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'm Giang, born in 1996, born and raised in Côn Đảo. My family has lived on the island for about three generations now. At 15 I left the island for Vũng Tàu to study, went on to the University of Economics and Law, then came home to start a business with an ice cream cart.
In my many years in Côn Đảo tourism, I've heard visitors ask the same three questions over and over: how to get there, which season is best, how much it costs. This article gathers my Côn Đảo travel experience to answer all three, plus a few small tips only islanders notice.
One reminder up front: boat and air fares go up and down with the season and the day. The figures in this article are reference prices per VnExpress, updated 02/2026, so please check again before booking.
Côn Đảo is now a special zone of Hồ Chí Minh City
Many people still think Côn Đảo belongs to Bà Rịa - Vũng Tàu. Since 01/07/2025, Côn Đảo has become the Côn Đảo special zone of Hồ Chí Minh City, under Resolution 1685/NQ-UBTVQH15. If the map shows "đặc khu Côn Đảo, TP.HCM" (Côn Đảo special zone, HCMC), you're in the right place.
You'll stay on the largest island, Côn Sơn. The island is small and a few loops on a bike will teach you the roads, but you only really take it in by going slowly: besides the sea and lush green forest, there's the layer of history of the prison and Hàng Dương Cemetery.
Which season is best in Côn Đảo?
Short answer: March to September calm sea and lots of sun, the best time for swimming and speedboat trips to the islands. October to March of the following year there are monsoon winds and Côn Sơn Bay gets more waves. (according to VnExpress).
| Time | Sea and weather | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| March - June | Calm sea, lots of sun, frequent afternoon showers | Swimming, speedboat trips to the islands, coral snorkeling |
| July - September | Sea still calm, sea turtles come ashore to lay eggs | Nature lovers, those wanting to learn about sea turtles |
| October - February | Monsoon winds, big waves, island tours easily postponed | Paying respects, historic sites, cafés, food, those who like quiet |
March is the change of season; if going early in the month, check the wave forecast first. In the monsoon wind season the land-based parts are still great: historic sites, the museum, cafés and eateries, and there are fewer visitors.
Islander's tip: don't just look at the season; check the wave forecast for the exact week you're going. Allow an extra day for island trips, and don't schedule them right before your flight home.
I've filmed Côn Đảo's weather through the seasons, so you can picture it more easily:
More vlogs on YouTube: Em Giang Côn Đảo · Giang Côn Đảo · Côn Của
How to get to Côn Đảo?
Plane: fast and less tiring
Planes land at Cỏ Ống airport, about 15km from the center, about 20 to 30 minutes by car. According to VnExpress (updated 02/2026):
- From Hồ Chí Minh City: about 1.3 million đồng one way, a flight of about 50 minutes.
- From Cần Thơ: about 1.7 million đồng one way, also about 50 minutes.
- From Hà Nội: there are direct flights of about 2 hours 30 minutes, from 2.7 million đồng one way.
During holidays and summer, fares tend to rise; once you know your dates, book early.
High-speed boat: cheaper, but depends on the sea
From Trần Đề port to Bến Đầm; VnExpress says about 2 hours, but in practice it depends on the boat and the tide. From Vũng Tàu takes longer, about 4 to 5 hours. In 2026 this route was at times suspended and then resumed. The route's status at the time you read this: unverified, so ask the boat company directly before booking.
If you get seasick, fly. We're also a ticket agent; if you need to ask about boat or flight times, just message.
Islander's tip: on fine-weather days in peak season, boat tickets sell out fast since both islanders and visitors travel. Book ahead and get to the port early.
Getting around and where to stay on the island
From the airport to the center: a taxi costs about 300 to 450 thousand per trip (according to VnExpress). Some resorts offer free pickup or charge about 50 thousand/person/way; check with your accommodation first.
On the island: taxis cost about 12 thousand/km. For freedom, renting a motorbike is most convenient. Remember to bring a thin raincoat and sunscreen; the sea sun is very harsh.
Accommodation: the island has everything from rooms at about 200 thousand a night to resorts over 10 million a night. In peak season, book early.
