A remote archipelago off Vietnam's southern coast, the beautiful Con Dao Islands remain a protected paradise. Made up of sixteen rugged, rocky and mountainous islands coated in dense forests and ringed by coral reefs, this is a spectacular destination for outdoorsy adventurers of all ages. It’s also a magical romantic escape, with the best places to stay in the Con Dao Islands promising unparalleled seaside bliss.
Con Son, the largest of the islands, is most easily access by a 45-minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City. The island, now home to a bustling town with a fabulous market selling fresh seafood and local produce, has a turbulent past. Long known as the ‘Devil’s Island’ of French Indochina, it was used as a prison by French colonialists for almost a century. Take a guided prison tour for a sense of this history, or visit the informative Con Dao Museum.
If you’re all about the great outdoors, you’ll find ample opportunities to go hiking and mountain biking in the verdant Con Dao National Park, or to try snorkelling and diving in the pristine waters which surround the islands. Sailing trips and day-long cruises are marvellous, as are visits to sea turtle sanctuaries during the June to September nesting season. Popular throughout the year, the best places to stay in the Con Dao Islands are well worth booking in advance!