Giang Côn Đảo · a child of Côn Đảo, family on the island for three generations, many years working in island tourism, founder of Côn Của. Updated 22/10/2026.
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Getting ready to goRead tips on getting there, the best season, costs and itineraries Already in Côn ĐảoStop by the Côn Của stand at the Night Market gate and get your free Indian almond ice cream codeAs the afternoon fades and you've had your swim, the most familiar question from visitors on the island is: "Where should we go and what should we eat tonight?". Côn Đảo is small, and in the evening there aren't many lively places like in the city. The place with the most atmosphere and the most dishes to try is the Côn Đảo Night Market.
I grew up on the island, and our family's stand is right at the market gate, so every evening I see visitors coming and going. I wrote this for you, phone in hand at your hotel: what time to go, what order to eat in, how to ask prices, and where to stop for dessert.
Where is the Côn Đảo night market, and what time should you go?
The Côn Đảo Night Market is in the town center, on Phạm Văn Đồng Street. Just look for the "Tiệm nước Sầm Sâm · Côn Của" stand at the market gate and you're in the right place. From the central area it's a short walk or a quick motorbike ride.
As for opening hours, I'll be honest: each stall sets up at its own time, and I haven't seen any official source listing the opening hours (unverified). I suggest going at dusk, around 18:00 to 18:30. Going that early you'll get a comfortable seat, there's still plenty of seafood to choose from, and after eating you'll still have energy for a stroll.
Islander's tip: when you arrive, don't sit at the first stall. Walk a full loop to see all the stalls, notice which ones have the dishes you like and which have clear price boards, then choose where to sit. A loop of the market doesn't take long.
What order to eat in so you don't fill up too early
The most common mistake is eating whatever you see as you walk in; halfway round you're already full, and by the time you reach the dish you were most looking forward to, there's no room left. I suggest going in this order:
- Something savory to start: something light to warm your stomach, like tangy herring salad, or the crispy pancakes that VOH mentioned when writing about the night market.
- Seafood: the main course of the evening. Grilled squid, oyster porridge, moon crab, depending on the season and the stall.
- Snacks: grilled pork sausage, skewers, eat as you walk.
- Dessert: a cup of ice cream, a cool drink to wash away the salty and grilled flavors.
If you're in a big group, order one portion of each dish and share, so you can taste more dishes without anyone getting stuffed.
Seafood: ask the price first, then order
Seafood prices on the island vary by season, by the piece and by weight. When the sea is calm the boats bring in more; when the northeast monsoon winds blow there's less. According to the VnExpress guide, the sea is calm from March to September, and October to March is the monsoon wind season. That's why I don't list any stall's prices here. If I did and you found different prices at the market, it would spoil the fun.
How I suggest asking prices:
- Ask the price per kilo of each type before choosing your piece.
- Ask whether that price includes cooking. Whether grilling, steaming or tamarind stir-frying costs extra, and how much.
- Once you've chosen, ask them to weigh it in front of you, then ask straight away, "how much does this one come to?". Only nod once the total sounds fine.
- Order just enough, finish what you have before ordering more. Having to throw away what you can't finish is such a waste.
Islander's tip: there's nothing awkward about asking prices first. Sellers on the island are used to it. Asking clearly from the start means both sides are happy when paying, and you'll enjoy your meal more too.
I filmed a few short clips at the night market, with herring salad and moon crab, so you can picture it more easily:
More vlogs on YouTube: Em Giang Côn Đảo · Giang Côn Đảo · Côn Của
What to eat if you don't eat seafood?
Every group has someone who's allergic to seafood, or simply doesn't like it. Don't worry, there are still plenty of dishes at the night market. I filmed a separate clip, "What to eat at the Côn Đảo night market if not seafood".
- Grilled pork sausage (nem nướng): an easy snack that both adults and kids enjoy. I have a clip of Southern-style grilled pork sausage in Côn Đảo.
- Crispy pancakes (bánh xèo): crispy, hot, eaten with herbs. If you don't eat seafood, ask the stall whether they have a meat filling.
- Skewers and fried snacks: eat as you walk, good for small children.
- Beef hotpot: a big group wanting to sit for a while and chat will find a hotpot just right. On my channel there's a clip of Mongolian beef hotpot in Côn Đảo.
- Ice cream and drinks: everyone can eat it; save it for the end of the evening.
If you're vegetarian, ask each stall carefully about fish sauce and scallion oil, as many grilled dishes use them.
A few clips of non-seafood dishes, grilled pork sausage and the Côn Của stand at the market gate, so you know your way around ahead of time:
More vlogs on YouTube: Em Giang Côn Đảo · Giang Côn Đảo · Côn Của
Dessert at the Côn Của stand at the market gate
After the savory and grilled dishes, at the market gate you'll see our family's stand. This is the ice cream cart I started my business with when I came home, now "Tiệm nước Sầm Sâm · Côn Của", open from 7:00 to 23:00. Even if you eat until late, you'll still make it.
- Indian almond ice cream: 50.000đ. Indian almond is the island's own specialty; eating it here is the truest taste of Côn Đảo.
- Indian almond ice cream and coconut ice cream in a young coconut: 50.000đ. When you finish the ice cream, remember to scrape out the young coconut flesh too.
- Signature drinks (matcha latte, milk tea, Indian almond ice cream coffee): 45.000đ size M, 53.000đ size L.
- Regular drinks: 30.000 to 38.000đ.
The prices above are listed prices as of 22/10/2026 and may change with the season. See more ice cream and drinks menu.
Indian almonds are not easy to come by. Ripe fruit falls on its own, islanders gather it, dry it under plenty of sun and then sit chopping each fruit open by hand. Our family often says: "One kilo of Indian almond kernels is a full day's work chopping fruit one by one". To learn more, read the article Côn Đảo Indian almonds.
