Con Dao Travel Guide: High-Speed Ferry or Plane, Attractions and Best Season

Con Dao is an archipelago in the East Sea featuring untouched beaches, pristine forests, coral reefs and remarkable historical sites. It is a destination for both beach holidays and exploring a chapter of the nation's history. This article compiles information on how to get there by high-speed ferry or plane, top attractions and travel tips for a trip to Con Dao.

Con Dao previously belonged to Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province and now falls under Ho Chi Minh City following the administrative reorganisation in 2025.

How to Get to Con Dao?

• By plane: flights are available from Ho Chi Minh City and several other cities to Con Dao Airport; this is the fastest option.

• High-speed ferry from Tran De Port: takes approximately 2.5 hours, with fairly regular departures.

• High-speed ferry from Vung Tau: takes approximately 3.5–4 hours.

• Reference ferry ticket prices: approximately 390,000 VND to over 1.3 million VND per person per one-way trip, depending on the route, operator and seat class. Ferries typically dock at Ben Dam Port.

Bring a valid ID, arrive at the port 30–45 minutes early and take seasickness medication in advance if you are prone to motion sickness.

The Ben Dam area, where high-speed ferries to Con Dao typically dock. Photo: Lam Tr Th / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.

Must-See Spots in Con Dao

• Con Dao Prison Historical Site: a prison complex featuring the Tiger Cages, preserving many stories about the nation's struggle for independence.

• Hang Duong Cemetery: the resting place of many soldiers, including the grave of heroine Vo Thi Sau; many visitors come to pay their respects in the evening.

• Beaches: Dam Trau Beach near the airport, Dat Doc Beach, Lo Voi Beach, Nhat Beach… with clear water and fine white sand.

• Con Dao National Park: protected forests, sea and coral reefs; many tours offer snorkelling and diving to see the coral.

• Sea turtle egg-laying watching: during turtle nesting season (usually around mid-year), the national park offers overnight tours on Bay Canh Island; advance registration is required.

The Con Dao coastal road, with mountains on one side and the sea on the other. Photo: Lam Tr Th / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.

A section of the Tiger Cages within the Con Dao Prison historical site complex. Photo: Tuderna / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0.

Best Season to Visit Con Dao

• Around March to June: the weather is generally sunny, the sea is calm, ideal for swimming and snorkelling.

• Rainy season: occasional showers occur and the sea can be rough at times.

• Northeast monsoon season (around late year to early year): the sea is rougher and ferries may be cancelled; flying is recommended.

Handy Tips

• Dress respectfully when visiting historical sites and the cemetery; maintain order and a solemn demeanour.

• Rent a motorbike to get around the island; the coastal road is scenic but has some steep and sharp-turning sections.

• Book ferry tickets and accommodation early during public holidays and summer.

• Do not buy or take coral, precious shells or products derived from sea turtles.

Ticket prices, ferry schedules and visiting regulations are subject to change. Please check before your trip.

Photo Credits

Featured image: "Bãi biển Đất Dốc Côn Đảo - panoramio" – Tuderna / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0. Photos within the article are credited directly below each image.