Cruise port Con Son Island
Info for port Con Son Island on 12 Feb 2028
Port information & tips for Con Son Island
Con Son is the fascinating main island of the Vietnamese Con Dao Archipelago and is considered an undiscovered paradise in the South China Sea. The island delights travelers with its pristine nature, secluded bays, and a profound history that can be felt in a peaceful, authentic atmosphere. Impressive highlights include the historic Con Dao Prison, the informative Con Dao Museum, and the picturesque Dam Trau Beach. Cruise ships mostly use Ben Dam Port as a docking point, from which the city center, about 12 kilometers away, can be reached quickly via a dreamlike coastal road thanks to well-organized shuttles, and smaller ships often dock directly at the central Cầu tàu du lịch in the heart of the island.
Arrival & Departure
Getting around
Highlights & Districts
Useful tips
Returning to the ship
Con Son Island, the heart of the remote Con Dao Archipelago, is primarily accessible to international cruise guests from the DACH region by plane or ferry. Arrival is either at Con Dao Airport (VCS) or at one of the island's ports, with the new Con Dao Passenger Port opened in 2023 offering a convenient arrival into the center.
Airplane
The fastest way to reach Con Son is via Con Dao Airport (VCS), also known as Co Ong Airport, located about 15 kilometers northeast of the main town. International guests first fly to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City and from there take a connecting domestic flight of approximately 45 minutes directly to Con Dao. Alternatively, flights from Can Tho (VCA) are also possible. For the transfer from Con Dao Airport to the port or hotel, taxis and pre-booked hotel shuttles are available, which will bring you comfortably to your destination in about 20-30 minutes. Due to the popularity of the flights and limited capacities, especially during peak season, early booking is strongly recommended.
Ferry
Traveling to Con Son by ferry offers a scenic alternative. High-speed ferries operate from various mainland ports. A direct connection exists from Hiep Phuoc Port in Ho Chi Minh City, which takes approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes to 5 hours. Faster ferry connections are available from Tran De (Soc Trang Province) with a travel time of 2 to 3.5 hours or from Vung Tau in about 3.5 to 4 hours. The ferries usually dock at Ben Dam Port, although the new Con Dao Passenger Port provides improved connections to the island center. Timetables should be checked in advance, as they can vary depending on the weather.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
For a relaxed embarkation, especially after a long international flight, an overnight stay in a pre-cruise hotel is strongly recommended. You can either spend a night in Ho Chi Minh City to reach your connecting flight or ferry the next day without stress, or check in directly on Con Son Island to enjoy the local atmosphere before your cruise. Many hotels on the island also offer transfer services from the airport or port, which significantly simplifies the logistical planning.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents will generally provide a fixed time slot for check-in, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and consider that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times may change at short notice.
The port of Con Son on the Con Dao archipelago impresses with its idyllic location and, thanks to efficient connections, allows for a quick journey into the heart of the island.
Electric Shuttles (Xe Dien)
The environmentally friendly electric minibuses are the ideal way to get around the island and are available for you directly at the port. They offer space for several people and take guests comfortably and safely to the most important sights and beaches.
Taxis
Classic taxis wait at the exit of the port area and allow for a private journey in air-conditioned vehicles. The travel time to the city center of Con Son is only a few minutes and simultaneously offers initial views of the untouched coastal landscape.
On Foot
If you arrive at the berths close to the city, you can reach the charming cafes and historic buildings of the town within 5 to 10 minutes. The walk along the waterfront promenade is particularly pleasant thanks to the fresh sea breeze and leads you directly to the local markets.
To make the most of your time on the island, we recommend a combination of the historic center and the pristine stretches of coastline in the immediate vicinity of the port.
Historic Center & Con Dao Prison
The charming town center impresses with its French colonial architecture and, with the impressive prison complex, offers a deep insight into Vietnam's moving history and is also easily accessible on foot.
An Hai Beach
This extensive sandy beach is located in direct proximity to the port and, thanks to its crystal-clear water and gentle surf, offers the ideal place for a relaxed break under palm trees.
Van Son Pagoda
The magnificent temple complex sits enthroned on a hill above the city and rewards visitors with a peaceful atmosphere and, at the same time, a spectacular panoramic view over the entire bay and the surrounding islands.
Bai Dam Trau Beach
The dreamlike Bai Dam Trau Beach is easily accessible in about thirty minutes by taxi and impresses with its fine, golden-yellow sand and crystal-clear, shallow water. This location is perfect for a relaxing day of swimming, as it is considered one of the most beautiful coastal sections of the island and also offers an impressive backdrop of dense rainforest. Thanks to the charming little beach bars, you can enjoy fresh coconuts and local delicacies directly by the sea and find ideal conditions for a relaxed stay. Ideally, start your excursion in the morning to enjoy the idyllic peace to the fullest, and plan your return journey to the port no later than ninety minutes before departure.
The return journey from Con Son Town or the surrounding beaches to Ben Dam Port in the south of the island is easy to plan and time-efficient thanks to the well-developed coastal road.
Taxis and Electric Shuttles
Taxis from local providers such as Mai Linh are available at the central market (Cho Con Dao) as well as in front of the larger resorts and will take you safely to the pier in about 20 minutes. In addition, small electric minibuses regularly cruise the main streets in town and pick up guests for a comfortable ride directly back to the port area.
Cruise Line Shuttle Service
Cruise companies often provide their own shuttle buses that run between the city center and Ben Dam Port. The stops are usually located at prominent points such as the Con Dao Museum or the town's harbor quay, ensuring you return to the tender service on time thanks to fixed departure schedules.
Rental Scooters and Private Drivers
If you are exploring the island individually by scooter, the only main road leads along the coast directly to the port area. The way is easy to find and, thanks to the low volume of traffic, you will reach the guarded port entrance relaxed and can return your vehicle directly at the designated areas near the pier.
In port on 12 Feb 2028
