How do I get to Con Dao from Ho Chi Minh City?

Fly from Tan Son Nhat airport to Con Dao (45 minutes). Vietnam Airlines and VASCO operate the route with 2-3 flights daily in high season on ATR-72 aircraft. Tickets cost 800,000-2,500,000 VND ($32-100).

Should I book Con Dao flights in advance?

Yes. The small aircraft (approximately 70 seats) are frequently full. Book at least 1-2 weeks ahead in peak season (July-October). Last-minute fares are high and availability is often zero.

How do I get from Con Dao Airport to Con Son town?

The airport is 15km from town. Hotel transfers cost 100,000-200,000 VND ($4-8). Taxis cost 80,000-150,000 VND ($3.20-6). You can also pre-arrange motorbike delivery to the airport.

Is there a ferry to Con Dao?

A slow ferry from Vung Tau to Con Dao exists but takes 12 hours overnight and runs infrequently. It is not practical for most travellers - the flight is the standard option.

Getting to Con Dao | The Vietnam Guides

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.

Practical tips

Luggage: The ATR-72 aircraft has limited overhead and hold space. Pack light - a backpack and small daypack is ideal. Rigid suitcases can be problematic on full flights.

Flight cancellations: Weather-related cancellations happen, particularly during the northeast monsoon season (November–February). If your return flight is cancelled, the airline rebooks you on the next available flight, but availability can be tight. Build flexibility into your schedule - do not book a Con Dao return flight on the same day as an international departure from HCMC.

Cash: Bring sufficient Vietnamese dong. Con Dao has limited ATMs (one or two in Con Son town) and card acceptance is inconsistent at smaller guesthouses and restaurants. ₫2,000,000–5,000,000 ($80–200) in cash for a 3-day stay is a practical minimum as of 2026.

SIM and connectivity: 4G coverage from Viettel and Vinaphone reaches most of the main island. Wifi at guesthouses is variable. A Vietnamese SIM with a data package (approximately ₫100,000 / $4 for 30 days of data) purchased before arriving is reliable for navigation and communication.

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