Κον Ντάο

February to June is the best time. The sea is calmer, and diving and boat trips run easily. July to November is the rainy season, with rough seas and typhoon risk, mainly in October and November. Some boats and ferries stop in bad weather.

Sea turtles nest on Bay Canh and other beaches from about May to September. Visits are managed by the national park.

• Con Dao Prison is the main prison complex. The cells, courtyards and "tiger cages" show the harsh conditions.
• Phu Hai Camp is one of the prison camps. It has cell blocks and exercise yards.
• Con Dao Museum tells the story of the prison and of the islands.
• Hang Duong is the largest cemetery for prisoners who died on the island. Many visitors come at night to light incense.
• Bãi Đầm Trầu is a quiet beach north of the town.
• Bay Canh Lighthouse is a lighthouse on Bay Canh Island, reached by boat.

• Visit the prison sites: A guided walk gives context for the history.
• Snorkel or dive: Reefs around the islands are among the best in southern Vietnam.
• Watch turtles nest: In season, the national park runs guided night visits.
• Walk a forest trail: Short trails lead through mangroves and old forest.
• Relax on a quiet beach: Beaches here are less crowded than on the mainland.

• Bay Canh Island: a boat trip for beaches and turtle nesting in season. It needs a permit from the national park.
• Hòn Cau and Hòn Tre Nhỏ: islands for snorkelling and diving.
• National park trails: forest walks on the main island, including mangroves and old trees.
• Ba Ria-Vung Tau: the mainland province on the route from Ho Chi Minh City.

• Mainland: Ba Ria-Vung Tau is the coastal province north of the islands.
• Gateway: Ho Chi Minh City has the main flights to Côn Đảo.
• Delta: Mekong Delta lies to the west and has the ferry route.

• By air: Sân bay Côn Đảo (VCS) has short flights from Ho Chi Minh City. The flight takes about 1 hour. Book early in peak season.
• By sea: Ferries run from the Mekong Delta coast. The crossing is long and can be rough. Check the schedule and the weather.
• On arrival: Hotels and tour agencies in the main town arrange transfers from the airport.

• Scooter: Rental scooters are the main way to move around. Wear a helmet.
• Bicycle: The coastal road is flat in places and pleasant in the morning.
• Taxi and electric cars: Short rides inside the town and to nearby sights.
• Tours: Boat trips and park visits are booked through hotels and agencies.

• Is a car worth it? A scooter or a taxi is enough for the main island.
• Roads: The island roads are quiet and well kept. Watch for sharp bends near the coast.
• Parking: Parking is easy near most sights.

Côn Đảo food is simple and based on seafood. Look for grilled fish, squid, shrimp and fish soups. Local snacks include almond fruit and sweet potato dishes. The night market in the town has small stalls.

Most restaurants are near the centre of Côn Sơn.

Côn Đảo is a quiet and safe island, but some points need care.

• Seas can be rough in the rainy season. Boat trips may be cancelled.
• Wear a helmet when riding a scooter.
• Sun is strong. Use sunscreen and drink water.
• Follow park rules. Take no coral, shells or turtle eggs.
• Medical services are basic. Bring any medicine you need.

The islands were a prison site for decades. The French opened a prison in 1862, and many Vietnamese political prisoners were held and died here. The camps, including Phu Hai Camp, were used again after 1954.

After 1975 the prisons were turned into memorials. Today the islands are also a protected national park known for turtles, reefs and forest.

Quick practical facts for Vietnam at a glance: