Private Journeys in Con Dao Island

The Con Dao archipelago is located off the southeast coast of Vietnam and is known for its stunning natural beauty, with over 80% of the islands protected as a marine and national park.

For over ten years, the World Wildlife Fund has worked in the area to protect important sea turtle nesting sites. The waters also host rare sea life like the dugong.

The largest island, Con Son, was once called Iles Poulo Condore. It has a rich history, having been settled by Europeans in the 16th century and later by the British East India Company.

Under French rule, Con Son became a penal colony for those who opposed colonialism, imprisoning many Vietnamese revolutionary heroes. It gained a reputation for mistreatment and torture, especially during the American War when U.S. troops supported the South Vietnamese government. Today, the remains of old prisons, along with beautiful gardens and French villas, mark the island’s past.

Now, Con Son has a peaceful atmosphere with lovely beaches and untouched scenery. It is a short 45-minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City.