Discover where to eat on Con Dao Island, Ho Chi Minh City, with eco-friendly restaurants, fresh seafood, local dishes, updated prices, and sustainable tours by Legend Travel Group. Book now!
Capture the savory essence of Con Dao’s culinary gem (Source: Internet)Con Dao Island, located in Con Dao Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, is a culinary and eco-tourism gem attracting over 150,000 visitors annually, 230 km southeast of Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1. Following Vietnam’s administrative restructuring, Con Dao, once part of Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, is now a ward under Ho Chi Minh City, renowned for its fresh seafood, vibrant local dishes, and historical depth. Con Son, the main island, spans 76 km² and boasts a rich dining scene with meals from $1–$15 (25,000–375,000 VND), featuring specialties like Vu Nang snails and oyster porridge. Its 80% protected Con Dao National Park and sustainable dining practices make it a must-visit for foodies and eco-conscious travelers.
With 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’s restaurants embrace eco-friendly initiatives like locally sourced ingredients, zero-waste policies, and solar-powered kitchens, aligning with Ho Chi Minh City’s “Green Metropolis” vision. Legend Travel Group’s sustainable tours pair exquisite dining with immersive island experiences, ensuring a responsible visit. Book via links throughout this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!
Vietnam’s administrative system now operates at province/city and commune/ward levels, merging Ba Ria-Vung Tau into Ho Chi Minh City. Con Dao is now Con Dao Ward, simplifying navigation with updated ward-based maps.
With over 17 years leading sustainable Southeast Asia tourism, Legend Travel Group crafts eco-friendly tours to Con Dao, blending culinary adventures with historical and natural exploration. Our low-impact transport, like electric shuttles and eco-boats, paired with English-speaking guides, showcases Con Dao’s cuisine, ecology, and heritage. 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 to complement your dining journey!
Photograph the sweet allure of Con Dao’s local heritage (Source: Internet)Con Dao’s dining scene thrives on fresh seafood, local specialties, and eco-conscious practices, offering options from street food stalls to upscale restaurants. Below are the top places to eat in Con Son town, emphasizing sustainability and local flavors, with prices reflecting Con Dao’s island economy (10–20% higher than mainland Ho Chi Minh City).
Thu Ba Restaurant (7 Vo Thi Sau Street, Con Son): A beloved seafood spot with English-speaking staff, serving fresh red grouper ($10–$15 or 250,000–375,000 VND), Vu Nang snails ($5–$8 or 125,000–200,000 VND), and oyster porridge ($2–$4 or 50,000–100,000 VND). Uses locally sourced ingredients and composts food waste. Open 10:00 AM–10:00 PM.
Quán Tri Kỷ (Nguyen Duc Thuan Street, Con Son): Known for affordable, high-quality seafood like grilled squid ($6–$10 or 150,000–250,000 VND) and lobster hotpot ($15–$20 or 375,000–500,000 VND). Offers an English menu and supports local fishers. Open 11:00 AM–9:00 PM.
Phố Biển Restaurant (Ton Duc Thang Street, seafront): Housed in a colonial villa, it serves crab ($12–$18 or 300,000–450,000 VND) and shark meat salad ($5–$7 or 125,000–175,000 VND) with ocean views. Uses biodegradable utensils. Open 10:00 AM–10:00 PM.
Bar 200 (An Hai Beach, Tran Huy Lieu Street): A beachfront eatery offering homemade burgers ($4–$6 or 100,000–150,000 VND), pizzas ($5–$9 or 125,000–225,000 VND), and smoothies ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND). Uses locally baked bread and eco-friendly packaging. Popular with Western travelers, open 7:00 AM–10:00 PM.
Infiniti Café & Resto (Pham Van Dong & Tran Huy Luu Street): A trendy spot with seafood tacos ($4–$6 or 100,000–150,000 VND), pasta ($5–$8 or 125,000–200,000 VND), and Vietnamese coffee ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND). Features solar-powered lighting and minimal waste. Open 7:00 AM–10:00 PM.
