Con Dao Island:
Vietnam’s Best Hidden Gem
& Stunning Beaches (2026 Guide)
Prologue: Why Con Dao Now?
The moment you step off the plane, the heavy, humid air of the South China Sea envelops you. While Phu Quoc often comes to mind when thinking of Vietnamese islands, Con Dao remains the ultimate choice for those seeking to commune with untouched wilderness and immerse themselves in its overwhelming potential.
There is a certain quietude here that sets it apart from other tourist destinations—a stillness that makes you straighten your posture. Perhaps its history as a former penal colony has brought a unique spirituality to this island. The gaze of the people living here is surprisingly gentle, and in this place, detached from the bustle of foreign tourism, a “true island time” breathes, untainted by commercialism.
Beyond the back alleys, a sophisticated cafe suddenly appears. On the coastline sits a premium resort. Wild exploration meets urban comfort. Con Dao is Vietnam’s final sanctuary, where these conflicting elements melt together in a miraculous balance.
01 Scenic Beaches: Con Dao Blue
Con Dao is often described as having the most beautiful waters in Vietnam.
Surrounded by coral reefs, the archipelago hides many quiet beaches untouched by crowds.
From the miracle of Bai Nhat, appearing only at low tide, to Dam Trau, where planes land right before your eyes.
Bai Nhat (Bãi Nhát)
The purest view in Con Dao, appearing only at low tide
Around 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM when the sun is directly overhead, the clarity reaches its peak.
The hill behind can be climbed in 5 minutes. A different perspective reveals new colors.
A breakfast of banh mi at dawn. An island-exclusive luxury of monopolizing silence and the sunrise.
The sand is firm and moisture-rich, clinging to the soles of your feet—none of the sugary softness of typical tourist spots.
The panorama of the Shark Cape cliffs and the crystal-blue sea renders the word “Instagrammable” utterly inadequate. A place that boldly declares the island’s raw potential—the very soul of Con Dao.
💡 Travel Tips
The hill behind is easy to climb in about 5 minutes. While there are no dangerous spots on the way, climbing the huge rocks at the top is risky, so staying mid-section for the view is safer.
Having breakfast here at dawn with banh mi and Vietnamese iced coffee from town is a special Con Dao experience. You can feel the serene transition of colors, different from the vibrant daytime blue.
📍 Recommended Spots & Hotels Nearby
Dam Trau Beach (Bãi Đầm Trầu)
The island's most famous beach, spread right next to the airport
Adjacent to the runway. The power of the aircraft passing overhead is immense.
Native trees provide natural shade, perfect for relaxing island time.
No excessive service. What remains is the authentic daily life of a remote island.
No excessive resort decorations—just raw nature and a simple continuation of daily life exposed to the sea breeze. At dusk, when the sky melts into gold and the shadow of a plane crosses the water’s edge, it is breathtakingly beautiful.
💡 Travel Tips
Two simple local restaurants along the beach, with toilets nearby. Showers are also available for a fee (20,000 VND).
Native trees provide natural shade in many spots. Limited rental chairs, so bring a mat. Don’t expect sophisticated service, but you will find a truly relaxing, authentic island beach atmosphere.
This is a place to enjoy the island as it is—raw and peaceful.
Lo Voi Beach (Bãi Lò Vôi)
A shallow beach with authentic silence, right next to the town center
At low tide, the water recedes by about 100m, completely changing the beach's character.
Aside from Bai Nhat, this beach boasts some of the highest transparency on the island.
Aside from Bai Nhat, I find this the most beautiful sea in Con Dao. Very shallow; at low tide, the water recedes by about 100m, transforming the beach into a dreamlike landscape of vast sand plains. Nothing but sea and sky—no restaurants, no beach chairs. For those who come seeking silence, there is no better place on earth.
💡 Travel Tips
Perfect for a stroll before dinner or a cool evening walk near the town. The sand is fine but firm enough for a pleasant walk. Limited natural shade, but some trees lean over the sand.
No facilities like shops or toilets on the beach, so prepare drinks beforehand. Toilets at “The Secret Resort” or the adjacent park are available (3-5 min walk).
📍 Recommended Spots & Hotels Nearby
An Hai Beach (Bãi An Hải)
A beach combining convenience and beauty, south of the town center
The only place on the island with a typical 'beach' landscape where resorts and nature coexist.
Long stretches of white sand and calm waves. The rugged mountains unique to Con Dao loom behind, creating a miraculous balance of wild nature and resort convenience.
