Encompassing 16 islands off of Vietnam’s Southern Coast, Côn Dao National Park is one of only a few conservation areas in the country that protects both forest and marine habitats. 

Of the Côn Dao’s 16 islands, Côn Son is the only inhabited island. 

As the main hub for tourists, Con Son is where most visitors stay as the island has both resorts and beachside villages.

A blend of remote and developed, Côn Dao National Park is rising in the ranks to become one of the most popular destinations for travelers visiting Southern Vietnam.

  1. Location
  2. History
  3. What to Do

1. Location

Côn Dao National Park is a natural reserve area off the coast of Southeast Vietnam in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province.

Not based on the mainland, the national park consists of 16 small islands that are about 50 miles off of the coast in the South China Sea.

Fifteen of the national park’s sixteen islands are uninhabited, with Côn Son, a large island in the Côn Dao Archipelago, having the only developed town that acts as a base camp for park visitors.

2. History

Originally, Côn Dao was established as a protected area in 1993. Two decades later in 2013, the government designated Côn Dao as a national park.

Years before the area became a reserve and national park, Côn Dao was nicknamed “Hell on Earth” and called “Devil’s Island”.

Hidden amongst paradise, Côn Son struggled through the war.

During the war, many Vietnamese leaders and fighters were locked in cells on the island where they lived in dire conditions.

The French were the first people to build prisons on Côn Son during their colonial rule.

In 1955, the Americans took over control of Côn Dao Prison and they built additional structures which became prison camps.

Those held captive at Côn Dao Prison were abused and tortured, often being kept in tiger cages for extended periods of time.

Today, this once horrific site is open to visitors for tours. Furthermore, there are dozens of other historical sites located on the island ranging from additional prisons, like Phu Hai, to factories and cemeteries.

While not beautiful like the islands, Côn Dao’s historical sites are an important part of the park’s and country’s identity.

Once ravaged by war, Côn Dao has become a holiday destination where the fear of oppression has faded.

3. What to Do

Côn Dao National Park is host to an array of tourist activities with indoor and outdoor options available.

In Côn Son, tourists can learn about the island’s wartime past and explore the local lifestyle.

On official tours of the national park, boats can transport guests to the uninhabited islands and secluded beaches.

Water-based excursions are also popular with snorkeling and scuba diving getting visitors up close to Côn Dao’s aquatic landscapes.

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