1. Overview of Co Ong Village Con Dao

1.1. Where is Co Ong Village Con Dao?

Co Ong Village Con Dao is located in the southern part of the archipelago, belonging to Con Dao commune, Ho Chi Minh City, right in the area adjacent to Con Son Airport. From the center of Con Son town, it only takes about 13–14 km for tourists to reach this coastal village. The residential village nestles between the clear blue Co Ong Bay and Dam Trau on one side, and high mountains like Nha Ban Mountain and Chua Mountain on the other, creating an airy and spacious "mountain-backed, sea-facing" terrain with few high-rise buildings.

1.2. Why is Co Ong Village considered a "miniature Con Dao"?

It is not by chance that Co Ong Village Con Dao is likened to a "miniature Con Dao", because it converges almost all the most characteristic elements of the sacred island: a gentle blue sea, fine white sand beaches, natural lagoons, fields of reeds, and surrounding forests and mountains. The slow pace of life in the fishing village, the image of coracle boats and fishing nets, along with the open and quiet space, reflect the spirit of a remote island, separate from mass tourism. Furthermore, local cultural landmarks such as Mieu Cau and the Dam Trau area still retain their pristine, original beauty, making Co Ong an ideal destination for those who want to experience a very authentic, real, and profound Con Dao.

2. Origin and history of formation of Co Ong Village Con Dao

2.1. History of the formation of Co Ong fishing village

Co Ong Village Con Dao was formed in the late 18th century, making it one of the earliest residential areas on the island, linked to the migration process during the Nguyen Lords' era. According to historical records and local legends, in 1783, when Nguyen Anh fled to Con Dao to escape the Tay Son army, Co Ong village was established along with An Hai and An Hoi, by residents from Dang Trong who came to pioneer the wild coastal land.

Starting as a small fishing village, residents primarily lived by nearshore fishing, functioning within a close-knit community deeply connected to the sea. Through the French occupation period, the Con Dao prison era, and the resistance wars against the French and Americans, Co Ong has endured as a historical witness, preserving folk tales about Lady Hoang Phi Yen, Prince Hoi An, Hon Cau – Dam Trau, and today it appears simply alongside the pace of modern tourism development.

Co Ong Village is one of the oldest residential areas in Con Dao. (Source: Collection)

2.2. Role of Co Ong Village in Con Dao life

Not only holding historical value, Co Ong Village, Con Dao also plays an important role in the daily life of the islanders. It is the place that supplies fresh seafood to Con Son town and surrounding areas, while maintaining traditional fishing practices through many generations. The cohesive community rhythm, the simple coastal lifestyle, and folk landmarks like Mieu Cau contribute to creating a unique cultural identity for Con Dao. Amidst the sacred space and strong revolutionary history, Co Ong affirms a different perspective: Con Dao is not only a spiritual destination but also a place with a peaceful, authentic people's life, contributing to sustainable and culturally rich tourism development.

3. Characteristic natural beauty of Co Ong Village, Con Dao

3.1. The wild and peaceful Co Ong Sea

The sea at Co Ong Village, Con Dao o possesses a rare gentle and peaceful beauty, thanks to the high mountains surrounding it, forming a natural arc embracing the coastline. Gentle waves, calm waters, and few tourist boats passing by preserve the inherent tranquility of a coastal fishing village. The sea water is light blue, crystal clear, and changes shades with the sun and wind, especially noticeable in the areas of Dam Trau and Bai Nhat near the village. This is an ideal place for beach strolls, watching the sunrise and sunset, or capturing the peaceful everyday moments of coastal residents.

Co Ong Village is located on Co Ong street by the sea in Con Dao. (Source: Collected)

3.2. Coastal fishing village space

The space of Co Ong Con Dao Village appears rustic with low-rise houses with corrugated iron roofs, interspersed with coracle boats moored ashore, and fishing nets drying along the coast – familiar images of a traditional fishing village. The sound of gentle waves blends with the rhythm of daily life of the people, creating a familiar and authentic feeling. Without dense tourist facilities or noisy services, Co Ong maintains a slow, peaceful pace of life, bringing a relaxing feeling.

4. Unmissable experiences at Co Ong Con Dao Village

4.1. Stroll and feel the local rhythm of life

One of the most emotionally touching experiences when visiting Co Ong Con Dao Village is a slow stroll along the coastal roads and residential areas. No specific itinerary or destination is needed; just walk, observe fishermen mending nets after a fishing trip, children playing in front of their houses, or simple conversations between neighbors. The pace of life here is natural and unhurried, enough for people to temporarily forget their usual hurried habits and fully appreciate the tranquility of island life.

4.2. Watch the sunrise and sunset at Co Ong Village

Co Ong Con Dao Village is one of the rare places where you can fully enjoy both sunrise and sunset in a quiet atmosphere. In the morning, the sun slowly rises from the sea, its gentle light blending with the cool air to create a clear and pleasant scene. As evening approaches, the sunset paints the fishing village in gold, reflecting on the rooftops, coracle boats, and the calm water surface. This moment is perfect for a stroll, taking photos, or simply sitting quietly, letting yourself go with the rhythm of the sea.

