Con Dao National Park – How to Explore this Vietnam’s Hidden Island Gem [updated 2025]

Con Dao National Park is Vietnam’s hidden island gem, located in Con Dao, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, in coastal southeastern Vietnam. The park includes a part of the island and the surrounding sea. It is characterized by a diverse ecosystem, especially birds and nocturnal species. Many species of corals as well as sea turtles, dolphins, and endangered dugongs are found here.

Con Dao is a tourist island and is ranked one of the 10 mysterious islands in the world by Lonely Planet. Besides, Con Dao National Park is the 6th Marine Ramsar in the world and the first one in Vietnam. Therefore, Con Dao is considered a heaven of rest and exploring nature with both forest and sea.  

In 2006, a delegation of UNESCO Vietnam representatives surveyed the area and concluded that the park is eligible to be a natural-cultural mixture World Heritage. The Vietnamese government is preparing necessary documents to submit to UNESCO soon.

A controversial paved road project had been proposed by the local government but was finally rejected by the national government following protests from environmental activists.

How Unique is Con Dao National Park?

The biodiversity in Con Dao National Park has important implications for marine conservation in Vietnam. The relationship of coral reefs, sea-grass and mangrove forests create a favorable environment for reproduction, nursery and conservation of marine species in Con Dao.

Con Dao National Park is the connecting bridge for the spread of life from the diverse center of the Indo-Western Pacific to the coastal waters of Vietnam.

Why Visiting Con Dao National Park?

Thanks to the favorable environment for spawning and conserving marine species including sea turtles, sea cows(dugong), dolphins, Con Dao Mangroves are recognized as Ramsar sites of the world.

The World Ramsar Convention Secretariat has recognized Con Dao National Park as one of 2,203 important international wetlands. Con Dao National Park is the 6th Ramsar in the world and the first one in Vietnam.

Furthermore, Con Dao vegetation is relatively rich and diversified. It has about 882 species of vascular plants belonging to 562 genera, and 161 families, including as many as 371 woody species, 30 species of orchids, 103 species of vines, and 202 species of herbs. Some of them,  you can only see on the island.

For those seeking an eco-adventure, Con Dao offers an unforgettable journey through lush forests, coastal ecosystems, and thriving wildlife habitats. It is home to an incredible variety of plant life, with 44 plant species first discovered here, including Chukrasia tabularis and Manikara hexandra. One of the park’s unique creatures is the Pulo Condore Bow-fingered Gecko (Cyrtodactylus condorensis). This rare reptile, found only on Con Dao, hides among the island’s rocky landscapes, waiting to be spotted by keen-eyed visitors.

What makes Con Dao a great wildlife expedition?

Discovery Mouse Deer In Con Dao National Park

Con Dao has discovered the appearance of the exciting Mouse Deer, which is currently listed in the red book of the world. Known locally as “Cheo Cheo,” this tiny, deer-like creature is incredibly shy, moving silently through the dense forest undergrowth, so it is a rare privilege to spot them in the wild

Discover The Amazing Marine Life World In Con Dao

Nestled within Con Dao Island, Con Son Bay seascape is made up of 14 islands and islets. Clusters of small islands like Tai, Trac, and Rabbit Islets are close together, almost like a family, while farther away, Bay Canh, Bong Lan, Cau, Trung, and Tre Islets stand proudly, adding to the bay’s charm.

These islands not only create a stunning natural panorama but also home to a thriving marine ecosystem. Beneath the crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs of various species flourish, making Con Son Bay a paradise for nature lovers and underwater explorers alike.

Vich – Con Dao Sea Turtle

Vich or sea turtle Chelonia mydas in Con Dao is a rare animal in Red Book Vietnam and the world. It is protected strictly on Con Dao Island. When traveling to Con Dao, you should enjoy the tranquil night by seeing turtles climb up the seaside and deliever eggs. Otherwise, you can see in the early morning from 4.00 am to 6.00 am.

