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 codeI grew up in Côn Đảo; my family has been here for three generations. At fifteen I left the island to study, then came back, and I've worked in tourism for several years now. The question visitors message me most is still this one: "What is there to do in Côn Đảo, Giang?"
The island is small, but if you see it all, there's plenty to do. I've divided the Côn Đảo tourist attractions into four groups so you can choose easily. Where I've filmed a clip, I've included it; where I've relied on news sources, I've cited them at the end of the article.
Remember one thing: according to VnExpress, the sea is usually calm from March to September, and October to March is the monsoon wind season. For details month by month, read Which months are best in Côn Đảo.
Beaches and small islands
Đầm Trầu Beach
This beach is right next to Cỏ Ống airport and the water is calm. The most fun part is when planes swoop in to land right over your head.
When to go: morning or late afternoon to avoid the sun. How long: allow about half a day. Note: the beach is far from the center, so arrange your own transport there and back.
Hòn Bảy Cạnh, Hòn Cau islands
This is where you go out to snorkel and see coral, and in the right season you can release baby turtles. According to VnExpress, one operator's day tour for diving and turtle release at Hòn Bảy Cạnh costs about 790.000đ per person, and a private boat costs about 2-5 million per session.
When to go: go early, in the calm sea months. How long: almost a full day. Note: tours depend on the tide and are postponed on rough days. Turtle season is around mid-year; ask the National Park before booking.
Đầm Tre Bay
The bay is on the north of the island, surrounded by mangroves, and in breeding season it's where swiftlets nest. Pháp Luật newspaper (2017) describes the route from Pier 914 heading toward the airport for about 12km, then turning off following the signs, with the last stretch on a dirt trail. I filmed a check-in clip here; see it below.
When to go: early morning or afternoon, avoid midday. How long: allow half a day. Note: you need to watch the tide, as some stretches of shore flood when the water rises. The road is quiet and the bay is in a strictly protected zone, so go with someone who knows the way and keep it clean; don't bring trash in.
Mũi Cá Mập (Shark Cape), Bãi Nhát Beach
According to VnExpress, these are quiet beaches along the coastal road around the island. Just riding along this road is worth it.
When to go: early morning or at sunset. How long: half a day riding and stopping for photos. Note: the road is quiet; fill up on fuel before you go.
The shipwreck
I filmed a clip dancing in the sun at the shipwreck, and a clip saying goodbye to this abandoned ship. The old hull between sky and sea is great for photos.
When to go: daytime, clear skies. How long: about an hour. Note: it's an old ship with rusted iron, don't climb on it. Message me for directions.
I filmed a few short clips so you can picture it more easily:
More vlogs on YouTube: Em Giang Côn Đảo · Giang Côn Đảo · Côn Của
Islander's tip: In the monsoon wind season, VnExpress notes that the west and southwest coasts are usually calmer than Côn Sơn Bay. On days when island tours are postponed, switch to the historic sites and town center group and save the islands for another day.
Historic and spiritual sites
For this part, I ask you to go slowly and gently.
Côn Đảo Prison, Museum, Dinh Chúa Đảo (Island Governor's Palace)
According to VnExpress, the relic complex includes the Governor's Palace, Phú Hải prison camp and the French-era and American-era tiger cages; tickets 40.000đ, open 7:30-11:30 and 14:00-17:00. Côn Đảo Museum tickets are 20.000đ, with about 2,000 artifacts.
When to go: at opening time in the morning or from 14:00. How long: half a morning or afternoon. Note: it's best to go with a guide to understand each place. Don't arrive close to 11:30 or you'll end up waiting around at midday.
Hàng Dương and Hàng Keo Cemeteries
Hàng Dương is the resting place of more than 2,000 martyrs, including the grave of Võ Thị Sáu. According to VnExpress, the cemetery is busiest in the evening. Hàng Keo Cemetery is also a special national relic. January 23 (solar calendar) is the death anniversary of Cô Sáu.
When to go: evening, when it's cool. How long: about one to two hours. Note: dress modestly, speak softly, keep offerings simple. Ask the management board about the evening closing time to be sure.
Pier 914 (Cầu tàu 914)
According to Tiền Phong newspaper, the pier was built in 1873, is over 100m long and runs from Côn Sơn Bay to near the Governor's Palace. The number 914 is tied to the prisoners who suffered in exile to build it. VnExpress mentions it as a spot to watch the sunrise.
When to go: early morning. How long: about 30 minutes. Note: the pier is right in the center; combine it with your visit to the historic area.
Bà Phi Yến Temple, Núi Một Pagoda
Bà Phi Yến Temple (An Sơn Miếu) holds a big festival on the 17th-18th of the 10th lunar month, very lively. According to VnExpress, Núi Một Pagoda (Vân Sơn tự) is the only pagoda on the island, built in 1964.
When to go: morning, quiet and cool. How long: about an hour at each place. Note: dress respectfully and ask permission before taking photos inside.
Town center and markets
Côn Đảo market in the morning
I have a clip "a 3k breakfast at the Côn Đảo market"; that price may be different now. According to VnExpress, the market sells fresh seafood, dried goods, Indian almond candy and sâm đất (wild ginseng) liquor.
When to go: early morning. How long: about an hour. Note: when buying dried goods, ask the price first and check the goods carefully.
Côn Đảo Night Market
The Night Market is on Phạm Văn Đồng Street, with seafood and snacks. Right at the market gate is the Côn Của stand, open 7:00-23:00, Indian almond ice cream 50.000đ. Full article at Côn Đảo night market.