How much does a Côn Đảo trip cost?
I've done a rough calculation for 3 days 2 nights for one person from Hồ Chí Minh City, adding only items with clear sources. It's just an estimate, not a quote.
- Round-trip airfare: about 2.6 million (both ways, about 1.3 million each way).
- Room for 2 nights: from about 400 thousand if you choose a budget room.
- Airport taxi both ways: about 600 to 900 thousand; split it if traveling in a group.
- Sightseeing tickets: National Park 60 thousand, Côn Đảo Museum 20 thousand, prison relic complex 40 thousand, about 120 thousand in total.
- Food, vehicle rental, speedboat tours: depends on your itinerary; I don't give a figure so as not to be wrong.
Adding it up, one person in a budget room comes to about 3,7 to 4 million, not counting food and getting around the island. In a group, the room and taxi are split, which is much lighter. To plan a specific schedule for each part of the day, see the article 3-day 2-night Côn Đảo itinerary.
Islander's tip: bring some cash. The island has ATMs, but many small eateries and rental places aren't set up for card payments.
What to eat and where to have fun once you're on the island, these short clips of mine tell you:
More vlogs on YouTube: Em Giang Côn Đảo · Giang Côn Đảo · Côn Của
A few reminders from an islander
- Mind the historic sites' hours. The prison relic complex welcomes visitors 7:30 to 11:30 and 14:00 to 17:00, closed at midday; plan around those hours.
- When paying respects, keep a sincere heart. Hàng Dương is a sacred place for islanders. Dress modestly, walk gently and speak softly.
- Camp only in the right places. Overnight camping is only allowed at sites permitted by the management board.
- Keep the island clean. Don't take coral, don't litter, don't disturb the turtles.
- Gifts to take home. Indian almond candy (Kẹo hạt bàng) our family makes it compact and light, easy to pack in a suitcase. For other items, see the article Côn Đảo specialties to buy as gifts.
When you reach the island, stop by the Côn Của stand at the Côn Đảo Night Market gate, Phạm Văn Đồng Street, open 7:00 to 23:00. You can message Giang in advance to get your code, and when you arrive you'll be treated to a cup of ice cream.
Frequently asked questions
How many days are enough for a Côn Đảo trip?
At least 2 days 1 night for the essentials: paying respects at Hàng Dương, visiting historic sites, swimming. For a relaxed pace and trips to the islands, 3 days 2 nights or more.
What's the cheapest way to get to Côn Đảo?
The high-speed boat from Trần Đề is usually cheaper than flying but depends on the sea. If you get seasick, fly; from Hồ Chí Minh City about 1.3 million đồng one way (VnExpress 02/2026, check again before booking).
Which season is best in Côn Đảo?
From March to September the sea is calm, good for swimming and island trips. From October to March of the following year there are monsoon winds, good for paying respects and visiting historic sites.
How much does an independent 3-day 2-night Côn Đảo trip cost?
The fixed costs for one person from Hồ Chí Minh City (round-trip airfare, 2 nights in a budget room, airport taxi, sightseeing tickets) come to an estimated 3,7 to 4 million đồng, not including food, vehicle rental or tours. Not a quote.
- VnExpress, "Kinh nghiệm du lịch Côn Đảo" (Côn Đảo travel experience), vnexpress.net/cam-nang-du-lich-con-dao-4445727.html, updated 04/02/2026 (ticket prices, weather, historic site opening hours).
- Thư Viện Pháp Luật, "Đặc khu Côn Đảo TPHCM trước ngày 1/7/2025 là huyện nào" (Which district was the Côn Đảo special zone of HCMC before 1/7/2025), thuvienphapluat.vn, accessed 22/10/2026 (Resolution 1685/NQ-UBTVQH15).
- Tiền Phong, "Mở lại tuyến đường thủy cao tốc Vũng Tàu - Côn Đảo" (Vũng Tàu - Côn Đảo high-speed waterway route reopens), tienphong.vn, accessed 22/10/2026 (the Vũng Tàu route was suspended then resumed; current status unverified).
- Account by Giang Côn Đảo, conversation on 15/10/2026.
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.