The Con Dao Islands (also known as Poulo Condore) are an archipelago of 15 islands situated in the South China Sea. The island is famed for its grizzly past: due its remoteness, the French used the main island of Con Son (the largest island in the group) to keep anti-colonial protestors prisoner.
Con Dao Island
The Con Dao Islands are an archipelago of Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, in southastern Vietnam, and a district of this province with the total land area reaches 75.15 km². Situated at about 185 km from Vung Tau and 230 km from Ho Chi Minh City, the group includes 16 mountainous islands and islets and Con Son is the largest island in the archipelago.
The famous Con Son prison complex was established by the French colonial authority early in the nineteenth century where the French colonial administration, followed by the Saigon government, incarcerated political prisoners in brutal conditions, often in tiny underground boxes known as ‘tiger cages’.
The weather in Con Dao Island is cool and warm. From June to September, frequent fierce squalls buffet the west facing aspects of the islands whilst the east is sheltered.
Con Dao Island
Most of the archipelago is a natural reserve area on Con Dao Island and one of only two terrestrial and maritime National Parks, Con Dao National Park is characterized by a diverse ecosystem with some good beaches, clear water with pristine coral, lush tropical forest with many flowers, coconut groves, and few visitors.
Besides, Con Dao Island has a small museum in what used to be the French Governor’s residence overlooking the main bay. Its four rooms cover the islands’ history, most of which centers upon the penal colony.
Con Dao Island
There are some good beaches on Con Son. Some can be reached on foot, but the better locations involve a long hike or hiring a motorbike. There are many secluded beaches on the on the other islands.
In addition, Con Dao Island is a complex including many off-shore small islets; natural geographic conditions contribute to make this destination become tourism paradise among ocean.