Taste Indian almond candy, buy some as gifts
While waiting for your ice cream, taste the candy too. The cart has three lines of Indian almond candy, one price of 95.000đ a bag:
- Waxy coconut roll with Indian almond (Dừa sáp cuộn hạt bàng): 200g, 23 to 25 pieces.
- Banana candy with Indian almond (Kẹo chuối hạt bàng): 250g, 18 pieces. Siamese bananas cooked down on grilled milk rice paper, topped with dried coconut.
- Ginger and kumquat candied fruit with Indian almond (Mứt gừng tắc hạt bàng): dried honey banana, small-root ginger, kumquat, sesame.
All three use a coconut-milk malt syrup instead of white sugar, and no butter. Candy is still candy though, so it's best enjoyed in moderation. Taste first and take the bag you like. If you're not happy after buying, Côn Của will exchange it or give you a refund.
See the three lines of Indian almond candy
Buying tonight at the market saves you a trip hunting for gifts on the day you leave. To compare other gifts from the island, read What to buy as gifts in Côn Đảo.
An evening schedule at the night market
This is the schedule I suggest for first-time visitors. Times are just for reference; go as slow or as fast as you like.
| Time | What to do |
|---|---|
| 17:30 - 18:00 | Shower, change into light clothes, bring a little cash |
| 18:00 - 18:30 | Arrive at the market, walk a full loop to see all the stalls before choosing a spot |
| 18:30 - 19:00 | Something savory to start: herring salad, crispy pancakes |
| 19:00 - 20:00 | Seafood: ask the price, have it weighed in front of you, agree on the total, then order |
| 20:00 - 20:30 | Snacks: grilled pork sausage, skewers, eat as you walk |
| 20:30 - 21:00 | Stop by the Côn Của stand at the market gate: Indian almond ice cream, Sầm Sâm drinks |
| 21:00 - 21:15 | Taste Indian almond candy, pick a few bags as gifts |
| After 21:15 | Stroll around the center then head back to rest; there's the beach tomorrow |
If you're planning the whole trip, see also 3-day 2-night Côn Đảo itinerary.
A few small things for a perfect evening
- Bring some cash. In case a stall can't take bank transfers or the phone signal is patchy.
- In the monsoon wind season, bring a light jacket. Evenings on the island are windy and the weather changes quickly; a thin raincoat gives extra peace of mind.
- Keep the island clean. VOH mentioned that the night market uses sugarcane-pulp boxes and paper cups. Just putting your trash in the right place after eating makes the island very happy.
- If you want to pay respects in the evening: according to VnExpress, many people visit Hàng Dương Cemetery at night to pay their respects. If you go, remember to dress modestly, speak softly and stay respectful. Go before or after your meal, and don't bring food or drinks in.
Islander's tip: for photos of the night market, stand at the market gate looking in; it's most beautiful just as it gets dark and the stall lights come on. If you photograph a seller, please ask first.
If it's your first time on the island and you're still unsure about getting around or which season is best, read Côn Đảo travel experience. For any questions, just message Giang.
Frequently asked questions
What time does the Côn Đảo night market open?
I haven't seen any official source listing the market's opening hours; each stall sets up at its own time (unverified). Going at dusk is just right. The Côn Của stand at the market gate is open from 7:00 to 23:00.
How can I eat seafood at the Côn Đảo night market without a surprise when the bill comes?
Ask the price per kilo before choosing, ask whether that price includes cooking, have it weighed in front of you and ask the total for that piece right away. Only order once you've agreed, and finish what you have before ordering more.
If I can't eat seafood, what can I eat at the Côn Đảo night market?
There are still lots of dishes: grilled pork sausage, crispy pancakes, grilled food, a beef hotpot for bigger groups, and Indian almond ice cream and drinks to finish. Giang filmed a separate clip about this on the channel.
Can I buy Indian almond candy at the night market as gifts?
Yes. The Côn Của stand at the market gate has three lines of Indian almond candy, one price of 95.000đ a bag (price as of 22/10/2026). Taste first; if you're not happy, Côn Của will exchange it or give you a refund.
- VOH, "Côn Đảo, viên ngọc xanh giữa biển khơi" (Côn Đảo, a green pearl in the open sea), 31/07/2025 (night market dishes, sugarcane-pulp boxes and paper cups): voh.com.vn (accessed 22/10/2026).
- VnExpress, "Cẩm nang du lịch Côn Đảo" (Côn Đảo travel guide), updated 04/02/2026 (calm sea season, monsoon winds, Hàng Dương Cemetery in the evening): vnexpress.net (accessed 22/10/2026).
- Côn Đảo information portal, "Các món ăn ngon từ hạt bàng Côn Đảo" (Delicious dishes made from Côn Đảo Indian almonds), 07/03/2025: condao.com.vn (accessed 22/10/2026).
- Côn Của sales page, prices of ice cream, drinks and candy and the return policy: dacsan.cuangoncondao.com (accessed 22/10/2026). Prices may change.
- Em Giang Côn Đảo YouTube channel (@emgiangcondao), clips about the night market, seafood, non-seafood dishes, grilled pork sausage, beef hotpot and Indian almond ice cream (viewed 22/10/2026).
Coming to the island? Message me for your ice cream code
If you're coming to Côn Đảo soon, leave me your contact. I'll send an ice cream code via Zalo or Messenger; show it at the Côn Của stand at the Night Market gate and the cup of Indian almond ice cream is on me. While you're at it, ask me about itineraries, places to stay or the turtle release tour, and I'll point you in the right direction; just message naturally like a friend.
If you like the taste of Indian almond, you can take candy home as gifts.