The sea in Côn Đảo is famously transparent, the breeze cool and refreshing, and the beaches framed by lush green trees. Among the many stunning shorelines on the island, these are the ones travelers should not miss:
Đầm Trầu Beach – located near Cỏ Ống Airport, is often considered the most beautiful beach in Côn Đảo. Soft white sand and calm waves protected by a crescent-shaped mountain range make it an ideal spot for swimming and relaxing.
Lò Vôi Beach – stretching along Tôn Đức Thắng Street, is perfect for families or large groups thanks to its wide sandy shore and easy access.
An Hải Beach – only a 10-minute walk from the town center, is tucked between mountains, creating a tranquil, sheltered bay with clear blue water.
Đất Dốc Beach – a quieter stretch where cliffs carve into the shoreline, forming small, secluded coves ideal for those seeking solitude.
Chasing Sunrises and Sunsets
Côn Đảo offers some of the most magnificent sunrises and sunsets in Vietnam. Wake up early and head to Shark Cape (Mũi Cá Mập) to watch the sun rise behind Bảy Cạnh Island. The morning light pierces through clouds, creating a magical play of colors.
In the late afternoon, make your way to Nhát Beach and watch the sun melt behind Love Peak (Đỉnh Tình Yêu)—one of the most romantic views on the island.
For sunrise lovers, Tôn Đức Thắng Street is also a prime location. Walk along the seaside road or stand on 914 Pier to breathe in the cool morning air and enjoy a peaceful start to the day.
Snorkeling & Exploring Marine Life
Ông Đụng Primitive Forest:
From the town center, venture west for a 20-minute trek through the pristine Ông Đụng rainforest. Tall tropical trees form a green canopy leading you to a quiet beach at the edge of the forest—perfect for snorkeling or simply relaxing.
Bảy Cạnh Island:
The second-largest island in the Côn Đảo archipelago, covered entirely by untouched rainforest. Visitors often take boat tours here to snorkel among coral reefs and watch sea turtles during nesting season.
Hòn Tre Island:
Another scenic spot known for its clear waters and diverse marine life.
Đầm Tre Bay:
A sheltered, mangrove-fringed bay ideal for kayaking, birdwatching, snorkeling, and observing swiftlets nesting during breeding season. The boat ride offers panoramic views of Côn Sơn Bay, Lò Vôi Cape, Đất Dốc Beach, Chim Chim Cape, and more.
A Journey Into History
A trip to Côn Đảo is incomplete without exploring its powerful and emotional historical sites:
Côn Đảo Museum:
Former residence of the Island Lords, now displaying artifacts, documents, and images detailing Côn Đảo’s history from the French colonial era to modern times.
Phú Sơn & Phú Hải Prisons:
Where thousands of Vietnamese revolutionaries were detained, tortured, and forced into hard labor.
Tiger Cages (Chuồng Cọp):
One of the most notorious prison compounds, offering a stark look at the brutal methods used against prisoners—including national heroine Võ Thị Sáu.
Hàng Dương Cemetery:
Resting place of over 2,000 martyrs, including Võ Thị Sáu. Visitors often bring offerings such as white flowers, fruits, and combs—traditional items symbolizing respect.
Spiritual Landmarks
Phi Yến Temple (An Sơn Miếu):
Dedicated to Lady Phi Yến, wife of Nguyễn Ánh and mother of Prince Cải. Her tragic story of loyalty and sacrifice has made her a revered spiritual figure on the island.
Núi Một Pagoda:
Perched on a mountaintop with sweeping views of the ocean, mountains, Côn Sơn town, and An Hải Lake. Rebuilt in 2011, it is considered one of Vietnam’s most beautifully located pagodas.
Eating in Côn Đảo
Côn Đảo has many seafood restaurants—both standalone eateries and those inside hotels or resorts—with prices fairly consistent across the island. Popular choices include:
Tri Kỷ Restaurant on Nguyễn Đức Nhuận Street – famous for fresh seafood and rice dishes.
Thu Ba Restaurant near the market on Võ Thị Sáu Street – a clean, cozy local spot well-loved for its flavorful seafood and hotpot dishes.
Must-Try Local Specialties
Ốc Vú Nàng (Nang Limpets):
A signature delicacy of Côn Đảo—sweet, chewy, and best enjoyed grilled with scallion oil. Most restaurants serve this specialty, often alongside sweeping sea views.
