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.
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.
