Con Dao stays quiet and genuine, shaped by calm seas and traces of its past. The top 10 things to do in Con Dao lead you through beaches, forest paths, and local places that keep the island’s true character alive
Relax At Dam Trau Beach
Just north of Con Dao’s airport, a quick five-minute trip, you’ll find Dam Trau Beach, easily the island’s best known. Tucked into a cozy cove, the water there remains remarkably still nearly always, so it’s perfect for a swim or trying out paddleboarding. Towering palms fringe the coastline, creating cool shadows. The north end holds peaceful corners perfect for pictures; conversely, the south bustles alongside little eateries and vendors.
A typical trip lasts around five hours, with time spent lounging in a hammock, exploring underwater life, or savoring dishes such as grilled squid alongside steamed clams. Though simple, there’s parking, restrooms for changing, plus showers close to where you can grab a bite. For sunshine and clear waters, plan your visit between March then through September. Dam Trau Beach in Con Dao is one of the relaxing things to do in Con Dao, offering genuine relaxation.
Stroll Along An Hai And Lo Voi Beaches
An Hai and Lo Voi Beaches sit right near the town center, making them two of the most convenient places for swimming and short beach breaks in Con Dao. An Hai stretches for about two kilometers along Nguyen Duc Thuan Street, within walking distance of most guesthouses. The sea is shallow and calm, suitable for children or casual swimmers, and a few beach cafés serve drinks and light meals throughout the day. Facilities such as parking, showers, and umbrella rentals are available near the southern end.
Lo Voi Beach lies about a five-minute ride north of town, quieter and more open. The beach has limited services but stays clean and peaceful, ideal for a walk, a picnic, or quick snorkeling near the rocks on calm days. The best time to visit both beaches is from March to September, when the sea stays clear and the weather is stable. Travelers can easily combine both spots in one morning ride or stop by in the evening for sunset views. For easy things to do in Con Dao without leaving town, An Hai and Lo Voi offer safe swimming, simple food, and a glimpse of local life right by the coast.
Visit The Con Dao Prison Complex
Con Dao Prison echoes with Vietnam’s story. Originally constructed by the French, then employed by Americans, this complex held countless patriots. Now a stark outdoor museum, it lets people glimpse the island’s difficult past. It’s a stark place, yet somehow it fills you with awe, making you consider the strength of spirits broken but never defeated.
This place covers a lot of ground, split between locations like Phu Hai Prison, Phu Son Camp, and even the infamous French Tiger Cages. Typically, people begin at the museum, guides there walk you through what happened and how things are arranged, then wander around on their own. Go early or near sunset; it’s cooler then.
Pay Tribute At Hang Duong Cemetery
Hang Duong Cemetery serves as the main memorial site on the island and remains an important part of local culture. The area is large and well-maintained, with hundreds of graves belonging to Vietnamese soldiers and political prisoners. The most visited spot is the grave of Vo Thi Sau, a young national heroine whose story is known across the country. Locals and visitors often come to light incense and place flowers, especially in the evening when the site feels peaceful and respectful.
Each section has signs in both Vietnamese and English, helping visitors understand the layout and history. Modest dress is appreciated, and visitors are encouraged to keep a quiet attitude while walking around. A small stall near the gate sells incense and offerings if you wish to join the local tradition. Visitors to Con Dao will get a clear image of how deeply history is woven into the island’s identity and why this visit is one of the most meaningful things to do in Con Dao for those who want to learn more about the island than just its beaches.
Explore Con Dao Museum
Exploring the Con Dao Museum is one of the informative things to do in Con Dao, especially for travelers who want to understand the island before visiting other heritage sites. The museum sits near the town center and is easy to reach by motorbike or bicycle. Inside, the displays cover everything from the island’s natural environment to its years as a prison colony. Visitors can see photographs, documents, and personal items belonging to former prisoners, along with restored models that show what daily life looked like at the time.
The building is air-conditioned and arranged in a simple route that takes about an hour to walk through. A visit here is useful before seeing the prison complex because it helps you understand the background and timeline of events. The museum opens from morning to late afternoon, and weekdays are usually quieter than weekends. Entry fees are modest, and photography is allowed in most areas.
Go Snorkeling Or Diving Among Coral Reefs
Snorkeling and diving in Con Dao offer some of the best underwater experiences in southern Vietnam. The water around the islands stays clear most of the year, and coral reefs here remain well preserved. Hon Bay Canh, Hon Tai, and Hon Cau are the main diving spots, each with different levels of depth and visibility. Bay Canh is known for shallow coral gardens ideal for beginners, while Hon Tai attracts more experienced divers with rock formations and colorful marine life. Tour boats depart daily from Ben Dam Port and can be arranged through local travel offices or hotels in town.
