Con Dao: An Introduction
One of Vietnam’s most promising ‘up-and-coming’ destinations in our opinion, Con Dao is actually an archipelago of 15 islands located in the South China Sea, just 45 minutes by air from Ho Chi Minh City. The archipelago makes up one of Vietnam’s most pristine Marine National Parks, with miles of undisturbed beaches, wild jungle and turquoise waters.
Con Dao also has a few 'aces' up its sleeve – firstly there’s the small matter of the turtles that come ashore between the months of June and September, and the large dis-used French Penal Colony–cum-American POW complex that housed political prisoners during the various 20th century conflicts.
The main island of Con Son was once known as ‘Poulo Condor’ and is the largest island in the archipelago. Until recently there was only a couple of mid-range hotels to choose from. The recently opened, super-deluxe Six Senses Con Dao has set tongues wagging however, and is rated amongst the finest resorts in Asia. Whichever you choose, or your wallet allows, your stay on Con Dao is more likely to be about as much about the incredible wildlife and spectacular beaches as the standard of your breakfast!
It's amazing to think that a group of islands with so much promise, a destination so rich and diverse in nature and with such incredible beaches, hasn't made it onto 'the map'. Its gems like Con Dao that keep us hungry for more and ensure that Vietnam still holds plenty of aces.