warm, flavorful rice porridge. This dish is a simple yet nutritious way to enjoy th

Marinated Shark Salad (Gỏi Cá Nhám) regional_speciality

A unique local delicacy made from fresh shark meat that is thinly sliced and marinated. The preparation involves mixing the fish with herbs, spices, a

Stir-fried Giant Clam with Garlic (Ốc Vú Nàng Xào Tỏi) must_try

This dish features giant clams, a local mollusk known for its meaty texture, stir-fried with fragrant garlic and various seasonings. It is a popular w

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Flights to Con Dao (VCS) Transport

Book 3–6 months in advance

Flights to Con Dao are limited and often sell out, especially during peak season (March–September) and major Vietnamese holidays, leading to high prices and limited availability.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Snorkeling or Boat Tours to Outer Islands tour_or_activity

Book 2 weeks–2 months in advance

Popular small boat tours, especially during good weather, can fill up, and booking in advance secures availability and preferred timing/operators.

Accommodation during Peak Season/Holidays Accommodation

Book 2–6 months in advance

Accommodation options are limited on the islands, and the best hotels or highly-rated guesthouses sell out quickly during high-demand periods.

Fun Facts

1. The Con Dao archipelago is made up of 16 islands and islets, with Con Son being the largest, and despite its size, the area has a small population, making it one of Vietnam's most secluded beach destinations.
2. Over 90% of Vietnam's sea turtles return to Con Dao annually to lay their eggs, and the conservation program has successfully released over 120,000 baby turtles into the ocean this year alone.
3. The islands are home to unique, endemic species like Con Son's Black Giant Squirrel and Con Son's Long-tailed Macaque, which are named after the largest island in the archipelago.
4. Historically, the islands are infamously known for housing the brutal "tiger cages" at the Con Dao Prison complex, where political prisoners were confined during the French and American wars.

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