Of Con Dao the editors commented: “Con Dao is often overlooked as a beach destination in Vietnam Vietnam, and I almost don’t want to share it so it stays that way! Located off the Southern Coast of Vietnam, Con Dao is a smaller island with very little commercial development. With this, the beaches are quiet and the few resort options allow for a special retreat. The beaches are long with soft sand and are great for light water sports like SUP and kayaking—but are just a short kayak away from a beautiful reef for snorkeling. The downtown area has a cute seaside atmosphere with little restaurants, and there are connections to history if you’re interested in exploring more. 

Best things to do: Watch the turtles hatch: On the neighboring island, you can head over at night and stay at the ranger station where you will be informed when they spot a mother turtle laying her eggs. If you’re there in August, it’s likely you’ll catch this magical experience. Stay through the morning when the turtle sanctuary supports the release of the hatchlings and watch them find their way to the big blue sea. 

If you’re interested in history, I recommend a visit to the Con Dao Prison which was built during the French colonial era and used through the Vietnam-American War. 

How to get there: From Saigon, take a commercial flight to the island. The flight is about one hour long and Vietnam Airlines runs multiple flights a day.”