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

Looking for more than just a beach escape? This 4-day Con Dao adventure is designed for travelers who want to experience the island’s wild side through rainforest trekking, coral reef snorkeling, sea turtle conservation, and local cultural discovery. From hiking through Con Dao National Park and visiting the ancient Nhoi tree to exploring Dam Tre Bay, watching sea turtles nest at Bay Canh Island, and visiting the island’s most important historical landmarks, this journey offers a rare combination of nature, soft adventure, marine life, and meaningful travel experiences.

Highlights

  • Trek through Con Dao National Park and see the ancient Nhoi tree, estimated to be around 400 years old
  • Watch sea turtles nesting and, when available, join a baby turtle release experience
  • Snorkel in the clear waters of Dam Tre Bay and explore vibrant coral reefs
  • Enjoy a local-style fishing experience
  • Visit Con Dao’s well-known historical landmarks

>> See the guide to explore Con Dao here

 

SUMMARY
  • Departure Point: Con Dao

  • Duration: 4 days, 3 nights

  • Destination: Con Dao Island

  • Activities: Hiking / Trekking

  • Min : 2 people

  • Best time: Apr - Aug

  • Max : 20 people

  • Difficulty level: 6/10

ITINERARY
Day 1: Welcome to Con Dao

In the morning, our driver will meet you at the airport or ferry terminal and transfer you to the town center. Check in at the hotel, rest, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

14:00 Transfer to the Con Dao National Park headquarters. Visit the Environmental Education Center and learn more about the park’s ecosystem through exhibits, interpretive displays, and visual materials.

15:30 Begin your forest trek to explore the local ecosystem. During the hike, you will visit the ancient Nhoi tree, estimated to be around 400 years old and recognized as a Vietnamese Heritage Tree.

17:00 Transfer to Nhat Beach for swimming and sunset viewing. This is one of the island’s most beautiful sunset spots, perfect for relaxing and enjoying a refreshing drink.

18:30 Transfer back to the hotel. Freshen up and have dinner at a local restaurant in the town center.

In the evening, you are free to explore the Con Dao night market.

* Meals included: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Dam Tre Bay Discovery & Sea Turtle Nesting Experience at Bay Canh Island

08:00 Breakfast and coffee.

09:00 Board a canoe for approximately 30 minutes to Dam Tre Bay.

09:45 Walk through the forest and discover the local ecosystem. Along the way, you may spot Con Dao black squirrels, monitor lizards, and giant forest vines winding through the trees.

11:15 Go snorkeling to admire giant clams and colorful reef fish in the coral area of Dam Tre Bay.

12:15 Return to the ranger station. Shower and change before lunch.

13:00 Lunch at the ranger station.

15:30 Transfer to Bay Canh Island. Visit the pristine mangrove forest and the turtle hatchery area, and learn about the sea turtle life cycle and the island’s conservation efforts.

18:00 Dinner at the ranger station.

20:00 Take an electric cart through the mangrove forest and join the ranger-guided sea turtle nesting observation at Bai Cat Lon.

Note: The turtle nesting schedule is not fixed and depends on tides and actual nesting conditions.

Overnight at the ranger station.

* Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 3: Con Dao History & Cultural Discovery

08:00 Breakfast at the ranger station.

09:00 Release baby sea turtles into the ocean, if available.

09:30 Return by boat to the main island. Back at the hotel, freshen up and continue with a visit to Con Dao’s historical landmarks, including Con Dao Prison, the Vo Thi Sau Memorial Site, and the former Island Chief’s residence.

12:30 Lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, enjoy free time to relax or explore Con Dao town at your own pace.

18:30 Dinner at a local restaurant.

* Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Farewell to Con Dao

08:00 Breakfast at the hotel and check out.

Transfer to the ferry terminal or airport.

End of the program.

* Meals included: Breakfast

 

INCLUSION/EXCLUSION

Inclusion:

  • Car in Con Dao: airport & pier shuttle, island tour shuttle
  • 2 nights in the hotel at the centre location: 03-star hotel, standard: 2 people/room
  • 1 night at the ranger station
  • Sea turtle nesting tour
  • National Park walking tour
  • Tour guide & forest ranger
  • Meals as in the itinerary
  • Trekking & Snorkelling equipment
  • Drinks & snacks daily
  • Environmental protection and sightseeing fees, tickets
  • Travel insurance

     

Exclusion:

  • Airline or boat tickets to and from Con Dao

  • Personal expenses

  • Alcoholic drink

  • Tips for guides and porters

     

THE EQUIPMENT NECESSARY

Equipment provided by VAH:

  • First-aid kit
  • Reusable bottle
  • Trekking and snorkling equipments
  • Life jacket

      What to bring:   

  • Hikking shoes/ walking sandals
  • Water shoes / water sandals
  • Backpack (10L–20L)
  • Clothing: long-sleeved swimwear (rash guard) or T-shirt and shorts
  • Sun protection: hat/cap, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen
  • Personal medications
  • Electronics (Mobile phone, camera, power bank...), appropriate waterproof cases
  • ID or passport

  Also recommended:

  • Hand sanitizer
  • Spare clothing
  • Waterproof phone pouch
  • Multi - tool 
IMPORTANT NOTES

1. Trekking and Snorkling Notes

  • Distance: The trekking route is approximately 3 to 4 km per day
  • Terrain: We will trek through the forest, where you can admire diverse ecosystems and enjoy the fresh air. A memorable experience awaits as you witness sea turtles laying eggs and take part in releasing baby turtles back into the ocean—an activity that carries meaningful environmental conservation value.
  •  Suitability: This route is ideal for most fitness levels, including beginners. Families are welcome, children from 6 to 10 years old are eligible to participate.
  • The activities on this tour involve a moderate level of physical effort and do not require high fitness. The requirements for trekking and snorkeling experience are also at an intermediate level. However, a key highlight of this trip is the sea turtle nesting experience on the beach, which requires strict adherence to the instructions of the park rangers

2. Camping

  • Overnight accommodation at the ranger station on the night of turtle watching is very basic. The station offers private rooms for 2 people or for groups of 3–4 per room. However, during busy periods, guests may need to sleep in hammocks

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 Reusable bottle (minimum 1L capacity). Refill stations will be provided throughout the trip.
  • 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.
  • Physical Fitness: Train by running or kayaking/SUP at least two weeks in advance. Run 2–3 sessions per week, about 5 km per session. Alternatively, paddle 2–3 sessions per week, covering 5–7 km per session.
  • 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.