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What To Do In Con Dao During The Rainy Season ?

Located off the coast of Ba Ria – Vung Tau, the Con Dao archipelago stands out as a unique destination where history intertwines with untamed beauty. From October to March, the northeast winds stir up the sea and slow the flow of visitors, but they also evoke the heroic escapes of political prisoners once exiled to these islands. Spanning 76 km² and comprising sixteen islands, with Con Son being the largest, travelers will find both a moving place of remembrance and a still-preserved natural sanctuary—perfect for adventure, meditation, and relaxation. What to do in Con Dao during the rainy season ? Here is a selection of six activities to enjoy during the rainy season in Con Dao, allowing you to make the most of the island despite the weather.

I. What month does the rainy season start in Con Dao?

The rainy season in Con Dao runs from May to November, with maximum rainfall between August and October. During this period, the weather is hot and humid, punctuated by heavy short showers alternating with sunshine, and average temperatures vary between 28 and 30°C. Despite the humidity, traveling during this season has its perks: fewer tourists, lower prices, and calm stretches of sea to explore.

When to go to Con Dao ? The best time to visit Con Dao is between March and September, when the sea is calm and the wind is light, ideal for daytime excursions, diving and photography. From July to September, the beaches are home to turtle nesting, while between October and March, the wind blows hard over Con Sơn Bay. Nevertheless, the west coast remains calm, with stunning landscapes waiting to be explored.

II. How to get around Con Dao ?

The easiest way to reach Con Dao is by air, which significantly shortens the journey. Bamboo Airways offers direct flights of about 2h30 between Con Dao and Hanoi, starting at around €100 one way. Vietnam Airlines flies to Con Dao from Ho Chi Minh City (about €50 one way) and Cần Thơ (about €65 one way) with a flight time of about 50 minutes. From Con Dao Airport to the city centre (15 km), you can take a taxi (about €11 to €16 each way), a motorbike or the shuttle service from your resort (about €2 per person). For quicker access to the town, taking the Cỏ Ống road from the airport is recommended.

For those who prefer boating, the best time is from April to June, when the sea is calm. The boat ride takes about 5 hours from Vũng Tàu, but only 2 hours from Trần Đề port in Sóc Trăng.

How to get around Con Dao ? On the island, the taxi costs around €0.50/km, the electric vehicle €0.80/km, and the rental of a 12-16 seater minibus starts at €55 per day, convenient for large groups.

III. Top 6 Things to do in Con Dao when it rains

1. Take a motorbike ride along the Cỏ Ống Road

What to do in Con Dao during the rainy season ? The Cỏ Ống Road, which is about 14 km long, connects Cỏ Ống Airport with Con Dao city center. From the very first kilometres, it offers striking landscapes: the sea as far as the eye can see on one side and the green hills on the other. The road is in excellent condition, smooth and pleasant, with discreet solar lighting. There are no buildings to spoil the view—only dense forest and peaceful beaches. Sometimes monkeys appear along the way, a reminder to respect their habitat and avoid feeding them.

This unique route allows you to discover the north of Con Dao. It passes through lush forests, along quiet beaches, and leads to scenic spots like Đầm Trầu Beach, Tàu Bể Cape, and Chân Chim Cape. The contrast between majestic hills and peaceful sea creates an immersive experience ideal for walking or cycling. Each turn holds a new view, making the ride both soothing and spectacular for travelers looking to explore the natural beauty of Con Dao.

2. Admire the blooming of the flowers of đỗ mai

During the rainy season in Con Dao, đỗ mai trees, nicknamed "Con Dao cherry trees", bloom profusely along the road leading from the center of the island to Cỏ Ống Airport. This floral corridor attracts visitors who stop to take photos, breathe the sea air, and admire the scenery. Even in light rain, this motorcycle ride is still enjoyable and is a perfect answer to the question of what to do in Con Dao during the rainy season, offering exploration, contemplation and immersion in the natural beauty of the island.

3. Trekking in Con Dao National Park.

The Con Dao National Park, covering about 20,000 hectares, includes forest (6,000 ha) and marine (14,000 ha) protection areas spread throughout the archipelago. The island of Côn Sơn, the largest, is protected by granite mountains that ensure the tranquility of its picturesque bays.

The park is home to nearly 150 animal species and 882 plant species, including several endemic ones such as the black squirrel, winged gecko, green-faced owl, various tropical birds, and the Nicba pigeon. Visitors can walk the forest trails to breathe in the fresh air, listen to the birds singing, observe the colorful butterflies and discover the unique biodiversity of the island.

What can you do in Con Dao ? Among the main activities are the discovery of forest ecosystems, the study of medicinal plants and precious trees, as well as trekking to explore the coastal tropical rainforest. In Bãi Đụng, visitors can enjoy the peace and quiet all day long and admire the most beautiful sunsets in Con Dao.

4. Taste seafood at the port of Bến Đầm

At sunset, head to Bến Đầm port. For a small fee (about 30,000 VND), you can board a boat to the floating houses and enjoy a unique seafood dinner. The port is known for its many floating fish ponds housing freshly caught seafood. Of course, the prices are not always the lowest, but the quality and freshness are second to none. Oysters, "vú nàng" snails, giant clams, red lobsters, mũ ni shrimps, red groupers or sun-dried squid: a real marine feast awaits you. This gourmet experience is one of the things to do in Con Dao when it rains, as it combines culinary discovery with local authenticity, ideal even during the rainy season.

5. What to do in Con Dao with your family ? Participate in creative workshops at Six Senses Con Dao

At Six Senses Con Dao, families find an ideal program, especially during the rainy season in Con Dao, when outdoor activities may be limited. This top-of-the-range resort offers a variety of creative workshops: painting on t-shirts, decorating cookies, making masks or even screenings of "jungle movie" films for the youngest, painting statuettes, coloring, creating colored sand paintings, building sandcastles, exploring the beach or introducing paper recycling. For those looking for things to do in Con Dao with children, this is the place to be to combine fun, learning and comfort with the family.

6. What to do in Con Dao during the rainy season ? Exploring Con Dao Prison

Nicknamed "hell on earth," Con Dao prison illustrates the brutality of the struggles against French colonizers and US imperialism. Today, the site is carefully preserved and restored, allowing visitors to experience the courage and loyalty to the homeland of past generations. The prison includes several memorial facilities and sites, such as the Phú Hải, Phú Tường and Phú Bình camps, known as the "Tiger Cages" of Con Dao, as well as the 914 Pier Bridge, Ma Thiên Lãnh Bridge, Administration House and Hàng Dương Cemetery. Visiting these iconic sites is a must for anyone wondering what to do in Con Dao, offering an experience that is both historical and deeply moving.

Visitors are particularly fascinated by the French-style "tiger cages," with their upper bars and corridors guarded by guards, ensuring that any rebellion is immediately suppressed. During the rainy season in Con Dao, the prison takes on an even more solemn atmosphere, adding a reflective mood to the visit and deepening the understanding of the prisoners’ sacrifices.

In conclusion, to know what to do in Con Dao during the rainy season, it is wise to plan your stay and trust Autour Asia, a travel agency in Vietnam. Thanks to their itineraries adapted to the rainy season, you can fully enjoy the beauty and history of the island in complete safety and comfort. Even in the rain, it is possible to visit iconic sites, experience local culture, explore protected natural landscapes, and participate in unique activities, ensuring a memorable and enriching stay for all travelers.