Under French rule, the Con Dao Islands were known as the Devil’s Island of Indochina, a place where thousands of prisoners of war were kept. Today, this group of 16 islands off the southern coast of Vietnam has a completely different purpose. Visitors come for the beautiful beaches and the abundance of scuba diving and snorkeling spots. However, the history of Con Dao can still be explored at some of the prison buildings that still stand.
June to September is the rainy season in Con Dao and after that hot summers start. November to February are the driest months to visit Con Dao. If you want to go when the sea is calmest, March to June would be the best.
A picturesque archipelago of 16 Islands, Con Dao lies off the southern coast of Vietnam. Out of the 16, Con Son is the largest and the only inhabited island. However, even the uninhabited islands are rich with stunning beaches.
Emerging out of its past as prison islands for prisoners of war, the development in Con Dao in terms of resorts and transport options has helped it gain popularity as one of the key destinations to visit in Vietnam. The islands are also rich in biodiversity and hence, the area is also known as Con Dao National Park.
A prime nesting site for sea turtles between the months June and September, Con Dao Archipelago is a beautiful beach destination filled with natural grandeur and some luxurious resorts.
The islands are rich in marine biodiversity and thus, are also a popular site for diving in Vietnam. One of the best-kept secrets of Vietnam, Con Dao carries a resort-like ambience and has only recently begun to attract luxury travellers as well as backpackers.