Mention Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu, and almost everyone will think of Côn Đảo—one of Vietnam’s most beautiful and historically significant islands. This destination is not only ideal for travelers seeking pristine nature and cultural discovery, but also a place filled with intriguing mysteries that inspire countless journeys into the deep blue sea and untouched wilderness.
Côn Đảo is an archipelago in Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu Province, located off the southern coast of Vietnam. It lies 97 nautical miles from Vũng Tàu and 40 nautical miles from Sóc Trăng, consisting of 16 islands with 76 km² of land area and roughly 14,000 km² of surrounding sea. With its unique geographical position, natural conditions, and rich historical heritage, Côn Đảo stands out as one of the most captivating destinations in Asia.
Often listed among the top 10 most enchanting islands on the planet, Côn Đảo mesmerizes visitors with its crystal-clear waters, long stretches of white sand, lush forests, and serene atmosphere. It is the perfect escape for anyone seeking to disconnect from city life and reconnect with nature’s purity.
One of its most beautiful beaches, Đầm Trầu, located near Cỏ Ống Airport, is often compared to a golden silk ribbon stretched between verdant forests and the shimmering sea. Untouched and tranquil, Đầm Trầu retains its raw beauty due to minimal tourism development.
A Sacred Land of History and Remembrance
During wartime, Côn Đảo was the largest political prison in all of Indochina. The Côn Đảo Prison System, especially the infamous Tiger Cages, stands as a chilling reminder of the brutality inflicted by French colonists and American forces on Vietnamese revolutionaries.
These prisons—built with hundreds of isolation cells, punishment rooms, and torture facilities—today serve as solemn historical sites where visitors can learn about the resilience and unbreakable spirit of Vietnamese patriots.
The historic Governor’s Palace (Dinh Chúa Đảo), once the administrative center of the prison system, now displays artifacts, documents, and images that offer deeper insight into the island’s turbulent past.
Côn Đảo is also home to spiritual landmarks such as Núi Thánh Giá, Vân Sơn Pagoda (Chùa Núi Một), and many revered shrines where locals and travelers come to pray for peace and good fortune.
A Haven of Biodiversity—Where Forests Meet the Ocean
From Đầm Trầu Beach, a short trek leads to Suối Nóng, an idyllic, secluded beach known for its clear waters, coral reefs, and vibrant marine life. Snorkeling here gives visitors a close-up view of the island’s diverse underwater ecosystem.
Côn Đảo boasts one of the most abundant coral systems in Vietnam. At Hòn Bảy Cạnh or Hòn Cau, travelers can dive into turquoise water to admire coral gardens spreading across the sea floor.
It is also the only place in Vietnam where visitors still have the chance to encounter dugongs (sea cows)—a rare marine mammal listed under national protection. Côn Đảo National Park also hosts the country’s most active sea turtle nesting conservation program, where visitors can observe mother turtles laying eggs or help release newly hatched turtles back into the ocean.
In 2014, Côn Đảo National Park was recognized as Vietnam’s first marine Ramsar site, home to more than 1,000 species of vascular plants and several rare birds found nowhere else in the country.
A Journey Through History and Nature
A trip to Côn Đảo is not just a beach vacation—it is an emotional journey. Travelers wander among solemn historical relics, immerse themselves in the vast ocean, and breathe in the purity of ancient forests. All of these experiences reveal how this once-feared “hell on earth” has transformed into one of the world’s most mesmerizing island paradises.
Côn Đảo today beautifully harmonizes its sacred past with its pristine natural charm, leaving every visitor with memories that last long after the journey ends.
