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Southern Vietnam · Iconic

Côn Đảo

Pristine beaches · turtle nesting · history — everything you need to know before you go.

BeachIslandNature
Best time
Mar – Sep
Stay from
$35
Articles
19
Coordinates
8.69°N
106.61°E
Aerial view of a secluded tropical coastline with lush forests, clear blue water, and floating houses.
↑ Aerial view of a secluded tropical coastline with lush forests, clear blue water, and floating houses.Photo · Valeria Drozdova · Pexels
01Overview02When to go03What to do04Where to eat05Where to stay06Getting there
01.

Overview — what Côn Đảo is, in one screen.

Côn Đảo is one of southern vietnam's most iconic destinations. Known for pristine beaches · turtle nesting · history, it draws travelers looking for beach and island experiences.

Best visited between Mar – Sep when the weather is most favorable and crowds are manageable. Accommodation starts from $35/night for guesthouses and homestays.

This guide collects 19 independent articles — destinations within Côn Đảo, where locals eat, transport options, and tested itineraries you can follow.

Quick facts
Region
Southern Vietnam
Best time
Mar – Sep
Stay from
$35
Travel style
Beach, Island, Nature
Articles
19 guides
Coordinates
8.69°N · 106.61°E
02.

Best time to visit — month by month.

Jan
★★★
Feb
★★★★
Mar
★★★★
Apr
★★★★
May
★★★
Jun
★★
Jul
★★
Aug
★★
Sep
★★★
Oct
★★★★
Nov
★★★★
Dec
★★★★
PoorBest time
03.

What to do in Côn Đảo — top experiences.

All Côn Đảo guides →
A close-up of a sea turtle nesting under red light in Chocó, Colombia.
01 · Destinations

Con Dao in October: Watching Sea Turtles Nest on Bay Canh Beach

5 minRead guide →
Experience the tranquil beauty of the seascape and mountain at Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Vietnam.
02 · Destinations

Con Dao on a Budget: Skipping the Resort-Hotel Zone

5 minRead guide →
A close-up of a sea turtle nesting under red light in Chocó, Colombia.
03 · Destinations

Con Dao in October: How to Watch Sea Turtles Nest on Bay Canh Beach

5 minRead guide →
Urban street view with motorbikes and buildings in Dalat, Vietnam during the day.
04 · Destinations

Con Dao's Prison Museums: What to Expect and Why They Matter

4 minRead guide →
Experience the tranquil beauty of the seascape and mountain at Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Vietnam.
05 · Destinations

Bai Dam Trau, Con Dao: A Traveler's Guide to Saigon's Best Island Beach

6 minRead guide →
A young couple embracing on a tropical beach surrounded by palm trees under a bright sky.
06 · Destinations

Hon Bay Canh: A Traveler's Guide to Con Dao's Turtle Island

6 minRead guide →
04.

Where to eat in Côn Đảo — dishes locals queue for.

All Côn Đảo food →
Explore the vibrant coastal city from above with sweeping views of the harbor and urban landscape.
01 · Food

Seafood Showdown: Phu Quoc vs Con Dao

3 minRead guide →
Mango cakes on a street market stall in Vietnam. Highlighting local cuisine and urban culture.
02 · Food

Breakfast on the Islands: Phu Quoc vs Con Dao

4 minRead guide →
Mango cakes on a street market stall in Vietnam. Highlighting local cuisine and urban culture.
03 · Food

Phu Quoc vs Con Dao: Which Island Wins for Street Food?

3 minRead guide →
05.

Where to stay — picks from $35/night.

3 picks
Where to stay
Agoda · Côn Đảo

Hotels, homestays, hostels — strongest inventory in Vietnam.

From $14 / night
Check tonight's deals →
Where to stay
Booking.com · Côn Đảo

Wide global selection — free cancellation on most rooms.

From $16 / night
See where I'd stay →
Tours & activities
Klook · Côn Đảo

Day trips, food tours, transfers — Asia specialist.

From $18 / person
See what to actually book →
06.

Getting to Côn Đảo — your options.

Option 01

Domestic flight

From
Sài Gòn / Hà Nội
Travel time
1–2 hr
Cost
$25–80
Option 02

Motorbike rental

From
Sài Gòn
Travel time
8–12 hr
Cost
120k/day + fuel
Option 03

Private car + driver

From
Sài Gòn
Travel time
6–8 hr
Cost
2.5–4M VND
→

Read more about Côn Đảo — independent guides.

All 23 →
Experience the tranquil beauty of the seascape and mountain at Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Vietnam.
01 · Itineraries

Weekend Escape from Saigon to Con Dao: 2 Days on the Prison Island

Con Dao is doable in a single weekend from Saigon — if you move fast and book early. Here is how to fit the cemetery, the prison, and a decent beach into 48 hours.

Experience the tranquil beauty of the seascape and mountain at Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Vietnam.
02 · Itineraries

Weekend Escape from Saigon to Con Dao: 2 Days on the Prison Island

Con Dao is only 45 minutes from Saigon by plane, but it feels like a different country. Here's how to do it justice in a single weekend.

Explore the vibrant coastal city from above with sweeping views of the harbor and urban landscape.
03 · Food & Drink

Seafood Showdown: Phu Quoc vs Con Dao

Choosing between Phu Quoc and Con Dao for a seafood-focused trip comes down to scale, accessibility, and the specific style of the catch. Here is how the two islands stack up.

→

Or visit instead — other destinations in Southern.

All 37 →
Illuminated skyscrapers in the night skyline of Ho Chi Minh City, showcasing urban architecture.
Must visit
Southern
Sài Gòn
Chaos, cuisine, nightlife
Dec – MarFrom $15
54 guides →
Scenic view of people on traditional boats in Phong Mỹ, Vietnam.
Off-beat
Southern
Mekong Delta
Rivers, floating markets, slow life
Nov – AprFrom $14
29 guides →
A breathtaking view of Hon Thom Cable Car over the turquoise sea and lush islands in Vietnam.
Beach
Southern
Phú Quốc
Beach island, snorkeling
Nov – MarFrom $28
23 guides →
A dynamic aerial shot of boats congregating at Cái Răng Floating Market in Cần Thơ, Vietnam.
Popular
Southern
Cần Thơ
Mekong gateway · Cái Răng floating market
Nov – AprFrom $14
63 guides →
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