Con Dao Islands

A slow island trip for sea turtles, national park trails and snorkeling, reached by flight or ferry.

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The Con Dao Islands are a group of 16 islands in the South China Sea, about 180 kilometers southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province. Most of the land is Con Dao National Park. Con Son, the largest island, holds the town, the harbor and Con Dao Airport. The park covers forest, beaches where sea turtles nest, and coral reefs for snorkeling and diving.

Travelers come for the turtles, the quiet beaches and Con Son Prison, which held political prisoners during the French and American wars. The islands suit people who want slow days outdoors more than nightlife, and who are fine with a flight or a ferry from Vung Tau. Plan at least three to four nights, and more if you want several park boat trips. Southwest monsoon winds, roughly May to September, can roughen the sea, so check ferry and boat schedules before you book.

Con Dao Islands in five

Fly or take the ferry, and book earlyFlights run daily from Ho Chi Minh City to the island's small airport. The alternative is a bus to the Mekong coast and a ferry of about two hours. Seats are limited, so book before you plan nights.
Join a park turtle tour for nesting and hatchlingsThe national park runs turtle tours, including a night trip to Bay Canh island and a hatchling release. The tourism board lists hatching from mid-August to early December; book through the park office.
Respect the former prison sitesCon Dao was used as a prison island by the French and later by the American-backed government, and the museum and cemeteries are places of remembrance. Dress modestly and keep voices low.
Plan around winds in December and JanuaryThe tourism board notes strong winds then, which can disturb boats and flights. Hot months run June to August, and the coolest weather falls between September and January.
Rent a bicycle or motorbike for the coast roadThe main town of Con Son is flat and small, so a bicycle reaches the prison museum and Van Son Pagoda. A motorbike suits the beaches and the hilly rest of the island, with a helmet.

Things to do in Con Dao Islands

See all attractions in Con Dao Islands

Sight · Con Dao IslandsHang Duong Cemetery

Museum · Con Dao IslandsBao Tang Con Dao Museum

Museum · Con Dao IslandsTiger Cages

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Need to know

Airport: Con Dao (VCS), small airport with daily flights from Saigon
Getting there: Fly from Ho Chi Minh City, or bus plus ferry via the Mekong coast
Getting around: Bicycle in town, motorbike or taxi for beaches
Best base: Con Son town, or a beach resort
Time needed: 3 days; 4 with turtle and snorkel tours

Weather by month

Rainy days
Days with storms

Best
Good
Poor

JanuaryPartly cloudy4 rainy daysHigh26°Low25°Cool, windy
FebruaryPartly cloudy1 rainy dayHigh26°Low25°Dry, calm
MarchPartly cloudy3 rainy daysHigh27°Low26°Dry, calm
AprilPartly cloudy7 rainy daysHigh28°Low27°Hot, dry
MayRain21 rainy daysHigh30°Low28°Hot, showers
JuneRain26 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh29°Low28°Hot, rain
JulyRain26 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh29°Low27°Hot, rain
AugustRain27 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh29°Low27°Hot, hatchlings
SeptemberRain26 rainy daysHigh29°Low27°Rain, hatchlings
OctoberRain27 rainy daysHigh28°Low27°Rain, hatchlings
NovemberRain22 rainy daysHigh28°Low26°Cooler, hatchlings
DecemberPartly cloudy12 rainy daysHigh26°Low26°Cool, windy

Average daily high and low in Con Dao, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.

Right now in Con Dao Islands

Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.

Feels like: 32°
Humidity: 81%
Wind: 19 km/h
Chance of rain: 80%

Con Dao Islands

05:03 AM

Tuesday, November 3

GMT+7

Today28°26°80%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 28°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 80%.
Wed27°25°75%Wednesday: Rain. High 27°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 75%.
Thu28°24°76%Thursday: Thunderstorms. High 28°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 76%.
Fri28°25°88%Friday: Thunderstorms. High 28°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 88%.
Sat27°24°88%Saturday: Rain. High 27°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 88%.
Sun27°25°88%Sunday: Rain. High 27°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 88%.
Mon28°25°98%Monday: Thunderstorms. High 28°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 98%.

Updated 12:48 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com

Money

Mid-market rate1 USD = 25,787 VND

Amount

Converted to

VND · Vietnamese Dong

Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API

Day trips by train

Con Dao Museum and prison siteswithin Con Son townA history stop that explains the island's former prison role.
Beach-hopping on Con Sonhalf day by bicycle or motorbikeBai Ong Dung for snorkeling and Dam Trau or Dat Doc for sunbathing.
Bay Canh island night tourpark-run, 1 day and 1 nightA park tour that watches turtles nest; book through the official office.

Before you go to Con Dao Islands

Turtle and snorkel toursPark-run turtle tours and reef tripsCompare tours

Beach stay or town baseChoose before flights sell outCheck availability

eSIM for VietnamCoverage is thin off the main townRead the guide

Travel insuranceFlight cancellations and sea conditionsRead the guide

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Rules for Con Dao Islands, checked

Many nationalities need a visa or e-visa for Vietnam. Check eligibility on the immigration department site before you book.Source
Con Dao National Park covers most of the islands. Ask park staff about the entry ticket and the rules for beaches and trails before you go.
Do not take shells, coral or sand from the beaches. Sea turtles nest on Con Dao, so keep lights and noise away from nesting beaches at night.
Declare cash and valuables above the legal limit on the customs form at arrival. Check the current limit with Vietnam Customs before you fly.

Plan around Con Dao Islands

Ho Chi Minh City

Where flights and ferries start

Read the guide Cat Tien National Park

Another southern nature trip, inland

Read the guide Can Tho travel guide

The Delta city on the same coast

Read the guide Best time to visit Vietnam

Weather by region and month

Read the guide Getting around Vietnam

Flights, trains and buses compared

Read the guide All of Vietnam

Entry, seasons, regions and money

Read the guide

Con Dao Islands FAQ

How do you get to Con Dao?

Fly from Ho Chi Minh City, which is the quickest option, or take a bus to the Mekong coast and a ferry of about two hours. Book early, since seats are limited and weather can disturb sailings and flights.

When is the best time to visit Con Dao?

February to April is usually dry and calm. October and November suit turtle hatchlings, which the tourism board lists from mid-August to early December. June to August is hottest, and strong winds blow in December and January.

Can you see turtles in Con Dao?

Yes, through park-run turtle tours, including a night trip to Bay Canh island and a hatchling release. Sightings depend on season and luck, and you should follow the guide's distance rules.

How many days do you need in Con Dao?

Three days covers the museum, a beach day and one tour. Four days adds a snorkeling or trekking day with slack for weather. A single night rarely makes up for the flights.

Is Con Dao worth the trip?

Yes, if you want quiet beaches, jungle and reef rather than resorts and nightlife. It costs more time and money than mainland beaches, so skip it if your days are few.