Getting to Con Dao 2026: Flights from HCMC and Can Tho

Con Dao is accessible only by air or (in theory) by slow boat. There is no fast ferry service. The remoteness is a feature — it limits visitor numbers and preserves the island’s character.

By flight from HCMC

Route: Tan Son Nhat (SGN) → Con Dao (VCS). Journey time: 45 minutes.

Operators: Vietnam Airlines and VASCO (a subsidiary) operate the route with ATR-72 propeller aircraft. The aircraft are small — approximately 70 seats. Flights are frequently full.

Frequency: 2–3 flights per day in each direction in high season. Fewer in low season.

Price: ₫800,000–2,500,000 ($32–100) depending on timing and availability. Book at least 1–2 weeks in advance in peak season (July–October). Last-minute fares are high and availability is often zero.

By flight from Can Tho

Vietnam Airlines/VASCO also operates direct flights from Can Tho (Tra Noc Airport) to Con Dao. 35 minutes. Useful for travellers coming from the Mekong Delta.

Frequency: 1–2 flights per day.

Booking flights

Book through Vietnam Airlines directly (vietnamairlines.com) or through Vietnamese booking platforms (Traveloka, ivivu). The limited capacity means these flights fill up well in advance — this is one of the few domestic routes in Vietnam where early booking is genuinely important.

By boat (slow ferry)

A slow ferry from HCMC (Vung Tau port) to Con Dao exists but takes 12 hours overnight and operates infrequently. This is not a practical option for most travellers. The flight is standard.

Con Dao Airport to town

Con Dao Airport (Con Son Airport) is 15km from Con Son town. The road is good. Transfer options:

Hotel transfer: Most accommodation on the island offers airport pickup — confirm when booking. ₫100,000–200,000 ($4–8) for shared or private transfer.

Taxi/xe om: Available at the airport. Negotiate the fare before departure. ₫80,000–150,000 ($3.20–6) to Con Son town.

Motorbike rental: Some accommodation can arrange motorbike delivery to the airport. If you’ve pre-arranged a rental, you can ride directly into town.

Getting around Con Dao

Motorbike rental: ₫100,000–150,000 ($4–6) per day. Essential for reaching the beaches and national park independently. The island is 57 sq km — everything is reachable by motorbike.

Bicycle: Available at some guesthouses. The terrain around Con Son town is flat; the coastal road to Lo Voi and the northern coast road have hills.

Boat tours: For Bay Canh, Dam Tre Bay, and offshore islands, arrange through the national park office or your accommodation.