Compare Bali, Indonesia and Con Dao Island, Vietnam with our guide! Learn about cultural etiquette, budgeting, safety, eco-friendly Indonesia Tours and Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Indonesia Travel and Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys, and official sources like Legend Travel Group’s expertise in Indonesia and Vietnam. Legend Travel Group since 2008. Information based on the latest data; verify before travel. Reflects Indonesia and Vietnam’s updated travel regulations.
Immerse in Con Dao Island’s pristine heritage (Source: Internet)Bali, Indonesia’s world-famous island paradise, and Con Dao Island, Vietnam’s remote and pristine archipelago, represent two contrasting island experiences in Southeast Asia. Bali dazzles with vibrant beaches, rice terraces, Hindu temples, and lively tourist infrastructure, while Con Dao Island offers untouched white-sand beaches, rich marine biodiversity, historical sites (including the infamous Con Dao Prison), and a much quieter, more authentic atmosphere. Comparing Bali vs Con Dao Island with guided Indonesia Tours and Vietnam Tours immerses you in Bali’s energetic island culture and Con Dao’s serene, off-the-grid paradise. Legend Travel Group specializes in tour packages to both destinations, allowing seamless combined itineraries with flexible payment options—deposit just 10% and pay the rest 30 days before departure for peace of mind. A blend of popular tropical paradise and hidden gem tranquility, these islands, facilitated by trusted Indonesia Travel and Vietnam Travel providers, are ideal for beach lovers, divers, history enthusiasts, and eco-conscious visitors.
Legend Travel Group’s tours connect Indonesia and Vietnam, creating combined packages for effortless exploration. This guide blends insights, practical visiting tips, and sustainable ideas for a memorable experience.
Exploring Bali and Con Dao Island requires preparation for visas (Indonesia: visa exemption or e-visa for many nationalities; Vietnam: e-visa $25–$50 or visa on arrival). Casual attire is suitable. Tours cost $20–$250 (300,000–4,000,000 IDR / 500,000–6,000,000 VND). Key sites are accessible by scooter, bicycle, or tour transport from Ubud/Seminyak (Bali) or Con Son Island (Con Dao). Verify travel advisories and visa requirements via Legend Travel Group’s support. Note: Con Dao is more remote — flights from Ho Chi Minh City are the main access.
Bali (Indonesia): World-renowned island with famous beaches (Kuta, Seminyak, Nusa Dua), iconic rice terraces (Tegallalang, Jatiluwih), Hindu temples (Tanah Lot, Uluwatu), vibrant nightlife, yoga/wellness retreats, and surfing. Known for its spiritual culture, developed tourism infrastructure, and variety of experiences [Legend Travel Group expertise].
Con Dao Island (Vietnam): Remote archipelago with pristine beaches, excellent snorkeling/diving, rich marine life, historical sites (Con Dao Prison museum), and national park. Known for its untouched nature, low tourist density, and peaceful atmosphere [Legend Travel Group expertise].
Vibe: Bali: Vibrant, spiritual, and tourist-developed; Con Dao: Serene, remote, and authentic.
Cultural Focus: Bali: Hindu temples, Balinese arts & dance; Con Dao: Vietnamese history (colonial & prison era) + marine conservation.
Accessibility: Bali: Direct international flights (DPS); Con Dao: Domestic flights from Ho Chi Minh City (1 hour).
Bali: Ubud (Monkey Forest, rice terraces), Tanah Lot & Uluwatu temples, Seminyak/Kuta beaches, Mount Batur sunrise trek (entry: 50,000–300,000 IDR) [Legend Travel Group expertise].
Con Dao: Dam Trau & Bai Dam beaches, Con Dao National Park, Con Dao Prison museum, Shark Cape snorkeling/diving (entry: park fee 40,000–100,000 VND) [Legend Travel Group expertise].
Shared Experiences: Beautiful beaches, marine activities, cultural/historical sites, and island relaxation in both destinations [Legend Travel Group expertise].
Photograph the spiritual spirit of Indonesia’s culture (Source: Internet)Cultural etiquette ensures a respectful experience during Indonesia Tours and Vietnam Tours. Here’s your guide, based on current norms:
Greetings: Use “selamat” (Indonesia) or “xin chào” (Vietnam) with a handshake or nod; use both hands when paying locals to show respect.
Dress: Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temples in Bali (sarong usually provided); casual for Con Dao beaches [Legend Travel Group expertise].
Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor in temples/villages; avoid touching sacred items; ask permission before photographing locals or monks. A guest shared: “Respecting local customs made our exploration profound.”
Customs: Donations ($0.30–$1 or 5,000 IDR/7,500 VND) appreciated at temples; tipping guides ($0.50–$2 or 20,000 IDR/12,500 VND) appreciated but not mandatory. Avoid public criticism of governments or religions to prevent legal issues.