💡 Travel Tips
No public toilets or showers; use hotel facilities. Hotel umbrellas/chairs are mostly for guests, but the palm tree shade is generally accessible to everyone in a very tolerant atmosphere.
While the water clarity might decrease slightly compared to Bai Nhat or Lo Voi depending on the tide, its proximity to the town and local facilities is unmatched.
Hong Dam Beach (Bãi biển Họng Dầm)
A bay filled with fishing boats and rugged islands—The Original Vietnamese Scenery
Listed as a “beach” on maps, but not for swimming. Its value lies as the island’s best photo spot, capturing the contrast between colorful fishing boats and the rugged islands behind.
No tourists in sight; only Con Dao’s authentic daily life and silence.
📸 Access Info & Vibe: A Secret Panoramic Spot
Not directly accessible from the road. Look for “CẢNG TRÚ BÃO - HẢI SẢN LÀNG BÈ”. Enter from the entrance, go through the premises along the sea, and head back to the sandy area on the left.
Once you pass the buildings and embankments and reach the area where the sand spreads out, the best shooting point will open up before your eyes.
There are no sophisticated tourist facilities, but the local atmosphere known only to residents and the magnificent scenery coexist here. It’s a “true hidden gem” that you should definitely stop by during your drive around the island.
📍 Recommended Spots & Hotels Nearby
02 Island Highlights
The Spine of Lo Voi Mountain (Sống lưng núi lò vôi)
Con Dao's second-best view, found after a 30-minute trial
A panoramic view from a different angle, like looking down from the sky.
From the middle of the mountain path. A vantage point overlooking the entire town and sea.
You need to keep climbing the slope for about 30 minutes to reach the vantage point, but if the weather is good, you will definitely get the best “Instagrammable” photos.
The contrast between the sea and mountains and the panoramic view of Con Dao town is breathtaking. The view captured from a high position has a unique atmosphere not found elsewhere. If time and stamina allow, please give it a try.
📍 Access & Tips
Access:
There is no dedicated parking lot, and you need to park your motorbike on the roadside, so access is limited to motorbikes.
Trekking Entrance (Google Maps)
Gear & Warnings:
Although it is a steep mountain path, the ground is basically maintained, so a pair of comfortable sneakers is sufficient.
Viewpoint (Google Maps)
📍 Recommended Spots & Hotels Nearby
Con Dao Prison & Museum (Nhà tù Côn Đảo)
Witness to history, once called “The Island of Hell”
A mysterious space where the weight of history and the current peaceful atmosphere coexist.
Quiet prison ruins that carve the memory of its past as a penal colony.
A heavy and serene space that is essential for understanding the island's history.
Several prison sites are scattered across the island, but their displays and atmosphere are similar. For a limited stay, visiting the most representative one is enough to touch the depths of the island’s history.
Paradoxically, the current courtyards and entrance areas have pleasant shade, and the occasionally blowing wind feels strangely peaceful. The gap between the cruel history and the calm present gives visitors a strange but deep impression.
The persistent ingenuity and displays faithfully reproducing the gruesome conditions of the time are both surprising and interesting as valuable materials telling the truths of history.
💡 Travel Tips
[IMPORTANT] Ticket Purchase Info
Tickets are not sold at each prison entrance. You MUST purchase a joint ticket in advance at the “Con Dao Museum”. Starting your tour at a prison would require a detour back to the museum.
Located in the town center, adjacent to Hang Duong Cemetery where the hero Vo Thi Sau rests. This place, still carefully preserved by the locals, is not just a tourist spot but a sanctuary for understanding the peace of modern Con Dao.
📍 Recommended Spots & Hotels Nearby
Van Son Pagoda (Chùa Vân Sơn)
Con Dao's largest majestic Buddhist temple, perched on the mountainside
Climbing over 100 steep stone steps to reach the main hall.
Wild monkeys occasionally appear. They are small and cute but require caution.
A top panoramic view of the town and sea on the island.
The largest temple on the island. A spiritual hub where many residents and tourists pray.
💡 Travel Tips
The view of emerald green An Hai Beach and Con Dao town from various points in the precinct is breathtaking.
Locals pray fervently in the precinct where pink flowers bloom, and you can feel the depth of their faith.
At the top, there is a mysterious shop that sells only something like sweets. It feels a bit strange to foreigners, but it’s one of those interesting local quirks you can only experience by visiting.
