Souvenirs are an essential part of any trip to Côn Đảo. They help travelers relive fond memories of their journey long after returning home. In Côn Đảo, visitors can find a wide range of beautiful and creative souvenirs crafted from the sea, especially from shells and sea snails.
Across the island, many stalls and shops sell unique, eye-catching shell-based handicrafts. Travelers can browse and purchase seashell products at Côn Đảo Market, or at dedicated souvenir shops such as Côn Đảo Gift.
When visiting Côn Đảo or joining a tour, tourists are often delighted by the ingenuity and artistry of souvenirs made from seashells. These shell handicrafts are meticulously created by local artisans through multiple careful stages. First, the shells are soaked to remove odors and impurities. They are then cut, shaped, and polished, followed by painting and varnishing. After about four days, the items are repainted, and only after three coats are they finely smoothed, trimmed, and adjusted to match the original design.
To produce higher-end handicrafts such as night lamps, sailboats, or decorative vases, artisans skillfully combine different types of shells in a way that is harmonious and well balanced, requiring both patience and aesthetic sensitivity.
Seashells in Côn Đảo are rich and diverse in variety, allowing craftsmen to create a wide range of jewelry and decorative items, including necklaces, earrings, bracelets, night lamps, vases, ashtrays, and more.
These handmade shell souvenirs have contributed significantly to the diversity and charm of Côn Đảo’s tourism, leaving lasting impressions on visitors and adding to the island’s image as a mysterious yet captivating destination.
