Holiday in Côn Đảo

What makes Côn Đảo special as a destination?

Côn Đảo, an archipelago of 16 islands off the southeast coast of Vietnam, is one of the last undiscovered island paradises in Southeast Asia. While Phu Quoc and the Thai islands have long been overrun by mass tourism, Côn Đảo retains a quiet, unspoiled beauty that evokes Southeast Asia of past decades. The main island, Côn Sơn, offers some of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam. Bãi Đầm Trầu, framed by high cliffs and lined with coconut palms, has been repeatedly chosen as one of the most beautiful beaches in Asia. The turquoise water is crystal clear, and the coral reefs just off the coast make the islands one of the best snorkeling and diving spots in Vietnam. However, Côn Đảo has a dark past that contrasts with its paradisiacal nature. The French and later the South Vietnamese government operated notorious prisons here for over a century, where tens of thousands of political prisoners suffered under inhumane conditions. The prison museum and the infamous 'Tiger Cages' — narrow concrete cells exposed to the elements — are now memorials that tell a story of suffering and resistance that deeply touches every visitor. The Côn Đảo National Park protects over 80% of the island's area and includes both the forested mountains and the surrounding marine areas. From June to October, sea turtles come to the remote beaches to lay their eggs — a natural spectacle that can be observed with permission from the park authority. The infrastructure on Côn Đảo is deliberately limited. There are no high-rise buildings, no massive hotels, and no party streets. Instead, you will find stylish boutique resorts, simple guesthouses, and restaurants serving freshly caught fish. The island aims to be a model for sustainable tourism in Vietnam. Hiking in the national park leads through dense tropical forests to secluded bays and viewpoints. Circumnavigating the island by motorcycle is an adventure on narrow coastal roads with views of the endless blue of the South China Sea.