When to go: after 18:00 (market opening hours unverified). How long: one to two hours. Note: for seafood, ask the price per kilo before it's cooked.
If you'd like to take a little taste of the island home, have a look at the Indian almond candy we make:
See Côn Của Indian almond candy
Pickleball court
Côn Đảo has a pickleball court, and I filmed a clip. Opening hours and court rental prices are unverified; message me and I'll ask for you.
When to go: early morning or cool afternoon. How long: one to two hours. Note: bring water; the island sun is harsh.
Sunsets and Côn Đảo photo spots
Sunset. A visitor writing in VnExpress (2022) went back to Mũi Cá Mập several times at sunset. I also have a Côn Đảo sunset clip below.
Sunrise. VnExpress lists Mũi Tàu Bể as the best place to watch the sunrise, while Pier 914 is convenient because it's right in the center.
Photo spots in the town center. I filmed "3 great camera angles for check-in photos in central Côn Đảo" and the way to the Korean-style photo spot. These spots are in the town center, good for a cool afternoon.
Note: on the coastal forest roads you'll often meet monkeys; VnExpress told the story of someone being chased by a monkey for nearly 1km. Don't tease them, don't feed them.
I filmed a few short clips so you can picture it more easily:
More vlogs on YouTube: Em Giang Côn Đảo · Giang Côn Đảo · Côn Của
Islander's tip: In summer the mornings are sunny and beautiful, and afternoons often bring sudden showers. For nice photos, get up early and head out before the sun gets harsh, and save the afternoon for strolling the market.
Summary table: where to go in Côn Đảo, and when
| Destination | Type | Best time of day | Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Đầm Trầu Beach | Beach | Morning or late afternoon | No source yet |
| Hòn Bảy Cạnh, Hòn Cau islands | Small island, diving | All day, calm sea season | Tour about 790.000đ/person (one operator) |
| Đầm Tre Bay | Bay, mangroves | Early morning or afternoon, check the tide | Unverified |
| Mũi Cá Mập (Shark Cape), Bãi Nhát Beach | Beach, coastal road | Early morning, sunset | No source yet |
| The shipwreck | Check-in | Daytime | Unverified |
| Côn Đảo Prison | Historic site | 7:30-11:30, 14:00-17:00 | 40.000đ |
| Côn Đảo Museum | Historic site | Morning or afternoon | 20.000đ |
| Hàng Dương Cemetery | Spiritual | Evening | No source yet |
| Pier 914 (Cầu tàu 914) | Historic site | Early morning | No source yet |
| Bà Phi Yến Temple, Núi Một Pagoda | Spiritual | Morning | No source yet |
| Côn Đảo market | Market | Early morning | Free entry |
| Night Market | Market, food | Evening | Free entry |
| Pickleball court | Sports | Early morning, cool afternoon | Unverified |
| Town center photo spots | Check-in | Cool afternoon | Free |
Ticket prices per VnExpress (updated 04/02/2026), which may have changed. National Park entry for the forest trails is 60.000đ. To arrange these places into a schedule by time of day, see 3-day 2-night Côn Đảo itinerary. Getting there and accommodation are covered in Côn Đảo travel experience. To book an island tour, see tours recommended by Côn Của.
Frequently asked questions
With only one day, what is there to do in Côn Đảo?
In the morning, visit the prison relic area and stop by Pier 914. In the afternoon, swim at Đầm Trầu Beach. In the evening, pay respects at Hàng Dương then stroll the Night Market.
Where to go in Côn Đảo during the monsoon wind season?
From October to March, island-hopping tours are easily postponed. Historic sites, temples and pagodas, markets and town-center photo spots are still fine to visit.
Where are the best photo spots in Côn Đảo?
For sunrise there's Mũi Tàu Bể and Pier 914; for sunset there's Mũi Cá Mập. In the town center there's a Korean-style photo spot; message Giang for directions.
Do I need a guide to visit Đầm Tre Bay?
It's a good idea. The road is quiet, it depends on the tide, and the bay is in a strictly protected zone, so ask the National Park before going in.
Opening hours, ticket prices and routes may change; please check again before you go.
- VnExpress, Cẩm nang du lịch Côn Đảo (Côn Đảo travel guide), updated 04/02/2026: sea seasons, ticket prices and opening hours of the historic sites, Museum, Hàng Dương, Hàng Keo, Pier 914, Bà Phi Yến Temple, Núi Một Pagoda, Đầm Trầu, Mũi Tàu Bể, Mũi Cá Mập, Bãi Nhát, Hòn Bảy Cạnh, Đầm Tre Bay, markets.
- VnExpress, Cảnh đẹp dọc đường biển Côn Đảo (Beautiful scenery along Côn Đảo's coastal road), 25/06/2022: coastal road, sunset at Mũi Cá Mập, note on monkeys.
- Pháp Luật Việt Nam newspaper, Nguyên sơ vịnh Đầm Tre (Pristine Đầm Tre Bay), 17/09/2017: route, tides, strictly protected zone.
- Tiền Phong, Con số 914 gắn với cầu tàu lịch sử 914 ở Côn Đảo có ý nghĩa gì (What the number 914 of Côn Đảo's historic Pier 914 means), 20/03/2022: year built, length, meaning of the pier's name.
- Em Giang Côn Đảo YouTube channel: clips of Đầm Tre Bay, the shipwreck, sunset, town-center and Korean-style photo spots, the pickleball court, the morning market, Cô Sáu's death anniversary. Viewed 22/10/2026.
- Côn Của, information on the Night Market stand, opening hours and ice cream prices, 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.