Con Dao Night Market (Tran Huy Lieu Street, near Red Hotel): A lively evening market with stalls offering bánh mì ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND), fresh spring rolls ($1–$1.50 or 25,000–37,500 VND), and grilled shellfish ($3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND). Supports local vendors, open 5:00 PM–10:00 PM.
Gia Minh Noodle Shop (Nguyen An Ninh Street, Con Son): Specializes in handmade phở ($1.50–$3 or 37,500–75,000 VND) and bún bò Huế ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND). Uses local herbs and minimal packaging. Open 6:00 AM–8:00 PM.
Quan Chay (Vegetarian Restaurant) (Nguyen An Ninh Street, opposite Pham Van Dong Park): A hidden vegan gem serving tofu noodle dishes ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND) and mock meat stir-fries ($2–$3). Eco-friendly with composted waste. Open 6:00 AM–8:00 PM.
Six Senses Con Dao – By The Beach (Dat Doc Beach, 3 miles from Con Son): An upscale restaurant offering red grouper ceviche ($12–$18 or 300,000–450,000 VND) and vegan dishes ($8–$12 or 200,000–300,000 VND). Uses organic garden produce and supports turtle conservation. Open 7:00 AM–10:00 PM, reservations recommended.
Con Dao 1992 Eating House (Le Van Luong Street, Con Son): Famous for clay pot roasted chicken ($6–$10 or 150,000–250,000 VND) and eagle tree nut jam ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND), a sentimental local specialty. Uses local ingredients, open 11:00 AM–9:00 PM.
Vu Nang Snails: Unique to Con Dao, best boiled or grilled ($5–$8 or 125,000–200,000 VND), especially during full moon days. Try at Thu Ba or Tri Kỷ.
Oyster Porridge (Cháo Hầu): Sweet, hearty porridge with fresh oysters ($2–$4 or 50,000–100,000 VND). Best at Gia Minh or local stalls.
Red Grouper: Lean, sweet fish, grilled or steamed ($10–$15 or 250,000–375,000 VND). Available at Phố Biển or Six Senses.
Shark Meat Salad: A tangy mix of tender shark meat, pineapple, and mustard ($5–$7 or 125,000–175,000 VND). Try at Phố Biển.
Eagle Tree Nut Jam: A nostalgic local delicacy from tropical almonds ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND), tied to Con Dao’s prison history. Best at Con Dao 1992.
Experience Con Dao Tours with sustainable adventures (Source: Internet)Dine from November to April for dry weather (25–32°C or 77–90°F), ideal for outdoor seating and fresh seafood availability. The rainy season (May–October) offers quieter restaurants (2,000–5,000 daily visitors vs. 10,000–20,000 in peak season), but some dishes may be limited due to fishing conditions. Weekdays (Monday–Thursday) are less crowded than weekends, especially during Tet (January/February). Early mornings (6:00–9:00 AM) are great for breakfast at noodle shops, while evenings (5:00–8:00 PM) suit seafood dinners with sunset views.
Con Dao, in Con Dao Ward, is 230 km from Ho Chi Minh City, reachable by:
Flight: Vietnam Airlines/Bamboo Airways from Tan Son Nhat Airport to Con Dao Airport (45 min, $80–$120 one-way), then taxi (15 km, $3–$5). Round-trip: $160–$250 (4,000,000–6,250,000 VND).
Ferry (Phu Quoc Express): From District 4, Ho Chi Minh City, to Ben Dam Port (5 hours, $40–$50 one-way). Round-trip: $80–$100 (2,000,000–2,500,000 VND). From Vung Tau Ward, 3.5 hours, $35–$45 one-way; round-trip: $70–$90.
Private Tour (Legend Travel Group): Flight/ferry with transfers, $100–$150/person (2,500,000–3,750,000 VND) for 20+ people. Eco-Friendly Note: Ferries reduce emissions; book group tours for lower impact. Tip: Save “Con Son, Con Dao Ward” in offline maps (Maps.me).