Nicobar Dove Con Dao

The Nicobar Dove is the most unique and treasured birds on Con Dao Island, a rare bird in the Vietnam’s Red Book. With its striking green and bronze feathers, this rare species is a true gem of the island’s wildlife. Spotting this elusive bird in its natural habitat is a special experience for any nature lover visiting Con Dao.

Macaque Monkey In Con Dao

Macaque Monkey in Con Dao is also a rare primate in the Vietnam’s Red Book. This money species thrives in the natural environment of Tai Islet. If your tours on Con Dao island go to Tai Islet, you may have the chance to see this monkey with its red face

Squirrel Con Dao

The Con Dao Black Squirrel, or locally known as Soc Den, is another rare and fascinating creature of Con Dao Island. Agile and quick, these squirrels find food on the land or root of trees. That is why they thrive along the forest edges and in old almond trees and can be spotted while foraging on the ground or among tree roots.

Cock Con Dao

The Con Dao Jungle Fowl thrives in the island’s dense forests. These birds move freely across the island and you can spot them on their way through shaded trails and stream banks. If you explore the forest edges or quiet water sources, you may have the chance to see them foraging or calling to one another.

An Hai Lake With The Spectacular Landscape

As the lifeblood of Con Dao, An Hai Lake provides fresh water to the island’s inhabitants. More than just a vital resource, with its clear, mirror-like waters surrounded by green nature, the lake offers a peaceful retreat where travelers can breathe in the fresh air and immerse in the island’s natural beauty. For those seeking adventure, a trek to the nearby mountain summit will be a great opportunity to take breathtaking panoramic views.

Ma Thien Lanh Bridge

Ma Thien Lanh is the bridge which was built by French in Con Dao Island for hundreds of years. This place is historical proof of the oppression and exploitation that Vietnamese have suffered in the war against French colonialism. Today, this bridge has become a famous historical monument, attracting a lot of tourists to visit every day.

Maria Cave

Maria Cave is another Con Dao National Park’s hidden treasures. Located deep within the mountains, the cave has an old Maria statue, standing as a silent witness to historic stories of resilience, faith, and the island changes through time. Scattered ruins nearby hint at the presence of French soldiers who once sought solace here during wartime.

Tips

Visit Con Dao National Park

The best time to visit Con Dao is from March to September when the sea is quiet, making it safe for tourists to enjoy outdoor activities. The northeast monsoon winds visit Con Dao from October to April. At this time, it is better to travel by air since fishing vessels and speedboats cancel their services often. That said, even during the rainy season (May-October), the downpours are gentle, lasting a mere hour or so in the afternoon. In the morning, the weather remains sunny with clear skies.

Accommodations

Covering 12 hectares along Dat Doc Beach, Six Senses Con Dao is the only five-star beach resort. It gained global fame after celebrity couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie stayed at the resort along with their children in 2011.

Rent for a villa for two people ranges from VND 14.7-25.7 million ($637.85-1,115); with a three to four-bedroom option costing from VND 56-83 million per night.

The Secret Con Dao and Poulo Condor Boutique Resort & Spa offer luxurious stays at cheaper prices.

Budget-friendly accommodations on the island include De La Rosa Con Dao, Hotel De Condor, Nicobar Con Dao Hotel, and Uyen’s House with prices starting from VND200,000 a night.

Park fees: Entrance fee to visit the national park: 60,000 VND/person

Local Cuisine on Con Dao island

Banh beo (steamed rice water fern cake) is a specialty originating from Vietnam’s former imperial capital of Hue.

Unlike other versions in central Vietnam, small bowls of hot water fern cakes are topped with just fried shrimp and scallion oil, served with a Vietnamese dipping sauce.

The dish is available at Co Ba’s restaurant at 64 Nguyen Hue Street.

Oyster porridge is a specialty in Con Dao. After they are caught in the sea, the oysters are cleaned and marinated with spices, fried and added to a pot of hot porridge.

The Family restaurant on Tran Phu Street serves a bowl of oyster porridge for VND35,000-50,000.

