An archipelago of tropical islands that boasts deserted beaches with hardly any tourists sounds like the Holy Grail for many travellers.
However, such a place does exist – and it can be found off the southern coast of Vietnam. Con Dao is home to pristine sands, crystal-clear water and lush jungles – and all this natural beauty remains largely untouched and undiscovered by mass tourism.
The archipelago flies under the radar of most tourists who flock to South East Asia. This means you can soak up the stunning scenery and serenity in seclusion – and even popular spots like Dam Trau Beach and Bai Nhat Beach feel like private paradises.
Sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs at Con Dao National Park – and tours take visitors to see these enigmatic animals nesting and hatching. Unsurprisingly, the seas around Con Dao are teeming with life and offer amazing diving and snorkelling opportunities.
However, there’s much more to Con Dao than unspoilt nature – its history is almost as colourful as its coral reefs. The islands were home to infamous prisons, built during French colonial rule and later used during the Vietnam War.
Today, the prisons are museums that give visitors an insight into the incredible resilience of the Vietnamese people. It also highlights the country’s turbulent history, as it repeatedly fought for independence from foreign powers – including China, the Mongols and then France and Japan.
Thankfully, Vietnam is now at peace – and this beautiful country doesn’t get much more peaceful than it does at Con Dao. The island is a world away from the hustle and bustle of mainland Vietnam.
Unlike destinations like Phu Quoc or Halong Bay, Con Dao is relatively undiscovered. This means visitors can explore the islands without feeling like just another face in a crowd – and the local markets, restaurants, and landmarks all retain an increasingly rare authenticity.
This lack of mass tourism is perhaps Con Dao’s most attractive feature – and it is partly because accommodation options are somewhat limited. Also, reaching Con Dao requires a bit of effort – but this only adds to its allure.
Con Dao does have a tiny airport – and you can fly there from Ho Chi Minh City in just 45 minutes. Alternatively, ferries from Vung Tau or Soc Trang offer a scenic route to the islands.
The best time of year to visit Con Dao is probably between March and September, which is the dry season. As well as the opportunity to witness sea turtle nesting, this time of year usually has calm seas – the ideal conditions for diving and snorkling.