Tip: Say “terima kasih” (Indonesia) or “cảm ơn” (Vietnam) to locals or guides; use eco-friendly practices like carrying reusable water bottles ($4 or 50,000 IDR/100,000 VND) to support sustainable Indonesia Travel and Vietnam Travel; maintain silence in sacred spaces. Tony Bùi notes: “In 20 years guiding, I’ve seen respectful travellers thrive in these cultural destinations.”
General Tips:
Language: Carry a phrase card ($2 or 30,000 IDR/50,000 VND) for basics; English is common in tourist areas but limited among locals [Legend Travel Group expertise].
Respect: Follow temple/village rules; support local vendors with fair purchases.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) with “Bali” or “Con Dao Island” for navigation.
Eco-Tip: Use scooters ($5–$10/day or 100,000 IDR/125,000 VND) or bicycles to reduce emissions.
Below is a curated list of tour options for exploring Bali and Con Dao Island, based on Legend Travel Group’s expertise in Indonesia and Vietnam. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.
Details: Visit Bali’s temples or Con Dao’s beaches independently; suitable for prepared travelers; low difficulty.
Schedule: Daily; sites open daytime.
Cost: Entry: free–200,000 IDR (Bali)/100,000 VND (Con Dao); transport (scooter: $5–$10/day or 100,000 IDR/125,000 VND).
Location: Bali Island (Indonesia) and Con Dao archipelago (Vietnam).
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or walk to reduce emissions; avoid littering in cultural areas.
Tip: Check schedules via Legend Travel Group’s support; visit early (8:00 AM) for serenity; a guest noted: “Self-guided visits were immersive and authentic.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Bali’s Ubud rice terraces, temples, and beaches; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Ubud/Seminyak, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.
Schedule: Daily; departs 8:00 AM from Bali hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $25–$40/person (400,000–650,000 IDR, includes entries).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Bali.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group transport with fuel-efficient vehicles minimizes impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via legendtravelgroup.com; a guest noted: “Legend’s tour brought Bali’s island charm to life.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Con Dao’s beaches, national park, and historical sites; includes English-speaking guide, transport, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Schedule: Daily; departs 8:00 AM from Con Son hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $30–$50/person (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entries).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Con Son.
Eco-Friendly Note: Small groups reduce environmental impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via Legend Travel Group partners; a guest noted: “The combo tour blended Vietnam’s island serenity perfectly.”
Details: 5–7 day tour combining Bali and Con Dao Island with flights; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Schedule: Custom; departs from Bali or Ho Chi Minh City.
Cost: $200–$500/person (3,000,000–7,500,000 IDR / 5,000,000–12,500,000 VND, includes entries).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Bali or Ho Chi Minh City.
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses eco-lodges and fuel-efficient transport; supports local communities.
Tip: Book Indonesia Tours and Vietnam Tours via legendtravelgroup.com or WhatsApp (+84 825862222); a guest noted: “The multi-day tour was a deep island immersion.”
Experience Vietnam’s heritage with guided tours (Source: Internet)Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and authentic, ideal for independent travellers with cultural awareness.
Group Island Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for immersive cultural insights.
Combo Island Tours: Blend island experiences for a comprehensive journey.
Multi-Day Cultural Tours: Offer in-depth exploration of Indonesia and Vietnam heritage, perfect for beach enthusiasts.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group and multi-day tours use fuel-efficient transport, supporting Indonesia and Vietnam green tourism goals.
Key cultural exploration opportunities include:
Nyepi (Bali, Indonesia): March/April, silent day.
Tet (Vietnam): Late January–February, festive with temple ceremonies.
Year-Round Opportunities: Dry season best (Bali Apr–Oct; Con Dao Nov–Apr).
Dry seasons vary by region; avoid rainy peaks. Verify weather via Legend Travel Group’s assistance.
Online Platforms: Book Indonesia Tours and Vietnam Tours via legendtravelgroup.com ($20–$500). Provide pick-up details (e.g., Bali or Ho Chi Minh City hotels); e-tickets are acceptable, but printing is recommended.
Tour Operators: Contact Legend Travel Group for bundled tours with islands, beaches, or combined Indonesia-Vietnam packages.
Direct: Local site entries ($1–$15 or 20,000 IDR/25,000 VND); book guided tours via Legend Travel Group’s support.
Eco-Tip: Use digital tickets to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles ($3–$5/day) or scooters to minimize emissions.
Tip: Book early for peak seasons (April–October for Bali, November–February for Con Dao); arrive by 8:00 AM for sites; carry small IDR/VND notes for donations or purchases; confirm visa requirements.
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), Indonesia/Vietnam visa (if required), wallet ($5–$8), tour bookings.
Clothing: Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees; lightweight scarf ($3) for temple visits; quick-dry clothing and raincoat ($5) for wet season; comfortable walking shoes ($15); hat ($5) for sun protection.
