Amondo GmbH: Con Son

Con Son Vietnam

South of the mainland, the idyllic Con Dao islands of Vietnam, with about 6000 inhabitants, are the perfect ocean antidote to the feverish energy and inclement pollution that characterize the country's mega-cities. For decades the main settlement of Con Son was used by French and Americans as a penitentiary center for anti-regime activists and criminals. Many of those jails are today chilling points of interest. History aside, Con Dao is endowed with breathtaking beaches and rich coral reefs that offer the best landscapes of Vietnam. The islands have been declared National Park, and have rewarding excursions to rain forests and remote bays. The tiny capital of the islands is a delight to explore on foot, with its streets (almost) free of traffic, a couple of traffic lights (which do not work) and a solitary gas station (which closes at siesta time). It is the slow version of Vietnam. You can start with a morning walk for the spectacular walk of the village, with the turquoise ocean shaping the horizon to one side and, on the other, an ocher row of beautiful French colonial villas. It passes through the old Gallic customs center, where Camille Saint-Saëns composed his opera Brunehilda in 1895. Then you can visit Con Son Market and have the local breakfast (rice porridge or noodles) and Vietnamese coffee, thick as molasses and slow dripping. If you fancy more a cappuccino and an omelette, you can go to Infiniti Cafe & Lounge, with a bohemian atmosphere and a magnificent terrace on the street. To get an overview of the islands, their natural environment (the Con Dao are important sea turtle breeding areas and have 11 endemic tree species) and their role as a concentration camp, you can go to the modern Con Son Museum, which prepares the visitor for the prison circuit. It is a good idea to go to the beach and change the chip. With a scooter goes north of the island with Son, passing before high granite hills and houses of fishermen wrapped in wild bougainvillea. In a corner of the coast, near the airport and flanked by rocky promontories, is the Dam Trau cove, with fine, clear sand, surrounded by casuarinas and pandanos. On the shore there are several places to feast on fresh seafood (the crab is very rich). Back you can pass by the super-luxurious Six Senses resort (Angelina and Brad stayed in it in 2011), which occupies a stunning covered beach for a drink or gourmet dinner. Another option is to dine in Thu Ba, run by a family in Con Son. It serves rich Vietnamese dishes (and has lots of vegetarian options). The owner, who speaks English, guides diners with the letter and makes suggestions.

Recommended airport

Co Ong Airport (VCS)

Con Son, Vietnam

Con Son Vietnam