Things to Do in Con Dao 2026: Prisons, Turtles, Diving and Beaches

Con Dao Prison Museum (Phu Hai Prison)

The main historical site. The French built the original prison in 1862 and it was used by the South Vietnamese government (with American support) to hold political prisoners until 1975. The “tiger cages” — stone cells where prisoners were held in cramped conditions — are the most documented section.

The complex: Multiple prison buildings across Con Son town are part of the preserved site. Phu Hai is the largest and most visited. Phu Tuong (tiger cage cells), Phu Binh, and the Hang Duong Cemetery are also included.

Entry: ₫30,000 ($1.20) per site, or a combined ticket for multiple buildings. A guide (₫200,000–400,000 / $8–16) is worth arranging — the context for what you’re seeing is not fully explained by signage alone.

Time needed: 2–3 hours for a thorough visit to the main prison complex. Half a day if visiting Hang Duong Cemetery as well.

Hang Duong Cemetery

The cemetery where many prisoners who died during detention are buried, including Vo Thi Sau — a 19-year-old Viet Minh fighter executed in 1952 who became a national martyr. The cemetery is a pilgrimage site for Vietnamese visitors. Early morning visits (before 07:00) see incense offerings and local remembrance activities.

Green sea turtle watching (July–October)

Con Dao National Park monitors turtle nesting on several beaches, particularly Bay Canh Island (the most important turtle nesting site in Vietnam). Green sea turtles nest from May through October, with peak activity July–September.

Night tours: Guided night visits to Bay Canh beach are arranged through the National Park office (₫200,000–400,000 / $8–16 per person, plus boat transfer). You observe turtles nesting or hatchlings emerging — no lights, no flash photography. One of the more remarkable wildlife experiences available in Vietnam.

Booking: Arrange through Con Dao National Park headquarters in Con Son town. Availability is limited — book as soon as you arrive or before.

Diving and snorkelling

The reefs around Con Dao are the best in southern Vietnam. See the diving guide for full details. The national park status means the reefs have more protection than most of Vietnam’s dive sites.

Beaches

Dat Doc Beach: The main town beach, 3km from the centre. White sand, clear water, and a longer stretch than most Con Dao beaches. Swimming is good in calm conditions.

Lo Voi Beach: A quieter bay accessible by motorbike heading west from town. Less development and fewer people.

Bay Canh Island: Accessible by boat (₫150,000–300,000 / $6–12 for the transfer). The most important turtle beach — visiting for the wildlife rather than swimming, though the beach itself is good.

Hiking in the national park

Several trails exist in Con Dao National Park, covering the island’s interior dry forest and ridge routes. The trail to the summit of Con Son mountain (577m) takes 3–4 hours return. Views of the archipelago from the summit are clear on good days.

Guide requirement: Trails within the national park require a park-assigned guide for some routes. Arrange at the National Park headquarters.

Dam Tre Bay (kayaking and mangroves)

A sheltered bay on the north coast accessible by boat or kayak. Mangrove forest lines the bay. Kayak rental: ₫200,000–400,000 ($8–16) for half a day from Con Son town pier.