Islands in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Con Dao
Remote, quiet island group for diving, nesting turtles, empty beaches and the history of its former prison. Suits slow, higher-budget solo trips; flights are the only practical way and everything costs more than the mainland.
At a glance
- Safety5/5Very safeDetails
- Monthly budget$771–1,230Comfortable, one person · ₫20M–32MDetails
- Value for money90/100Better value than 89% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMar–JulWarmest: May, 29°CDetails
- Internet301 MbpsFixed broadband, Vietnam medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water; resorts provide refills.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$7.7–19.3Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundScooter rentalWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards at larger hotels, resorts and some restaurants; cash for local eateries, markets, scooter rentals and small shops.Details
Where to stay in Con Dao
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Con Dao town (Con Son) | Almost all hotels, restaurants, the prison museum and the harbor |
| An Hai beaches | Quiet beach resorts a few kilometers from town |
Apps that work in Con Dao
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: Zalo
- VeXeRe: Booking buses and sleeper coaches
- Taxis: No ride-hailing apps; use hotel-arranged buggies and taxis. Agree prices for island tours and turtle trips beforehand.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Vietnam.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards at larger hotels, resorts and some restaurants; cash for local eateries, markets, scooter rentals and small shops.
- Currency: Dong (VND). US$1 ≈ ₫25,953.96 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Foreign-card fees run roughly 20,000–110,000 VND per withdrawal and limits are low (often 2–5 million VND); compare banks.
- Tipping: Not expected; locals don't tip. Round up for drivers, and tip guides and spa staff for good service.
- Paying by phone: Apple and Google Pay work at contactless terminals; VietQR needs a Vietnamese bank account or a linked regional banking app.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Many nationalities need an e-visa: up to 90 days, single or multiple entry, US$25/US$50, applied for online.
- Look-alike agency sites charge several times the official fee; use only the government .gov.vn e-visa portal.
- Airlines may refuse boarding without an onward ticket dated within your visa or visa-free period.
Emergency numbers
Police 113 · Ambulance 115 · Fire 114
Plugs
Type A, C · 220 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Viettel, Vinaphone and MobiFone airport kiosks sell tourist SIMs with big data allowances; passport required. City shops are cheaper. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Vietnam
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.