Con Dao Island

Con Dao, or Con Son if referring to the main island in this 16-island archipelago, is possibly the best kept secret in Vietnam. Currently virtually undiscovered - except by the ex-prisoners of the South Vietnamese regime who return to visit their places of incarceration prior to 1975 – Con Dao offers stunning virgin forest, deserted tropical beaches, unique sea life, forgotten prisons being consumed by the jungle, and the possibility to experience a castaway lifestyle without any of the pains normally associated with life 180 kilometers from land. The Con Dao archipelago is an ideal place for nature lovers and an opportunity to visit unspoiled tropical islands before they become developed. Marco Polo visited Con Dao in the 13th Century, on his way from China to Europe, and later the East Indian Company established a small trading village on the main island. With a surface area of 70 km 2 and a population of only 5,000, island life is as tranquil as the surrounding waters. Swaths of white sand form breeding grounds for turtles, and further inland the landscape is alive with a multitude of birdsong and the chatter of monkeys.

The Con Dao Islands (also known as Poulo Condore) are an archipelago of 15 islands situated in the Western Sea, around 250 kilometres, or a 45-minute flight, from Ho Chi Minh City.

The island is famed for its grizzly past: due its remoteness, the French used the main island of Con Son (the largest island in the group) to keep anti-colonial protestors prisoner. The South Vietnamese continued the tradition, sending political dissenters and activists to the 11 prisons which were also used in the American War. One third of the current 6,000 population are Vietnamese soldiers based in barracks dotted around the island.

Con Son is largely mountainous and covered in forest, with ample opportunity for hiking through the jungle and looking for wildlife. The island is also home to a coastline of steep, rocky hills and long sweeping coves, boasting some excellent spots for swimming and snorkelling.

The best source of information is the National Park Headquarters, located about five minutes' drive from Con Son town on Vo Thi Sau Rd. From here you can organise trips to other islands in the archipelago, hire a guide for trekking (required) and get permits to enter certain parts of the forest. Three tourist hotels are available on Con Son, all on Ton Duc Thang Rd which follows the beach and the harbour around Con Son town

One of only two terrestrial and maritime National Parks, the Con Dao archipelago became a national park in 1993 and five years later the park was expanded significantly into the surrounding waters. Because of this protective status, the waters escaped some of the destructive fishing practices that have marred many other marine areas in Vietnam.

Partly as a result of this protected state, the island is very popular with divers with over 1,000 hectares of coral reefs and over 1,300 marine species so far identified. Diving tour can be arranged on the island.

Despite these considerable assets and its proximity to the mainland, the islands are still largely untouched by mass tourism. Saigon Con Dao though is transforming its resort on the island into a four-star, 90-room complex which is expected to open in 2007 while the government plans to turn Con Dao into a 'high quality and economic tourist area by 2020' - so now may be the time to experience this destination in its still undiscovered state.

Currently virtually undiscovered - except by the ex-prisoners of the South Vietnamese regime who return to visit their places of incarceration prior to 1975 – Con Dao offers stunning virgin forest, deserted tropical beaches, unique sea life, forgotten prisons being consumed by the jungle, and the possibility to experience a castaway lifestyle without any of the pains normally associated with life 180 kilometers from land. The Con Dao archipelago is an ideal place for nature lovers and an opportunity to visit unspoiled tropical islands before they become developed.

War History Tour
It’s difficult to believe that such a beautiful island had such a violent history. Formerly a prison camp, the Con Dao Museum's photographs, artwork, and relics depict the brutal conditions on the island before its liberation, when the French, Vietnamese, and Americans all used Con Dao as a place to keep “enemies.” Trai Phu Hai Prison, with its looming guard towers and thick, high walls, is one of many former prisons around the island. Visit a “tiger cage,” where, from 1940 to 1955, prisoners were kept in open pits and monitored from above by their jailors --just like tigers at a zoo. Additionally, there is also a cemetery which honors the nearly 20,000 Vietnamese who perished in the struggles against the French and American governments.

National Park Wildlife
Con Dao's National Park extends from forested hills to vibrant coral reefs. Macaques and black squirrels abound, as do more exotic animals including the white-rumped shama, greater racket-tailed drongo, the rare pied imperial
pigeon, and the even rarer red-billed tropical bird.

Diving
Dive off Con Dao for a glimpse of its stunning coral reef - generally considered to be the best diving in Vietnam. Here, divers can find sea cows, once thought to be dolphins by the locals. There are rays, cobia, cuttlefish, turtles and giant barracuda, as well as a wide variety of tropical reef fish.

Cycling
Enjoy a tour of the island via bicycle as you set your own pace over a mix of flat and hilly terrain.

Jungle Walk
Hike and trek your way through the jungle. Some of the longer hikes require guides, who can point out some of the indigenous wildlife. Pause for lunch as you breathe in the fresh air and enjoy this unspoiled corner of Southeast Asia.

Turtles
A vital turtle breeding program can be found on Bay Canh Island, which lies near Con Dao Island. Watch the turtles as they hatch, and cheer them on in their subsequent race to the ocean. Overnight stays can be arranged.

Getting there: Con Dao has a small modern domestic airport. It is a 50-minute flight from HCM City.