4 Tourist Spots in Con Dao, Vietnam’s Last Paradise Loved by Celebrities!

Con Dao Island is located 230 km south of Ho Chi Minh City. About an hour away by propeller plane from Ho Chi Minh, Con Dao is known as “Vietnam’s Last Paradise” and has become a popular resort destination among celebrities! During the French colonial era, this island was used as a place of exile, and during the Vietnam War, it served as a prison camp.

1. Dam Trau Beach

Con Dao Island is one of Vietnam’s top diving spots. The water is crystal clear, home to many beautiful fish, and if you’re lucky, you might even get to swim alongside dugongs! Dam Trau Beach is located on the northern side of the island, surrounded by forest, making it a perfect place to relax.

At this beach, you can chill on the restaurant’s beach chairs or enjoy water activities like jet skiing and surfing! One of Dam Trau Beach’s unique charms is its proximity to the airport—planes fly just about 10 meters overhead, giving you a close-up, thrilling experience with the sound and sight of passing aircraft!

2. Phu Hai Prison

There were once eight prisons on Con Dao Island. One of them, Phu Hai Prison, was the first and largest, built in 1862.

Around 180 people, including criminals and communists from mainland Vietnam, were sent and held here. Inside the compound, you can see a church, communal cells with 10 rooms, and 20 solitary confinement cells. There are displays recreating scenes of prisoners shackled and the infamous “Living Dead Room,” giving visitors a glimpse into the harsh conditions of the time.

3. Con Dao National Park

Con Dao consists of several islands, many of which are designated as a national park and nature reserve. There are 44 species listed in the Red Book (either globally or Vietnam’s Red Book) found here.
WWF (World Wildlife Fund) recognizes Con Dao National Park as one of the world’s most biologically diverse conservation areas. You can spot rare species found only here, like black squirrels and winged geckos, along with many other unique animals and plants. A popular attraction at the Con Dao National Park office is the dugong taxidermy display—it’s impressive up close! Don’t forget to make a wish to encounter a real dugong in the wild when you visit.

4. Con Dao Market

Con Dao Market is the only marketplace on Con Dao Island. Take a peek into the locals’ kitchens! You’ll find colorful fruits you’ve never seen before, flowers, and a wide variety of fish stacked in impressive balance—big and small—as well as shrimp, squid, loaches, and even live chickens.

The market is filled with the smell of fresh, raw food. It’s an authentic, lively scene that’s unique to Southeast Asian markets! You can also find handicrafts and souvenirs for sale here. Many of the shopkeepers are family-run and very friendly, so enjoy chatting with them while negotiating prices!

◎ Summary

Did you get a sense of the charm of Con Dao, Vietnam’s last paradise? If you’re lucky, you might even encounter sea turtles and have the chance to touch them. Some people even recommend it over Hawaii! As Vietnam’s top beach resort, Con Dao Island is rapidly gaining popularity among tourists.

Because the propeller planes are small and tickets can be hard to get, it’s best to book early!

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4 Tourist Spots in Con Dao, Vietnam’s Last Paradise Loved by Celebrities!