
Take a journey to Vietnam with Jess
Experience the secret side of Vietnam
The delightful little sister to Phu Quoc, the Con Dao archipelago is about as undisturbed as tropical islands come. Rugged, intimate and a little bit wild, development hasn’t been quite as fast over here and if you like your tranquillity served with a side of peace and quiet, you’ll find it on one of the 16 islands. Characterised by lush green interiors met by sparkly white sands, days can (should) be spent drifting from beach to jungle, swimming and snorkelling in the frothy waves or, for something a tad livelier, cycling, kayaking, and speed-boating around the islets. Beneath the glorious exterior is a somewhat dark past, and although sobering, a visit to the largest island prison, Phu Hai, where thousands of revolutionaries were imprisoned, is fascinating. Practically, hotels range from Asia’s finest spas to more mid-range but still beautiful affairs, meaning every wallet is catered for, and if you can, time your visit between June and September to see the turtles that come ashore to nest. Magic.
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Con Dao is the beach escape you've been looking for, its gentle, azure waters are perfect for swimming, snorkelling and kayaking. Head out for a day of scuba diving along its stunning reefs where manta rays, bamboo sharks, parrot fish and sea turtles glide past. If you plan a visit between June and September, you could see turtles nesting on the beach. Head inland for a scenic hike into forests filled with long-tailed macaques and startling birdlife, or make the journey to the hilltop An Son Temple for astounding views. The island also has a poignant history, which you can learn about at the Phu Hai Prison.
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