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Discovering the Most Picturesque Places In Con Dao Islands During Winter

Here are some of the best things to do in Con Dao, Vietnam's island paradise soaked in history.

31 July, 2022

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The Best Winter Spot to Visit in Con Dao

Photo: Vntravellive

The Con Dao archipelago offers a sublime, magnificent and well-preserved landscape. Nestled inside a protected National Park which includes Vietnam’s first recognized sea Ramsar site, the secluded aquatic park is home to 1,493 documented species of underwater life and the best coral formations in the country.

We invite you to try these travel ideas for your next trip to Con Dao, particularly during the windy season in late winter and early spring.

“Why come to the beach in winter?” you might ask. Since the wind blows very strong, it is cloudy but there is no rain here. The southern and southwestern seas of the island enjoy smooth waves, clear blue water, and gentle golden sunshine, creating a serene natural landscape.

Photo: VnExpress

Artistic sightseeing spots

Con Dao’s “cherry blossom”

In springtime, the apricot tree in Con Dao begins to bloom on both sides of the road. People here call it Con Dao cherry blossom. The place where apricot blossoms bloom the most is the pass from the center of the island to Co Ong airport.

You can rent a motorbike and stop at many spots along the road of apricot blossoms to admire the scenery and do not forget your camera!

Photo: VnExpress

Chasing sunset

In addition, the road from Shark Cape to Nhat beach curves beautifully around mountains, creating the most amazing and romantic view when the sunsets.

Photo: VnExpress

Dam Trau beach right next to Co Ong airport is also one of the beautiful sunset spots. Here, you can check-in the scene of the plane landing close to the head. The water here is clear and quite calm. But if you swim in the sea, it is best to wear a life jacket because the windy season can push you far away from the shore.

Photo: Vntravellive

Dinner by the beach

When the sun is almost out, you can drive to Ben Dam port, add VND 30,000 VND (US $1.32) to get on a boat to take you to a raft house for dinner. Ben Dam port is the anchorage of many rafts with the freshest seafood.

Seafood on a raft is not too cheap but is worth every penny. Sea snail, giant cochlea, hand snail, red lobster, shrimp, red grouper, squid… are all fresh and delicious specialties that you should enjoy when coming to this island.

Souvenir shopping

Blessed by Mother Nature, Con Dao has an abundance of bangla and ginseng. On the streets, in the ruins of Con Dao prison, in the garden of the house, office, school… everywhere you can see bangla trees. Con Dao’s unique delicacy – Ground ginseng wine will give you a distinguished taste: sweet, pungent, and quite similar to Korean ginseng.

The locals often take ground ginseng roots soaked in wine, chicken pot, duck stew to nourish the body and are chosen by many tourists to bring back to the mainland as a special gift.

Historical cultural relics

Photo: Vntrip

Con Dao also preserves many historical vestiges. You can spend a full day visiting the spiritual and cultural relics on the island such as Phi Yen temple, Cau Cai temple, and Nui Mot pagoda. If you want to know the famous story behind Con Dao legend, check out “hell on earth” – a prison system built and existed for 113 years to imprison and torture revolutionary soldiers. Famous prison sites include Tiger Cage, Cow Cage, Phu Hai Camp, Lo Voi Department, and Muoi Department.

The island lord’s house, Ma Thien Lanh bridge, and pier 914 teach tourists about the bravery of Vietnam’s heroes of the past. At exactly 23:00, you can visit the grave of the late soldier Sau (Vo Thi Sau) in Hang Duong cemetery. Hang Duong Cemetery at night is shimmering and magical by the light emitted by solar-powered lamps placed on more than 22,000 graves. This will test the level of your bravery and leave you with unforgettable memories.

Con Dao National Park covers an area of nearly 6,000 hectares on land and 14,000 hectares in water. This place owns nearly 150 species of animals, 882 species of plants, of which many rare species are found only in Con Dao such as black squirrel, winged gecko, blue-faced madbird, tropical bird, nicba pigeon.

Walking through the forest to breathe in the fresh air, hear the birds chirping, you will find colorful butterflies and many other animals.

Island winter at Con Dao’s 5-star resort

Six Senses Con Dao is the only five-star resort in this archipelago islands, located along a massive private beach with sweeping views of the snap-worthy islands against the dramatic backdrop of the Lo Voi Mountains. With its iconic bamboo architecture, Six Senses reflects the essence of a traditional fishing village.

A romantic stay in Con Son awaits you at Six Senses Con Dao. You’ll be within a 5-minute walk of Dat Doc Beach and 4.2 km (2.6 mi) from An Hai Beach. Highlights at this beachfront hotel include 3 restaurants, a full-service spa, and a private beach. The environment is really well maintained, a very clean beach, and the wonderful ocean view will guarantee to take your breath away.