Con Dao Island
4 days/ 3 nights
AH-CD01
6/10
$441 USD
WHY THIS TOUR?

Con Dao is an archipelago of profound dualities. It is home to some of the most isolated, pristine marine ecosystems and cloud forests in Southeast Asia, yet it bears the deep, unforgettable scars of wartime history. This curated expedition offers a meaningful, low-impact journey designed for active travelers who want to dive deep into both the natural wilderness and the human story of the islands.

Highlights

  • Trek through Con Dao National Park. 
  • Watch endangered sea turtles nesting at night and release newborn hatchlings at sunrise.
  • Dive into a secluded lagoon to explore pristine coral reefs and vibrant marine life.
  • Visit Con Dao’s most iconic landmarks to uncover the island's powerful history. 
SUMMARY
  • Start / Finish Point: Con Dao

  • Duration: 4 days/ 3 nights

  • Destination: Con Dao Island

  • Group Size : 2 - 15 pax

  • Best Season: Mar - Sep

  • Difficulty level: 6/10

  • Activities: Snorkling, Hiking / Trekking, Wildlife Encounters

ITINERARY
Day 1: Welcome to Con Dao NP

Morning Upon your arrival at Co Ong Airport or the ferry terminal, our tour guide and driver will welcome you and transfer you to the town center. Check in to your hotel, unwind, and enjoy a fresh lunch featuring local flavors at a curated restaurant.

14:00 Transfer to the Con Dao National Park Headquarters. Begin your discovery at the Environmental Education Center, where interactive exhibits, interpretive displays, and unique specimens offer a fascinating look into the archipelago's protected terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

15:30 Step onto the trail for an immersive forest trek. As you navigate the rich biodiversity of the national park, you will arrive at the majestic Ancient Nhoi Tree (Bischofia javanica). Estimated to be around 400 years old, this towering giant is officially recognized as a Vietnamese Heritage Tree and stands as a living monument to the island's untouched wilderness.

17:00 Emerging from the canopy, transfer to Nhat Beach, widely celebrated as one of the most stunning sunset viewpoints on the island. Unwind on the pristine sands, take a refreshing swim in the clear waters, and enjoy a chilled drink as the sun sets over the ocean horizon.

18:30 Transfer back to the hotel to freshen up before heading out for dinner at a local specialty restaurant in the town center. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy at your own pace—perfect for exploring the vibrant Con Dao night market. Overnight in Con Dao Town. 

* Approx. Duration: Driving 20mins/ Hiking 2hrs

* Meal included: Lunch , Dinner

Day 2: Hotel - Dam Tre Bay - Bay Canh Island

07:30 Have breakfast at your hotel. After breakfats you will be transferred to speedboat pier. Board our canoe and cruise toward the pristine waters of Dam Tre Bay.

08:45 Begin an immersive, light trek through the jungle canopy. Keep an eye out for rare wildlife, including the endemic Con Dao black squirrel and monitor lizards, and marvel at massive forest vines stretching through the trees.

10:15 Gear up for a guided snorkeling session in the clear waters of Dam Tre to observe vibrant coral reefs and the park’s rare, protected giant clam species.

11:15 Return to the shore for swimming, a freshwater shower, and a relaxing rest by the bay.

12:00 Savor a freshly prepared lunch hosted at the remote Dam Tre Ranger Station.

15:30 Board the canoe and transfer to Bay Canh Island. Explore its pristine, untouched mangrove forest, visit the dedicated sea turtle hatchery, and gain insightful knowledge about the sea turtle life cycle and the vital conservation work done by Con Dao National Park.

18:00 Enjoy a quiet dinner surrounded by the peaceful evening sounds of the national park.

19:30 Join a park ranger for an exclusive evening excursion through the mangrove area, proceeding quietly to Cat Lon Beach. Under strict ranger guidance, wait for the rare and unforgettable opportunity to witness mother sea turtles nesting on the beach.

Overnight at Ranger Station

* Approx. Duration: Boating 1hr/ Hiking 1hr / Snorkling & Swimming 1.5hrs 

* Meal included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Bay Canh Island - Con Dao Town

07:30 Wake up to the serene sounds of the remote sanctuary island and enjoy a fresh breakfast at the National Park Ranger Station.

08:30 Gather on the shore to participate in a profoundly moving conservation experience. Under the guidance of park rangers, release newly hatched baby sea turtles safely into the morning surf, watching them take their first swim out into the open ocean (subject to seasonal hatching availability).

