Once
branded as “Hell on earth” with a notorious jail system in wartime, Con
Dao Island off mainland Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province is now a peaceful
destination appealing to many tourists.
When
approaching Co Ong Airport from the air, visitors will see Con Dao open
up in full magnificence but unique tranquility. The island boasts its
wild beauty highlighted by green mountains and forests.
On
the way to the town center, over 10 kilometers from the airport,
tourists can admire amazing vertical cliffs on one side and the ocean on
the other side. The winding road becomes even prettier with a wide
variety of wild flowers blooming all the year round. A number of old
tropical almond trees are seen lining Con Dao’s coast, catching
visitors’ attention.
The
town is surrounded by the blue sea and white smooth sand that seems to
spread endlessly. Although a lot of boats come and leave, the wharf on
Con Dao remains a peaceful place. Apart from a few cafes under the shade
of tropical almond trees, there are neither street vendors nor pubs for
drinking. Therefore, Con Dao still maintains its natural and pure
beauty. Both tourists and islanders enjoy immersing themselves in the
seawater at the time when the sun rises or sets.
The
straight paved roads stretch under the shade of tropical almond,
flamboyant and frangipani trees. Frangipani trees here are more special
with larger canopy, green leaves and white flowers. Summer on Con Dao is
the time when flamboyant trees unleashes their overwhelming red color
while crape myrtle trees show off their purple flowers together with
wild flowers growing everywhere. Con Dao market sells necessary stuffs
of any kind that are mostly shipped from the mainland.
Coming
to Con Dao, tourists often visit Dam Trau Beach close to the airport
for relaxation and sightseeing endowed with smooth beaches under the
shadow of evergreen trees, fresh air and crystal clear water.
Con
Dao is home to a number of relics worthy of attention. In addition to
Con Dao prisons, there are Phi Yen (King Gia Long’s second wife) Temple
and Prince Cai (King Gia Long’s son) Tomb. If wanting to take further
trips, you can follow islanders’ ships to other smaller islands.
However, the most interesting part is to watch baby turtles hatch out
and return to the sea together with local rangers. Such activity is very
important to protect the ecology and natural landscapes.
Source: SGT
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