TIPS AND ATTRACTIVE DESTINATIONS FOR TRAVELING TO CON DAO

Con Dao travel is not only a famous destination with unique, spiritual and untouched beauty, but also a resort paradise with white sandy beaches and stunning blue sea. If you plan to explore the nature and the heroic history of the country, let Lua Viet Tours share experiences and suggest attractive places to make your journey to this island region even more enjoyable.     

Overview of Con Dao

Con Dao travel: a place that preserves many heroic historical values (Photo source: Internet)

Which province is Con Dao in? Con Dao, also known by other names such as Con Son and Con Lon, is an offshore archipelago belonging to Ba Ria – Vung Tau province. The archipelago covers 76 km2 and is made up of 16 islands of various sizes. Con Dao is 185 km from Vung Tau city, about 230 km from Ho Chi Minh City, about 83 km from Can Tho and about 1.700 km from Hanoi.

When people mention Con Dao travel, many immediately think of the "prison and tiger cages" surrounded by barbed wire, where no sunlight reached, a hell for revolutionary heroes during the war. It is a place that bears many historical marks of a struggle that was both heroic and tragic. 

In recent years, when it comes to Con Dao travel, visitors discover a wild natural beauty that has not been heavily exploited. You will have the chance to explore picture-perfect bays and beaches stretching along the coast. Thanks to this alluring and mysterious beauty, Con Dao has become a destination that attracts both domestic and international travelers, and an ideal place for anyone who wants to explore.

The ideal time to travel to Con Dao

March to October is the best time to travel to Phu Quoc (Photo source: Internet)

The ideal time to travel to Con Dao is from March to October. During this period, the weather in Con Dao is quite lovely, with calm seas, gentle breezes and no prolonged rain, creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities. As this is the end of the dry season and the start of the rainy season, the climate is more pleasant, cool and neither too hot nor too cold. In addition, from July to September is the sea turtle nesting season, so visitors can come to witness these exciting moments with their own eyes. 

The most famous Con Dao attractions you must visit

Con Dao travel is a chance to explore nature and learn about the nation's history at ideal destinations such as: 

Nui Mot Pagoda (Van Son Tu)

The only religious site in Con Dao, attracting many visitors and local people (Photo source: Internet)

Nui Mot Pagoda is considered the only religious site in Con Dao, a spiritual refuge for local people, built on a high mountain in 1964. The pagoda features architecture strongly influenced by East Asian Buddhism and is a place visitors should not miss when in Con Dao. From the top of the pagoda, you can take in the green forest and enjoy panoramic views of Con Son Bay and the beautiful An Hai lotus pond spreading out before your eyes. 

Con Dao Prison

No one visiting Con Dao is unaware of Con Dao Prison. The prison is one of the most famous places here, known as "hell on earth". It recreates the forms of torture used during the war, with statues that leave visitors deeply moved and full of sympathy for the fate of the soldiers. After coming here, we will love our country even more, and love those who fell to defend peace and independence for the nation.

A place that recreates the forms of torture used during the war (Photo source: Internet)

Hang Duong Cemetery (VTS)

Hang Duong Cemetery is the resting place of Vo Thi Sau and more than 2000 patriotic martyrs, including General Secretary Le Hong Phong, patriot Nguyen An Ninh, Le Van Viet… who were exiled to the island in 1975. Visitors will be impressed by the 3 bas-reliefs: Handing Over the Shirt (expressing the spirit of dedicating oneself fully to the Revolution), Indomitable (the belief in overcoming adversity) and Hope (undying love for the Motherland). You can come here to pay respects at the graves and learn about the culture of these humble heroes. Many visitors and locals visit Ms. Sau's grave, most crowded in the evening, so you can plan your itinerary sensibly to visit and pray together.  

The resting place of Vo Thi Sau and many other patriots (Photo source: Internet)

Phi Yen Temple

If you love Vietnamese culture and history, you absolutely must visit Phi Yen Temple. The temple was originally dedicated to a royal consort of Lord Nguyen Anh. Its architecture is designed in the style of the old Nguyen dynasty, with a tranquil space, a gentle atmosphere and a simple design. Many visitors come here to burn incense in memory of a talented and beautiful woman with a steadfast love for her country. 

The tranquil space at Phi Yen Temple (Photo source: Internet)

Dam Trau Beach

Dam Trau Beach is regarded as an untouched beach with smooth white sand and a rare mangrove forest ecosystem. In particular, you can choose this spot to watch the sunset and enjoy peaceful moments after stressful, tiring working days. It is also known as the most beautiful beach in Con Dao, ideal for swimming and snorkeling to see the coral. 

