Vietnam is rich in beauty and culture so numerous tourists come swarming into the lovely country all through the year. Everything about Vietnam is inviting and impressive, but there is nothing as charming and lovely as the islands of Con Dao. You can have the best time of your lives there as everything from the natural beauty to the mouthwatering cuisine there is exquisite. If you are looking for what to do in Con Dao then you are at the right place for we have some of the best things here that you can do to make the most out of your trip to Con Dao.
TIP: I decided to explore the island by motorbike. I rented a bike for the day and it was a great way to explore as the roads are in really good condition with very little traffic. For those not willing to drive a motorbike, it is also very easy to find taxis to explore Con Dao. They are affordable.
Explore the beaches of Con Dao
The pristine turquoise waters of Con Dao lie in wait to amuse you with their astounding beauty. The vast stretches of sand are secluded mostly and you will rarely find a crowd there. The isolated beaches are the perfect place for you to unwind and relax under the sun. You can even take an occasional swim there to cool off yourself and sunbathing is just an added bonus there.
The Con Dao Prison visit
“Hell on Earth” and “ Devil’s Island of Indochina” are the titles that surely do not fit the present day Con Dao, but once it was the place of utmost suffering. There are many prisons on the island, which once housed most feared criminals. You can visit a prison or a museum there to see how things were when Con Dao was not all about beauty and charm.
TIP: There is almost no English explanation at the prisons. So it is better to read about their history before so you have a better understanding of what you are seeing
Visit the old town of Co Son:
Co Son is an old and indigenous town of Con Dao in Vietnam. The town is one of the best places for you to explore the beauty and lifestyle of the Vietnamese people that resided there. the architecture there is still based on the ancient techniques of the building which offers a deeper insight into the way that the Vietnamese live.
The Lilies Lake:
The Lilies Lake in Con Dao is one of its major attractions as there are lilies on the clear water of the lake as far as you can see. The remoteness and the magical beauty of the lake make it a soothing and calm getaway spot which leaves you refreshed to your very core.
Hiking in Con Dao National Park
Con Dao National Park is home to some of the most lovely wildlife species in Vietnam. The hike there is not so difficult as you can hike there on your own (i.e. without a guide). The natural beauty around the place is so enchanting and impressive that you keep marveling at the lovely surroundings.
Chua Van Son Pagoda
Chua Van Son aka Van Son Pagoda is a lovely little spot where you can sojourn for some time. The mountains in the background and the soothing ocean in the vicinity make such an enthralling environment that you find it hard to part from the place.
These are some of the best things to do in Con Dao Vietnam, so do not miss out on them when you visit the place on your next vacation!
If you are looking for a place to stay in Con Dao, read my review of the Six Senses Con Dao, the best hotel on the island.
Have you been to Con Dao before? Do leave a comment below
