Con Dao tops Travel+Leisure’s list of world’s 30 hidden islands
VOV.VN - US travel magazine Travel+Leisure has ranked Con Dao, an archipelago off the coast of southern Vietnam, first on its list of the world’s 30 hidden islands, citing its pristine landscapes, unique ecosystem and rich historical heritage.
In its feature on Con Dao, the magazine describes the island, located off the southeastern coast of Vietnam, as an ideal destination for discovering a more tranquil side of the country. Uncrowded beaches, crystal-clear waters and majestic granite cliffs create the island’s unique appeal.
Travel+Leisure even likens the beauty of Con Dao to Italy’s famous Amalfi Coast, but without the crowds typically found at popular tourist destinations.
According to the US magazine, the islands on the list boast pristine beauty, remain largely untouched by mass tourism, and offer a sense of seclusion from the pace of modern life. These destinations are ideal for travelers seeking privacy, tranquility and a close connection with nature.
The list also includes destinations such as Gili Trawangan in Indonesia, Pico in Portugal, Sandön in Sweden, Scrub Island in the British Virgin Islands, and Skopelos in Greece.
The ranking adds to Con Dao’s growing international recognition. Previously, Business Insider listed Con Dao among the world’s most mysterious islands, CNN hailed it as one of Asia’s beach paradises, and Lonely Planet ranked it among Asia’s top destinations. In 2024, both Time Out and Vogue also included Con Dao on their lists of must-visit destinations worldwide.
Located approximately 185 km from the mainland, Con Dao comprises 16 islands with a total area of about 76 sq.km. In addition to its diverse marine ecosystem and activities such as coral diving, trekking and watching sea turtles lay their eggs, the destination is also known for Con Dao Prison and Hang Duong Cemetery.
According to the People’s Committee of Con Dao Special Zone, the destination welcomed more than 410,000 visitors in the first six months of 2026, up 3.5% from the same period last year. International arrivals reached nearly 24,000, marking a 62% year-on-year increase, while tourism revenue was estimated at more than VND2 trillion, up 15%.
These figures underscore Con Dao’s growing appeal among domestic and international travelers.
Con Dao among world’s top 7 destinations for sea turtle releases
VOV.VN - Six Senses Con Dao in Ho Chi Minh City has been named one of seven destinations offering structured sea turtle conservation programmes, allowing visitors to take part in controlled, educational release activities, according to Condé Nast Traveler’s Earth Day list.
