Diving and Snorkelling
The Con Dao Islands are surrounded by the incredible sea-life of one of Vietnam’s best Marine Parks, showcasing over 340 kinds of hard and soft corals, housing a variety of fish and other marine creatures – a staggering 1,400 different species are currently recorded. Snorkel through the turquoise seas or book a scuba tour (no matter what your skill level) to explore this exotic underwater world, passing turtles, rays, cobia, batfish, giant barracuda, small bamboo sharks, dolphins and all manner of tropical reef fish. Generally, the water is at its clearest between February and July.
Wildlife Watching
Charming turtles nest on the surrounding beaches from May to October, so with a little luck you may catch a hatching. Additionally, keep your eyes peeled for the dugong, a hugely rare and unique looking creature with paddle-style flippers, a dolphin-like tail and a downturned snout, designed to chomp across seagrass meadows. This fascinating creature’s feeding ground lies in front of Six Senses Con Dao, home to a little family of dugongs. Protective measures are in place to look after this globally endangered marine animal, and guests are encouraged to help with its conservation. Alternatively, head to the nearby hills and scour the rainforest for Con Dao long-tailed macaques and giant black squirrels.
Family
Con Dao is a brilliant destination for families looking for somewhere off the well-trodden path that offers plenty to see and do, plus luxury villa accommodation. Assorted tours and family escapades include hiking, biking, snorkelling, sailing and private cinema evenings. Whilst you enjoy a spell at the serene spa, the little ones will enjoy hours of fun in ‘Sense of Laughter’, the aptly named children’s club. A hugely varied programme of activities include jungle trips, beach games, sandcastle building, t-shirt
Flight Information
Vietnam Airlines from London Heathrow to Con Dao (via Ho Chi Minh). British Airways from London Heathrow to Bangkok and Hong Kong. Thai Airways from London Heathrow to Bangkok. Singapore Airlines from London Heathrow and Manchester to Singapore.
Onward connecting flights with: Thai Airways from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh. Vietnam Airlines from Bangkok and Hong Kong to Ho Chi Minh. Vietnam Airlines from Ho Chi Minh to Con Dao island.
Flight Times
From London Heathrow to Ho Chi Minh: 12 hours, 35 minutes. London Heathrow to Bangkok: 11 hours, 40 minutes.
London Heathrow to Hong Kong: 11 hours, 55 minutes.
Onward connecting flights from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh: 1 hour, 30 minutes.
From Hong Kong to Ho Chi Minh: 2 hours, 40 minutes.
From Ho Chi Minh to Con Dao: 1 hour.
Travelling With Children or Without an Adult
Children travelling without both parents should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. Please contact the relevant Embassy for the county you are travelling to for further information.
Visa and Advance Passenger Information
All passengers must ensure they have a valid, acceptable passport, any required visa and any other documentation for both the final destination and any stop-off points en route. Please make sure that Advance Passenger Information is submitted in advance to travel for all destinations. Failure to hold correct documentation or submitting incorrect details with Advance Passenger Information or Visa applications may result in refusal of carriage or entry into a country. Please check with the relevant Embassy regarding visa requirements well in advance of your travel date. Charges may apply for some visas.
Passengers not travelling on a British Passport are advised to contact their relevant Foreign & Commonwealth office for individual Visa requirements.
For up-to-date resort information, visit www.fco.gov.uk
Health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary worldwide and you should take health advice about your specific needs from your general practitioner or a specialist clinic as early as possible before travel. Those planning to become pregnant should discuss their travel plans with their healthcare provider to assess their risk of infection with Zika. For information about Zika, other mosquito-borne diseases (such as Dengue fever and Chikungunya), Lyme Disease (caused by tick bites), and to receive advice on mosquito bite avoidance measures, please visit Insect and tick bite avoidance.
In addition, we highly recommend that you seek specialist advice from your doctor and, where recommended, obtain vaccinations or tablets for protection against, for example: Malaria, Hepatitis A, Polio and Typhoid. In some cases, treatments for Malaria should begin well in advance of travel. Travellers may also be required to show Yellow Fever Certificates on arrival in certain destinations ie, some African countries. Please note that you are strongly advised against scuba-diving for 24 hours before travelling by air. We would also like to draw your attention to the risk of DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) and recommend that you consult with your doctor before travelling.
Visit the FCDO website and select your destination country for the very latest travel advice: Foreign Travel Advice. Additional sources of information include: Public Health England, The National Travel Health And Network Centre, Foreign And Commonwealth Office and your General Practitioner or a specialised clinic.