Understand[edit]
Con Dao Island
Con Dao islands are a group of 16 islands. The largest island is known as Con Son.
Con Dao served as a prison island for political prisoners during the French colonial era, when it was known as Poulo Condore, and in later years the Saigon regime imprisoned opponents of the regime in the infamous cells known as the "tiger cages". The old prison buildings are still standing and are open to the public as is a small museum tracing the island's history.
The prison system is not unlike the prisons on Phu Quoc except that Viet Cong were held here during the American war while the prisons on Phu Quoc were for the regular North Vietnamese Army. Being traitors to their own country (The Republic of South Vietnam) the conditions on Con Dao were especially harsh. Surprisingly jailers and former inmates live here in peace.
Besides having an interesting history, (Marco Polo even stopped over) Con Dao is also an island of immense natural beauty with forested hills, deserted sandy beaches and extensive coral reefs making for some excellent diving.
The Con Dao Islands separated from the mainland about 15,000 years ago. This has resulted in the development of dozens of undiscovered or undocumented species of wildlife.
The entire archipelago falls under the oversight of the Con Dao National Park.
Con Dao is another sad example of a National Park doing little to preserve the environment, however due its remote and little known location it has been preserved (So far) from the effects of development. 80% of the land area of the archipelago is a National park offering primary jungle teeming with interesting life such as the endemic black squirrel and the crab eating macaque. Beautiful beaches and hidden lagoons are also to be found here, with very few tourists Con Dao is a paradise off the beaten track. For now at least.
Most of the surrounding marine are is a no-take marine protected area (MPA). Sadly as in all of Vietnam the national park is a travesty. The national park is in no way responsible for the amazing health of the pristine reefs that surround the islands, home to a large variety of marine life incomparable to anywhere else in Vietnam.
Recently (2011) funding was withdrawn by a key aid organization DANIDA, as evidence was produced that they were operating in violation of their charter and that the Park was run for personal profit at the expense of the environment. Consider carefully and ask around on the island before using any of the National Park services.
International oversight is desperately needed to be sure the environmental abuses are halted. Recent reports (2010) to the National Park of the spotting of slaughtered turtle shells drying in the sun on the roof of the Anh Dao hotel have produced no inquiry, investigation or prosecution of the hotel. There was a recent (2012) N.P. operation undertaken by the Park against Anh Dao Hotel, the receptionist was caught trafficking in about 200 Green turtle eggs, she was fined USD $250 and not made to reveal who she was buying them for, anything for a price.
Despite the overall lethargy, the National Park seems to be rousing from its long sleep as more and more pressure is brought to bear by international visitors. Some real positive actions have been noted and while credit is due, these actions are the job of the Park.
Get in[edit]
Con Dao Airport (IATA: VCS)is served by VASCO (a Vietnam Airlines [http://www.vietnamairlines.com/ )
Flights operated by VASCO (Vietnam Airlines) may be booked at Vietnam Airlines offices or through most tour operators in Saigon. It may be better to book through an official Vietnam Airlines office or through their official website to avoid complications or scams.
If you encounter difficulties getting tickets, do not give up. Despite what the writer above says, you will frequently find tickets available ONLY at local travel agents in Vietnam. Vasco website will say the flights are booked out months in advance. this is the scam. They are directing you to travel agents who split the commissions with the Vasco booking agents.
There is an overnight ferry from Vung Tau Port (not the city center, ask to be dropped off at 1007 D 30/4 and it's a five minute walk from the main street) which takes around 12 hours and leaves at 5pm. The boat from Vung Tau only leaves on certain days and information on dates of departure is hard to obtain although when last checked, ferries were running daily when the seas are generally calm (March to July). The price is 250,000 VND for a bunk. The boat is divided in to large cabins each filled with a large number of bunks. There is no luggage storage so keep an eye on your valuables. There is a small noodle stall on the deck which also sells drinks and cigarettes. It's also possible to stock up at the terminal with well priced supplies and takeaway food. Tickets can be purchased at the terminal up to an hour in advance. The trip can be rough and the boat is reasonably small. At Ben Dam port, on the main island of Con Son (pronounced like concern), minibuses greet passengers and cost 50,000 VND for the ride into town. They will drop you off at your hotel.
