If you’re a nature-loving traveler, chances are you’ve heard of Con Dao National Park. As one of the 34 national parks in Vietnam, Con Dao National Park is renowned for its diverse ecosystem, stunning landscapes of both forests and sea and numerous exciting exploration activities. Join Vietnampeace.com and step foot here right now to experience it all.

A Brief Overview of Con Dao National Park

Con Dao National Park is situated within Vietnam’s special-use forest system, in Con Dao district, Ba Ria – Vung Tau province. Located in the Con Dao archipelago, it lies about 83km from the mouth of the Hau River (Can Tho), 185km from Vung Tau City, and 250km from Ho Chi Minh City. The Con Dao archipelago comprises 16 small islands, with the largest being Con Son Island, where Con Dao National Park is located. Con Son Island is a famous tourist destination visited by many travelers.

The total natural area of Con Dao National Park is 19,883.15 hectares, including a forest conservation area on the islands (5,883.15 hectares), a marine conservation area (14,000 hectares), and a buffer zone on the sea (20,500 hectares). Con Dao National Park is renowned for its diverse biological system of forests, sea, and wetlands and has been recognized by many domestic and international organizations as an important international wetland area (Ramsar Site) since 2013.

How to Get to Con Dao National Park

Travelers from the mainland wanting to reach Con Dao National Park can consider the following means of transportation:

By plane: This is the fastest way to reach Con Dao. Make sure to check the flight prices to Con Dao, such as flights from Saigon to Con Dao (from 940,000 VND), flights from Hanoi to Con Dao (from 2,000,000 VND), flights from Can Tho to Con Dao (from 1,600,000 VND), etc.

By high-speed boat: Currently, high-speed boats to Con Dao depart from various locations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau, Soc Trang, Can Tho, etc. Ticket prices range from 360,000 VND to 950,000 VND depending on the time, ferry company, and ticket type.

Once in Con Dao, travelers can easily rent a motorbike, car, or taxi to reach Con Dao National Park.

Ideal Time to Visit Con Dao National Park

The landscape at Con Dao National Park varies greatly depending on the season. For a pleasant travel experience, it’s best to visit from March to September when there is relatively little rain, calm seas, and gentle winds, making it perfect for exploring remote islands or engaging in activities like snorkeling and photography.

From July to September, it’s the sea turtle nesting season, making it extremely fascinating for exploration. From October to March next year, it’s the windy season, during which the sea around Con Son Bay may have big waves, but the western and southwestern parts of the island remain calm with no rain, thus not affecting tourism activities.

Experience Various Activities at Con Dao National Park

When visiting Con Dao National Park, travelers can experience many exciting activities such as:

Exploring biodiversity: According to statistics, Con Dao National Park has discovered 1,077 plant species with 640 genera and 160 families, including 44 plant species found for the first time in Con Dao. Regarding forest animal systems, there are 160 species, including 26 mammals, 85 birds, 38 reptiles, and 8 amphibians. The marine biodiversity includes 1,725 marine species; there are 23 mangrove plant species, 127 seaweed species, 7 seagrass species, 157 mangrove fauna species, 115 seagrass fauna species, 219 coral species, and 5 marine reptile species, along with many other rare and valuable species.

Scuba diving to admire coral reefs: You’ll immerse yourself in the depths of the ocean and admire the beautiful coral reefs. This activity is extremely safe due to careful supervision by professional divers. Thanks to the excellent natural conditions, the coral reefs at Con Dao are highly developed and will provide a visually stunning experience for travelers.

Visiting turtle nesting sites: If you visit from April to September, you’ll have the chance to witness turtle nesting. This is undoubtedly a sight that everyone wants to see at least once in their lifetime.

An Hai Lake: This freshwater lake is located within Con Dao National Park and provides fresh water for local production, farming, and livelihoods. An Hai Lake boasts beautiful landscapes and diverse ecosystems, especially during the lotus blooming season.

Hang Duc Me (Mother Mary Cave): Inside Hang Duc Me is the statue of Mother Mary along with many remnants from the anti-French war period. Despite the challenging terrain and difficult ascent, Hang Duc Me is still a popular choice for many visitors.

Cau Ma Thien Lanh Historical Site: This is a historical site built by the French colonial authorities during the war period. It witnessed the sacrifice of over 350 prisoners during construction, reflecting the cruelty and exploitation of the French colonialists towards the Vietnamese people at that time.

Ticket Prices for Con Dao National Park

The ticket prices for visiting Con Dao National Park are specified as follows:

• Adults: 60,000 VND/person
• Students: 20,000 VND/person
• Children: 10,000 VND/person
• Turtle nesting viewing guide: 350,000 – 600,000 VND/person
• Turtle release guide: 50,000 VND/person
• Full-day guided tour: 600,000 – 700,000 VND/person

Travel Tips for Con Dao National Park

• It’s advisable to prepare essentials such as drinking water, snacks, insect repellent, a hat, a power bank, etc.
• When visiting the national park, it’s best to go in groups and pay attention to signage to avoid getting lost.
• Keep an eye on weather forecasts before traveling for the best experience.
• Book hotels and Con Dao flight tickets a few weeks in advance to avoid peak seasons.
• There are still many other tourist attractions in Con Dao such as Dam Tre Bay, Dam Trau Beach, Tau Mountain Cape, etc., so don’t forget to explore them too.

In conclusion, Con Dao National Park, with its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes, provides a unique eco-friendly adventure for nature enthusiasts. The detailed insights shared here serve as a comprehensive guide, courtesy of Vietnampeace.com, offering valuable information on transportation, optimal visiting times, and a variety of activities. With the assistance of this resource, travelers can embark on an unforgettable journey, exploring the wonders of Con Dao National Park.