We have compiled a complete guide to the main sightseeing routes in Côn Đảo — including historical monuments, natural attractions, and ecotourism experiences — for both domestic and international visitors.
Historical Sightseeing Routes (2 routes)
Route 1
- Former Governor’s Residence
- Pier 914
- Phu Hai Prison
- Phu Son Prison
- Võ Thị Sáu Memorial House
- Côn Đảo Museum
- French Tiger Cages
- American Tiger Cages
- Phu An Prison Site
- Hàng Dương Cemetery
- Côn Đảo Temple
Route 2
- Côn Đảo Town
- Cow Shed Relic Site
- Ma Thiên Lãnh Bridge
- An Sơn Miếu (Shrine of Lady Phi Yến)
- Núi Một Pagoda & scenic viewpoints
These routes take visitors through the most important historical landmarks of the former prison system. Highlights include the Governor’s Residence (the living and working quarters of 53 island wardens over 113 years), Phu Hai and Phu Son prisons, the French and American Tiger Cages, and Côn Đảo Museum.
The tour continues to Côn Đảo Temple and Hàng Dương Cemetery — resting place of revolutionary leaders including Lê Hồng Phong, Nguyễn An Ninh, and national heroine Võ Thị Sáu. Visitors then move on to the Cow Shed Prison Site, Ma Thiên Lãnh Bridge, and the sacred An Sơn Miếu.
Ma Thiên Lãnh Bridge is one of the most tragic sites, where hundreds of prisoners were forced to carve stone on steep mountainsides. From 1930 to 1945, 356 prisoners died during this brutal labor.
The tour also includes An Sơn Miếu, dedicated to Lady Phi Yến — a symbol of loyalty and dignity in Vietnamese culture — as well as the historic 914 Pier and the former Guest House (Nhà Công Quán).
Scenic & Natural Sightseeing Routes (5 routes)
Route 1: Côn Đảo Town – National Park Headquarters – Ông Đụng Beach
After a 15-minute walk from the National Park, visitors reach Ma Thiên Lãnh Bridge and then follow a forest trail to Ông Đụng Beach, where they can swim, snorkel, and explore tropical wildlife.
Route 2: Côn Đảo Town – Sở Rẫy – Dốc 48
A 45-minute walk leads to Sở Rẫy, a century-old orchard area now used to feed wildlife. Visitors can observe the rainforest ecosystem and climb the ranger lookout tower for panoramic island views.
Route 3: Côn Đảo Town – An Hải Lake – Thánh Giá Mountain – Ông Câu Beach
An Hải Lake is one of the island’s major freshwater lakes. From here, the trail continues to Mount Thánh Giá (577 m), offering the best viewpoint over the entire archipelago.
Route 4: Côn Đảo Town – Bãi Bàng – Bãi Đất Thắm – Đầm Trầu Beach
A scenic coastal route leading to Đầm Trầu, considered one of Côn Đảo’s most beautiful beaches and located right beside the airport.
Route 5: Côn Đảo Town – Shark Cape – Bến Đầm Bay – Hòn Bà
A route combining coastal scenery, fishing villages, and panoramic viewpoints.
Marine Ecotourism Routes (6 routes)
Route 1: Tourism Pier – Hòn Tài – Hòn Bảy Cạnh
Visitors travel by boat or canoe to Hòn Tài, where they may spot dolphins or dugongs. The island is known for its population of Red-faced Macaques listed in Vietnam’s Red Book.
Next, the tour continues to Hòn Bảy Cạnh for coral snorkeling, mangrove exploration, and a visit to the Sea Turtle Conservation Station. Guests may stay overnight to watch mother turtles nesting on the beach.
Route 2: Tourism Pier – Hòn Bảy Cạnh – Hòn Cau
After exploring Hòn Bảy Cạnh’s mangroves and turtle station, visitors are taken to Hòn Cau — one of Côn Đảo’s only freshwater islands — with pristine beaches and coconut forests. Snorkeling and turtle conservation activities are included.
Route 3: Tourism Pier – Hòn Tre Nhỏ – Hòn Tre Lớn
A boat trip past Shark Cape and Ben Dam Port, with chances to see dolphins and Bryde’s whales.
Visitors observe seabird colonies on Hòn Tre Nhỏ, then relax, snorkel, and explore the turtle station on Hòn Tre Lớn.
Route 4: Tourism Pier – Đầm Tre Bay
A stunning journey past Lò Vôi Cape, Đất Dốc Beach, and Chim Chim Cape. Highlights include snorkeling, observing swiftlets during nesting season, mangrove tours, and visiting the ranger station.
Route 5: Tourism Pier – Hòn Trứng
A 60-minute canoe trip to this northern island, home to rare seabirds and dramatic coastal scenery.
Route 6: Tourism Pier – Around Côn Sơn Island – Hòn Tre Lớn
A full circle around Côn Sơn Island, passing major landmarks such as Shark Cape, Chim Chim Cape, Hòn Tài, Hòn Trác, Bảy Cạnh, and Bông Lan. Visitors stop at Hòn Tre Lớn for swimming, snorkeling, birdwatching, lunch, and relaxation.
Combined Routes (History + Nature) — 3 main options
Route 1: Governor’s Residence – Pier 914 – Phu Hai & Phu Son Prisons – Shark Cape – Nhát Beach – Bến Đầm Port
Route 2: Governor’s Residence – Pier 914 – Võ Thị Sáu Memorial – Museum – Tiger Cages – Đầm Trầu Beach – Cỏ Ống Airport
Route 3: Côn Đảo Market – Côn Đảo Temple – Hàng Dương Cemetery – Cow Shed Prison – National Park Headquarters – An Hải Lake – An Sơn Miếu – Núi Một Pagoda
