Experience Con Dao Island, Vietnam

Discover the Beauty and History of Con Dao Archipelago, Vietnam’s Hidden Gem

Situated off the southeast coast of Vietnam, the Con Dao archipelago boasts breathtaking natural beauty, with over 80% of the islands designated as part of a protected marine and national park.

For the past decade, the World Wildlife Fund has worked in the area, focusing on preserving and monitoring the nation’s most vital sea turtle nesting sites. The surrounding waters also provide a safe haven for the rare dugong, alongside a rich diversity of marine life.

The largest island, Con Son (formerly known as Iles Poulo Condore), has a history marked by colonial influence and political turmoil. European settlers arrived as early as the 16th century, and later, the British East India Company established a presence here. Under French rule, Con Son became notorious as a penal colony for Vietnamese revolutionaries. This harsh chapter continued during the American War, with the island’s infamous prisons witnessing widespread mistreatment and torture.

Today, Con Son offers a peaceful escape with pristine beaches, lush forests, and remnants of its turbulent past scattered across the island, including abandoned prisons and picturesque French villas. The island can be easily reached by a quick 45-minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City.