Considered one of the 20 most mysterious islands in the world in 2011 and named Vietnam’s first sea Ramsar site in 2014, Con Dao Islands is a must-visit with its naturally breathtaking beaches and rich history.

Con Lon is the biggest archipelago in the island. Here, Nhat Beach is something that tourists must visit because it is pure and only visible for several hours each day. The second largest is Bay Canh wherein visitors can watch sea turtles lay eggs (from July to October) and dive to local reefs, all at only VND500,000 ($22.50).

For the history buffs, the Hang Duong Cemetery is a refuge for many local heroes like Vo Thi Sau, Le Hong Phong, Nguyen An Ninh and over 2,000 other war martyrs. There is a prison used during the Vietnam War that has been preserved for the future generations. Nui Mot Pagoda is another stunning site with a majestic mountain at the back and an enchanting lotus swamp and sea in front.  

For those who are seeking adventure, the Ong Dung primitive forest is a great option considering it is only near the capital and the beach. For those who love camping, Cape Shark is a good place to go where it also has a captivating sunrise. Love Mount is definitely worth visiting since it looks like an embracing couple especially when seen from Nhat Beach.

Aside from its natural beauty and rich history, Con Dao Islands also takes pride in its food which is always fresh since fishing is one of the main sources of livelihood in the area. The market then is one of the liveliest parts of the island wherein it opens as early as 4:00-5:00 a.m. to ensure fresh seafood is brought to the people everyday.