Con Dao – A Treasure amidst the Ocean
Con Dao has been described by numerous major media outlets worldwide as the most mysterious and alluring island on the planet. Its untouched beauty resembles paradise found in Hollywood movies set on deserted islands, coupled with historical remnants that are unforgettable.
As an island district belonging to Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, Con Dao is situated 185 kilometers from Vung Tau city, 230 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City, and 83 kilometers from the mouth of the Hau River (Tran De district, Soc Trang province). The total natural area of the entire district is approximately 7,578 hectares, encompassing 16 small and large islands.
When mentioning the name Con Dao, what immediately comes to mind for many people is the haunting series of prisons dating back to the French colonial era, which left a lasting impression in Indochina. It was once known as the 'hell on earth,' featuring the infamous 'tiger cages' - foul-smelling, cold, perpetually dark cells where the sun never penetrated.
However, that's a story of the past. Nowadays, alongside the remnants of that painful era, Con Dao possesses rare treasures bestowed by nature, scarcely found elsewhere. These include pristine islands, lush green forests, and sparkling azure beaches brimming with sunlight. Just a bit offshore, beneath the crystal-clear waters lies an entire world of enchanting oceanic wonder - natural coral reefs.
This island now boasts breathtaking, winding roads that hug the slopes of the mountains, running alongside the edges of the ocean where waves crash year-round. It also features shaded paths lined with ancient banyan trees, their majestic forms resembling colossal giants proudly standing against the sea breeze.
The natural generosity and genuine hospitality of the people in Con Dao have increasingly attracted a growing number of visitors. Luxurious amenities such as guesthouses, hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues are gradually emerging on the island. Remarkably, Six Senses, one of the most luxurious and prestigious resort brands in Vietnam, has also chosen Con Dao as a location to develop and expand its renowned brand.
With these advantages, Con Dao has implemented various policies to attract investment and develop tourism towards becoming a distinctive, unique tourist island with national and international acclaim.
In October, the People's Committee of Ba Ria - Vung Tau province organized a workshop to gather opinions for the development of Con Dao until 2030, with a vision toward 2045. It's been reported that the province is currently drafting an economic development plan for Con Dao until 2030, with a vision for 2045. The plan aims to develop Con Dao into a high-quality, internationally recognized eco-tourism destination by 2045, asserting its regional and global prestige. It seeks to preserve the island as a special national historical relic area and conserve its diverse ecosystem encompassing forests and oceans. Simultaneously, it aims to fulfill significant duties related to national defense and security.
Many experts in the tourism, environmental, and investment sectors have recognized and highly praised the strengths and potential of Con Dao. With its advantages, Con Dao has the potential to become an eco-tourism city worthy of Vietnam's stature.
However, like many other famous destinations, Con Dao is also facing several challenges concerning technical infrastructure, population, tourist numbers, and environmental protection. Therefore, establishing a development plan for Con Dao until 2030, with a vision to 2045, is essential to reassess the potential and current situation of this island district. This assessment serves as a foundation to attract sustainable and effective investments, aiming to promptly transform Con Dao - the priceless gem amidst the vast blue ocean into a leading eco-resort hub in the region.
- Story: Thanh Hoa/VNP
- Photos: Thanh Hoa & Le Minh/VNP
- Translated by Nguyen Tuoi