Amid the sacred atmosphere of Côn Đảo, visitors find themselves embraced by endless stretches of emerald primary forest and shimmering blue ocean. The island’s untouched, majestic beauty — “green forests, pristine seas” — leaves a deep impression on every traveler. And once you’ve set foot on this former “hell on earth,” it’s impossible not to promise yourself a return someday.
The Journey to a Sacred Land
Our high-speed ferry rocked gently over 120 nautical miles from Vũng Tàu’s Cầu Đá Port, arriving at Côn Đảo’s Bến Đầm Harbor after four hours at sea. The moment we stepped ashore, we were greeted by sweeping views of layered mountains blanketed in primary forest and clusters of colorful fishing boats floating on the sapphire water.
Nguyễn Minh Hiện, a former naval soldier from Vũng Tàu, placed his hand over his heart and said with emotion:
“It feels like stepping into paradise. One side is rainforest draped in clouds, the other is the endless sea dotted with fishing boats. This journey has been truly worthwhile.”
The “Green Route” – A Gift from Nature
The road from Bến Đầm Harbor to the town center is only 13 km long, but every kilometer takes visitors through shifting moods of natural beauty. The winding coastal road hugs the mountains on one side while opening out to sweeping ocean views on the other.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Trần Văn Kha (Côn Đảo Military Command):
- It’s called the “Green Route” because the entire 13 km stretch is surrounded by untouched, dense primary forest.
- It’s also known as the “Windy Route”, as strong sea winds often sweep across the cliffs. During the monsoon season, motorcyclists must ride carefully to avoid being pushed toward the rock walls. Some days, travelers even stop to wait out sudden gusts before continuing.
No wonder so many visitors pause along this road to capture the stunning scenery — the deep green of the mountains blending perfectly with the shimmering blue sea.
Côn Đảo — Gentle, Quiet, and Deeply Romantic
A trip to Côn Đảo wouldn’t be complete without strolling across the stones of Pier 914, touching the trunks of century-old tropical almond trees, sipping coffee at the old prison museum, or admiring the distant silhouettes of offshore islands.
Côn Đảo’s beaches are different. Not lively like Vũng Tàu, not bustling like Nha Trang, and not poetic like Quy Nhơn. Instead, they offer a rare sense of calm and romance. Here, you can hear the sea breathing, feel the waves whisper, and sense your heart beating softer under the shade of ancient trees.
Hàng Dương Cemetery — A Place of Reverence
For most visitors, the journey to Côn Đảo includes a solemn stop at Hàng Dương Cemetery, where more than 20,000 revolutionary martyrs rest. During the summer, the cemetery is visited by countless travelers carrying flowers, incense, and deep gratitude.
Standing before the grave of national heroine Võ Thị Sáu, each person experiences their own emotions — the tears of a veteran, the trembling voice of a young student, the thoughtful gaze of a soldier looking upon thousands of unnamed graves. All share the same reverence for those who gave their lives for Vietnam’s independence.
Former navy soldier Nguyễn Minh Hiện shared:
“I couldn’t hold back my tears. Every grave here tells a story of bravery. The Vietnamese people will forever honor the sacrifices of these heroes.”
Côn Đảo — A Sacred Land to Return To
Côn Đảo isn’t as large as Phú Quốc, nor does it host massive crowds. But what it does possess is something profound — a harmony of wild nature and sacred history. It is a place for reflection, gratitude, and rediscovering the strength of the human spirit.
To visit Côn Đảo is to reconnect with the roots of sacrifice, to listen to stories of courage, and to let your heart be quiet once more.
Written by Lê Khanh
Adapted for Travelin.vn
