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Travel + Leisure's reasoning isn't about luxury or glamour, but rather the opposite: secluded beauty, uncrowded beaches, crystal-clear waters, and unspoiled, towering granite cliffs.
Its pristine beauty attracts international media attention.
An American magazine made a remarkable comparison when mentioning Con Dao: the beauty of its coastline is likened to Italy's famous Amalfi Beach, but without the crowds that have become a chronic problem for that legendary European destination. At a time when "overtourism" is a prominent keyword in international media, an island that retains its tranquility and pristine nature is increasingly rare and valuable.
What Travel + Leisure appreciates is not what Con Dao has added, but what it hasn't lost. That includes beaches free of crowded shops, coastal roads free of traffic jams, and a slow-paced island lifestyle that remains close to nature—something many other popular destinations in Asia have long since lost.
This is not the first time Con Dao has caught the attention of international media. In early 2025, Vogue magazine ranked Con Dao 5th on its list of the most worthwhile global destinations to visit, and noted that Vietnam is emerging as one of the most talked-about countries on the world tourism map thanks to its diverse landscapes, reasonable costs, and rich cultural heritage.
Con Dao is an archipelago located off the coast of Ho Chi Minh City, covering an area of approximately 76 square kilometers and comprising 16 islands of varying sizes.
From the city center, visitors can take about an hour by plane or choose a high-speed ferry to get here.
What are there to see in Con Dao?
Con Dao is an archipelago consisting of 16 islands of varying sizes, with a total area of approximately 76 km², located about an hour's flight from Ho Chi Minh City or accessible by speedboat. The majority of the mainland area is protected by Con Dao National Park – one of Vietnam's most important marine protected areas, boasting a pristine forest ecosystem, coral reefs, and many endemic plant and animal species. Because of the strict limitations on construction, Con Dao does not experience the excessive concrete paving of its coastlines seen in many other islands that have experienced rapid development.
Trekking in the national park's primeval forest is an experience highly appreciated by many tourists, especially those who want to combine relaxation with genuine nature exploration. The trails lead through ancient forests, over mountain passes to the sea, or along the island's coastline with views of the East Sea – an experience not found in urbanized island resorts.
A unique highlight, rarely found on other islands in Vietnam, is sea turtle observation. During the breeding season, visitors can register to join the forest rangers to witness sea turtles coming ashore to lay eggs at night and participate in releasing hatchlings back into the ocean. This is an organized ecological activity, strictly controlled to ensure that it does not disrupt the natural breeding process. Con Dao is currently one of the best-protected sea turtle nesting grounds in Southeast Asia.
Con Dao possesses a pristine natural beauty, largely untouched by human intervention.
Con Dao's cuisine revolves around fresh seafood caught locally, including squid, shrimp, crab, and various types of deep-sea fish characteristic of the island's waters. Con Dao Market is where tourists can buy fresh seafood or eat directly at stalls along the market at much more reasonable prices than in hotel restaurants.
November to April is considered the ideal time to visit Con Dao, when the sea is calm, the water is clear, and underwater visibility is at its best for snorkeling and coral viewing. June and July are still navigable with relatively pleasant weather, suitable for land-based activities such as trekking and cycling to explore the island. The rainy season from August to October brings larger waves, but this is also the peak sea turtle season, the only time of year when you can participate in observing and releasing turtles.
