The Con Dao Special Zone — the only special zone under Ho Chi Minh City since July 1, 2025 — lies more than 230 km southeast of the city center. The archipelago consists of 16 islands with nearly 76 km² of land area, of which Con Son is the largest island at 51.52 km². Surrounding the islands is almost 200 km² of pristine sea, creating a landscape of exceptional natural beauty.
For generations, Con Dao has been regarded as a “sacred landmark” in the hearts of Vietnamese people, closely tied to the nation’s heroic and painful history. The Con Dao Prison system, including the French–American “tiger cages,” along with Hang Duong Cemetery – the resting place of tens of thousands of revolutionary soldiers and patriots – stand as profound historical witnesses that define the spiritual identity of this island.
Unlike other localities, Con Dao does not organize its administrative units into communes, wards, or towns. The entire special zone is divided into 9 residential areas with 42 community groups, governed directly by the special zone administrative authority. By 2025, Con Dao’s population is estimated at over 10,000 residents, mostly concentrated on Con Son Island. With a relatively low population density and a close-knit, sincere community, the island maintains a unique cultural character that is both peaceful and deeply rooted.
Con Dao is also the only locality in Vietnam that has three points used to determine the width of the national territorial sea, according to the Government’s Declaration dated November 12, 1982. These include points A3 (Hon Tai Lon), A4 (Hon Bong Lau), and A5 (Hon Bay Canh). Each of these markers holds significant importance for Vietnam’s maritime sovereignty and highlights Con Dao’s strategic position within the national seascape.
With its historical value, natural beauty, and growing development potential, Con Dao is expected to become a high-quality tourism and service economic zone — harmoniously combining marine eco-tourism, cultural–historical–spiritual tourism, and luxury resort experiences. The vision for Con Dao is one of sustainable, balanced, and distinctive development, worthy of its unique heritage and strategic importance.
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