There are several points worth noting about these services:
The Con Dao (Con Son) Airport is on the far north end of the island and a long way from anything else. If you have booked a hotel they will arrange airport transfer for you.
VASCO (Vietnam Airlines) operates ATR72-500 turboprop service on this route so overhead bin space is limited. Depending on your ticket VASCO/Vietnam Airlines will allow 20kg free baggage (Excess baggage is relatively inexpensive by international standards).
If you have not booked with a hotel and have your airport transfer arranged, getting into town is easy. There are a number of vans available coming to the airport for all the flights and the all of the hotel buses will be happy to take you along for 50,000 VND, (6/2013) they will even drop you at your destination if you know it. None of the drivers speak English , this is Vietnam after all, if you have an intended destination write it down, show it to the driver. Shared vans back to the airport can be arranged by your hotel for the same VND 50,000
Taxis are also available depending on arrival time. (EXPENSIVE!) Have your hotel information written down for your driver. See the next section for more information on taxis.
When you visit Con Dao, you can buy many gifts like a typical jam nut, discover small islands or pay a visit to famous historical and religious destinations.
Con Dao is situated about 179km from Vung Tau, 230km from Ho Chi Minh city, 165km from Can Tho. It is the hidden beauty with long white sands, mountains surrounding that makes peace here. Visitors will have a sense of getting out of stress from work as well as exhaustion from their travelling. Frequent Questions When Visitors Come to Con Dao
Get around[edit]
On Foot Con Son Village is small, flat and easily traversed on foot. Because of the intense sun and very little shade on the streets walking is best left for the morning or evening.
Motorbikes can be easily rented and there is relatively little traffic. There has been an enormous increase in the number of motorbikes for rent, better deals are often found outside of hotels, as the hotels mark up the same bikes you can hire locally.There are now petrol stations on the island and they have limited hours 7-10:30 a.m. and 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Be sure to get a bike with a full tank of gas as there is none available for sale on the streets as in the rest of Vietnam. They are fun to ride but a drag to push around.
Minibus The hotels share a minibus system that goes between the town and the airport. You can use this to go to the beach by the airport.
Xe Om Motorbike taxis are easily found in Con Son Village. As in all of Vietnam most of these guys are hard working and honest, but there are a few scoundrels.
Taxis are becoming more plentiful on Con Dao. They are generally more expensive than the vans and buses, and presently there are no English speaking drivers. Write down your destination before you choose to use their service. Charges are by destination, or by meter. You can also rent a car for half or full day trips.
Bicycles are a great way to get around the town, as it is small and flat. However, in every direction outside of town the roads become extremely mountainous. It's not impossible, but unless you're an experienced biker you'll probably tire yourself out getting anywhere interesting.
Helmets It is illegal to ride a motorized vehicle without a helmet or a driver's license. However, rental agencies don't seem to check for licenses.
See[edit][add listing]
Beaches
An Hai Beach is the more scenic but less remote of the two town beaches. It's located south (to the right) of the town boat dock. Long stretches of white sand with gentle surf. Several hotels directly border the northern end of the beach; however, the beach stretches continuously for a quite a distance to the south, so if you are looking for privacy you will be able to find some.
Lo Voi Beach is the other town beach, located to the north. No hotels border it directly, so any hotel claiming to be located at this beach is simply located at the northern part of town.
Dat Doc Beach is where Six Senses Con Dao is located, far northwest of the main town. Access via the resort may be restricted, but there is an obvious public access path to the left of the Six Senses main entrance (towards the airport). The beach is quite pretty, with white sand and surrounding mountains. (In fact, it's the Six Senses resort itself that somewhat spoils the scenery.) Unlike the other beaches, it's also kept relatively trash-free. If you have the money, you can also pop into the Six Senses resort for a drink/snack and to use their sun loungers and/or restrooms.
Ong Dung Beach is to the north of town. To get here, you need to pay an entrance fee (including a snorkeling fee, if you plan to snorkel there) at the National Park Office; follow the road north past the park checkpoint; walk/climb 700 meters of stairs; and show your entrance fee receipt to the ranger station. Be careful about leaving your things unattended, as they may be stolen by the monkeys.
