Con Dao National Park
An ark of marine biodiversity.
π₯ Recommended
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Introduction
Con Dao National Park (VΖ°α»n quα»c gia CΓ΄n ΔαΊ£o) is a protected archipelago in BΓ Rα»aβVΕ©ng TΓ u Province, comprising 16 islands and their surrounding waters. The park is a critical site for marine conservation in Vietnam, safeguarding extensive coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and the country's most important sea turtle nesting grounds. Its terrestrial area preserves dense tropical forests with several endemic species, offering a union of both marine and forest ecosystems.
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Bay Canh Island
This is the primary location for the park's successful sea turtle conservation program. Access requires a permit and a guide, but it offers the chance to witness female green turtles nesting on the beach (at night) or see thousands of hatchlings being released into the sea during the nesting season.
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Snorkeling and Diving
The waters surrounding the islands, particularly near Hon Tai and Hon Tre, contain some of Vietnam's most well-preserved coral reefs. Dive and snorkel trips arranged from the main island reveal a varied underwater world with a high density of fish species, and if you are fortunate, a passing turtle.
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Forest Trekking
On the main island of Con Son, several well-marked trails offer opportunities to explore the tropical forest. Popular treks include a 2-hour walk to Ong Dung Beach for a swim, or more challenging hikes through the jungle where you might spot wildlife like macaques or the endemic Con Dao black giant squirrel.
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Dugong Sighting (Rare Opportunity)
The park is one of the last habitats in Vietnam for the dugong, a vulnerable marine mammal. While sightings are exceptionally rare and require significant luck, these "sea cows" are known to feed in the seagrass beds around the Co Ong and Dam Trau areas. This remains more of a conservation highlight than a predictable tourist activity.
Getting there
From Con Son Town to Park Trailheads/Piers:
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π΅ Motorbike: 10-20 mins. The most popular option for independent travel.
Rental cost: 120,000 - 150,000 VND/day ~ $5 - $6 USD.
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πΊ Electric Car: 10-25 mins. Good for groups, available for point-to-point trips or hourly hire.
Cost: Varies by distance, from 50,000 VND ~ $2 USD for short trips.
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π Taxi: 10-20 mins. The most expensive option, but readily available.
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π€ Boat/Canoe: Required to access all outer islands.
Cost: Included in guided tours, which range from 800,000 to over 2,000,000 VND ($32 - $80+ USD) per person depending on the destination and activities.
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β οΈ Roads on Con Son island are well-maintained but can be steep and winding in places. Motorbike rental offers the most freedom. Booking boat tours at least a day in advance is highly recommended, and turtle tours must be booked much further ahead.
Hours & Admission
π Opening hours:
- Park Headquarters (for tickets/permits): Monday - Sunday: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Park Trails: Generally accessible during daylight hours.
- Notes: Access to certain areas, like turtle nesting beaches on Bay Canh Island, is restricted to guided night tours only.
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π« Ticket prices:
- Adult: 60,000 VND ~ $2.40 USD
- Child (6-16): 10,000 VND ~ $0.40 USD
- Notes: This fee is for general entrance to the park's trails on the main island. It does not include boat transport, guide fees, or special permits required for visiting outer islands like Bay Canh for turtle watching, which are significantly more expensive and must be arranged separately.
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πΆ Best time to visit:
- The dry season from March to September offers the calmest seas and best weather for boat trips and hiking. For the highest chance of seeing nesting sea turtles or hatchling releases, plan your visit between May and October.
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β Recommended duration:
- A minimum of two to three days is needed to explore the main island's trails and beaches, and to dedicate a full day (and night, for turtles) for a boat trip to the outer islands.
Tips from locals
Local tips
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π’ Book turtle tours directly with the Con Dao National Park Headquarters (on Nguyen Hue street in town) or a reputable tour company several weeks or even months in advance. Spots are extremely limited to minimize impact on the turtles, and they fill up quickly during peak season.
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πΈ Bring sufficient cash to the islands. While ATMs are available in Con Son town, they can be unreliable. Tour operators, boat rentals, and small vendors in remote areas of the park do not accept credit cards.
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π¦ For any jungle trek, wear long sleeves, trousers, and sturdy closed-toe shoes. Apply a strong insect repellent as mosquitoes are common, and be aware of leeches, especially on less-trafficked trails or after rain.
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π‘ Remember that permits are mandatory for key islands. You cannot simply rent a private boat and go to Bay Canh Island. Access is strictly controlled by the park authorities to protect the fragile ecosystem, and permits are included as part of official, guided tours.
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Be aware
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π Boat trips to the outer islands are highly dependent on the weather. From October to February, the seas can be rough, leading to frequent cancellations. Always have a backup plan focused on land-based activities on Con Son island.
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π° Be prepared for higher costs across the board compared to mainland Vietnam. The islands' remote location means that accommodation, food, transport, and tours are all more expensive. Budget accordingly to avoid surprises.
FAQs
What is the entrance fee for Con Dao National Park?
The standard entrance fee is 60,000 VND (~$2.40 USD) for adults. This covers access to the hiking trails on the main island but does not include boat trips or special permits for outer islands.
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How can I see the sea turtles nesting or hatching?
You must book a guided tour to a protected nesting site, most famously Bay Canh Island. These tours require a permit and are best arranged in advance through the National Park office, especially between May and October.
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Can I visit the outer islands on my own?
No, access to most outer islands, especially protected ones like Bay Canh, requires a permit and a guide. This is to protect the sensitive wildlife and environment.
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What is the best time of year to visit Con Dao National Park?
The dry season, from March to September, is ideal for clear skies and calm seas. For turtle-watching, the peak season is from May to October.
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Can I really see dugongs?
While a small population of dugongs exists in the park, they are incredibly shy and rare. Sightings are not guaranteed and are extremely infrequent for tourists.
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What should I pack for hiking in the park?
Bring sturdy, closed-toe shoes, plenty of water, strong insect repellent, a hat, and sunscreen. Lightweight long sleeves and pants are recommended to protect against insects and scratches.
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Is it possible to go diving or snorkeling?
Yes, there are several licensed operators in Con Son town that offer diving and snorkeling trips to the coral reefs around the islands.
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How do I get around the main island, Con Son?
The most common ways are renting a motorbike for maximum flexibility or hiring an electric car or taxi for convenience.
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Do I need to book tours and activities in advance?
Yes, it is highly recommended. Popular activities like diving, snorkeling, and especially the sea turtle tours have limited capacity and should be booked at least a few days to several weeks ahead.
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Is there accommodation inside the national park?
There are very few accommodation options, such as basic park-run guesthouses. Most visitors stay in the hotels and guesthouses in Con Son town, which is a short ride from the park's main attractions.
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