Co Ong Beach is located in the northern area of the main island of Con Son, belonging to Special Zone Côn Đảo (HCMC), adjacent to Co Ong Village and only about 1-2 km away from the Côn Đảo airport. The name “Co Ong” is associated with Co Ong Village, an ancient community formed in the late 18th century under the reign of Lord Nguyen Anh. Co Ong Road leading to this area is a coastal route of more than 14 km connecting the airport to the center of Côn Đảo town, famous for its spectacular scenery: one side of primeval forest and the other side of vast blue sea.
Where is Co Ong Beach? And Why the Name Often Causes Confusion
Many tourists search for “Bai Co Ong,” but upon arrival, they hear locals refer to this area by different names—this is completely normal and worth clarifying before the trip. Geographically, “Co Ong” is the name of an ancient fishing village (Co Ong Village) and also the coastal road (Co Ong Road) connecting the airport to the town center. The main beach located in this area is widely known by the name Dam Trau Beach - a rare golden sand beach in Côn Đảo, located right next to the airport runway, where visitors can swim while watching airplanes land.
In other words, when looking for “Bai Co Ong Côn Đảo”, you are actually searching for an entire stretch of coastal space on the northern side of the island—including the fishing village, scenic route, and nearby beaches such as Dam Trau, Bai Nhat, Bai Chim Chim, and Mui Tau Be. Understanding this clearly helps you plan your itinerary more accurately instead of getting confused when checking the map.
History and Special Name
Co Ong Village, the rustic name this area carries, is not only a coastal location, but also a silent witness to many major historical events throughout the formation and development of Côn Đảo. Few would expect that behind today's peaceful beauty lie layers of historical sediment steeped in tears, blood, and human destinies.
According to historical records, Co Ong Village was established in the late 18th century, associated with the period when Nguyen Anh was fleeing the Tay Son movement. During that wandering time, Côn Đảo in general and the Co Ong region in particular became a temporary refuge, bearing the footsteps of fierce political upheavals at the end of the feudal era. It is from this context that this land began to enter history not only through its geographical role, but through tragic stories associated with the royal family of the Nguyen dynasty.
The most prominent in folk memory is the tragedy of ba Hoang Phi Yen - concubine of Nguyen Anh - and Prince Hoi An. The legend of the injustice, separation, and mysterious death of the mother and son has become one of the saddest stories in Vietnam's feudal history, passed down through generations of residents Côn Đảo. These stories make Co Ong Village not just a place to live, but also a spiritual space where people express their sympathy and gratitude to those whose lives were caught up in the whirlpool of history.
Entering the 20th century, this area once again entered national history in a completely different role – the role of a freedom-welcoming point. On the morning of September 17, 1945, after the August Revolution, a series of revolutionary boats secretly docked here to welcome more than 1,800 communist soldiers imprisoned at the Côn Đảo prison back to the mainland. That moment marked the end of years of harsh imprisonment, opening a new chapter in the lives of thousands of the nation's elite children.
It is precisely the intersection of royal tragedy and revolutionary spirit, of tears and triumph, that has elevated the Co Ong area far beyond the meaning of a mere beach. This place has become a sacred landmark, embodying the nation's bloodline, the fighting spirit, and the Vietnamese people's aspiration for freedom.
Today, standing before the tranquil Co Ong beach, listening to the gentle waves and looking at the azure sky Côn Đảo, visitors not only feel the beauty of nature, but also seem to listen to the lingering echoes of history.
Tourism Activities and Daily Life
The Co Ong area currently belongs to the conservation zone of Côn Đảo National Park, so its marine ecosystem is extremely rich. The area around Côn Đảo features nearly 1,400 hectares of coral reefs and 2,400 hectares of seagrass beds, alongside hundreds of species of fish, sea turtles, and rare dugongs. Visitors coming here can participate in activities such as snorkeling to admire coral reefs, swimming at Dam Trau Beach, or, in the summer, having the opportunity to release baby turtles back into the sea. Along the shore, there are seagrass beds and submerged rocky reefs, which are ideal for those who love exploring the shallow seabed and catching snails. Under the canopy of coastal casuarina trees, visitors can rest, hang hammocks, or organize picnics, enjoying the open space and watching the sunrise over the sea.
On Co Ong Road, the mountain and sea landscapes blend together to create an invaluable nature journey. Visitors can rent a motorbike or electric car for a ride, stop to take photos, or enjoy recreational fishing. Famous stops along this route, such as Dam Trau Beach, Tau Be Cape, and Nhat Beach, are all nearby and offer panoramic views of the blue sea. The fresh air, calm waves, and quiet scenery make this an ideal place to relax after long, busy days.
Resort and Surrounding Area
Although the Co Ong coastal area still retains its pristine, quiet beauty and remains largely unaffected by urbanization, visitors can feel completely at ease with their accommodation choices, featuring many quality hotels and resorts located within a convenient travel radius. This is also what makes Côn Đảo special: developing selective tourism that prioritizes natural experiences and tranquility over sheer volume.