Dam Trau Beach is to the west of the airport. The access path is to the south of the main airport entrance.
Today Con Dao has great historical import and attracts Vietnamese and increasing numbers of foreign tourists to the renovated prisons.
Prisoners were kept in extremely overcrowded conditions on the island and as many as 20,000 are believed to have died here and this can be relived here. A guide from the nearby Revolutionary Museum is costs less than US$1 and includes an informative guided tour.
A must do is a midnight stop at the tomb of national heroine Vo Thi Sau. You will likely find dozens of people praying, burning incense and making offerings.
The Cemetery is a National Shrine to 20,000 + heroes in this country, you will not score any points by wearing short pants, or showing your shoulders in and around the Cemetery. Please Do Not Even Think about riding your motorbike over the graves ! The Vietnamese come to this island for the sole purpose of visiting this cemetery. Again the recent influx of budget tourists is starting to strain the feelings of the local people here, as few actually benefit from your visit. The foreign money is concentrated in the larger government run hotels. Please do give a moments thought about where you spend your money. Book services for motorbikes outside of your hotel, eat in the local places, shop in the local market.
Con Dao is part of a maritime and national park and is made up of 16 or so islands. The islands are mostly rugged and still have a lot of original forest cover and associated flora and fauna. The most famous indigenous animal is the dugong or sea cow. With an estimated population of 8-10 it is rarely seen. Several species of rare squirrel and monkeys are found here and there is an important breeding program for turtles on Bay Canh island near to Con Dao island.
The islands have very nice beaches, great swimming and snorkeling opportunities (however snorkeling on the main island is generally only good in one area accessible from May to October) and a very relaxed, colonial feel to them. Con Dao is a nice antidote to the crowded cities.
The Turtle Tour can be booked at the national park office and you may see a sea turtle laying eggs. Turtle season is ONLY from June to Early September. The N.P. will gladly sell you tickets out of season and promise turtles, the trip is not cheap. Be aware and do not fall for this.
Rainforest hikes can be booked through the National Park Office. Some hikes require a guide. Some of the trails are unmarked, so having a native guide is useful. Most of the rangers only speak Vietnamese. There is good information available for self guided hikes along with appropriate free maps at Dive! Dive! Dive! and Senses Diving.
The N.P. guides will generally trundle you though the woods, stop and have a few shots of whiskey with their buddies and trundle you back, to get home in time to have a nap. The trails are seeing much more traffic now, and only the hike to the far north bay Dam Tre,and several of the north beaches require a guide and awareness of the tides ! Do be careful ! Though these hikes can be done unguided you may miss a whole lot like some beautiful waterfalls, if you do not have somebody knowledgeable to point them out.
Motorbikes can be rented through most hotels, and riding them up Con Dao's mountain roads can offer some of the best views for travelers looking to take in Con Dao's natural beauty and scenery. (please try local options first, as most hotels take a 30% commission on rentals of their staff motorcycles, after paying them around $100 per month, the greed is abhorrent)
Watch out for the strong wind that can whip up usually October to March at the southern most point of the island near Nhat Beach, so far no westerners have been injured by the strong gusts that can be found there. Lets try to keep it that way ! You may have to abandon your motorbike and walk back to town.
Do[edit][add listing]
Con Dao has the best diving and snorkeling in Vietnam. The coral is relatively untouched and very impressive, with giant coral heads (relative to the rest of Southeast Asia). The marine life includes turtles, rays, giant barracuda, cuttlefish, cobia, and dugongs as well as a whole host of tropical reef fish. There are sixteen islands to choose from. Water clarity ranges from 10M to 20M, but during the winter, prevailing winds may limit access to all of the dive sites.
Diving
Rainbow Divers www.divevietnam.com Rainbow Divers is the first dive center on the island, and also the only Nitrox dive center that provide FREE NITROX to any qualified diver. Operated by newly qualified instructors, they use a brand new speed boat. Operating daily dive and snorkeling trips and a range of PADI courses including "Discover Scuba Diving," a trip specifically catered to first-timers. Rainbow's dive centre is in front of Con Dao Harbour, across the street from the stone tower next to the VASCO office. *please note that Rainbow Divers are closed from September to March. Rainbow Divers redirect their customers to Con Dao Dive Center during this time, due to the same high standard of service. Email cd@divevietnam.com for further information.
