Thanh Gia Peak is the highest mountain on Con Dao and is wrapped in many romantic legends. Locals often say that couples who stand together on the summit and watch the sunset hand in hand will stay together for life.
Located in the southwest of Con Son Island, the peak sits about 3 km from Con Son Town and roughly 6 km from the mountain’s base to the summit. The entire area covers around 2 hectares.
According to islanders, reaching the top of Thanh Gia Peak rewards you with a panoramic view of the entire archipelago. In reality, very few visitors ever reach the summit. The path is steep, slippery, and challenging, with fog covering the mountain almost year-round. Despite these conditions, radar soldiers of Station 590, Regiment 251 (Navy Region 2) climb up and down daily to operate the “eyes of the sea and sky,” guarding Vietnam’s maritime borders.
The mountain is often called “the misty peak” because it is blanketed in fog for nine months of the year. Over time, locals gradually forgot its original name, even though elderly residents recall that long ago, the mountain ridge resembled a giant crucifix. However, erosion, wartime bombings, and natural weathering have changed its shape. Today, the name “Thanh Gia” (Holy Cross) remains mostly on maps.
The Journey to the Summit
The trek to Thanh Gia Peak follows a narrow, rugged trail along the mountainside. On the way, hikers pass by An Hai Lake — one of the two largest freshwater lakes on the island and a crucial water source for the entire district. It is surprising and fascinating to see a freshwater ecosystem, complete with its own flora and fauna, thriving in the middle of this remote island.
It takes more than an hour to reach the summit. Once at the top, all fatigue fades away as travelers breathe in the cool, refreshing air and find themselves surrounded by drifting clouds.
A Breathtaking View of Con Dao
From the summit, visitors can admire a stunning bird’s-eye view of the Con Son archipelago:
- A lush tropical forest stretching across the island
- The vast, emerald sea surrounding Con Dao
- Neighboring islands scattered across the horizon
- The town of Con Son nestled along the coastline
- Fishing boats and ships moving across Con Son Bay
Thanh Gia Peak is not just a trekking challenge — it is a memorable experience for those seeking adventure, beauty, and the quiet serenity of Con Dao’s untouched nature.