09:30 Board the boat for your return cruise to the main island. After a quick stop at the hotel to freshen up, transition into a deeply moving historical journey. Accompanied by your tour guide, visit Con Dao’s most sacred and historic landmarks:

  • The Con Dao Prison Complex: Step inside the former French Tiger Cages and American-era camps to uncover stories of raw human resilience.
  • The Vo Thi Sau Memorial Site: Pay tribute to Vietnam's legendary young heroine at her sacred resting place.
  • The Former Island Chief’s Residence: Explore the elegant yet haunting colonial French estate that once served as the island's administrative heart.

12:30 Savor a curated lunch featuring authentic island specialties at a local restaurant in town.

Afternoon Enjoy a free afternoon to unwind, process the day's historical insights, or explore the charming, tree-lined streets of Con Dao town at your own pace.

18:30 Gather for a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Free at leisure after dinner.

Overnight in Con Dao Town.

* Approx. Duration: Boating 30mins

* Meal included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Farewell to Con Dao NP

08:00 

08:00 Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel and check out.

According to your flight or ferry schedule, our driver and guide will transfer you comfortably to Co Ong Airport or the ferry terminal. Concluding an unforgettable journey into the wild nature and deep heritage of Con Dao.

* Meal included: Breakfast

 

INCLUSION/EXCLUSION

Inclusion:

  • Vehicle for all tranfers as indicated in the itinerary 
  • Boat cruise for island tour
  • Snorkling gear
  • 02 nights in hotel (3-star hotel / twin share)
  • 01 nigh at Ranger Station
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Sea turtle nesting experience
  • Sea turtle hatchling release
  • Drinking water provided daily during the tour
  • Entrance fees & tickets
  • Domestic travel insurance 

Exclusion:

  • Additional food and beverages not stated in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses
  • Transportation fee before and after the trip
  • Tips
THE EQUIPMENT NECESSARY

Equipment provided by VAH:

  • Life jacket
  • Snorkling gears
  • First-aid kit. 

What to bring: 

  • Hiking shoes
  • Water shoes (avoid sandals or open-toe footwear)
  • Lightweight, quick-dry clothing
  • Rashguard or swimwear for swimming & snorkling
  • Electronics: Mobile phone, camera, power bank, ...
  • Personal medications
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Headlamp
  • ID or Passport

Also recommended:

  • Toiletries
  • Sunscreen
  • Hand sanitizer
IMPORTANT NOTES

1. Conservation Notes: 

  • Turtle nesting times fluctuate naturally based on tides and environmental conditions.
  • To protect these gentle creatures, visitors are strictly required to follow all ranger instructions, minimize noise, and avoid using white lights or cameras when turtles are laying eggs.

2. Overnight at Ranger Station Notes.

  • Overnight accommodation at the remote Bay Canh Ranger Station is intentionally basic, designed for true wilderness immersion rather than luxury. Depending on booking availability and seasonal occupancy, two main accommodation formats are utilized to provide the best possible experience: Private Eco-Rooms & Wilderness Camping
  • Due to the strict visitor caps and the remote nature of this protected marine sanctuary, accommodations are highly subject to availability. During peak turtle-nesting periods when booking volumes are exceptionally high, flexible arrangements are made to ensure everyone is accommodated comfortably. In rare, high-capacity scenarios, guests may be assigned to sleep in traditional, mosquito-netted ranger hammocks—offering an authentic, raw island-patrol experience.

3. Responsible Travel & Environmental Protection

  • Leave No Trace: We strictly follow and promote the Leave No Trace principles in all our outdoor programs. We encourage our guests and partners to apply these ethics to minimize our impact on the natural environment. [See details about Leave No Trace here]
  • Reduce Plastic Waste: To limit single-use plastics, we encourage everyone to bring a reusable bottle (minimum 1L capacity). You can refill it throughout the day from our large water jugs.
  • Local Regulations: We kindly ask all guests to comply with the specific environmental regulations and instructions provided by our guides at the destination.

4. Health & Safety

  • Medical Considerations: Your safety is our priority. If you have a history of cardiovascular conditions or chronic joint issues (knees, ankles, shoulders, etc.), please consult with your doctor before booking this trip.
  • Transparency: Please inform our tour guide of any existing health conditions or allergies at the start of the journey so we can support you best.