Super Detailed and Budget-Friendly Self-Guided Travel Experience to Con Dao
With its pristine beauty, diverse ecosystem, and sacred relics, Con Dao is increasingly attracting tourists. To make your trip smooth and complete, NVK Travel shares travel tips for Con Dao in detail, from preparation, transportation, sightseeing to important notes for first-time visitors to this land.
Preparation before going to Con Dao
Ideal time:
Dry season (November-April): The sea is calm, the sky is clear, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and visiting small islands. March-April is the turtle nesting season, suitable for experiencing releasing turtles back to the sea.
Rainy season (May-October): The sea is rough, not suitable for diving, but service prices are lower and the islands are less crowded. July-August has the Vu Lan festival, attracting many visitors to pay respects at Hang Duong Cemetery.
According to travel experience, Con Dao should be visited during the dry season from November to April
Bring light clothes, swimwear, non-slip sandals, and a wide-brimmed hat. Prepare sunscreen (SPF 50+), sunglasses because the sun in Con Dao is quite strong.
Personal items: Insect repellent, seasickness medication (if traveling by boat), power bank as some remote beaches do not have electricity.
Wear modest, polite clothing when visiting relics such as Hang Duong Cemetery or Nui Mot Pagoda.
Bring basic medication (headache, allergy, digestive) as pharmacies on the island are limited. If planning to dive deep, check your health beforehand, especially regarding blood pressure and respiratory issues.
How to get to Con Dao
From Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi:
Airplane: The fastest way, taking 1-1.5 hours.
Airlines: Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, Vietjet Air. Round-trip ticket prices: 2,000,000-4,000,000 VND/person (book early for better prices).
Con Son Airport is small, only receiving domestic flights. Book tickets 1-2 months in advance during peak season (December-March).
Speedboat: Suitable if departing from Vung Tau or Soc Trang.
Motorbike: Rent in Con Son town, price 120,000-150,000 VND/day. The roads on the island are small and winding, so drive carefully.
Taxi: Price 15,000-20,000 VND/km, suitable for larger groups.
Electric car: Price 20,000-50,000 VND/person/ride, environmentally friendly, but only operates in the central area.
Accommodation options in Con Dao
Homestay: Price 200,000-500,000 VND/room/night, suitable for young travelers. Suggestions: Homestay Nha Dam Trau (near Dam Trau beach), Con Dao Camping (great sea view).
Stay at Con Dao Camping for a beautiful sea view
Guesthouse: Price 400,000-800,000 VND/room/night, basic amenities. Suggestions: Thanh Xuan Guesthouse, Ba Van Guesthouse.
Hotel:
2-3 stars: Thu Ba Hotel, Con Son Island Hotel, price 800,000-1,500,000 VND/room/night.
4-5 stars: Six Senses Con Dao, Poulo Condor Boutique Resort, price 5,000,000-15,000,000 VND/room/night, suitable for travelers seeking luxury.
Tips for visiting prominent destinations
Hang Duong Cemetery and the grave of Vo Thi Sau:
Visit in the early morning (6:00-8:00) or evening (20:00-22:00) for a cool and sacred atmosphere.
Free entry, but prepare incense and flowers (buy at Con Dao market, price 20,000-50,000 VND).
Note: Wear polite clothing, do not speak loudly, do not take photos in the worship area.
Dam Trau Beach:
The most beautiful beach in Con Dao, 12 km from the center. Swim, take photos, or camp in the afternoon (15:00-17:00).
Free entry, but you can rent chairs and umbrellas (50,000 VND/set).
Note: Do not swim too far from the shore due to strong waves. Bring drinking water as there are few shops.
Con Dao Prison System:
Visit Phu Hai prison, the tiger cages of the French/Americans to understand the history of national struggle. Ticket price: 40,000 VND/person.
Go in the morning (8:00-11:00) to avoid the heat. Hire a guide (100,000 VND/group) to hear detailed explanations.
Note: Do not write or carve on the monument walls.
Snorkeling and small island exploration:
Book a snorkeling tour at Nhat beach, Bay Canh island or Tai island, price 800,000-1,500,000 VND/person (includes boat, snorkeling equipment).
Go in the dry season, clear water, beautiful corals.
Note: Do not touch or step on the corals. Follow the instructions of the divers.
Release turtles back to the sea (from March to September):
Register at Con Dao National Park, price 100,000 VND/person. The activity takes place at night (20:00-23:00).
Note: Turn off the flash when taking photos to avoid startling the turtles.
Don't miss the experience of releasing turtles back to the sea from March to September.
Explore Con Dao with NVK Travel
Con Dao is not only a paradise of islands and beaches but also a place that preserves profound historical values. With over 12 years of experience, NVK Travel is committed to providing comprehensive tours.to Con Dao, hotel booking services, car rentals, and support in organizing itineraries as requested. Let us accompany you on your journey to explore this sacred land.
