Con Dao Island: Ultimate Travel Guide & Sustainable Tours

A Pristine Paradise Near Ho Chi Minh City

Con Dao Island, part of the Con Dao Archipelago in Vung Tau Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, is a breathtaking eco-destination drawing over 150,000 visitors annually, located 230 km southeast of Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1. Following Vietnam’s 2025 administrative restructuring, Con Dao, once under Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, is now within Ho Chi Minh City’s jurisdiction, offering untouched beaches, coral reefs, and Con Dao National Park’s lush forests. Spanning 76 km², the main island, Con Son, boasts 16 sub-islands, 80% of which are protected, hosting endemic species like the Con Dao black squirrel and sea turtles. With free beach access and activities costing $2–$15 (50,000–375,000 VND), Con Dao is a haven for nature lovers and history enthusiasts seeking a sustainable escape.

Set in a tropical climate (dry season: November–April, 25–32°C or 77–90°F; rainy season: May–October, 26–34°C or 79–93°F), Con Dao blends natural splendor with eco-friendly initiatives, such as solar-powered resorts and turtle conservation programs, aligning with Ho Chi Minh City’s “Green Metropolis” vision. Legend Travel Group’s sustainable tours offer immersive experiences, from snorkeling to historical prison tours, ensuring a responsible visit. Book via links throughout this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!

Administrative Update

As of July 2025, Vietnam’s administrative system has streamlined to province/city and commune/ward levels, merging Ba Ria-Vung Tau into Ho Chi Minh City. Con Dao now falls under Vung Tau Ward, simplifying navigation with updated ward-based maps.

Legend Travel Group, a pioneer in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism with over 17 years of experience, crafts eco-friendly tours to Con Dao, blending adventure with cultural and historical immersion. Our low-impact transport, like electric shuttles and boats, paired with English-speaking guides, showcases the island’s ecology, history, and green practices. Supporting local communities, we align with Ho Chi Minh City’s sustainability goals. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we ensure a seamless experience. Book our eco-tours via links on this page and explore Con Dao responsibly!

Located 230 km from Ho Chi Minh City, Con Dao’s Con Son Island is the archipelago’s heart, known for its pristine beaches like Dam Trau and historical sites like Con Dao Prison. Established as a penal colony by French colonists in 1862, it held over 20,000 prisoners until 1975, earning the nickname “hell on earth.” Today, its museums and preserved “tiger cages” draw history buffs, while Con Dao National Park, covering 80% of the archipelago, protects 370+ plant species, 69 genera of animals, and vibrant coral reefs. Eco-initiatives, including biodegradable amenities and local employment, make Con Dao a model of sustainable tourism, offering a serene escape from urban Ho Chi Minh City.

These eco-friendly activities, costing $0–$15, offer nature, history, and cultural immersion:

1. Snorkel at Bay Canh Island

Dive into Bay Canh’s coral reefs, best at 8:00 AM, for $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND), spotting colorful fish and protected corals.

• Cost: $10–$15.

• Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Use reef-safe sunscreen; tours support conservation.

• Tip: Book via Con Dao National Park; included in Legend Travel Group’s Con Dao Eco-Tour ($80–$120).

2. Visit Con Dao Prison

Explore Phu Hai Prison’s “tiger cages” at 9:00 AM for $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND), learning about Vietnam’s colonial history.

• Cost: $2–$3.

• Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Guided tours support local historians; avoid littering.

• Tip: Wear modest clothing; included in Con Dao Historical Eco-Tour ($60–$90).

3. Watch Sea Turtles on Bay Canh

Join turtle-watching tours, best from September to November at 8:00 PM, for $12–$15 (300,000–375,000 VND), witnessing egg-laying.

• Cost: $12–$15.

• Hours: Nightly, 7:00 PM–10:00 PM (seasonal).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Tours fund turtle conservation; no flash photography.

• Tip: Book via National Park; included in Con Dao Eco-Tour ($80–$120).

4. Relax on Dam Trau Beach

Lounge on Dam Trau’s white sands, best at 7:00 AM, free, with umbrella rentals at $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).

• Cost: Free; rentals $1–$2.

• Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Join beach cleanups; use reusable bottles.

• Tip: Bring snacks; included in Con Dao Beach Eco-Tour ($50–$80).

5. Cycle Con Dao’s Coastal Roads

Rent bicycles for $3–$5/day (75,000–125,000 VND) to explore Con Son’s 20-km coastal paths, best at 8:00 AM, with jungle views.

• Cost: $3–$5.

• Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Bikes reduce emissions; stay on paths.

• Tip: Rent at Ton Duc Thanh Street; carry water.

Visit from November to April for dry, sunny weather (25–32°C or 77–90°F), ideal for snorkeling and cycling. The rainy season (May–October) offers lush scenery and fewer crowds (2,000–5,000 daily visitors vs. 10,000–20,000 in peak season), but showers may disrupt outdoor plans. Turtle-hatching season (August–December) is a highlight, especially on Bay Canh. Weekdays (Monday–Thursday) are quieter than weekends, particularly during Tet (January/February). Early mornings (6:00–9:00 AM) provide cool temperatures, while evenings (5:00–8:00 PM) are perfect for sunset cruises.

Con Dao Island, in Vung Tau Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, is 230 km from District 1, reachable by air or sea:

• By Flight: Vietnam Airlines flights from Tan Son Nhat Airport to Con Dao Airport (45 min, $80–$120 or 2,000,000–3,000,000 VND one-way), then taxi to Con Son (15 km, $3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND). Total round-trip: $160–$250 (4,000,000–6,250,000 VND).