Con Dao Dive Center/Bar200 [1] Con Dao Dive Center is a registered PADI affiliated dive center open all year round. They are a small independent company, that as also provide diving services to the 5 star Six Senses Resort, as well as to all visitors to the island. Operated by Welsh and South African PADI instructors (Rhys and Gordon) who have been living on the island and diving the archipelago for the last 4 years. Operating daily dive and snorkeling trips, a range of PADI courses and try dives. They do not charge different prices for different destinations and have a flat rate for all the islands around Con Dao. They dive from a 17 meter converted Vietnamese fishing boat, which is fully registered and licensed to carry 27 people, as a dive and tourist boat. Also offering local tourist information, travel and booking advice on Con Dao and Vietnam in general. They have a dive center and bar/restaurant called "bar200" near the market on Pham Van Dong street. Good place to chill and meet other travelers. Prices are similar to other dive companies operating on the island.
Dive! Dive! Dive! www.dive-condao.com Opened in 2010, and is the longest continuously operating dive center on the island. Centrally located (4 Nguyen Hue Street) the dive shop is considered by several travel guide books and a large number of websites as the source for information on all things Con Dao. A RAID Instructor Training Facility, offering both RAID and PADI courses. Owned by an American living in Vietnam for most of the past 24 years. Having completed more 1500 dives within the archipelago, Larry the owner is the most experienced and knowledgeable diver on the island. He is also the longest qualified PADI instructor on the islands and as an Instructor Trainer, he is the most highly qualified dive professional. Dive! Dive! Dive! does not charge different prices for different destinations, they go to the best dive sites available on any particular day for the same price. Stop in for tourist information. Also they are a great resource in regard to bookings for all of the new budget accommodation opening on the islands, from $15 a night double. They also run turtle trips to a much higher standard then the National Park. Offering Nitrox and trimix and diving from the only custom made purpose built dive boat in the archipelago licensed for 30 people and 9 staff, we never take out more than 20 guests to assure your comfort. Nitrox free, trimix by the liter and mix.
Snorkeling All three dive operators take snorkelers along as well for around 50 USD. In addition, small speedboats (referred to as "canoes" by the locals) can be hired for private fishing and/or snorkeling trips. There is some snorkeling off the shore of the main island, but even the best sites are a far cry from what can be accessed by boat. (Additionally, sites on National Park land require an entrance/usage fee, which *must* be paid at the National Park office to the north of the main town.)
Buy[edit][add listing]
There is a good fruit and vegetable market in Con Son town that starts early - 6am or so. Prices are cheap and the locals don't seem to overcharge foreign purchasers. As the number of budget travelers increases and the full blown screaming fits over 1000 dong on the part of the back pack crowd, you can be sure that the attitudes of the vendors will change. Please keep it under control, you may win the fight over 1000 dong but the next traveler behind you will surely pay the price for your "success". Everything here is simply more expensive as it has to come by ship or plane.
Eat[edit][add listing]
Dining options are becoming more plentiful on Con Dao. Western food has arrived, as has ice cream!
Just across the street to the east of Phạm Văn Đồng Park (a triangle of green on the southeastern side of town) there is a row of small local eateries and shops. The Bánh Xèo shop (next to the barber shop) serves a particularly tasty version of bánh xèo, which are Vietnamese savory coconut milk crepes with pork, shrimp, and jicama. One crepe is just 20,000 VND (as of Dec 2014), and it comes with dipping sauce plus a heaping plate of aromatic leafy greens.
Bar200, Pham Van Dong Street (Next to the market). Bar200 serves western food such as all day breakfast, toasted sandwiches, pizza, burgers, salads and ice cream. High quality food served in quantity all at very reasonable prices. Perfect for families and backpackers alike. They also have italian coffee, beers, smoothies, cocktails and the best mojito on the island! Great music too! Open from 7:30am til late edit
Infinity, Corner of Pham Van Dong and Tran Huy Luu. Owned by Sao ex of Nha Trang, they now have hamburgers, breakfast, ice cream, cocktails, all at higher than average prices. Open early till late, a bit out of the way, but you will be back once you find it. * <eat name="Thu Ba" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" url="" hours="" price="" lat="" long=""> Good local restaurant with good service and good seafood. edit
For lunchtime, you can also find some local restaurants that serve good noodle soups for 15000 dong. One is located on Nguyen Hue street, after the crossing with Vo Thi Sau street, when you drive towards East on the left side.