📍 Recommended Spots & Hotels Nearby
Con Dao Market (Chợ Côn Đảo)
The bustling morning social hub where you can hear the island's heartbeat
Seasonal fruits are available at bargain prices.
Fresh shrimp and seafood just landed from the sea.
Freshly caught seafood and meat are traded with energetic voices, concentrating the island’s energy in one place.
Notable is the abundance of seasonal fruit. When I visited, huge dragon fruits were 24,000 VND and magnificent mangoes were 30,000 VND—surprisingly cheap. Shopkeepers often don’t speak English but will kindly show you the price using a calculator.
This place is the island’s life itself, with everything from ingredients to household goods. However, the bustle only lasts until noon. In the afternoon, the shop ladies start napping in hammocks, so make sure to do your shopping in the morning.
💡 Travel Tips
Ideal destination for an early morning stroll or cycle. The area around the market is narrow with heavy motorbike traffic, so be careful.
Buying fresh fruit and enjoying it on your hotel terrace after a walk is highly recommended.
📍 Recommended Spots & Hotels Nearby
Other Key Spots
Shark Cape (Mũi Cá Mập)
From the top of the cliff, you can see the coastline stretching from Bai Nhat and the vast ocean. A spot to feel the natural energy with a pleasant wind.
Hang Duong Cemetery (Nghĩa trang Hàng Dương)
In terms of tourism, it may not be the highest priority, but it is worth a visit if you have extra time after prison tours. A quiet space of prayer where the hero Vo Thi Sau rests.
📍 Recommended Spots & Hotels Nearby
03 Riding the Island: Motorbike Experience
The Whole Island Becomes the “Best Course”
Get the Real Con Dao by Motorbike
In Vietnam, **no license is required** for engines under 50cc or electric motorbikes.
Riding through the island with the wind on a bike will undoubtedly be a special experience where you can directly feel the dynamic island air.
Unlike cars, motorbikes are agile and very easy to park. You might find your own “special” spot by stopping as soon as something catches your eye.
💡 Travel Tips
Unusually for a remote island, the main roads are well-paved and easy to ride. There are few noticeable bumps, and cruising along the coastline with the sea breeze is pure comfort. However, sand carried by the sea breeze tends to accumulate on the roadside, so avoid careless banking. Discovering your own pocket of silence at the end of an unnamed track—these unplanned detours are what make a Con Dao journey truly yours.
Meet the owner, and everything begins
—your island journey base.
Happy Island Vehicles Station
The rental motorbike shop I used was Happy Island Vehicles Station in the town center. The owner calls himself “MonkeyBoy”; he is fluent in English and very friendly. Although they don’t have a physical “shop” building, this base is the meeting point with the owner and your “base camp” for all support during your stay.
A smart system where you contact MonkeyBoy via WhatsApp (contact info is on Google Maps), and he quickly rushes to you with a bike. Even when the battery ran low during my stay, stopping here to swap it for a full one was smoother than visiting a store. His sincere response and quick feedback provide more security than a physical store.
Electric Motorbike Specs
- • Range: Approx. 70km on a full charge (enough for a round trip)
- • Operation: Swapped for a full battery every morning
- • Power: Sufficient torque to climb steep slopes smoothly
Rates & Procedures
- • Rate: From 200,000 VND per day (approx. $8 〜)
- • Procedure: Ultra-simplified system with no documents or deposit (*Recommended to record vehicle condition with photos/videos upon rental)
- • Note: No insurance is included; any incidents are at your own risk.
04 Island Activities
Scenic Seaside Drive
Savoring Con Dao's dynamic nature with all five senses
Finding your own secret view on a casual detour.
A panoramic road along the sea. This is the essence of Con Dao.
It’s not just looking through a car window; the time spent interacting with the raw nature will teach you the true meaning of traveling this island. Riding open roads with no traffic lights, feeling the warmth of the sea breeze on your skin, catching the scent of daily life drifting from back-alley kitchens. This dynamic experience brings out the maximum charm of Con Dao.
🛵 The Essence of the Drive Course
The recommended drive course is, quite simply, the “Half-Island Loop”. Starting from the town center, head north via the airport area, then down the west coastline to Bai Nhat. It’s a golden route to enjoy Con Dao’s beautiful nature and sea from start to finish.
Route Tips: Which way to go?
【Recommended】Counter-clockwise:
Head north from the town, ending with the highlight of Bai Nhat (#bai-nhat). If you head south toward evening, you will catch the best sunset. Don’t forget to take a break at a scenic cafe on the way.