• By Ferry (Con Dao Express): High-speed ferry from District 4, Ho Chi Minh City, to Con Son (4.5 hours, $30–$40 or 750,000–1,000,000 VND one-way; weekdays: $30, weekends: $40). Departs 8:00 AM; return 1:30 PM. Total round-trip: $60–$80 (1,500,000–2,000,000 VND).

• By Private Tour (Legend Travel Group): Flight or ferry with private transfers, $100–$150 (2,500,000–3,750,000 VND)/person for 20+ people, including guide.

• From Vung Tau Ward: Ferry from Vung Tau Port (3.5 hours, $25–$35 or 625,000–875,000 VND one-way). Total round-trip: $50–$70 (1,250,000–1,750,000 VND). Navigation Tip: Save “Con Son, Vung Tau Ward, Ho Chi Minh City” in offline maps (Maps.me); follow airport or port signs. Parking: $1–$1.50 (25,000–37,500 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Ferries and group tours reduce emissions; avoid single-use plastics on boats.

• Safety: Secure valuables; confirm ferry schedules. Flights are weather-dependent.

Pack these essentials for a sustainable visit:

• Clothing: Swimwear, light layers, sturdy shoes for trails; waterproof jacket ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) for rainy season; hat for sun.

• Sun Protection: SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses.

• Travel Essentials: Reusable water bottle, compact umbrella ($2–$5), mosquito repellent ($0.50 or 12,500 VND), hand sanitizer ($0.50).

• Tech Gear: Smartphone with Grab/BusMap apps, offline maps, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($5–$10).

• Outdoor Gear: Small backpack, snorkeling mask, camera for beach shots.

• Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).

• Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for snacks ($1–$2); biodegradable wipes.

• Extras: Snacks for trails; cash for vendors.
  Tip: Carry small VND notes for activities ($2–$15) or snacks ($1–$3); secure valuables on beaches.

Costs for Visiting Con Dao Island

Entry and Activity Fees

• Beach Access: Free.

• Con Dao Prison: $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND).

• Snorkeling Tour: $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND).

• Turtle-Watching Tour: $12–$15 (300,000–375,000 VND).

• Bicycle Rental: $3–$5/day (75,000–125,000 VND).

• Umbrella/Chair Rental: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).

• Local Snacks (Bánh Mì, Seafood): $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).

• Drinks (Water, Coconut): $0.50–$1.50 (12,500–37,500 VND).

• Souvenirs (Shell Crafts): $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND).

• Guided Eco-Tour: $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND).

Transportation (Round-Trip, from District 1)

• Flight: $160–$250 (4,000,000–6,250,000 VND).

• Ferry (Con Dao Express): $60–$80 (1,500,000–2,000,000 VND).

• Private Tour: $100–$150 (2,500,000–3,750,000 VND)/person.

• Airport/Port Taxi: $6–$10 (150,000–250,000 VND).

• Parking: $1–$1.50 (25,000–37,500 VND).

• SIM Card: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).

Total Daily Cost (Per Person)

• Budget: $20–$40 (ferry, snacks, rentals).

• Mid-range: $50–$80 (flight, activities, guided tour).

• Luxury: $120–$200 (private tour, snorkeling, premium hotel).
  Tip: Budget for activities ($2–$15) and transport ($60–$250); carry cash for vendors (no cards accepted).

• Timing: Visit at 6:00–9:00 AM for cool weather; November–April for dry conditions. Weekdays for fewer crowds (2,000–5,000 vs. 10,000–20,000 on weekends). Avoid Tet for quieter beaches.

• Booking: Buy prison tickets on-site; book snorkeling/turtle tours via Con Dao National Park. Reserve Legend Travel Group’s tours 24–48 hours ahead. Confirm ferry/flight schedules.

• Sustainability: Use reef-safe sunscreen; join turtle conservation programs. Support local vendors for snacks ($1–$3) or crafts ($2–$5).

• Navigation: Save “Con Son, Vung Tau Ward” in offline maps; ask locals at port/airport for directions. Avoid night travel due to limited lighting.

• Safety: Wear life jackets for snorkeling; secure valuables. Check weather for ferry travel; carry a flashlight for evening tours.

• Weather: Dry season for safe diving; rainy season needs rain gear ($2–$5) and waterproof bags ($3–$7 or 75,000–175,000 VND). Check AccuWeather.

• Cultural Respect: Dress modestly at historical sites (cover shoulders); say “xin chào” to locals. Respect wildlife; avoid touching corals.

• Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50); carry mosquito repellent and hand sanitizer.

Our eco-friendly tours showcase Con Dao’s natural and historical wonders:

• Con Dao Eco-Tour ($80–$120/person, 1 day): Flight or ferry to Con Son for snorkeling, turtle-watching, and beach relaxation, with seafood lunch ($3–$5). Includes guide, transport.

• Con Dao Historical Adventure ($60–$90/person, 1 day): Con Dao Prison, Hang Duong Cemetery, and Con Son town walk. Includes meals, guide.

• Ho Chi Minh City & Con Dao Escape ($250–$400/person, 3 days): Con Dao beaches, Cu Chi Tunnels, Mekong Delta homestays. Includes meals, eco-transfers. Prices include guides, eco-transfers, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links!

Con Dao Island in Vung Tau Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, with free beach access, captivates over 150,000 visitors yearly, 230 km from District 1. From Dam Trau’s pristine shores to Con Dao Prison’s haunting history, this archipelago blends natural beauty with sustainable practices like turtle conservation. Legend Travel Group’s Con Dao Tours guide you through Con Dao’s wonders, ensuring a sustainable Con Dao Travel experience with green, immersive escapes. Whether snorkeling vibrant reefs or cycling coastal roads, Con Dao promises an unforgettable adventure. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-journey today!
Ready to explore Con Dao Island? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable island adventure!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.