Con Dao served as a prison island for political prisoners during the French colonial era, when it was known as Poulo Condore, and in later years the Saigon regime imprisoned opponents of the regime in the infamous cells known as the "tiger cages". The old prison buildings are still standing and are open to the public as is a small museum tracing the island's history.The prison system is not unlike the prisons on Phu Quoc except that Viet Cong were held here during the American war while the prisons on Phu Quoc were for the regular North Vietnamese Army. Being traitors to their own country (The Republic of South Vietnam) the conditions on Con Dao were especially harsh. Surprisingly jailers and former inmates live here in peace.Besides having an interesting history, (Marco Polo even stopped over) Con Dao is also an island of immense natural beauty with forested hills, deserted sandy beaches and extensive coral reefs making for some excellent diving.The Con Dao Islands separated from the mainland about 15,000 years ago. This has resulted in the development of dozens of undiscovered or undocumented species of wildlife.The entire archipelago falls under the oversight of the Con Dao National Park.Con Dao is another sad example of a National Park doing little to preserve the environment, however due its remote and little known location it has been preserved (So far) from the effects of development. 80% of the land area of the archipelago is a National park offering primary jungle teeming with interesting life such as the endemic black squirrel and the crab eating macaque. Beautiful beaches and hidden lagoons are also to be found here, with very few tourists Con Dao is a paradise off the beaten track. For now at least.Most of the surrounding marine are is a no-take marine protected area (MPA). Sadly as in all of Vietnam the national park is a travesty. The national park is in no way responsible for the amazing health of the pristine reefs that surround the islands, home to a large variety of marine life incomparable to anywhere else in Vietnam.Recently (2011) funding was withdrawn by a key aid organization DANIDA, as evidence was produced that they were operating in violation of their charter and that the Park was run for personal profit at the expense of the environment. Consider carefully and ask around on the island before using any of the National Park services.International oversight is desperately needed to be sure the environmental abuses are halted. Recent reports (2010) to the National Park of the spotting of slaughtered turtle shells drying in the sun on the roof of the Anh Dao hotel have produced no inquiry, investigation or prosecution of the hotel. There was a recent (2012) N.P. operation undertaken by the Park against Anh Dao Hotel, the receptionist was caught trafficking in about 200 Green turtle eggs, she was fined USD $250 and not made to reveal who she was buying them for, anything for a price.Despite the overall lethargy, the National Park seems to be rousing from its long sleep as more and more pressure is brought to bear by international visitors. Some real positive actions have been noted and while credit is due, these actions are the job of the Park.Get in[edit]Con Dao Airport (IATA: VCS)is served by VASCO (a Vietnam Airlines [http://www.vietnamairlines.com/ )Flights operated by VASCO (Vietnam Airlines) may be booked at Vietnam Airlines offices or through most tour operators in Saigon. It may be better to book through an official Vietnam Airlines office or through their official website to avoid complications or scams.If you encounter difficulties getting tickets, do not give up. Despite what the writer above says, you will frequently find tickets available ONLY at local travel agents in Vietnam. Vasco website will say the flights are booked out months in advance. this is the scam. They are directing you to travel agents who split the commissions with the Vasco booking agents.There is an overnight ferry from Vung Tau Port (not the city center, ask to be dropped off at 1007 D 30/4 and it's a five minute walk from the main street) which takes around 12 hours and leaves at 5pm. The boat from Vung Tau only leaves on certain days and information on dates of departure is hard to obtain although when last checked, ferries were running daily when the seas are generally calm (March to July). The price is 250,000 VND for a bunk. The boat is divided in to large cabins each filled with a large number of bunks. There is no luggage storage so keep an eye on your valuables. There is a small noodle stall on the deck which also sells drinks and cigarettes. It's also possible to stock up at the terminal with well priced supplies and takeaway food. Tickets can be purchased at the terminal up to an hour in advance. The trip can be rough and the boat is reasonably small. At Ben Dam port, on the main island of Con Son (pronounced like concern), minibuses greet passengers and cost 50,000 VND for the ride into town. They will drop you off at your hotel.There are several points worth noting about these services:The Con Dao (Con Son) Airport is on the far north end of the island and a long way from anything else. If you have booked a hotel they will arrange airport transfer for you.VASCO (Vietnam Airlines) operates ATR72-500 turboprop service on this route so overhead bin space is limited. Depending on your ticket VASCO/Vietnam Airlines will allow 20kg free baggage (Excess baggage is relatively inexpensive by international standards).If you have not booked with a hotel and have your airport transfer arranged, getting into town is easy. There are a number of vans available coming to the airport for all the flights and the all of the hotel buses will be happy to take you along for 50,000 VND, (6/2013) they will even drop you at your destination if you know it. None of the drivers speak English , this is Vietnam after all, if you have an intended destination write it down, show it to the driver. Shared vans back to the airport can be arranged by your hotel for the same VND 50,000
Taxis are also available depending on arrival time. (EXPENSIVE!) Have your hotel information written down for your driver. See the next section for more information on taxis.
When you visit Con Dao, you can buy many gifts like a typical jam nut, discover small islands or pay a visit to famous historical and religious destinations.
Con Dao is situated about 179km from Vung Tau, 230km from Ho Chi Minh city, 165km from Can Tho. It is the hidden beauty with long white sands, mountains surrounding that makes peace here. Visitors will have a sense of getting out of stress from work as well as exhaustion from their travelling. Frequent Questions When Visitors Come to Con Dao
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