If you are looking for a world-class 5-star resort, Six Senses Côn Đảo as the island's most prominent name, although its actual location is at Dat Doc Beach – about 9–10 km from the Co Ong area towards the town center, not right next to Co Ong. The resort features 50 independent beachfront villas, each with its own infinity pool, open spaces facing the sea or mountains, along with a luxury spa and exquisite dining. If your itinerary combines both Co Ong and the town center, this is still a worthwhile stop for 1–2 nights of luxurious relaxation.
In the area near Cỏ Ống and the airport in particular, accommodation options are mainly homestays and small-scale hotels, suitable for travelers who want to rest right after landing or before their flight without having to travel far.
Additionally, the central area of Côn Đảo town, located about 10–15 km from Co Ong, is home to many 2–4 star hotels, guesthouses, and comfortable homestays. The accommodations here cater to a wide range of needs, from budget-friendly stays, family vacations, and trips with friends, to travelers who want to stay close to the market, pier, restaurants, and famous spiritual attractions.
From these accommodations, visitors can easily travel to the Co Ong area and other landmarks by motorbike, taxi, or electric car, with a relatively short distance and very scenic roadside views.
Local Culture & Cuisine
Côn Đảo has long been known as “the largest fresh seafood basket in the entire country,” thanks to its location amidst one of Vietnam's deepest, cleanest, and most ecologically rich marine regions. The seafood here is abundant year-round and largely unaffected by industrial aquaculture, preserving its natural freshness, sweetness, and firm texture. Therefore, the journey to explore the Co Ong area would remain incomplete if visitors missed the characteristic coastal culinary experience of Côn Đảo.
Among the must-try specialties, the most prominent is the red lobster Côn Đảo - a type of lobster with firm flesh and a rich, sweet taste, usually prepared simply by steaming, grilling, or making porridge to fully retain the essence of the sea. The moon crab, with its uniquely patterned shell, not only impresses visually but also conquers diners with its firm, fragrant, and mildly fatty meat. The lady breast snail, a rare snail species living only in clean coastal waters, offers a distinctive crunchy and sweet flavor, usually grilled with scallion oil or steamed with lemongrass.
In particular, when mentioning Côn Đảo cuisine, one cannot ignore houndshark salad (shark salad) – a dish that has become the culinary “business card” of the island. This salad was once honored as a typical Vietnamese dish in phase I – 2022, affirming its unique position on the seafood culinary map. Fresh houndshark is skillfully prepared to retain its crispness, mixed with characteristic Côn Đảo forest herbs, roasted peanuts, grated coconut, and enjoyed with a bowl of flavorful sweet and sour fish sauce.
After relaxing hours at the Co Ong area, visitors can join their family or friends in visiting coastal seafood restaurants or the central Côn Đảo area to enjoy a dinner rich in island flavors: charcoal-grilled seafood, sea fish hotpot, local braised fish, or rustic dishes of the indigenous residents.
The Ideal Time
The weather in Côn Đảo features a tropical monsoon climate, divided into two distinct seasons: the dry season and the rainy season, each offering a very different travel experience.
The dry season in Côn Đảo usually lasts from around April to September and is considered the best time of the year. During this period, the sea is calm, waves are gentle, breezes are soft, the sky is clear blue, and bright golden sunshine fills the air. In particular, from April to June is the “golden time” to visit Côn Đảo when the weather is stable, rainfall is low, and the seawater is crystal clear—ideal conditions for swimming, scuba diving, kayaking, or simply relaxing by the shore.
The period from July to September is also favored by many travelers. Although there may be a few brief showers, the weather is generally quite pleasant, and the sea is not too rough. This is also the breeding season for sea turtles – a rare nature experience, featuring eco-tours to observe turtles coming ashore to lay eggs and to release hatchlings into the sea.
Conversely, from October to March of the following year is when Côn Đảo enters the strong wind season, which significantly affects the Con Son Bay area. Strong winds and high waves can make boat travel difficult. However, not all beaches are poor during this season—on the west and southwest of the main island, many beaches remain quite calm, making them suitable for visitors looking to avoid the crowds.
Therefore, for a smooth trip, travelers should prioritize April to June, while also booking train tickets, flight tickets, and accommodations early to minimize weather-related risks.
Travel and Train Ticket Booking Thăng Long
The fastest way to get to Côn Đảo is still by plane from Ho Chi Minh City, Cần Thơ, or Hanoi, landing directly at Co Ong Airport. However, an equally fresh and exciting option is traveling by high-speed ferry. Thăng Long is the super high-speed ferry of Phú Quốc Express – Vietnam's largest monohull high-speed ferry (77 meters long, with a capacity of 1,017 passengers) featuring 4 decks, including 2 Eco economy decks, 1 VIP deck, and a rooftop Cafe Deck where visitors can sip drinks while enjoying the sea view.