The most beautiful beach in Con Dao, where visitors can swim and relax (Photo source: Internet)

Ong Dung Primeval Forest

Ong Dung Primeval Forest, a gem of Con Dao National Park, is only about 4 km from the town center. Stepping into this primeval forest paradise, you will feel as if you have wandered into a fairy-tale world. The fresh air, the babbling streams and the chirping birds all blend together like an everlasting love song. 

Walking through the forest will take you to Ong Dung Beach, nestled peacefully on the other side of the island. Before your eyes lies a gorgeous beach like a jade-green silk stretching endlessly.

A precious gem of Phu Quoc island with fresh, peaceful air (Photo source: Internet)

Hon Bay Canh 

Hon Bay Canh is the second largest of the 16 islands in the Con Dao archipelago, located in the east of Con Dao. Nature has blessed Hon Bay Canh with a vibrant ecosystem, including vast mangrove forests and untouched beaches. Here you will see turtles laying eggs. You can also swim and go snorkeling to see the coral. It is a great spot for those who love camping outdoors.

The diverse ecosystem at Hon Bay Canh (Photo source: Internet)

Ngu Hanh Temple – where island residents place their faith

Ngu Hanh Temple, also known as Five Ladies Temple (Mieu Nam Co), worships 5 goddesses representing Metal – Wood – Water – Fire – Earth. These five deities play an important role in opening up metal resources, giving people fresh water and fertile land to grow rice and vegetables, and providing firewood and other necessary resources.

Entering Ba Ngu Hanh Temple (Five Ladies Temple) in Con Dao, visitors will feel a solemn and peaceful atmosphere all around. The impressive architecture features familiar motifs of the dragon, unicorn, turtle and phoenix, along with horizontal lacquered boards in Chinese characters and rows of cool green trees. Many people come here to pray for smooth work, peace and prosperity. So if you are in Con Dao, don't miss this sacred place. 

Ngu Hanh Temple is a spiritual site visited by many travelers who pray for smooth work (Photo source: Internet)

Tho Dia Temple – a place to pray for blessings

The next place you must not miss in Con Dao is Tho Dia Temple. Many people also call it Tho Than Temple or Than Tai Temple. According to folk belief, Tho Dia is a deity who governs each region of land, protecting the earth from collapse and erosion. He safeguards the prosperity and well-being of the people, helping all living things flourish and stay free from epidemics.

This is why island residents built a shrine to the Earth God, asking him to protect their land. The people hope for good rain, gentle winds, bountiful harvests and a peaceful life. Every year, crowds of visitors come here, mostly traders and business owners seeking fortune and good luck. 

Enjoy the rich cuisine of Con Dao

Besides its pristine natural scenery and impressive historical sites, Con Dao also draws visitors with its many local specialties. Here are some dishes you simply must try when you visit. 

Oyster porridge

A nutritious dish well worth enjoying in Con Dao (Image source: Internet)

The first dish every visitor should try in Con Dao is oyster porridge. It may sound simple, but it is a nourishing dish you can't miss. Made with rice and fresh oysters, it keeps the delicate sweetness of the oysters blended with the thick, creamy porridge, making an irresistibly delicious meal. 

Moon crab

A rare and sweet seafood treasure of Con Dao (Image source: Internet)

When visitors hear about this dish, they may wonder why it is called moon crab. The crab's back has many bright red and pink spots which, if you look closely, resemble the moon, so the name probably comes from there. This crab is an extremely rare seafood in Con Dao, and not everywhere can you find it.

This dish doesn't need elaborate preparation; simply steaming or boiling leaves an unforgettable flavor. You will taste the sweetness of the crab from the very first bite of meat. In addition, moon crab is also prepared in other equally appealing ways, such as hotpot and crab noodle soup (banh canh),...

Grilled sea urchin

Delicious grilled sea urchin that charms visitors (Image source: Internet)

Another dish visitors can't miss when traveling to Con Dao is grilled sea urchin. Quite simple to prepare, the sea urchin is halved, the inedible parts are removed, and it is then drizzled with a fragrant layer of scallion oil. Next, it is grilled over glowing charcoal, and once the aroma rises, it's ready to enjoy right away. 

Tips for traveling to Con Dao that every visitor should know

Con Dao is known as a sacred land. To avoid unwanted incidents and enjoy a safe, complete journey, visitors should keep the following tips in mind:

• Always dress neatly and modestly when visiting spiritual and historical sites on the island.
• When exploring Con Dao's forests and mountains, stick to marked trails only and avoid finding your own way through the forest.
• Remember to bring essentials such as sunscreen, a jacket, motion sickness and stomach medicine, and mosquito and insect repellent to protect your health.
• Choose clothing suitable for hiking or trekking, such as jeans, long-sleeved shirts, caps and sneakers. This makes it easier to get around and keeps you comfortable while exploring the island's destinations.