| Archipelago | 16 islands, 14 of them clustered; Hon Trung Lon and Hon Trung Nho are separate and were added to the district in 1995 |
|---|---|
| Land area | 76 km²; the largest island, Con Son, is 51.52 km² |
| Location | 97 nautical miles from Vung Tau and 45 from the Hau River mouth |
| Status | a special zone of Ho Chi Minh City |
| History | the site of the largest prison in Indochina before 1975 |
The Con Dao archipelago is located off the southeast coast of Vietnam and is known for its stunning natural beauty, with over 80% of the islands protected as a marine and national park.
For over ten years, the World Wildlife Fund has worked in the area to protect important sea turtle nesting sites. The waters also host rare sea life like the dugong.
The largest island, Con Son, was once called Iles Poulo Condore. It has a rich history, having been settled by Europeans in the 16th century and later by the British East India Company.
Under French rule, Con Son became a penal colony for those who opposed colonialism, imprisoning many Vietnamese revolutionary heroes. It gained a reputation for mistreatment and torture, especially during the American War when U.S. troops supported the South Vietnamese government. Today, the remains of old prisons, along with beautiful gardens and French villas, mark the island’s past.
Now, Con Son has a peaceful atmosphere with lovely beaches and untouched scenery. It is a short 45-minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City.
The islands
Vietnamese Wikipedia places Con Dao south of Ho Chi Minh City, 97 nautical miles from Vung Tau and 45 from the mouth of the Hau River. The archipelago has 16 islands with a land area of 76 square kilometers, the largest being Con Son at 51.52 square kilometers. Fourteen islands lie close together, and the two Hon Trung islands to the west were added to the district in 1995. Con Dao holds the largest prison complex in Indochina before 1975. It is now a resort and sightseeing destination and a nature reserve, Con Dao National Park. We have not verified the sea turtle nesting seasons, dugong sightings or conservation details in the older text, so check them before you go.
Sources (read in Vietnamese, Vietnamese Wikipedia): Côn Đảo. Last checked November 2026.
Con Dao: FAQ
How many islands are in Con Dao?
16 islands, 14 of them close together.
How big is Con Son island?
51.52 square kilometers, the largest of the group.
How far is Con Dao from Vung Tau?
97 nautical miles.
What was Con Dao known for historically?
The largest prison complex in Indochina before 1975.
What protected area covers Con Dao?
Con Dao National Park.