Situated about 180 km from Vung Tau, 85 km from Hau River, Con Dao appears a ‘hell on earth’ for many Vietnamese. During the period from 1862 to 1975, more than 200,000 prisoners were detained on the island, about 22.000 of them died. The image of yesterday and the legendary stories about the national patriotic heroes are so extraordinary that sometimes concealthe present image of Con Dao as a real heaven for travelers.

Con Dao archipelago comprising of 16 islands and islets with the total area of approximately 72 km2. The main island, Con Dao or Con Son, is 51.5 km2 in area. Con Dao is endowed with forest, lakes, mountains, valleys, and above all, a sea worth calling silver sea.

The two lakes An Hai and Quang Trung, 30.969 and 23.608 hectares in area respectively, supply fresh water and form a typical freshwater laky ecosystem for the main island. These lakes are also home to many kinds of birds, butterflies and dragonflies, not to mention a wide range of colorful wild flowers. The beautiful, shaded surrounds offer travelers most relaxing walks.

Con Dao town bears the appearance of a modern town with good infrastructure and spacious newly built buildings. The town is nicknamed as Thi tran Cay Bang or the Town of Malabar Almond trees. Century-old trees line along Ton Duc Thang Street, Le Duan Street, and dot around the island. The fruit’s kernels, roasted dry with salt or sugar, are sold as the town’s specialty. The security in Con Dao is probably the best in Vietnam, and the locals enjoy comfortable life, though most necessities are imported from the mainland at rather high price.

The main road in Con Dao, about 30 km in length, starts at Con Son Airport, then curves around the south and the east shore. From the town, follow this main road toward the airport for the windiest part of the island. There are good picture stops at Chim Chim Cape - where a windmill electricity factory is being built; and nearby Tau Be Cape. From the altitude of 122 meters of Tau Be Cape, enjoy the breathtaking view of the North East Bay. On the other direction from town toward Ben Dam Port, the best stop is probably Ca Map Cape - the furthest south point of Con Son Island. Many people come to Ca Map Cape for the best sunrise in Con Dao.

Con Dao’s 20 beaches are best places for one to escape from the everyday stress. The town beach and Lo Voi beach are within a walking distance to hotels. A little further toward Ben Dam, situated pristine and peaceful An Hai Beach and Nhat Beach. Tucked away on the other direction of the road is a list of beautiful beaches: Dat Doc, Ot, Vong, Bai Nho and Dam Trau. The last one, 13 km from town, is crowned as the Queen of the beaches in Con Dao.

However, beaches are just part of the stunning Con Dao. The archipelago is also home to 822 plants, 144 animals and 1,300 marine species, including some famous species like turtle and dugong. The underwater world is amazing with colorful coral reefs and seagrass ecosystem.  Fourteen out of sixteen islands and an area of 14,000 hectares of sea, as well as 20,500-hectare marine buffer zone are under the protection of Con Dao National Park. Best places for snorkeling and reef walks including Ong Dung Beach, Ben Dam, Hon Tai, Hon Tre, Hon Cau, Hon Bay Canh and Ca Map Cape.

Time has put a layer on the traces of yesterday. With many tourist projects being called for investment, Con Dao would probably be a tourist destination in a short time. Pack and come, before the princess awakes.