Clockwise:
Best for a quick round trip to Bai Nhat when short on time. Reach the island’s best view in about 15 minutes south from the town center.
05 Con Dao Gourmet
Island Gourmet & Restaurants
🍽️Local Favorites
Bánh Canh Ghẹ Ngọc
Seafood Noodles
Hủ Tiếu Mực Côn Đảo
Squid Noodles
Bún riêu cua Bà Hai Khiêm
Crab Noodle Soup
Bánh Canh Ghẹ Chị Hai
Seafood Noodles
BÁNH MÌ TUẤN MẬP
Banh Mi
Quán Cơm Tấm Thảo
Broken Rice
Bánh Xèo Cháo Vịt Kiều Tâm
Banh Xeo / Duck Porridge
Phở bò Minh Tâm
Pho06 Con Dao’s Scenic Cafes
Island Bliss: Coffee Time with a View
☕Sea View & Sunset Cafes
Sunrise Con Dao
Scenic Cafe
Laman’s Côn Đảo
Beachfront / Seaweed Tea
Bar 200 - By The Beach
Casual / Beachside
Tái Sinh Zone
Sunset View / Eco-Art07 Preparation and Etiquette
Access and Transportation
*Air flights are limited, so book early. For ferries, be aware of swaying in rough weather.
🛵 More details on motorbikes in other sections
Full details on license-free electric bikes and recommended rental shops can be found in the activity section . Please also check the legal precautions regarding international licenses.
- Licenses and Regulations: Motorbikes under 50cc or electric bikes (output less than 4kW) do not require a license.
- Gas Stations: There are none outside the town areas. Be sure to refuel in town before a long drive.
Mindset for the Sacred Island
Con Dao Island is one of the most sacred places for Vietnamese people, where many revolutionaries and heroes once fell.
- Praying for Vo Thi Sau: At the cemetery of national hero Vo Thi Sau, who was executed at 19, many people still pray throughout the night. When walking the island at night, please be mindful not to disturb the serene atmosphere.
- Clothing and Appearance: Please wear modest clothing (covering shoulders and knees) when visiting temples or historical facilities.
08 Con Dao Sightseeing & Exploration Map
I have gathered all the spots I actually ran through on Con Dao Island and verified with my own feet into one map. From sightseeing spots and stunning beaches to hidden gems in the back alleys. Please use this as a compass to capture the island as a “line.”
09 Choosing Your Hotel:
Where Should You Truly Stay?
Choosing Your Stay:
Where is Your "True" Home in Con Dao?
The challenge—and the charm—of Con Dao is that your choice of location changes everything.
Will you dive into the island’s vibrant local life and gourmet scene in the Town Center?
Or escape to a secluded beachfront, where silence and nature are your only companions?
Here is our field-tested advice for choosing a stay that defines your journey.
🏠Town Center:
Savor the Island's Pulse & Flavors
The market buzz, hidden alleyway cafes, and local gastronomic favorites. If you want to feel the "pulse" of Con Dao, choose the town center without hesitation. It's more than convenience; it's the perfect base for seaside walks at night.
🌴Beachfront:
Surrender to Absolute Serenity
Isolated luxury like the Six Senses. Here, all you have is the sound of waves, bird song, and time for reflection. If you seek to cut off the noise of civilization and embrace the island’s raw natural beauty, this is your ultimate sanctuary.
10 Model Course:
The Golden Itinerary
3-Day/2-Night Model Course: The Golden Itinerary to Explore Con Dao
Stunning views, rich history, and exquisite local food. A condensed 3-day plan of field-tested spots you shouldn't miss.
Arrival: History & Sunset
Hotel Check-in
There are many options in town, but for a perfect balance of design and location, our top recommendation is The Secret.
Check Availability/RatesSunset Beach Walk
View from Shark Cape
Dinner: Famous Island Noodles
Scenery & History: Soul-Stirring Island Time
Breakfast with a View
Seaside Drive & Bai Nhat
Lunch: Crab Tapioca Noodles
Relax at Dam Trau Beach
Break at Laman’s Côn Đảo
An Hai Beach Walk
Sunset & Dinner at An Hai Beach
Liveliness, History & Departure
Con Dao Market: Explore & Fruits
Breakfast: Fresh Banh Mi
Con Dao Prisons & Museum
To Airport (Departure)
Enhance Your Journey in Con Dao.
This itinerary is just a starting point. Let the tides and weather guide your personal "island time." Sometimes, just sitting by the sea with fruit from the market is the best plan of all.