Con Dao Islands

Con Dao is a group of islands about two hundred kilometres off the southern coast, of which only Con Son is settled. Most of the land and much of the surrounding sea is national park: dense forest running down to rocky headlands, mangrove inlets and reefs. Green turtles nest in numbers on Bay Canh, and the park runs limited overnight trips where visitors watch nesting and hatchling releases alongside rangers. Elsewhere there are quiet bays such as Dam Trau beside the airstrip, a coast road with almost no traffic, and forest trails to ridge viewpoints. The single town is low and unhurried, with tamarind-lined streets and few large hotels.

What you actually see

• Turtle nesting on Bay Canh - ranger-led overnight visits during the summer season.
• Dam Trau beach - the sheltered bay below the airstrip, the best easy swim on the island.
• The coast road - the near-empty loop between headlands and small bays.
• Forest trails - park paths through dense trees to ridge viewpoints over the sea.

When to go

March to September has the calmest sea on the western side and the best snorkelling and diving visibility; turtle nesting peaks over the summer months. From October to February the northeast wind picks up and ferries are frequently cancelled. Flights are limited and expensive, and both flights and the park turtle trips need booking well ahead.

Honest expectations

Getting here is the main obstacle: flights are pricey and often full, ferries take hours and are cancelled in wind, and the crossing is rough enough that seasickness is common. Prices on the island run noticeably higher than the mainland because everything is shipped in. Food choice is limited, and some beaches collect drifting plastic. Permits and guides are required for several parts of the park.

Nearby

The park's outer islands and reefs are reached by boat, and the mainland is a long crossing away.