As the sun slips behind Mount Thánh Giá and the last golden light dissolves into soft pink clouds, the town of Côn Sơn begins to glow under its evening lights. Tourists gradually drift away, locals finish their late-afternoon swim, fishermen anchor their boats at the harbor, and traffic fades into near silence. In that moment, the island seems to exhale—embracing a calm, restorative stillness after a long, bustling day.
Located about 180 km off the mainland, Côn Đảo belongs to Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu Province and is renowned in Vietnamese history for sites such as the Côn Đảo Prison, the Tiger Cages, and Hàng Dương Cemetery. Today, however, Côn Đảo is not only a place of remembrance and spiritual significance—it has become one of Vietnam’s most captivating destinations for relaxation, nature discovery, and cultural exploration. Its landscapes are pristine, its biodiversity rich, and its atmosphere unlike anywhere else.
Between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM, we took a leisurely walk along Tôn Đức Thắng Street, the historic 914 Pier, and the fishing harbor. These hours offer a rare glimpse into everyday island life. Families gather to swim in the gentle waves, children practice their first strokes, and elderly residents sit along the seawall chatting as they watch the water turn from blue to silver. It’s the kind of scene that makes anyone wish for a life this simple—where joy exists in unhurried, ordinary moments.
Every so often, a lone traveler passes by on a motorbike, or a small group arrives to light incense in memory of the 914 laborers who perished building the historic pier under colonial rule. From there, they stroll along the waterfront: one side lively with evening activities, the other lined with quiet guesthouses and restaurants near An Hải Beach.
Visiting Côn Đảo for the first time, it’s impossible not to fall in love—with the scenery, the people, and the peaceful rhythm of daily life. And it is this very simplicity that makes Côn Đảo unforgettable. Capturing these moments in photos is a way to honor not just the island’s remarkable history, but the serene beauty that continues to define it today.
