Con Dao

Con Dao: Remote, Serene, Eco-Luxury, and Deeply Meaningful

(Con Dao offers a rare balance of untouched nature and layered history)

With clear blue water, smooth white sand, and a constant sea breeze, the island feels intentionally quiet – protected, preserved, and unhurried. It’s a destination for slowing down, reflecting, and fully disconnecting.

I visited in January 2022, and Con Dao felt refreshingly clean, peaceful, and largely untouched by mass tourism.

Six Senses Con Dao

Six Senses Con Dao is the island’s standout resort and a destination in itself. Designed with sustainability in mind, it blends eco-conscious luxury with absolute privacy.

• All villas and residences feature private infinity pools

• One- to four-bedroom options, single-level or duplex

• Secluded outdoor bathrooms

• Natural ventilation and wood paneling to reduce air-conditioning

We stayed in the Beachfront Duplex Pool Villa – a spacious split-level villa with direct beach access, panoramic ocean views, and a private infinity pool just steps from the sea. After our private beach dinner, we returned to find the room gently sprayed for mosquitoes and the bed prepared with a mosquito net – thoughtful details that quietly elevate the entire stay.

Hàng Dương Cemetery & Võ Thị Sáu’s Grave

A visit to Hàng Dương Cemetery is one of Con Dao’s most meaningful experiences. The site honors Vietnam’s revolutionary heroes, including Võ Thị Sáu, a national icon.

Many visitors – especially business owners and entrepreneurs – come here to pay respects and make wishes. Local belief holds that wishes made here are particularly powerful.

Tips:

• Night visits are considered the most spiritual

• Incense is sold nearby

• Common offerings include:

  • White flowers (roses or daisies)

  • Fruit (especially lêkima)

  • Small mirrors and combs

  • Symbolic gold or paper money

Offerings can also be pre-ordered in advance.

Six Senses Wellness Spa

Before our private dinner, we spent time at the Six Senses Wellness Spa, and it remains one of the best massage experiences I’ve ever had.

The spa is calm and deeply quiet and surrounded by nature.

Every detail, from the pace to the silence, feels intentional. It’s not just a treatment; it’s a reset.

Private Beach Dinner at Six Senses

One of the most memorable dining experiences I’ve had anywhere.

Set directly on the beach, the private dinner was thoughtfully curated, beautifully presented, and unforgettable in flavor.

Our menu (January 2022):

• Hokkaido scallops ceviche with burned orange, salmon caviar, and mixed salad

Paired with Robertson Sparkling Brut, South Africa

• Con Dao slipper lobster bisque with zucchini, carrot, and croutons

Paired with Chardonnay, Caballero de la Capa, Mendoza, Argentina

• Char-grilled Wagyu beef tenderloin MB6

Potato espuma, confit parsnip, wild mushroom sauce

Paired with Pinot Noir, Albert Bichot Vieilles Vignes, Burgundy, France

• Con Dao mango parfait with mojito sorbet and sesame tuile

Paired with Heaven on Earth, Stellar Winery, Western Cape, South Africa

The lobster bisque, in particular, is a flavor I still remember – and miss.

Private Hike / Trek

For a change of pace, Six Senses also offers private guided hikes through carefully selected trails.

Details:

• Duration: ~2–4 hours

• Tailored to your interests and energy level

• Inclusions: private guide, drinking water, cookies and fruit, sandwich

Each trail balances light adventure with tranquility, offering sweeping views while preserving the island’s natural environment.

✨ Why Con Dao Works

Con Dao is not a place you rush through. It’s quiet by design, meaningful in history, and protected in nature. Whatever you do, the island encourages presence above all else.

For travelers seeking peace, privacy, and purpose, Con Dao delivers something rare.