The best time for trekking is from December to May, when the ground stays dry and easy to walk on. Light clothing, sturdy shoes, and drinking water are essential since there are no shops inside the park. Visitors pay a small entrance fee at the gate, and hiring a local guide adds context with insights about native plants and wildlife. The trail ends at a rocky bay suitable for swimming or snorkeling before returning. Among the active things to do in Con Dao, this hike offers a clear look at the island’s natural landscape and quiet rhythm away from town.
Join A Night Tour To See Sea Turtles Nesting
Every year between May and September, green sea turtles return to Con Dao’s smaller islands, mainly Hon Bay Canh, to lay their eggs under the supervision of park rangers. Tours are organized by Con Dao National Park with limited nightly slots, and booking is required. The tour lasts around six hours and includes the boat transfer, park entry, and guidance from trained staff. Light clothing, insect repellent, and a camera without a flash are recommended.
Each group departs in the late afternoon by boat, reaching the ranger station before sunset. A short briefing follows, then visitors wait quietly on the beach for the turtles to come ashore, usually later at night. Watching a turtle dig a nest and lay eggs, or seeing hatchlings released into the sea, is one of the rarest and most moving wildlife encounters in Vietnam. This is one of the best nature-based things to do in Con Dao because it is so private and well-preserved.
Trek Through Con Dao National Park
Con Dao National Park covers a large part of the island and offers several trails that let you explore its rainforest and coastline at your own pace. The most popular route leads to Ong Dung Bay, a quiet rocky beach surrounded by forest. The trail starts near the park headquarters, about 15 minutes by motorbike from the town center, and takes around one hour each way. The area is well marked, and rangers at the entrance provide maps and basic information before you start.
The best time for trekking is from December to May when the ground stays dry and easy to walk on. Light clothing, sturdy shoes, and a bottle of water are essential since there are no shops or stalls inside the park. A small entrance fee is collected at the gate, and hiring a local guide can make the walk more interesting with explanations about plants and wildlife. The end of the trail opens to a rocky bay where you can swim or snorkel before heading back. The hike is not difficult, but it gives a genuine sense of the island’s untouched nature and quiet rhythm away from the main town.
Visit Ben Dam Port And Watch Local Life
Located 12 kilometers southward of Con Son town, Ben Dam Port is where most ships, both carrying visitors and goods, arrive in Con Dao. Ferries run to and from Vung Tau plus Soc Trang each day, while local fishers also use the port as a central base. From 6 to 9 each morning, things really pop as fisherfolk bring in their catch with squid, crabs, and vibrant reef fish destined for town. You’re welcome to watch the lively auctions, snap some pictures, and even chat with sellers who know everything about island fishing.
Close to the pier, little cafes coupled with food stands offer morning meals alongside coffee. From here, ferries head to islands like Hon Ba or Hon Tai; these spots host daily snorkeling trips, and coral viewing is best when it’s not raining. Ben Dam’s shoreline drive boasts lovely spots to pause, perfect for pictures. Go first thing; mornings are milder, moreover, you’ll witness the island wake up before things slow down later.
Try Local Food At The Market
Just off the main drag, Nguyen Hue Street, a quick five-minute walk will land you at Con Dao Market. From dawn till dusk (that’s 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM) vendors hawk their wares: fresh catches, vibrant produce, even ready-to-eat food. To snag delicious Banh Canh (thick noodle soup), Hu Tieu (rice noodle soup), or Chao Ca (fish porridge), all brimming with fragrant herbs, you should get out early.
As dusk settles, cooks appear at the market’s edge, preparing sun-dried squid, moon crabs alongside turban snails over hot coals. You can find beverages, sweets, and gifts like preserved fish, too. You can pay with a quick scan at almost every food stall; having cash is useful only for tiny treats. It’s simple to find your way around this spot; it feels secure, remarkably tidy, so visitors looking for genuine Con Dao flavors in one place will appreciate how straightforward it is.
Final Thoughts
Con Dao stays in travelers’ minds for its calm beaches, preserved nature, and quiet local life. The island feels simple yet full of character, with every corner offering something worth slowing down for. The best time to enjoy most activities in Con Dao is between March and September when the sea stays calm and the weather is pleasant. For trip planning, local advice, or tailor-made experiences, you can contact Seni World for support. Exploring all the unique things to do in Con Dao turns a short visit into memories that last long after you leave the island.
Related articles
