Blog

Famous for the historical relics associated with the painful past of the Vietnamese people, when referring to Con Dao tourism, many people still think of the scary prisons. However, in recent years, when sea tourism has become a new trend, people have discovered the pristine and magnificent beauty of this isolated island in Ba Ria-Vung Tau. The clear blue sky, white sand beaches and the cool climate make Con Dao more attractive to both domestic visitors and foreigners.

1. How to get to Con Dao Islands?

By plane

Currently only Vietnam Airlines operates flights to Con Dao islands. You can fly directly from Ho Chi Minh City or Can Tho to Con Dao. From Hanoi, you have to transit in one of the two places. In particular, from Ho Chi Minh City, every day there are 4-5 flights. Guests can bring a maximum of 20 kg of checked baggage and 7 kg of free portable. The flight time is about 55 minutes. Price for a round trip ticket is from 2,500,000 to 3,000,000 VND. There is no promotion ticket. From Con Dao Airport, you need to take a car or taxi and go for 14km more to arrive the town.

By passenger ship

Apart from airplanes, you also have a more economical means, that is to take the passenger ship from Cat Lo port (Vung Tau) to Dam port (Con Dao) and vice versa. It can carry passengers, lightweight cargos as well as motorbikes.

• Con Dao 09 passenger ship has a capacity of 238 beds. All are dormitories with about 30 beds per room.
• Con Dao 10 passenger ship has about 140 beds in total. Each room has between 6 and 10 beds.

However, there is one thing to note when you decide to choose this mean of transportation, which is the possibility of seasickness. In the quiet sea (from April to August each year), it is an enjoyable experience to go to Con Dao. From September to March, traveling by passenger ship may be a torment, especially for those who are weak.

The ship departs at 17h and arrives at 7am the next morning to Ben Dam port – Con Dao and vice versa. On board, there are small canteens serving canned and bottled beverages. The food is mainly shrimp noodles and boiled eggs.

Ticket price: from 350,000 VND (depart in Vung Tau)

Note: It is extremely difficult for foreigners to buy tickets for these two ship as priority goes to locals. Besides, long-time residents here strongly advised visitors should against it. There are many travelers who get to Con Dao by ship chose to fly back.

2. How to get around the islands?

There are many ways to move around Con Dao and explore the mysterious beauty of this island. It is easy to get around by foot, bicycle, motorbike or car because the town is neatly laid out and flat. However, roads here are virtually deserted even in the middles of the day in town. Therefore, you should go in a group to stay safe.

Car/taxi or motorbike are the best option to choose because when going outside the town, the coastal roads is steep and hilly.

If you are familiar with riding a motorbike, you still can enjoy the scenic views at your own way. You can rent a motorbike at your hotel with the price from 100,000 to 150,000VND/day. However, you should be very careful as roads are not lit at night and there are some sharp and blind turns.

Always keep these red flags in mind and have a safe trip to Con Dao Islands.