City guide

    Con Dao

    Explore Con Dao, Vietnam

    Overview

    A remote island district known for pristine beaches, coral reefs, and powerful historical sites.
    At a glanceCon Dao · City guide
    Country
    Vietnam
    Region
    Southern Vietnam
    Recommended stay
    3-5 days
    Daily cost
    ≈ $70 / day
    Best time to visit
    Mar - Sep
    con-dao · Guide
    Plan your trip to Con Dao
    Good to know

    Before you go to Con Dao

    When to go

    Climate through the year

    Rainfall mm/inchesTemperature °C/°F0/0.020/68100/3.923/73200/7.926/79300/11.829/84400/15.732/90500/19.735/95JFMAMJJASOND
    Monthly temperature and rainfall
    MonthMin °CMax °CRainfall mm
    J233020
    F233110
    M243220
    A253360
    M2632180
    J2631220
    J2631260
    A2631280
    S2531320
    O2531300
    N2431180
    D233060

    Spring (Feb-Apr)

    Warm, generally dry weather with calmer seas; one of the better windows for beach time, snorkeling, and island exploring in Con Dao.

    Good visibility for water activities, comfortable for hiking and sightseeing, fewer weather disruptions than the wet season.
    Can still feel hot by April; prices begin rising as the dry season continues.

    Ideal for: Beach days, snorkeling, diving, prison-history visits, and easy island hikes.

    Pack: Light clothing, sun protection, sandals, reusable water bottle.

    Summer (May-Aug)

    Hotter and wetter, but still a strong period for marine life; turtle nesting season is especially notable from June to August.

    Lush scenery, fewer crowds than peak dry-season periods, and a chance to see nesting turtles and related conservation activities.
    Rain showers, higher humidity, and occasional rougher seas can affect boat trips.

    Ideal for: Wildlife watching, conservation-focused trips, and flexible travelers who don’t mind rain.

    Pack: Quick-dry clothes, rain jacket, waterproof bag, reef-safe sunscreen.

    Autumn (Sep-Nov)

    Transition period from wet to drier conditions; early autumn can still be rainy, while late autumn improves for outdoor activities.

    Shoulder-season value, quieter beaches, and improving conditions toward November.
    September and October can bring heavy rain and choppy seas; some boat schedules may be affected.

    Ideal for: Budget-conscious travelers, flexible itineraries, and late-season beach trips.

    Pack: Light layers, rain gear, non-slip footwear, dry bag.

    Winter (Dec-Jan)

    Dry season with the most reliable beach weather and calmer seas; one of the best times to visit Con Dao.

    Best overall conditions for swimming, diving, island hopping, and outdoor sightseeing.
    Higher prices and more demand for accommodation and transport.

    Ideal for: First-time visitors, beach holidays, diving, and relaxed island stays.

    Pack: Breathable clothes, sun hat, sunglasses, light evening layer.

    Daily budget

    Low season / day
    25-45 USD (wet/shoulder season, excluding accommodation)
    Peak season / day
    40-70 USD (dry season, excluding accommodation)
    Cash
    Carry 500,000-1,000,000 VND (~20-40 USD) in small bills for taxis, local food, and small shops.
    Exchange
    Use banks, official exchange counters, or reputable hotel services; avoid informal street exchange. USD-VND rates fluctuate, so check the live rate before departure.
    ATMs
    Available on the island, but cash withdrawals can be limited and fees may apply; bring a backup card.
    Cards
    Moderate - hotels, resorts, and some restaurants accept cards, but cash is still preferred for small eateries, taxis, and local services.

    Events & festivals

    • Tet (Lunar New Year)Late Jan or Feb (varies by lunar calendar)

      Family gatherings, temple visits, festive decorations, and a quieter island atmosphere as many locals travel or close businesses.

      Tip: Book transport and accommodation early; expect reduced opening hours and carry enough cash for essentials.

    • Nghinh Co Ong FestivalLunar calendar, usually around spring or early summer (dates vary)

      A major local sea-worship festival with rituals, processions, and community celebrations tied to fishermen’s traditions.

      Tip: Check exact dates locally before traveling, as the festival follows the lunar calendar and can shift each year.

    • Turtle Nesting SeasonJune to August, with hatching tours often running into early autumn

      One of Con Dao’s signature nature experiences, with nesting and hatching activities on protected beaches.

      Tip: Join only licensed conservation tours and follow park rules to protect nesting sites.

    Getting there

    How to reach Con Dao from abroad or within Vietnam.