Note: Vessel Thăng Long operates alternately between two routes – Vũng Tàu–Côn Đảo and HCMC (Hiep Phuoc)–Côn Đảo – depending on the period, and does not run both simultaneously. The schedule information below applies when the vessel is operating the HCMC route; please check the current timetable on phuquocexpress.com or call the hotline before planning your trip.
When operating the Ho Chi Minh City route, the vessel runs at a speed of 30 knots, shortening the journey time to just about 5 hours from Hiep Phuoc port (Ho Chi Minh City) to Ben Dam port (Côn Đảo). The ship departs from Hiep Phuoc at 7:00 AM and from Ben Dam at 1:00 PM, with a frequency of about 3 trips per week, helping tourists make the most of their time on the island.
Passengers can choose Eco seats (2nd-3rd floor, spacious, complimentary bottled water) or VIP seats (1st floor, reclining seats with an entertainment screen and complimentary soft drinks), offering the comfortable feel of a business class cabin on a high-end aircraft. Travelers can also relax at the rooftop Coffee Rooftop area, enjoying coffee while taking in the vast ocean view.
To book tickets, visitors can visit the official booking website phuquocexpress.com, select the “Ho Chi Minh – Côn Đảo” route, choose their seat type, and pay online to receive their electronic ticket immediately. Alternatively, they can contact the hotline at 0901 868 878 for assistance. Reference ticket prices are 880,000 VND (Eco) and 1,100,000 VND (VIP) one-way for weekday departures, and from 980,000 VND (Eco) / 1,100,000 VND (VIP) on weekends or holidays. Children under 6 years old travel free of charge (sharing a seat), while children aged 6–11 and seniors over 60 are eligible for child tickets. It is recommended to book tickets 3–5 days in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure availability and better rates.
After arriving at Ben Dam Port, it only takes visitors about 5 to 10 minutes by motorbike or taxi to get to the center of the town. Many hotels and resorts in Côn Đảo offer port pickup services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Co Ong Beach a private beach in Côn Đảo?
Not really. “Co Ong” is the name of both an ancient fishing village and a coastal road. The main beach in this area is widely known as Dam Trau Beach, located right next to Côn Đảo airport.
What is the best time to visit the Co Ong area?
From April to June is the golden time—calm sea, clear sky, favorable for all outdoor activities. July to September is still quite pleasant and is the sea turtle nesting season.
How long does it take to get from Côn Đảo airport to the town center?
About 15 km, equivalent to 20–30 minutes of traveling by motorbike or taxi via Co Ong Street.
Does the Thăng Long train currently run the Ho Chi Minh City – Côn Đảo route?
The vessel Thăng Long alternates between the Vũng Tàu–Côn Đảo and HCMC–Côn Đảo routes depending on the period. Passengers are advised to check the latest schedule on phuquocexpress.com or call 0901 868 878 before booking tickets.
Travel Tips for Bai Co Ong
- Sea turtle conservation: When visiting Côn Đảo (especially during the turtle nesting season), remember that all behaviors must comply with conservation regulations. Do not disturb turtle nests, do not litter, and limit bright lights at night so as not to affect baby turtles. Many tourists have discovered turtles entangled in nets and rescued them in time; you too can contribute to protecting the marine environment of Côn Đảo.
- Amenities: The Co Ong area is still quite pristine, so there are not many services. You should bring snacks, drinks, sunscreen, hats, and insect repellent when trekking through the forest or camping. If you are staying at a resort, you just need to prepare breathable clothing and beach shoes.
- Network & power: Most resorts and island centers have stable Wi-Fi, but mobile phone signals in remote areas can be intermittent. Plan your check-in spots and proactively check the ferry schedule via the mobile app.
- Respect local culture: Côn Đảo is a land rich in historical and cultural values. When visiting the martyrs“ cemetery, Lady Phi Yen Temple, or Vo Thi Sau's grave, you should dress modestly and maintain a solemn attitude. When shopping for souvenirs, choose local handicrafts such as wild myrtle wine or specialty bang nut jam, which are the soul of Côn Đảo.
- Beach safety: The sea around the Co Ong area is relatively calm, but there are still hidden rocky reefs. Always keep an eye on the sea and avoid overly deep water areas when there is no guide. The Thăng Long boat is rated as having limited motion sickness, so guests can rest assured using this service instead of worrying about motion sickness.
The Co Ong Côn Đảo area boasts pristine natural beauty alongside a rich and unique historical and cultural heritage. From here, visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling to admire the coral reefs, or simply taking in the peaceful scenery. Especially with the Thăng Long high-speed ferry operated by Phú Quốc Express, the journey to Côn Đảo has become easier and more exciting than ever. Schedule a trip to Côn Đảo now and book your ferry tickets early on the website phuquocexpress.com or call the hotline 0901 868 878 and fully explore the wonders of the Co Ong area – a rare natural gem of Vietnam.