Most of the larger hotels have restaurants attached to them. Decent food is available at most hotels, but be prepared to pay somewhat more than Saigon prices. Also, hotels may not have everything on their menu available. Ice for drinks may run out before the end of the evening.
Con Dao Seatravel, 6 Nguyen Duc Thuan, Con Dao province, Vietnam. The Con Dao Seatravel resort has an open-air lobby that doubles as a restaurant, and offers outside seating with excellent views of the ocean. Food prices are somewhat pricey (for Vietnam), but that is the case with most of the hotel restaurants on the island. English menu available, however, some of the better foods, such as their beef and veggie pho, are not listed and usually best ordered by simply asking the waitstaff directly. Western-style breakfast omelette is excellent as well. You can be served with great western taste menu with caesar salad, greek salad or pan fried salmon and garlic edit
Across the street from the Con Dao Seatravel is a small restaurant called Com Tam (broken rice) serving rice plates for lunch. For dinner, they have delicious four-dish Vietnamese homestyle meals (com phan) for 40,000 VND per person. The exact menu changes daily depending on what they want to cook that day. The homestyle meal is not on their regular menu, but locals (and local tourists) know about it. Go early, or else they'll run out!
Saigon Con Dao. The Saigon Con Dao resort also has a restaurant, with views of both the ocean and the old Con Dao prison museum. A pretty good variety of food, and excellent Vietnamese coffee. English menu available. edit
Six Senses Resort. The Six Senses also offers some more upscale dining options for travelers, but the location of the hotel is outside of the main town. If staying at one of the other hotels (ATC, Seatravel, Con Dao Resort, Saigon Con Dao Resort)located closer to the main town, it is best to get to Six Senses by motorbike. It is best to check with them for availability before making your way there. edit
Safety[edit]
Con Dao is remote.
As in all of rural and most of developed Vietnam, medical care is rudimentary.
Evacuation by helicopter to Saigon takes 5 hours, costs $5,000 and must be prepaid in cash.
Serious issues that need evacuation to Thailand will require 8 or more hours as a result of the government not allowing "Medical Wings" access to Con Dao with out first stopping in Saigon adding four hours to the trip and costing $30,000.
So if you are considering travel here, seriously consider getting good travel insurance.
There are some stray dogs around and people do get the occasional nip. (So far, no Westerners )The dogs become aggressive and territorial at night, and during the day they can be found sleeping in the middle of the road.
Health[edit]
There is NO malaria here. However Dengue Fever does make an occasional appearance as with all of Vietnam. Outbreaks are short and generally occur in October and November, so far no tourists have been stricken
Mosquito season is February to April. The mosquitoes are not abundant, nor are their bites particularly painful. Regular mosquito repellent is available and it works, purchase in the pharmacy, across the street on the left side of the market under the name Soffell.
There are sand flies that move around the island. The bites are painful and easily infected. Do NOT scratch. Immerse in hot water. Take a HOT shower to get relief to sleep. Mosquito repellent does not work for sand flies.
Sand fly season is January to May, but they come and go all year,
Dive! Dive! Dive! makes a sandfly repellent that works. Deet does not work on sand flies ! Available in their shop.
Do not drink the water. In the interest of environmental conservation and the reduction of plastic waste, refill your 1.5 liter water bottles from larger purified containers. Most hotels will arrange a 20 liter bottle for your hotel room for about $3.
Drink[edit][add listing]
Bar200 A great setting right next to the local market. Serving italian coffee, cold beers, soft drinks, smoothies and cocktails. Definitely check out the mojito! Best mojito on Con Dao!
Infinity See "Where to eat section.
Hotels & Restaurants Beer is available at hotels and restaurants. Cocktails and mixed drinks, while offered on hotel menus, will not always be available. Ice has been known to run out early in the evening.
There is a shop near the market which sells cold beer and Vietnamese wine though they seem to have started the habit of overcharging westerners.
