Con Dao, a secluded paradise boasting peaceful allure
When it comes to Con Dao, people would be reminded of the tragic history witnessing resilient years of war. However, Con Dao of the modern days has turned into an attractive magnet on Vietnam’s tourist map thanks to its spectacular scenery, diverse ecosystem, and special historical values.
Con Dao, also known as Con Lon, Con Son, is an island district in Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province. Con Dao covers an area of about 76 km2, including 16 large and small islands with a population of about 6,000 people.
Every corner in Con Dao contains the historic values of the nation. Photo: Minh Duy/ via Nhan Dan
The island has been named in the list of “top 10 most charming islands on the planet” by Lonely Planet Magazine and in the list of “the best secret islands on earth” by Travel + Leisure, according to Nhan Dan Newspaper.
The island has welcomed a large number of domestic and foreign visitors as it is an ideal place to seek tranquility.
Hang Duong cemetery, the resting place of thousands of revolutionary soldiers. Photo: Minh Duy/ via Nhan Dan
914 Pier Photo: Minh Duy/ via Nhan Dan
914 Pier, a famous historic site in Con Dao. 914 is the number of prisoners who died during the pier construction process.
Photo: Minh Duy/ via Nhan Dan
The pier was constructed in 1893 with a designated length of 107 meters. Under many renovations, it has been expanded to 300 meters long and 5 meters wide.
Photo: Minh Duy/ via Nhan Dan
It is a perfect place to admire the sunrise as well as where boats anchor to provide seafood for Con Dao.
Con Dao boasts the serene atmosphere and crystalline sea. Photo: Minh Duy/ via Nhan Dan
Ben Dam Bay Photo: Minh Duy/ via Nhan Dan
Aquaculture farming at Ben Dam Bay. Photo: Minh Duy/ via Nhan Dan
Aquaculture farming at Ben Dam Bay. Photo: Minh Duy/ via Nhan Dan
Photo: Minh Duy/ via Nhan Dan
Tourists can have the chance to mingle into the fishermen’s life while sampling fresh seafood.
Photo: Minh Duy/ via Nhan Dan
Con Dao has long acquired reputation for its long white sand beaches and turquoise seawater.
A corner of Hon Cau Beach. Its untouched beauty remains intact. Photo: Minh Duy/ via Nhan Dan
Con Dao offers the best check-in corners Photo: Minh Duy/ via Nhan Dan
Vietnam News Today (May 23): Top leader pledges favorable conditions for US tech firms to invest in Vietnam; India, Vietnam expand exchanges through new cultural space; Vietnam underscores stronger ASEAN-China cooperation for regional peace and stability; Vietnam seen as attractive investment destination for 2026–2035.
Vietnam News Today (May 19): Prime Minister receives Russian Ambassador to Vietnam; Vietnam treasures ties with Croatia; RoK trade delegation promotes cooperation with Vietnam and Malaysia; Vietnam among top destinations for Russian and Korean travelers in 2026.
Amid the growing trend of combining heritage preservation with the development of cultural and spiritual tourism, Thanh Hoa has emerged as one of Vietnam’s notable destinations thanks to its rich network of temples and shrines associated with the UNESCO-recognized Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the Practices Related to the Beliefs in the Mother Goddesses of Three Realms of the Vietnamese People. Efforts to preserve the essence of this heritage while promoting tourism are opening up new development opportunities for the province.
Indonesia’s Antara News Agency and Tempo newspaper on May 30 published articles on the keynote address delivered by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and State President To Lam at the opening session of the 2026 Shangri-La Dialogue.
Together with publications showcasing tourism products from Saigontourist and Vietravel, the Vietnamese booth at the fair also displayed photographs of famous landmarks.
The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism aims to create significant improvements in professionalism and service quality while accelerating tourism development toward becoming a key economic sector in the new era.
The Canadian travel magazine Drift Travel (May 2026 issue) has announced its list of five ideal destinations worldwide for long-duration travel, with Vietnam highlighted as a standout choice thanks to its diverse landscapes and rich cultural depth.
According to Vietnam Railways Corporation, nearly 400,000 passengers traveled by train during the holiday period, with Hanoi station leading in passenger numbers.
If Da Nang was once a familiar destination for South Korean tourists, travel trends are now gradually shifting southward, with Phu Quoc being likened by Koreans to the “Jeju of Vietnam.”
From countless delicious dishes in the Old Quarter to “healing” retreats amid lush greenery, youth are celebrating their holidays in refreshing new ways.