Con Dao Island - Haven of rest and discovery

The Con Dao Islands are one of the star attractions in Vietnam. Long the Devil’s Island of Indochina, the preserve of political prisoners and undesirables, this place is now turning heads thanks to its striking natural beauty. Con Son, the largest of this chain of 15 islands and islets, is ringed with lovely beaches, coral reefs and scenic bays, and remains partially covered in thick forests.

Although it seems something of an island paradise, Con Son was once hell on earth for the thousands of prisoners who languished in confinement here in no less than a dozen jails during French rule and the American-backed regime. when it was known as Poulo Condore, and in later years the Saigon regime imprisoned opponents of the regime in the infamous cells known as the "tiger cages". 

 The prison system is not unlike the prisons on Phu Quoc except that Viet Cong were held here during the American war while the prisons on Phu Quoc were for the regular North Vietnamese Army. Being traitors to their own country (The Republic of South Vietnam) the conditions on Con Dao were especially harsh. Surprisingly jailers and former inmates live here in peace. The old prison buildings are still standing and are open to the public as is a small museum tracing the island's history.

Besides having an interesting history, (Marco Polo even stopped over) Con Dao is also an island of immense natural beauty with forested hills, deserted sandy beaches and extensive coral reefs making for some excellent diving.Roughly 80% of the land area in the island chain is part of Con Dao National Park, which protects Vietnam’s most important sea-turtle nesting grounds; the main nesting season is June to September..  In addition to hiking, diving and exploring empty coastal roads and deserted beaches, there are some excellent wildlife-watching opportunities such as the black giant squirrel and the endemic bow-fingered gecko.

Con Dao’s stunning waters are usually calm and flat from around March until October. Rainy season is from June to September, with mainly overnight downpours. Winds pick up November to January, though they have been known to come early or stay late. Beaches on the northwest coast are sheltered from the wind and are still very pleasant/swimmable, however in high winds tourist boats can’t go out (that means no diving or snorkelling). 

Visibility for diving and snorkelling is optimal from April to May, with the whole diving season lasting from March until October. On the other islands, June to August is the best time for a chance to see sea turtles. June to August is also Vietnam summer holiday/high season – it’s a good idea to book your hotel and flight in advance.