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Con Dao, a land steeped in tragic historical memories, has long been known more as a spiritual destination than a tourist paradise. But for photographer Pham Trong Nghia, a trip to this island is not simply a visit to war cemeteries, but also an exploration of its rare, unspoiled beauty.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of life, Con Dao is a place to return to, to find peace amidst pristine nature.
Before arriving in Con Dao, Nghia had heard many people say that the place was "very depressing," with few places for entertainment, only memorial sites and cemeteries. But it was precisely this description of its desolation that motivated him to go.
"I love places that retain their natural beauty and haven't been commercialized. So when I learned that Con Dao was still very pristine, I decided I had to go and experience it for myself," Nghia shared.
The vast sea and sky
Nghĩa's journey began with a challenging trip. The boat from Trần Đề (Sóc Trăng) to the island encountered large waves, rocking violently, making it unbearable for many passengers. "Everyone was vomiting a lot, but I just sat there, feeling each wave. That feeling was truly memorable," he recounted.
Another memorable experience occurred at the abandoned shipwreck area. When we first arrived, the water was shallow, and the path to the ship was quite easy. But after only half an hour of taking pictures, the sea level rose rapidly, reaching knee-deep. "At that moment, we panicked, grabbed our backpacks, and ran as fast as we could to get back to shore. Otherwise, we might have had to stay another day on the island," Nghia recalled.
The old ship lies silently by the seashore, a witness to time amidst the pristine nature of Con Dao.
While many people come to Con Dao primarily to visit Hang Duong Cemetery or the historical prisons, Nghia has discovered fresh perspectives. He is particularly fond of two lesser-known locations: the abandoned shipwreck site and Bay Nhat Pagoda.
“Bai Nhat Pagoda is famous for its Buddha statue in the sea, but few people know that right next to it there is a low mountain. It only takes five minutes to climb up, and from there you can see a panoramic view of the sea, a very unique perspective that not many people discover,” Nghia shared.
Looking down from Bai Nhat beach.
Bai Nhat also boasts a stunning viewpoint on the mountain that few people know about.
For a photography enthusiast like Nghia, Con Dao is not only a place that records glorious chapters of history but also a rare natural paradise. “Con Dao is both beautiful and sacred. I come here not only to admire the scenery but also to feel the spirit of this land,” he said.
Although he hasn't had the chance to visit the prisons or museums, Nghia can still clearly feel the presence of history. He plans to return to explore the island's past in more detail.
The road to the abandoned shipyard
Mui Tau Be
Dam Trau Beach: Check in after your flight lands and enjoy a swim.
Con Dao Island not only boasts beautiful beaches but is also a conservation area for a diverse range of rare plant and animal species.
The rocky coastal mountain ranges create a majestic yet poetic landscape, highlighting the pristine beauty of Con Dao.
According to Nghia, the best way to experience Con Dao is to rent a motorbike and roam along the pristine roads, exploring every nook and cranny. "Con Dao has mountains and the sea, so the ideal way is to climb to the mountain peaks and gaze down at the ocean. That view is truly worth it," he suggests.
Besides that, Nghia was also impressed by the cleanliness and unspoiled nature that Con Dao has preserved. Walking along the streets, tourists can easily spot troops of monkeys running and jumping, and the trees remain lush and green as if they haven't been significantly altered by human intervention. This makes Con Dao a truly special destination.
The roads that evoke fond memories in Con Dao.
Nghia also has a lot of affection for the lifestyle and people here. He commented: “The people of Con Dao are very kind and enthusiastic. The food is delicious and the prices are very reasonable. A bowl of noodle soup or a glass of sugarcane juice is affordable, not overpriced like in many other tourist areas.”
After the trip, Nghia still had many things he wanted to explore about the island. But one thing he was certain of: Con Dao is a place that can make anyone feel nostalgic. Not only because of its heroic and tragic history, but also because of its natural beauty and the people who live there.
