Con Dao, a district island of Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province, lies in the Southeast region of Vietnam—185 km from Vung Tau City, 230 km from Ho Chi Minh City, and 83 km from the Hau River estuary. Blessed with exceptional natural and cultural tourism resources—from pristine marine ecosystems and National Park biodiversity to a world-renowned historical prison system—Con Dao has long been identified as one of Vietnam’s most attractive destinations and a key National Tourism Area under the Vietnam Tourism Development Strategy 2020–2030.
One of Con Dao’s strategic socio-economic goals is to expand and improve its service industries in scale, quality, and diversity, thereby gradually addressing infrastructure limitations and meeting the rising demand for leisure and entertainment. The local economic structure is shifting toward a service–tourism orientation. As a result, developing a high-quality tourism and service sector in Con Dao plays a crucial role not only for the district but also for the broader socio-economic goals of Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province.
To achieve breakthrough development and build Con Dao into a high-end tourism and service economy—aligned with national directives, provincial strategies, and the Prime Minister’s vision—the Provincial Tourism Association proposes the following comprehensive solutions for developing high-quality and sustainable tourism in Con Dao:
Strengthening Linkages and Partnerships Between Con Dao, Other Regions, and International Markets
A top priority is upgrading and expanding Con Dao Airport to accommodate aircraft with more than 150 seats. This is essential for attracting high-spending travelers. The district recommends that the Ministry of Transport accelerate the expansion of Co Ong Airport and encourage more airlines to operate direct routes from major Vietnamese cities and regional tourism hubs. Vietnam Airlines has taken the lead with direct flights from Hanoi to Con Dao.
Next, Con Dao must intensify global tourism promotion using leading international media platforms. In 2019, the district collaborated with the Provincial Department of Tourism and the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) to launch promotional campaigns in Japan and the United Kingdom. Future promotion will focus on high-spending international markets including Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, Europe, and North America.
Con Dao will continue participating in major international tourism fairs and strengthen digital marketing campaigns—including videos, documentaries, and feature stories published in airline magazines such as Heritage, as well as on cruise ships, travel networks, and social media platforms.
Alongside promotion, Con Dao must build a distinct tourism brand, conduct market segmentation for premium travelers, and strictly prioritize quality over quantity. Due to the island’s limited land area, fragile ecosystems, and restricted water–energy capacity, prioritizing high-value tourism is essential to prevent overcrowding and environmental degradation.
Creating a Safe, Equitable, and Sustainable Tourism Environment
Con Dao is not only a major tourism destination but also holds a strategic defense position in Vietnam’s maritime security. Tourism development must therefore be harmonized with national defense objectives. As a frontline island, Con Dao plays a pivotal role in protecting Vietnam’s sea and island sovereignty.
With 7,600 hectares of natural land—including nearly 6,000 hectares of protected forest and 14,000 hectares of marine conservation area—Con Dao possesses a highly sensitive and diverse ecosystem. Tourism development must follow the principles of responsible exploitation, environmental protection, and heritage preservation, especially within Con Dao National Park and the Special National Historical Site.
Priority should be given to:
- High-end eco-resorts and wellness tourism
- Cultural–historical and spiritual tourism
- Low-impact marine ecotourism (turtle nesting, wildlife observation, snorkeling, diving)
- Trekking, mountain hiking, outdoor sports, and marine recreation
Con Dao should also promote the use of renewable energy—solar, wind—and gradually replace traditional fuel-powered vehicles with electric bicycles, electric motorbikes, electric taxis, and electric buses.
To support sustainable visitation, the district needs to establish designated high-density visitor zones within appropriate areas of the National Park, equipped with eco-friendly infrastructure that minimizes environmental impact. Efforts must include detailed assessments of clean water capacity, wastewater treatment systems in Con Son and Ben Dam, and strict control of marine pollution.
Waste management is especially critical at beaches, park entrances, roadside areas, and public spaces frequently visited by tourists.
The district continues upgrading key roads to tourist hubs, including Ma Thien Lanh, Co Ong – Ben Dam, Phan Chu Trinh, Nguyen Duc Thuan, Tôn Đức Thắng, and the Quang Trung Lake embankment. Major environmental projects—wastewater treatment, water supply, and solid waste processing—must be fast-tracked.
Infrastructure improvements at Ben Dam Port and the passenger terminal will enhance the island’s capacity to welcome cruise passengers. Renewable energy projects and private investment in accommodation, F&B, and leisure services are strongly encouraged.
Human resources training is equally important. Con Dao will continue educating tourism professionals, improving foreign-language skills, fostering hospitality etiquette, and providing vocational training for local youth. The district also encourages skilled labor from the mainland to supplement the local workforce.
Conclusion
With strong leadership from the Provincial Party Committee and People’s Committee, and with coordinated support from relevant departments, Con Dao is fully capable of realizing its vision: a high-quality, sustainable tourism destination that balances economic growth, environmental stewardship, and national security.
Pham Ngoc Hai
Chairman, Ba Ria – Vung Tau Tourism Association