Sleep[edit][add listing]
There are currently several relatively cheap resorts on the island although more are being built.
National park guest house - just outside of town (300,000 Dong) Now a run down rat hole,with the enormous increase in mini hotels on the island in the past three years, do not consider it.
A.T.C. resort - is slightly over priced compared to the other hotels but the food is good.
Saigon Con Dao - (Government Owned) is lacking in character, but is clean and has a nice swimming pool.
Taxis Duy Khai www.condaodulich.com.vn Clean rooms with a/c and fan with ensuite bathroom. Central location. 300,000 dbl.
Hai An Hotel www.haianhotel.com.vn Quite a nice place, with good ratings on the bookings sites, AC & all. They rent motorbikes and can manage tours and such, quite friendly. 400,000vnd
Nha Nghi Ba Doan Good location, welcoming and hospitable owners. Clean, spacious, light rooms with a/c, fridge, tv and ensuite with hot shower. Large communal area with sea view and kitchen facilities. 350,000 for double.
Thien Tan Star is now (11/2013) the first choice in on the beach affordable accommodation. http://thientanstarhotel.com/
Pricing is comparable to Con Dao Camping (for the budget rooms) on up to about $85 a night. The facilities are much nicer, and being further down the beach they are not as badly effected by the ongoing construction of the abomination of a pier that is under construction right next door to Con Dao Camping. They are aware of the cultural differences regarding noise and generally keep a separate wing for Westerners, a blessing when the island is busy ! Non smoking rooms are being considered.
There is also the Con Dao resort and the Con Dao Sea Travel hotel towards the end of town. Both offer bungalows right on the beach at the end of town,where the beach is quiet and nice, although sometimes littered. The prices range from $45-70 USD. Sea Travel -large bungalows open right onto the beach and offer some of the best views and locations for Con Dao, especially on a budget.
Con Dao Camping formerly the first choice in budget accommodation on the island at around $35 per night. Not a camp site, but a handful of bungalows/cabins located on the beach half with stunning views of the ocean. All have air-con, tv, toilet, wi-fi, shower and are clean and comfortable.
Elsewhere in Con Son there are small guest houses and hotels which offer room rates from $15 - $35 US per night Though are not on the beach they are usually clean and relatively new and comfortable.
Only the larger resorts (Saigon Con Dao, Sea Travel, ATC and Con Dao resort) offer pick ups from the airport. Most of the bus drivers however are very friendly and will offer stranded travelers a lift into the town.
The Six Senses Con Dao resort and spa located 10 minutes from the airport and 10minutes to the town. The 50 private pool villas offer space and privacy along with an uncompromising standard of luxury. All villas feature stunning views and butler service.
There are no laundromats around (as of Dec 2014); however, some hotels may offer laundry service. Alternately, Luy's Laundry (012-789-92370) will handwash your clothes (and then apparently dunk them in potpourri) for 20,000 VND per kg, including free motorcycle pickup from anywhere in town.
Crime[edit]
Is almost non-existent.
This may be the one of the few places in Vietnam where bicycles and motorcycles can be safely left outside of the house at night. However common sense must prevail. Hotel rooms do get pilfered when left unlocked. People get very complacent here as it does feel, and is generally so safe.
Weather[edit]
All of the weather forecasts that are available on the internet are simply wrong.
It appears that due to a lack of resources and the very unique location of Con Dao at the confluence of two major ocean currents that an accurate weather forecast cannot be made. It rains only in July, August and early September. The rain is primarily at night and can be heavy but not tropical monsoon downpour type. Despite every website saying that there will be a 30% chance of thunderstorms every single day, there have been 6 thunderstorms in Con Dao Town in the last 18 months. Rain showers in the daytime are generally brief. (About 30 minutes)
It is a little cloudy 95% of the time, and always breezy. Maximum temperatures are about 31* in the day and minimums are about 27* at night.
From November to late January the winds are strong from the east, and can close the harbor for a few days at a time. This will not affect you on land, but it may severely affect snorkeling/diving options (since visibility and access at different sites are highly dependent on the wind). Flights are commonly subject to delays during this period, but 99% of the time you will be on the island on the day you are scheduled, you may be a few hours late.