4.3. Experience fishing village life

If you have the opportunity to stay longer, experiencing the life of the locals will make your trip to Co Ong Con Dao Village more complete. Short conversations with fishermen, stories about the fishing trade, about fishing seasons, or the island's changes offer an authentic perspective on life here. There is no arrangement or performance; everything happens naturally like the daily rhythm of the village. This is a value not all tourist destinations have, giving visitors the feeling of touching the real, simple, and close life of Con Dao.

Experience watching the Co Ong fishing village in Con Dao. (Source: Collected)

5. Guide to traveling to Co Ong Village, Con Dao

5.1. From Con Dao town center

To reach Co Ong Village, Con Dao, visitors first need to travel to Con Dao by air or by sea. Currently, Con Dao Airport operates domestic flights from Ho Chi Minh City center and Can Tho, with a flight time of about 45–60 minutes. Additionally, visitors can choose high-speed ferries departing from Vung Tau, Soc Trang, or Can Tho, docking at Ben Dam port. Both methods are convenient and suitable for various schedules and different travel experiences.

Tourists follow the coastal road to reach Co Ong Village. (Source: Collected)

From the center of Con Son town, Co Ong Con Dao Village is about 10–12 km away, taking about 20–25 minutes to travel. Tourists can rent a motorbike for a price ranging from 150,000–200,000 VND/day or take a taxi for a cost of about 200,000–300,000 VND/trip. The coastal DL1 route is quite beautiful, easy to travel, not crowded with vehicles, allowing you to travel while enjoying the characteristic mountain and sea scenery of Con Dao. Thanks to the short distance and convenient transportation, Co Ong is a suitable destination for flexible day visits.

5.2. Combine visiting nearby spots to Co Ong Village

Thanks to its location close to Con Dao Airport, only about 1–2 km away, Co Ong Village is very convenient to combine visiting right after landing or before departing the island. From the village, tourists can easily travel to the northern beaches such as Dam Trau Beach, Bai Nhat Beach, which are places with gentle waves, white sand, and open space, suitable for swimming, strolling, or a light picnic. With short distances and convenient transportation, tourists can rent motorbikes to explore the airport, fishing village, and nearby beaches within half a day, creating a seamless, relaxed, yet experience-rich itinerary.

6. The ideal time to explore Co Ong Con Dao Village

The most suitable time to visit Co Ong Con Dao Village is during the calm sea season, with little rain, when the weather is stable and the scenery is at its most beautiful clear blue. During these months, the sea is calm, the sky is blue, and the air is pleasant, favorable for activities like beach strolling and visiting the fishing village. During the day, early morning is when you can best feel the local rhythm of life, while late afternoon brings soft light, cool air, suitable for strolling, taking photos, and relaxing in the peaceful seaside atmosphere.

The dry season has ideal beautiful weather for tourists to visit Con Dao and Co Ong village. (Source: Collected)

7. Suggested half-day itinerary for visiting Co Ong Village, Con Dao

In the morning, tourists can start their journey at Co Ong Village, Con Dao by strolling along the coast, watching the sunrise from the water, and feeling the fresh air of the island in the early morning. This is the ideal time to observe the rhythm of life in the fishing village, capture simple, everyday moments with coracles, fishing nets, and the peaceful coastal scenery, before the village enters its daily rhythm.

In the afternoon, from Co Ong village, tourists can move to the center of Con Son town to continue visiting typical destinations of Con Dao such as Hang Duong Cemetery, Tomb of Heroic Martyr Vo Thi Sau, the prison system, and tiger cages. This itinerary arrangement helps balance the trip between experiencing local life and exploring historical and spiritual values, suitable for a light, half-day trip.

Visiting Hang Duong Cemetery in the center of Con Dao. (Source: Collected)

8. Experience and notes when visiting Co Ong Village

When visiting Co Ong Village Con Dao, visitors should maintain civilized behavior, respect the living space of the local community by limiting noise, not littering, and avoiding disruption to the daily lives of the residents. Simple, neat attire, combined with a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes or sandals will make the visit more enjoyable, especially when walking along the coast or in residential areas. Thorough preparation and responsible tourism awareness are also ways to contribute to preserving the simple, original beauty of this coastal fishing village.

Expected in 2026, Sun World Vung Tau will launch as a modern coastal tourism and entertainment complex, offering new and vibrant experiences. The combination of the tranquility of Con Dao and the large-scale entertainment space in Vung Tau promises to enrich the southern island exploration journeys for visitors.

In 2026, tourists visiting Con Dao - Vung Tau will have a new coastal entertainment option at Sun World Vung Tau. (Source: Collected)

Co Ong Con Dao Village is not a destination to rush for a check-in, but rather a place for those who want to go slow, listen, and fully experience island life. Amidst the peaceful space of the fishing village, blue sea, and mountains, Co Ong offers a very real and authentic perspective on Con Dao. If you are looking for a gentle, profound journey away from the hustle and bustle, Co Ong Village is definitely a worthwhile stop to experience.