Con Dao Islands
One of the stellar attractions in this region, the Con Dao Archipelago is slowly gaining attention for its startling natural beauty. Con Son, the largest of this chain of 15 islands and islets, is ringed with lovely beaches, coral reefs and scenic bays, and remains partially covered in thick forests. In addition to hiking, diving and exploring empty coastal roads and deserted beaches, there are some excellent wildlife-watching opportunities.

Con Son Island (with a total land area of 20 sq km) is also known by its Europeanised Malay name, Iles Poulo Condore (Pulau Kun-dur), which means ‘Island of the Squashes’. Although it seems something of an island paradise, Con Son was once hell on earth for the thousands of prisoners who languished in confinement during the French and American regimes.

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Getting there & around
Air
With its newly upgraded airport, Con Son Island offers flights departing every other day from HCMC, operated by Vasco (Vietnam Air Services Company) for US$80 return. The tiny airport is about 15km from the town centre. All of the hotels provide free transport to and from the airport. Although it’s advisable to book your hotel ahead and arrange to be met at the airport, you can often show up and grab a seat on one of the hotel shuttle vans that meet the plane – though it would be bad form not to stay at least a night at whatever hotel gives you a free lift.
Boat
If you want to explore the islands by boat, hire one from the national park office. A 12-person boat costs around 1, 200, 000d per day.

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See more Viet Nam

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