Con Dao has transformed remarkably from a place once known as “hell on earth” into one of Vietnam’s most captivating island destinations. In 2011, the island earned worldwide recognition when Lonely Planet listed it among the Top 10 most charming islands on the planet, and Travel + Leisure named it one of the Top 10 most mysterious islands in the world. Today, Con Dao stands as a pristine haven where history, culture, nature, and cuisine blend harmoniously.
Origins of the Name and Historical Layers
Con Dao has been called by several names through different periods: Con Lon, Con Non, Con Son. Some researchers trace the name to the Malay term Pulau Kundur (Pumpkin Island), later romanized by Europeans into Poulo Condor. Other historical sources suggest that in 1285, Chinese pirates (Tàu Ô) occupied the archipelago and named it K’ouen Louen, which evolved into Con Lon.
For most people, Con Dao is inseparable from its tragic past. In 1862, the French colonial regime established a prison complex here—one that would later become infamous as the “hell on earth.” Today, 20 sites within this system have been recognized by the Vietnamese Government as Special National Relics, marking Con Dao as one of the most important historical destinations in the country.
Sacred Sites and Natural Attractions
Beyond the historic prisons, visitors to Con Dao often explore spiritual and natural landmarks such as:
- An Son Shrine dedicated to Lady Phi Yen (Lê Thị Răm)
- Cau Shrine honoring Prince Hội An (Prince Cải)
- Van Son Pagoda
- Stunning beaches: An Hai, Lo Voi, Dam Trau, Ong Dung, Nhat Beach…
From Con Son Island (also known as Phu Hai), travelers can take speedboats or canoes to the smaller islands:
- Bay Canh Island: Visit Hon Chop Lighthouse, observe sea turtles laying eggs
- Hon Ba Island: Trek through the pristine mangrove forest, conquer Love Peak
- Hon Cau Island: Explore coral reefs and the historic village of Ba Thiet
Con Dao Cuisine – A Hidden Treasure of the Island
If nature gives Con Dao its mystery, cuisine is what makes visitors truly fall in love. Breakfast on the island is simple yet comforting: fish cake noodle soup, crab noodle soup, or “còng gió” crab soup, before venturing out to the sea for a day of fishing.
Con Dao maintains strict regulations against destructive fishing methods. As a result, its waters remain abundant with large fish—something rare in many parts of Vietnam today. Some anglers have even caught 150 kg groupers, a testament to the island’s rich marine ecosystem.
The Four “Kings” of Con Dao Seafood
Local fishermen honor four exceptional fish groups: blackspot tuskfish – mackerel – grouper – squirrelfish.
- Groupers (Epinephelinae): Over a dozen species thrive here—black, green, star, tiger, giant, blue-spotted… Red grouper, in particular, is prized for grilling, steaming, porridge, and hotpot.
- Mackerel (Scombridae): Includes butterfly mackerel, king mackerel, bonito, blue mackerel, and the famous “one-sun-dried mackerel”, a specialty of Con Dao.
A Kingdom of Sea Snails
Con Dao is a paradise for sea snail lovers. Locals avoid venomous species and selectively harvest:
- Babylonia snails, white jade snails, jumping snails, cone snails, queen snails, sea snipe snails, red snails, tiger snails… Each variety becomes a delicious dish thanks to the creativity of island cooks.
- Nhum (sea urchin) and oysters are another highlight—perfect for grilling, making porridge, or fermentation into traditional fish sauce.
Squid, Octopus, Crabs & Swimming Crabs
The waters around Con Dao boast impressive diversity:
- Squid (bigfin, arrow, cuttlefish, reef squid)
- Octopus (dozens of species)
- Crabs & swimming crabs (black crab, blue crab, red crab, moon crab, spotted crab…)
These form the backbone of many nutritious and delectable seafood dishes.
Red Spiny Lobster – The “Ultimate Luxury” of Con Dao
Among the island’s marine treasures, the red spiny lobster (Panulirus longipes) stands out as the true king. Found at depths of 18–122 meters in pristine coral reefs, this species is rare and valuable. Although listed in the Red Data Book, it is still legally harvested in Vietnam at regulated levels.
A 1.4 kg red spiny lobster can be transformed into impressive dishes:
- Raw lobster “blood pudding”
- Garlic sautéed lobster
- Lobster porridge hotpot
Its rarity means not every visitor gets the chance to try it. Many restaurants outside the island falsely label red claw crayfish or Louisiana crayfish as “Con Dao red lobster”—a misleading practice travelers should be aware of.
Con Dao is a remarkable blend of history, culture, nature, and gastronomy. The island that once symbolized immense suffering now welcomes travelers with pristine beaches, sacred legends, and a culinary heritage as rich as its past. Whether wandering through historical sites, immersing in nature, or savoring fresh seafood, every journey in Con Dao feels both meaningful and unforgettable.
