Con Dao island, an impressive historical and ecological site
Con Dao island in the southern province of Ba Ria Vung Tau has a 200 km coastline with dozens of beautiful beaches, pure blue water and colorful coral reefs. The beauty of the island makes an unforgettable impression.
Visitors to Con Dao are always impressed with its pure and unspoiled beauty. Con Dao is an archipelago consisting of 16 small islands, the biggest one being Con Dao island, 117 km southeast of Vietnam’s mainland. In 1862, French colonialists turned the island into a prison and from 1968 to 1975, the American used the prison to jail Vietnamese revolutionary soldiers. In recent years, the island has become a history museum which attracts many Vietnamese and foreign visitors. Pham Thi Tam is Deputy Director of the Con Dao Relic Management Board: “Con Dao island boasts a strong potential for both historical and ecological tourism. Our management board is in charge of preserving and promoting 22 historical relics. Local authorities support the preservation of these relics”.
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| A former colonial prison in Con Dao |
Due to its historic past and its seclusion from the mainland, Con Dao has become one of the most interesting destinations in Southeast Asia and now attracts thousands of visitors every year. There are six flights from HCM City to the island every day. Tourists can also reach the island by ship:
Visitors to Con Dao are most impressed by its cleanliness and tranquility. Most of the hotels here face the sea and are shaded by ancient trees. Being far away from the mainland, accommodation here is more expensive ranging from 40 USD to 400 USD per night. The island offers opportunities to explore tropical forests and bays such as Dam Tre Bay, which is home to a variety of beautiful seaweeds. Tours of the seabed to admire endemic fauna and flora species are available for the adventurous.
As taxi service is not available in Con Dao, the best way to explore the island is to hire a motorbike for 10USD per day. Cool breezes and the sounds of the sea will soothe your soul and make you think you are in heaven.
Lan Anh