Learn Con Dao’s heritage with expert insights (Source: Internet)Pack these essentials for a sustainable visit:
Clothing: Light layers, flip-flops for beachfront dining; waterproof jacket ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) for rainy season.
Travel Essentials: Reusable water bottle, umbrella ($2–$5), mosquito repellent ($0.50 or 12,500 VND), hand sanitizer ($0.50).
Tech Gear: Smartphone with Grab/BusMap apps, offline maps, charger; SIM card ($5–$10).
Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for market snacks ($1–$2); biodegradable wipes.
Extras: Cash for vendors (VND 10,000–50,000 notes).
Tip: Carry small VND notes for meals ($1–$15); secure valuables at night markets.
Street Food (Bánh Mì, Phở): $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).
Seafood Dishes (Squid, Grouper): $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND).
Hotpot for Two: $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).
Drinks (Coffee, Coconut): $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).
Upscale Dining (Six Senses): $12–$18 (300,000–450,000 VND).
Souvenirs (Eagle Tree Jam): $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND).
Flight: $160–$250 (4,000,000–6,250,000 VND).
Ferry (Ho Chi Minh City): $80–$100 (2,000,000–2,500,000 VND).
Ferry (Vung Tau Ward): $70–$90 (1,750,000–2,250,000 VND).
Airport/Port Taxi: $6–$10 (150,000–250,000 VND).
SIM Card: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $10–$25 (street food, ferry, market snacks).
Mid-Range: $40–$70 (seafood restaurants, flight, activities).
Luxury: $100–$150 (upscale dining, private tour).
Tip: Budget for meals ($1–$18) and transport ($70–$250); carry cash, as cards are rarely accepted.
Capture the authentic charm of Con Dao’s food culture (Source: Internet)Timing: Visit restaurants at 7:00–9:00 AM for breakfast, 6:00–8:00 PM for dinner. November–April for fresh seafood; avoid Tet for quieter dining.
Booking: Walk-ins accepted at most eateries; reserve at Six Senses 24 hours ahead. Book Legend Travel Group’s tours 24–48 hours in advance for dining inclusions.
Sustainability: Choose restaurants with local sourcing (Thu Ba, Tri Kỷ); join beach cleanups to support eco-tourism.
Navigation: Save “Con Son, Con Dao Ward” in offline maps; walk or rent scooters ($5–$10/day) to reach restaurants.
Safety: Secure valuables at night markets; confirm prices before ordering seafood by weight.
Weather: Dry season for outdoor dining; rainy season needs rain gear ($2–$5). Check AccuWeather.
Cultural Respect: Say “xin chào” to staff; avoid loud behavior in local eateries.
Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50); carry mosquito repellent for open-air dining.
Our eco-friendly tours pair Con Dao’s dining with its natural and historical wonders:
Con Dao Eco-Tour ($80–$120/person, 1 day): Snorkeling at Bay Canh, turtle-watching, and dinner at Thu Ba with seafood hotpot ($10–$15). Includes guide, transport.
Con Dao Historical Adventure ($60–$90/person, 1 day): Phu Hai Prison and lunch at Gia Minh for phở ($2–$3). Includes meals, guide.
Ho Chi Minh City & Con Dao Journey ($250–$400/person, 3 days): Con Dao dining, Mekong Delta, and Cu Chi Tunnels with 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 Con Dao Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, offers a vibrant dining scene with eco-friendly restaurants like Thu Ba ($5–$15 dishes) and budget stalls at Con Dao Night Market ($1–$3). From Vu Nang snails to eagle tree nut jam, its cuisine reflects local heritage and sustainability, enchanting over 150,000 visitors annually. Legend Travel Group’s Con Dao Tours pair culinary delights with island adventures, ensuring a green, immersive Con Dao Travel experience. Whether savoring seafood hotpots or vegan noodles, Con Dao promises a flavorful escape. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-journey today!
Ready to explore Con Dao Island’s culinary treasures? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on a delicious island adventure!
Author Bio: 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.
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