Once known as a “hell on earth,” Con Dao has now transformed into one of Vietnam’s most beloved island paradises.
Its untouched beaches, crystal-clear waters, sacred historical sites, ancient legends, and warm-hearted locals together create a serene, soul-soothing Con Dao that stays forever in the hearts of visitors.
Many people wonder: How long do you need to prepare for a trip to Con Dao? Why choose this island instead of countless other destinations? Isn’t it eerie? Isn’t it boring?
All those questions were answered through my unforgettable 3-day-2-night journey with friends.
Day 1 — First Touch of Island Peace
Our early flight at 6 a.m. from Tan Son Nhat Airport via Vasco brought our group of four to Con Dao in just 55 minutes.
From above, the island appeared in shades of emerald — lush forests, rolling mountains, and the deep blue sea blending into a quiet, untouched beauty.
By 7 a.m., we landed under the golden morning sunlight. The cool breeze, green mountains, and endless coconut palms welcomed us gently to the island.
We checked in at Uyen’s House, a charming vintage homestay painted in soft blue hues and decorated with small potted plants.
Its peaceful location on Pham Van Dong Street — only 200 meters from the beach and a short stroll from the night market — made it perfect for exploring the island.
After a short rest, we headed out for lunch, choosing a seafood restaurant in the town center.
We enjoyed iconic Con Dao dishes: oc vu nang (limpet snail), one-sun dried mackerel, shark salad, and red grouper steamed with soy sauce — all fresh, flavorful, and uniquely delicious.
Midnight at Hang Duong Cemetery — A Sacred Experience
As Con Dao is deeply associated with spiritual tourism, we spent much of our time visiting sacred sites.
At exactly midnight, we prepared our offerings and visited the grave of Heroine Vo Thi Sau at Hang Duong Cemetery.
The night was quiet, solemn.
Nearby stands the memorial honoring 1,912 martyrs, along with nearly 2,000 marked and unmarked graves — a poignant reminder of the island’s heroic history.
Our ceremony ended around 1:30 a.m., leaving us with a profound sense of gratitude and reflection.
Day 2 — History, Culture and the Gentle Rhythm of Island Life
Morning on Con Dao comes with birdsong and rays of sunshine filtering through coconut leaves.
We continued our journey to historical and cultural sites:
- Con Dao Prison Relics
- Phi Yen Temple
- Prince Cai Temple (Mieu Cau)
Nui Mot Pagoda (Van Son Tu) — often called the most beautifully located pagoda in Vietnam, perched against the mountain and overlooking a tranquil lotus lake.
Later, our taxi driver — who also acted as our friendly local guide — drove us around the island.
Through quiet streets shaded by ancient tropical almond trees, we felt the peace and purity of island life. No noise, no rush, just nature and gentle human warmth.
Con Dao’s beaches are naturally pristine: soft white sand, water clear as crystal, and its signature rows of century-old tropical almond trees standing majestically along the roads.
That evening, we checked in at Tan Son Nhat Con Dao Resort, beautifully located along the coast with a private beach and 12 all-wood bungalows set amidst coconut palms and lush gardens.
The coastal road leading there, with mountains on one side and the blue sea on the other, felt like a scene from a postcard.
Dam Trau Beach — The Jewel of Con Dao
On our final day, we visited Dam Trau Beach, often hailed as the most stunning beach on the island.
Golden sands stretch endlessly, mountains embrace the coastline in a smooth curve, and the emerald water glitters under the sun.
Dam Trau feels almost dreamlike — gentle waves, coral reefs beneath, and an endless expanse of sky.
One special feature of this beach is the pair of large rocks reaching into the sea, leaning toward each other like two seabirds in a tender embrace — a scene tied to the local legend of the lovers Cau and Trau.
Sitting here, one feels completely at ease, as if the sea absorbs all worries. The untouched quietness offers a rare escape from the bustle of everyday life.
Leaving Con Dao — Carrying Peace Back Home
Though our trip was short, every moment was filled with emotion and discovery.
The people of Con Dao are warm, gentle, and genuine.
The landscape is beautiful in a way that touches the heart — both solemn and serene.
Here, we truly learned how to “slow down” — to breathe, to feel, to be present.
As we left Con Dao, each of us carried a quiet longing — for the sea breeze, the peaceful roads, the soft sound of waves, and the deep spiritual calm that only this island can offer.
We will return — for new stories, new adventures, and the timeless peace of Con Dao.
