(VOVworld) - Con Dao island in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province has been named by the US Cable News Network (CNN) one of Asia’s paradise islands. CNN praises the island for its untouched coral reefs, beautiful granite cliffs, palm-shaded beaches, rainforest trails and chic beach resorts. Con Dao also embraces history of hard but heroic days of the Vietnamese people.
Con Dao comprises 16 small islets covering 76 km². The biggest island is 52 km2. The island is approximately 100 nautical miles from Vung Tau city. It is accessible by plane from Ho Chi Minh City or by ship from Vung Tau city.
Surrounded by vast blue sea, the island attracts tourists with its unspoiled beauty and historical relics. Dinh Thanh Tu is from Hanoi: “It is an unforgettable memory for anyone who visits Con Dao. The landscape is magnificent and romantic with white sand beaches. You can explore tropical forests, dive to explore coral reefs, and sample local seafood. Con Dao island embraces the glorious revolutionary tradition of Vietnam. Con Dao prison teaches patriotism to the younger generation. It’s our great pride to have Con Dao named one of Asia’s paradise islands”.
The Con Dao National Park has a rare mangrove eco-system that covers nearly 6,000 ha on land and 14,000 ha at sea. The park has a wide variety of fauna and flora species. It’s home to the largest population of turtles in Vietnam.
Con Dao Museum and former prisons on the island are popular destinations for visitors interested in history. In 2012, the Vietnamese government recognized Con Dao prison a “Special national relic” and a place to inspire patriotism in the younger generation. There are more than 2,000 documents and objects in the museum testifying to the staunch spirit of the Vietnamese revolutionaries. Tourists don’t leave Con Dao without visiting Hang Duong cemetery to pay tribute to thousands of Vietnamese revolutionary soldiers like Vo Thi Sau, Nguyen An Ninh, and Le Hong Phong…
Con Dao was also named by Lonely Planet one of the 10 most attractive destinations in Asia and was selected by American tourism magazine Travel and Leisure as one of the Best Secret Islands on Earth.