Essentials: Reusable water bottle ($4); snacks ($0.50–$2, e.g., fresh fruits); small backpack ($5); sunscreen ($3); insect repellent ($3).
Tech: Phone with translation apps; charger ($10–$15); local SIM ($3–$5); camera ($50) for photos (with permission).
Eco Items: Reusable tote ($3) for market purchases; phrase card ($2) with Indonesian/Vietnamese basics.
Extras: Small IDR/VND notes for donations or purchases; small first aid kit ($5); umbrella ($5) for wet season; money belt ($5) for valuables. Tip: Pack light (1 small bag, max 5 kg); reusable items support sustainability.
Begin your exploration with Con Dao Island’s tranquil ambiance (Source: Internet)Tour Costs
Self-Guided Exploration: Entry: free–500,000 IDR/100,000 VND; transport (scooter: $5–$10/day or 100,000 IDR/125,000 VND).
Group Cultural Tours: $20–$40 (300,000–600,000 IDR / 500,000–1,000,000 VND, includes transport).
Combo Cultural Tours: $35–$50 (500,000–800,000 IDR / 875,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entries).
Multi-Day Cultural Tours: $100–$500 (1,500,000–7,500,000 IDR / 2,500,000–12,500,000 VND, includes entries).
Other Costs
Donations: $0.30–$1 (5,000 IDR/7,500 VND).
Market Snacks (e.g., fresh fruits): $0.50–$2 (10,000 IDR/12,500 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., handicrafts): $1–$20 (20,000 IDR/25,000 VND).
Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $15–$40 (self-guided, snacks, transport).
Mid-range: $40–$80 (group tour, purchases).
Luxury: $80–$120 (private tour, premium souvenirs). Tip: Budget $15–$120 for tours, entries, or transport, and $0.50–$20 for purchases or add-ons.
Travel Tips: Visit Bali’s temples early (8:00 AM); relax on Con Dao’s beaches; rent scooters; carry small IDR/VND notes; confirm visa requirements.
Etiquette: Use “selamat” (Indonesia) or “xin chào” (Vietnam); dress modestly; stay quiet in temples/villages; avoid touching sacred items.
Access: Choose self-guided visits for flexibility, group tours for insights, or multi-day tours for immersion.
Schedules: Sites open 7:00 AM–6:00 PM; peak crowds in dry season; book early for festivals.
Sustainability: Use scooters or bicycles; carry reusable items; support local vendors with fair purchases.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) with “Bali” or “Con Dao Island” for navigation.
Weather: Dry season (Apr–Oct for Bali, Nov–Apr for Con Dao) ideal; wet season suits fewer crowds; check forecasts via Legend Travel Group’s assistance.
Safety Note: Secure valuables with a money belt ($5); beware of traffic; carry emergency numbers (Indonesia: 112, Vietnam: 113).
Capture the authentic charm of Indonesia’s cultural scene (Source: Internet)Which is more developed for tourism, Bali or Con Dao Island? Bali (well-developed infrastructure); Con Dao (remote & authentic) [Legend Travel Group expertise].
How do I travel between Bali and Con Dao Island? Flights via Jakarta or Ho Chi Minh City; Legend Travel Group offers combined packages.
How much do tours cost? Group tours: $20–$150; multi-day: $100–$500.
What is the best time to visit? Dry season for both.
How do I get around these destinations? Scooters, bicycles, or walking; tours include transport.
Are eco-friendly tours available? Yes, Legend Travel Group’s tours use sustainable practices; check legendtravelgroup.com.
Enhance your Bali vs Con Dao Island journey with eco-conscious tours from Legend Travel Group:
Bali Island Eco-Tour ($25–$45/person, 1 day): Guided temple and beach visit with sustainable practices.
Con Dao Island Eco-Tour ($30–$50/person, 1 day): Beach and park exploration with low-impact transport.
Indonesia-Vietnam Explorer ($200–$500/person, 5–7 days): Multi-destination adventure with eco-lodges and community-focused activities.
Prices include guides, transport, and fees; group discounts available. Deposit 10% and pay the rest 30 days before departure for peace of mind. Explore options at legendtravelgroup.com or contact sales@legendtravelgroup.com / WhatsApp (+84825862222) for your Indonesia Travel and Vietnam Travel plans.
Exploring Bali vs Con Dao Island with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “selamat” or “xin chào,” and respectful behavior—unlocks a vibrant, natural journey through Indonesia and Vietnam. With tour costs from $20–$500, eco-friendly Indonesia Tours and Vietnam Tours, and experiences like Bali’s beaches or Con Dao’s tranquility, this trip offers immersion and sustainability. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Indonesia Traveland Vietnam Travel, respect local customs and book early for the best experience. For more guides, check Legend Travel Group’s resources. Safe travels!
Sources:
Legend Travel Group’s expertise
Internal data from Indonesia and Vietnam tourism
Favorite experiences booked by travelers