Banh xeo (Vietnamese pancake) is also a popular breakfast in Con Dao. This turmeric-flavored crepe is made of rice flour and topped with shrimp, pork and onions. It is served with lettuce and other herbs along with a cup of peanut sauce or fish sauce as the dip.

Kieu Tam’s restaurant on Nguyen An Ninh is famous for serving this treat at VND15,000 per serving.

Banh mi served with roast pork can be easily found. The best roasted pork sandwich is said to be served by a restaurant near the Duc Thanh hotel.

Other Con Dao specialties to try are oyster sauce, fish sauce, cone snail, giant snail, red lobster, moon crab, red grouper, shark salad, and a warge variety of fish.

These delicacies can be bought at the Con Dao Market. Tropical-almond tree seeds roasted and seasoned with sugar and salt make for a crunchy, fragrant snack.

How to get to Con Dao national park?

Since Côn Dao National Park is located off of the mainland, driving is not an option. You will have to drive to the coast and take a boat or fly from Ho Chi Minh City. Vung Tau City is located on the coast and it is about 62 miles (100 kilometers) away from Ho Chi Minh.

By boats

From Vung Tau:

Speed boats are leaving Vung Tau, Can Tho, and Soc Trang every day to Con Dao island. From Ho Chi Minh City, it’s popular to go to Vung Tau city, to catch the ship to Con Dao. The best ship is Con Dao Express 36. It is the first five-star high-speed ship in Vietnam with comfortable compartments and luxury compartments. The travel time from Vung Tau to Con Dao is roughly 03 hours and 45 minutes.

The boat from Vung Tau to Con Dao leaves at 08h00 and from Con Dao to the mainland departs at 13h30. Weekday rate is 660,000 VND per person, while the weekend rate is 880,000 VND per person.

From Can Tho – Recently CLOSE

Ships are departing from Ninh Kieu pier at 7 am, arrive at Tran De port in Soc Trang after an hour, docking at Ben Dam port (Con Dao). It takes three hours to four hours, depending on the weather conditions. The boat from Con Dao to the mainland departs at noon. The ticket price is 610,000 VND for weekday and 690,000 VND for the weekend.

From Soc Trang:

Ships are departing from Soc Trang at 8 am from Tran De port, docking at Ben Dam port (Con Dao). It takes one hour and forty-five minutes one way. The boat from Con Dao to the mainland departs at 13:00. The ticket price is 320,000 VND for weekday and 350,000 VND for the weekend.

By airplanes

Another way to get Con Dao is by airplane. It will take you 45 minutes to get Con Dao. Con Dao currently has Con Son airport for domestic flights from Saigon and Can Tho. If you travel from Hanoi, you will have to transit in one of these two destinations. The airport is 12 km from town, most hotels and resorts provide free shuttle service or travel by taxi to the center of the island.

Getting around in Con Dao

Taxi, motorbike taxis are readily available on the island. The cost of renting a motorbike is 100,000 to 150,000 VND a day. Resorts such as Six Sense and Paulo Condo offer regular shuttle buses between their resorts and town.

Weather & climate in Con Dao national park

Con Dao’s coolest weather arrives between September and January while its hottest months are June, July, and August. Given the island’s location, Con Dao is also prone to strong winds in December and January.

The turtle-hatching season takes place from mid-August to early December.

According to the experience of visiting Con Dao National Park, you should come here in the period from April to October every year. Although this is the rainy season, the sea in Con Dao is quite mild and the weather is cool. In particular, you also have the opportunity to see turtles lay eggs that are extremely interesting for the island trip.

Wildlife Tours to Con Dao

At WANEE, we believe that the more we appreciate nature, the more we’ll want to protect it. That’s why our tours are designed to inspire a deeper love for wildlife and a stronger commitment to conservation.

While trying harder every day to protect the balance of nature, our wildlife tours give tourists the chance to explore Vietnam’s natural beauty, understand how different habitats connect, and take action to protect them.