Con Son Town
Best for first-timers: walk to the museum, market and restaurants. Rooms are simple; beaches are a short ride away.
South Vietnam
Con Dao
- Best time
- Nov – Apr
- Ideal stay
- 3 days 2 nights
- Avg. cost
- $50 – $90/day
- Airport
- 230km from Ho Chi Minh City
Con Dao Overview
Con Dao is a small island group with light traffic, clear water and a heavy history. It suits couples, history readers and slow-travel fans who want beaches without crowds.
Highlights of Con Dao:
- Prison history tour: Visit the old French and American-era prison sites and the Con Dao Museum in Con Son town. Allow 3 – 4 hours and go before midday heat.
- Beaches and snorkeling: Swim at An Hai Beach near town, then rent a scooter to reach quieter bays. Half-day snorkel trips run about $20 – $25.
- Turtle nesting (May – Oct): Join a ranger-guided night visit or a boat trip to Bay Canh Island. Permits and guides are required, so arrange them a day ahead.
- Island transfers: Fly in or take the high-speed ferry from Tran De or Vung Tau. Both ferries dock at Ben Dam Port, about 15km from town.
Best Time to Visit: Nov – Apr brings the driest weather and best sea views. Turtle season runs May – Oct but comes with more rain, and ferries can be cancelled in rough seas.
Flights are limited and sell out on weekends and holidays, so book your flight first, then your stay.
Where to stay in Con Dao
Where to base yourself, by travel style.
An Hai Beach Area
Budget-friendly base within a short walk or ride of town. Good for a morning swim, not a resort-style beach.
Dat Doc Beach Area
Secluded northeast coast for couples and longer stays. Higher prices and few restaurants, so plan for a scooter or taxi.
When to visit Con Dao
Temperature, rain and crowds by month.
January
25.1°C ~ 77°F
4 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
February
25.1°C ~ 77°F
1 day of rain
Crowds: Busy
March
26.2°C ~ 79°F
2 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
April
27.9°C ~ 82°F
6 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
May
28.7°C ~ 84°F
20 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
June
28.3°C ~ 83°F
23 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
July
27.8°C ~ 82°F
25 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
August
27.9°C ~ 82°F
25 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
September
27.6°C ~ 82°F
25 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
October
27.4°C ~ 81°F
26 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
November
27°C ~ 81°F
22 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
December
26.1°C ~ 79°F
11 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
Getting to Con Dao
Times, costs and booking links.
Step 1: Fly to Con Dao (VCS) Book early, then take a short ride into Con Son
Con Dao has no international flights. Clear immigration at your first Vietnam airport, then connect on a short domestic flight from Ho Chi Minh City.
- Visa: Many nationalities get a 45-day visa-free stay, and others can apply for an e-visa (up to 90 days) at evisa.gov.vn. Rules change, so check the official portal before you fly.
- SIM/eSIM: Buy a tourist SIM or eSIM at your first Vietnam airport, before you connect to the island.
- Cash: Get dong from an ATM at your first airport. Small shops, local eateries and scooter rentals often prefer cash.
- Flights: Vietnam Airlines and VASCO fly the route on small turboprops in about 45 min. One-way fares run about $45 – $110 and rise on weekends and holidays. Book 2 – 3 weeks ahead.
- Onward transport: The airport is about 14km from Con Son town (15 – 20 min). Hotels often run shuttles; taxis cost roughly $8 – $14, so confirm the fare first.
