Family Adventure in the Pristine Con Dao Islands

A Day of Serenity and Discovery in Con Dao

Today, Con Dao revealed more of its tranquil beauty. We started our day with the promise of serene beaches and ended it with the taste of authentic Vietnamese cuisine. It’s amazing how much you can experience in a single day when you embrace the spirit of adventure.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at Julia's Garden - Cafe and Dining. The cafe was tucked away, offering a peaceful start amidst lush greenery. Klara loved the eco-friendly vibe, admiring how the furniture was repurposed from recycled wood. Mateo was captivated by the little swing set, while I enjoyed a strong Vietnamese coffee, planning our day ahead. It's these simple moments, enjoying local spots, that really make a trip special. It reminded me of some of the cozy cafes we used to frequent in Potsdam, although none quite had this island charm.


Discover culinary delights at Julia's Garden - Cafe and Dining in Côn Đảo, where every meal is a celebration of Vietnamese flavors amidst stunning scenery.

Fueled up, we set off to Dat Tham Beach. The drive itself was beautiful, with glimpses of the ocean peeking through the trees. Dat Tham Beach is known for its pristine condition and beautiful corals. The beach was secluded, just as we like it, offering a sense of privacy and tranquility. Mateo was thrilled to build sandcastles, while Klara and I took turns snorkeling, marveling at the vibrant coral reefs just a short distance from the shore. I made sure to apply plenty of sunscreen, remembering our forgotten mosquito repellent from the essentials list – a lesson learned! It was a perfect morning, the kind where you lose track of time and simply enjoy being present.


Experience the tranquility and natural beauty of Dat Tham Beach, a hidden gem in Vietnam's coastal paradise, perfect for relaxation and exploration.

After a refreshing morning at the beach, our next stop was the Holy Cave. The path to the cave was an adventure in itself, a mini-trek through the island's lush forest. The trail was short but engaging, with stone steps leading us deeper into the greenery. As we walked, I couldn't help but reflect on the island's history, imagining the stories this cave could tell. Reaching the Holy Cave, we found a serene and spiritual atmosphere. The cave, nestled in the jungle, felt like a hidden sanctuary. It was a moment of quiet contemplation, a chance to appreciate the blend of nature and history that defines Con Dao.


Explore the serene beauty and spiritual significance of Holy Cave, a hidden gem in Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Vietnam, perfect for pilgrimage and adventure.

Sometimes, the most profound experiences are found in the quietest of places.

For lunch, we headed to Kwai's Bistro Con Dao. This bistro had a cool, laid-back vibe with both indoor and outdoor seating. Klara opted for a fresh juice, Mateo enjoyed a hearty meal, and I decided to try one of their custom cocktails. The bartender whipped up something unique based on my preferences, which was a fun experience. Kwai's Bistro turned out to be a great spot for a relaxed lunch, offering a mix of local and international flavors.


Discover authentic Vietnamese flavors at Kwai's Bistro Con Dao, where every meal is an unforgettable experience in paradise.

With the afternoon stretching ahead, we decided to indulge in a little retail therapy at Hin Beautytips - Mỹ Phẩm, Phụ Kiện, Quần Áo, Nước Hoa Côn Đảo. While Klara explored the beauty products, Mateo was more interested in the accessories. I found a nice, lightweight shirt, perfect for the tropical weather. It's always fun to pick up a little something to remember a place by, and this shop had a great selection of local goods.


Discover the essence of beauty and style at Hin Beautytips, your go-to cosmetics and fashion stop in beautiful Côn Đảo.

As evening approached, we made our way to Nhà hàng Thu Ba for dinner. This restaurant is one of the oldest and most well-known on the island, famous for its fresh seafood. We ordered a variety of dishes, including grilled fish, seafood salad, and stir-fried noodles. The flavors were incredible, a true taste of Con Dao. Mateo particularly enjoyed the grilled fish, while Klara raved about the seafood salad. The atmosphere was lively, filled with locals and tourists alike, all enjoying the delicious food. It was the perfect way to end our day, savoring the island's culinary delights.


Experience authentic Vietnamese seafood delicacies at Nhà Hàng Thu Ba in Côn Đảo's stunning surroundings.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, we're planning to visit Van Son Pagoda and the Côn Đảo Market. I'm particularly excited about the pagoda, as I've heard it offers stunning panoramic views of the island. Klara is looking forward to exploring the local market, hoping to find some unique souvenirs. And Mateo, well, he's just excited for more adventures.

As I sit here, writing this blog post, I can't help but feel grateful for the experiences we had today. Con Dao is a place that captivates the senses, offering a blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural richness. It's a reminder of why we travel, to discover new places, connect with different cultures, and create lasting memories with family. And as we continue our journey, I'm excited to see what tomorrow brings.

Tomorrow, we plan to start our day with breakfast at MAY BISTRO, followed by a visit to the Van Son Pagoda and the Côn Đảo Market. For lunch, we're thinking of trying Nhà hàng Poulo Condore, and in the evening, we'll head to Bar 200 - By The Beach for dinner and the Sunset Lounge for drinks. It sounds like another day full of exploration and relaxation!