Con Dao Island doesn't have a famous or even positive reputation like other tourist destinations, but one will be pleasantly surprised after visiting the place and think otherwise.

Upon arriving at Co Ong Airport alone, visitors will feel safe and comfortable because of the scenic atmosphere and the kind, trustworthy people. They can then rent a bike to explore the island.

There are actually several sights to see around Con Dao. At Chan Chim and Tau Be Capes, the whole island and even surrounding islets can be seen. It may be a little, or a lot, difficult to take pictures because of the strong winds, but the overall experience of just being there is liberating and unforgettable.

Hang Duong Cemetery is another popular tourist attraction in the island. It is the resting place of about 2,000 war heroes who died between 1862 – 1975. But Hang Dong is not a typical cemetery which simply looks like a collection of tombs. It is actually a beautiful park where the living can also rest and enjoy. At midnight is the best place to visit the place as it is the time to “meet the souls” so to speak. But instead of being dark, empty and scary, Hang Duong Cemetery radiates in a bevy of light with hundreds of candles lighted at the entrance. Burning incense brings a sweet scent to the place. The air is cool and the overall atmosphere is both peaceful and festive. One famous tomb at Hang Duong is that of Vo Thi Sau, considered a heroine who was killed in 1952 at the early age of 16. Local residents believe that because she died young, her soul is powerful enough to turn dreams and wishes into reality.

Another must-see sight at Con Dao is a temple built to honor Hoang Phi Yen, the second wife of Lord Nguyen Anh, the first king of the Nguyen Dynasty (1802 – 1820) who even though left by the said ruler still remained loyal. And loyalty is an esteemed virtue in Vietnam.

According to history, the Tray Son revolution broke out in Quy Nhon in 1771 led by three brothers under the reign of Lord Nguyen. Lord Nguyen Anh was defeated and escaped to Con Dao Island. There, he asked for France' help to fight the Tay Son against the will of Phi Yen, who told him not to trust foreigners. The lord got mad and sent her to a deserted islet called Hon Ba (Ba Islet), located at the South West of the Con Dao archipelago. When the Tay Son attacked Con Dao in turn, Nguyen Anh and his army retreated to Siam. The French eventually helped him with his battle against the revolution.

Phi Yen was saved by the local villagers but later killed herself when a man touched her hand at a festival. It was her proof of allegiance to his husband even after everything bad that he did to her. To honor her and her everlasting loyalty, the residents built a temple to forever remember her as well.

There are other more places to visit at Con Dao Island: local market, restaurants, jails and historical relics built during the French and American wars. For the food enthusiasts, Con Dao has several specialties: fesh seafood; ca mu do (fleshy sea fish); lobsters; tom mu ni (special kind of prawn); rau muong (morning glory, a kind of vegetable); mong toi (malabar spinach); and hat bang (the inside nut of a natural shade tree called Teminalia catappa). The latter is believed to be what tourists long for when they visit the island. They are baked after which they are dipped in either sugar or salt, depending on the one's taste.

Con Dao may be unassuming unlike the other tourist attractions, but once you visit the place, you're definitely in for a surprise...a wonderful one at that.