Exploring the Pristine Beauty of Con Dao Islands with Friends

A Day of Remembrance

Today was a day of deep reflection here on Con Dao. It’s hard to reconcile the island's serene beauty with its poignant history, but today, I felt it was important to pay my respects and try to understand the layers of the past. Experiencing this with friends made it all the more meaningful, a shared journey into the heart of Vietnamese history.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Infinity Cafe & Restaurant. The cafe was charming, decorated in a vintage style with beautiful flowers, and the coffee was strong – just what I needed to prepare for the day ahead. I opted for a traditional Vietnamese coffee, while some of my friends tried the European-style breakfast options. It's amazing how a good cup of coffee can set the tone for the day, even a day filled with heavy emotions.


Discover delectable Vietnamese cuisine at Infinity Cafe & Restaurant, where breathtaking views meet culinary excellence in Côn Đảo.

Our first stop was the Vo Thi Sau Hero Grave. I had read about Vo Thi Sau, the young woman who became a symbol of Vietnamese resistance, but standing at her grave, the weight of her sacrifice felt incredibly real. The atmosphere was peaceful, with locals and tourists alike paying their respects, offering flowers and incense.


Explore Vo Thi Sau Hero Grave in Con Dao, Vietnam—a serene memorial honoring the resilience and sacrifice of a national hero amidst breathtaking natural beauty.

Visiting the grave of Vo Thi Sau is a powerful reminder of the human cost of conflict and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

Learning about her story, a young girl who joined the Viet Minh at 13 and was executed at just 19 for her resistance against French colonial rule, was heart-wrenching. It’s a stark reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of independence. It made me think about Olivia and the freedoms we often take for granted back in Toronto. I found myself wishing I had brought some lekima flowers to leave as an offering, as they are said to remind people of the heroine.

Next, we walked to the Hang Duong Cemetery, a short distance away. This cemetery is the final resting place for thousands of Vietnamese revolutionaries and prisoners who died at the Con Dao Prison. As we walked through the rows of graves, many unmarked, the sheer scale of loss was overwhelming. The cemetery is meticulously maintained, a testament to the respect and reverence the Vietnamese people hold for those who perished here.


Explore Hang Duong Cemetery in Ba Ria - Vung Tau, a serene memorial honoring Vietnam's brave heroes and rich cultural heritage.

The experience was profoundly moving. It was a somber reminder of the suffering endured by so many for the cause of freedom. The air was thick with history, and I felt a deep sense of humility as I walked among the graves. I couldn't help but think of my own family history, of the challenges my ancestors faced in the British Virgin Islands, and the struggles for equality and justice that continue to this day. It reinforced my commitment to sustainable community development, a way of honoring those sacrifices by building a better future.

For lunch, we headed to Nhà hàng Cánh Buồm, a local restaurant known for its seafood. We feasted on fresh grilled fish, shrimp, and other local specialties. The food was delicious, and the ocean views were stunning. It was a welcome break from the emotional intensity of the morning, a chance to relax and recharge while enjoying the natural beauty of Con Dao. The restaurant’s commitment to using fresh, local ingredients resonated with my own values of supporting sustainable practices.


Discover authentic Vietnamese cuisine at Nhà Hàng Cánh Buồm in Côn Đảo, where fresh seafood meets breathtaking ocean views.

In the evening, we had dinner at Nhà Hàng Bến Cảng - Seafood Restaurant. The restaurant is located near the harbor, and the seafood was incredibly fresh. We tried several local delicacies, including snails and sea cucumbers. The atmosphere was relaxing, and we enjoyed watching the boats come and go as we ate. It was a perfect way to end a day of reflection, a chance to savor the flavors of Con Dao and appreciate the simple pleasures of life.


Experience the freshest seafood delights with stunning views at Nhà Hàng Bến Cảng in beautiful Côn Đảo, Vietnam.

After dinner, some of us decided to check out LoCo Lodge & Pub for a nightcap. It was a laid-back spot with a friendly atmosphere. We sat outside, enjoying the cool evening air and sharing stories from our travels. It was a nice way to unwind after a long day, a chance to connect with my friends and reflect on everything we had experienced.


Discover the vibrant atmosphere of LoCo Lodge & Pub, a perfect blend of delicious food, craft drinks, and cozy island charm on Côn Đảo.

As I sit here writing this, I’m struck by the contrast between the beauty of Con Dao and its dark past. It’s a place of both sorrow and resilience, a reminder of the human capacity for both cruelty and compassion. Visiting the Vo Thi Sau Hero Grave and Hang Duong Cemetery was a powerful experience, one that I won’t soon forget.

Tomorrow, we’re planning to explore the natural side of Con Dao, with a trip to Hòn Bảy Cạnh and Di tích Bãi Sọ Người. I’m looking forward to seeing more of this beautiful island and learning more about its history and culture. I'm also hoping to pick up a few souvenirs at Hiệu Vin Store to bring back to Olivia, a small token of this unforgettable journey.

Before drifting off to sleep, I thought about the importance of remembering the past, of honoring those who sacrificed so much for freedom and independence. Con Dao is a place that stays with you, a place that challenges you to think about the world in new ways. It’s a place I’m grateful to have experienced, and a place I know I’ll carry with me long after I’ve left.

The blend of historical reflection and natural beauty makes Con Dao a truly special place, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share this journey with my friends. As an urban planner, I often think about the importance of preserving history and creating spaces that honor the past while building for the future. Con Dao is a powerful example of how a place can do both, a place that reminds us of the importance of remembrance and reconciliation.