    Arriving internationally

    • Con Dao is reached via Con Dao Airport (VCS), also known as Cỏ Ống Airport, on the island of Côn Đảo in Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu Province. It is the island’s main air gateway. ([acv.vn](https://www.acv.vn/en/airports-2?utm_source=openai))
    • There are no direct international flights to Con Dao; international travelers typically fly into Vietnam first, then connect via Ho Chi Minh City or Can Tho to Con Dao. Vietnam Airlines has been the only airline operating direct flights to Con Dao from Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho since April 1, 2024. ([vietnamairlines.com](https://www.vietnamairlines.com/vn/vi/plan-book/travel/travel-guide/san-bay-con-dao?utm_source=openai))
    • A second option is to reach the mainland first and continue by high-speed ferry from ports serving the Con Dao route, especially Trần Đề (Sóc Trăng). Ferry services and schedules can change seasonally, so check before departure. ([vietnam.travel](https://vietnam.travel/places-to-go/southern-vietnam/con-dao?utm_source=openai))

    From within the country

    • From Ho Chi Minh City, the fastest option is a short flight to Con Dao Airport (VCS), with flight time around 45 minutes. ([vietnamairlines.com](https://www.vietnamairlines.com/us/en/plan-book/travel/travel-guide/dao-con-son?utm_source=openai))
    • From Can Tho, direct flights also operate to Con Dao, making it a useful domestic connection point for travelers in the Mekong Delta. ([vietnamairlines.com](https://www.vietnamairlines.com/us/en/plan-book/travel/travel-guide/dao-con-son?utm_source=openai))
    • By sea, the common mainland connection is via Trần Đề port in Sóc Trăng, with high-speed ferry services to Con Dao. Some older routes have been suspended, so verify the current operator and timetable before booking. ([condao.com.vn](https://www.condao.com.vn/en/news/news/must-know-notes-for-visiting-con-dao-this-season-2025-1120.html?utm_source=openai))
    • Con Dao is a small island destination, so there is no rail connection and no practical intercity bus network on the island itself. Access is by air or ferry only. ([vietnam.travel](https://vietnam.travel/node/1846?utm_source=openai))

    Booking & arrival tips

    • Book flights and ferries early in peak periods, especially weekends, holidays, and dry season travel windows, because capacity is limited. ([vietnam.travel](https://vietnam.travel/places-to-go/southern-vietnam/con-dao?utm_source=openai))
    • If you are arriving by ferry, keep your transfer plan flexible because weather and sea conditions can affect departures. ([condao.com.vn](https://www.condao.com.vn/en/news/news/must-know-notes-for-visiting-con-dao-this-season-2025-1120.html?utm_source=openai))
    • For airport arrivals, pre-arrange a hotel pickup or taxi because the island has limited public transport and no ride-hailing network comparable to major Vietnamese cities. ([vietnamtourism.com](https://www.vietnamtourism.com/en/con-dao-hotels-on-a-budget-where-to-stay-without-breaking-the-bank?utm_source=openai))
    • Carry cash in Vietnamese dong for taxis, rentals, and small purchases, since card acceptance can be limited outside larger hotels and resorts. ([vietnamtourism.com](https://www.vietnamtourism.com/en/con-dao-hotels-on-a-budget-where-to-stay-without-breaking-the-bank?utm_source=openai))

    Getting around

    Taxi

    About 80,000-150,000 VND/ride

    Best for airport transfers, short town trips, and luggage-heavy travel.

    Motorbike rental

    About 100,000-120,000 VND/day

    Most practical way to explore beaches, viewpoints, and sites outside town.

    Hotel transfer / private car

    Varies by distance and provider

    Useful for airport pickup, ferry pier transfers, and late arrivals.

    Walking

    Free

    Good in Con Son town for short distances and low-stress sightseeing.

    Good to know. Con Dao is small and quiet, so the most efficient setup is usually taxi for arrival/departure and a rented motorbike for daytime exploring. Ride-hailing apps are not reliably available on the island, so do not depend on Grab for local transport. ([vietnamtourism.com](https://www.vietnamtourism.com/en/con-dao-hotels-on-a-budget-where-to-stay-without-breaking-the-bank?utm_source=openai))

    Handy apps

    GGoogle Maps

    Navigation and place search.

    Download offline maps before arrival because island coverage and mobile data can be inconsistent in remote areas.

    GGrab

    Ride-hailing and food delivery in larger Vietnamese cities.

    Useful before or after Con Dao on the mainland, but not dependable as a primary transport app on the island.

    XXanh SM

    Electric taxi and ride-hailing in supported Vietnamese cities.

    Good backup app on the mainland; do not rely on it for Con Dao unless you confirm local availability first.

    BBe

    Ride-hailing in supported Vietnamese cities.

    Useful in Ho Chi Minh City or Can Tho before connecting to Con Dao.

    VVietnam Airlines

    Flight booking and check-in for Con Dao routes.

    Important because Vietnam Airlines is the only airline operating direct flights to Con Dao from Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho.

    SSuperdong

    Ferry ticketing for routes serving Con Dao.

    Check current ferry routes and schedules before booking because service patterns can change.

    Backup. Ask your hotel for a printed map, taxi contact, or motorbike rental arrangement if your phone signal is weak.

