Today, Con Dao—now officially recognized as the Con Dao Special Zone under Ho Chi Minh City—continues to affirm its position as one of Vietnam’s most unique destinations, blending profound historical value with rare, pristine natural beauty.
Comprising 16 islands with nearly 76 km² of land and more than 14,000 km² of surrounding waters, Con Dao holds a strategically important role in both geo-economics and geopolitics. The archipelago is often described as a “miniature Vietnam,” thanks to its exceptional combination of geography, natural ecosystems, historical heritage, and rich cultural identity.
Blessed with diverse forest and marine resources, Con Dao National Park is Vietnam’s first marine Ramsar site, home to thousands of plant and animal species, including rare endemic birds, mangrove forests, extensive seagrass beds, and some of the oldest coral reef systems in the country. It is also Vietnam’s most important nesting area for sea turtles, with hundreds of mother turtles returning each year to lay eggs on 14 natural sandy beaches.
From its tragic past as a notorious prison island—once called the “hell on earth”—Con Dao has transformed into a paradise of sea and nature. Today, it welcomes an average of 2,000 visitors per day, attracted by its turquoise beaches, white sand, peaceful atmosphere, and the emotional depth of its historical sites.
According to Vietnam’s national tourism development plan with a vision toward 2030, Con Dao is oriented to become a high-quality destination for marine eco-tourism, cultural-historical experiences, and spiritual tourism, with regional and international significance. Modern infrastructure, sustainable development, and strong brand identity are key goals for its future.
Beyond tourism, Con Dao also plays a crucial role in national defense, serving as a strategic outpost for safeguarding Vietnam’s maritime sovereignty and as a safe shelter for thousands of fishing vessels operating across vast offshore fishing grounds.
With its rich biodiversity, untouched landscapes, sacred historical relics, and a clear roadmap for sustainable development, Con Dao is regarded as a “treasure of the East Sea”—a destination where natural beauty, heritage, and cultural depth converge.