    Where to stay

    Nightly rates: Budget guesthouses and simple hotels often start around 20-50 USD/night; mid-range stays are commonly 60-150 USD/night; upscale resorts can be 200+ USD/night.

    Con Son Town Center

    First-time visitorsSolo travelersShort stays

    Best base on Con Dao: compact, walkable, and close to the market, restaurants, museums, and ferry/airport transfers. Ideal for solo travelers who want to minimize taxi use and stay near services.

    An Hai Beach Area

    Beach loversCouplesRelaxation seekers

    A convenient beachside strip near the main town with easy access to cafés, guesthouses, and the island’s flatter roads. Good balance of quiet nights and quick access to town.

    Dam Trau Beach Area

    Resort staysNature loversHoneymooners

    Scenic, more secluded stay option near one of Con Dao’s best-known beaches and close to the airport side of the island. Best if you want a resort feel and don’t mind being outside the town core.

    Co Ong Airport Area

    Transit travelersEarly flightsConvenience seekers

    Practical for early flights and late arrivals, with a few hotels and easy road access to the island’s main routes. Less atmospheric than town, but efficient for short logistics-focused stays.

    Ben Dam Port Area

    Ferry arrivalsTransit travelersBudget logistics

    Useful only if you are arriving or departing by ferry and want to avoid a long transfer. It is far from the main town, so it suits travelers prioritizing transport convenience over nightlife or dining.

    Booking tip: Book early for weekends, holidays, and turtle season (roughly mid-August to early December), when demand rises and the best-value rooms sell out first.

    Health & safety

    Emergency numbers

    ambulance
    115
    fire
    114
    police
    113
    disaster/emergency hotline
    112

    Medical facilities

    • Con Dao Military-Civilian Medical CenterN/A

      Con Dao Special Zone, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

      Main local medical facility for the island; best first stop for urgent care. Call your hotel or local authorities for the current emergency contact if needed.

    • Con Dao Airport Medical ServiceN/A

      Con Dao Airport, Con Dao Special Zone, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

      Useful for first aid and immediate assistance near the airport; coordinate with airport staff for urgent situations.

    • Bach Mai Hospital1900 888 866

      78 Giai Phong Street, Hanoi, Vietnam

      Major tertiary hospital with emergency services and English-language support options; useful as a mainland referral point if evacuation is required.

    Staying safe

    General safety
    Con Dao is generally calmer than big Vietnamese cities, but solo travelers should still watch valuables at beaches, piers, and busy tourist spots. Keep cash and phone secured, and use licensed transport or hotel-arranged rides after dark.
    Notes
    Use bottled or boiled water rather than tap water. Roads can be quiet but scooters, uneven sidewalks, and limited street lighting can still be hazards; cross carefully and avoid riding at night if possible. Mosquito protection matters year-round because dengue prevention relies mainly on avoiding mosquito bites.
    What to carry
    Comfy walking shoes, refillable water bottle, basic meds (painkillers, antidiarrheal, oral rehydration salts), mosquito repellent, sunscreen, hat, and a small flashlight for evening power cuts or low-light areas.
    Lost items
    Nearest local police or your hotel front desk for immediate assistance
    • Carry hand sanitizer for street food and shared surfaces.
    • Use sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water in hot weather.
    • Rest immediately if you feel overheated, dizzy, or dehydrated.
    • Use insect repellent at dawn and dusk to reduce mosquito-borne illness risk.
    • Carry your travel insurance details and passport copy for faster treatment.
    • For serious injury or illness, ask hotel staff or local authorities to arrange the fastest transfer to the mainland.
    • If you have a chronic condition, bring extra medication because island pharmacy stock can be limited.
    • If you need urgent help, call 112, 113, 114, or 115 depending on the situation.
    • Keep your hotel address written in Vietnamese to show taxi drivers or responders.
    • For lost items, report quickly to local police and your accommodation, especially if the item was lost at a pier, beach, or transport hub.

    Local customs

    Etiquette & local habits

    • Con Dao is a quiet, respectful destination with strong historical and memorial significance; keep your voice low at prisons, cemeteries, and memorial sites.
    • Dress modestly when visiting temples, pagodas, or memorials: cover shoulders and knees, and remove hats when appropriate.
    • If you visit local markets or arrange boat trips, confirm prices and inclusions in advance; use official counters or your hotel to avoid overpaying.
    • For solo travelers, the town is compact and walkable, but use a licensed taxi or hotel transfer after dark if you are staying outside Con Son Town.
    • Beach and island etiquette is relaxed, but avoid littering, touching wildlife, or disturbing turtle nesting areas; follow ranger instructions strictly.

    When the city is open

    Many museums, memorials, and smaller attractions close around 5:00-6:00 PM; restaurants stay open later in town, while beach areas become quiet after sunset.