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National park guide

Con Dao National Park

Con Dao National Park protects terrestrial forest and marine ecosystems across the Con Dao archipelago, now administered by Ho Chi Minh City. It was established on 31 March 1993 under Decision 135/TTg. Current conservation datasets use several spatial scopes: the park's biodiversity database gives 19,883.15 hectares (5,883.15 terrestrial and 14,000 marine) plus a 20,500-hectare marine buffer; the Ramsar information sheet uses 19,990.7 hectares (5,990.7 terrestrial and 14,000 marine); ASEAN Heritage Park documentation uses 463.063 km² for its recognition scope. These figures are retained separately. Con Dao is Ramsar Site No. 2203, an ASEAN Heritage Park, an IUCN Green List site and one of Vietnam's most important sea-turtle conservation landscapes.

Overview

Understand the park as a protected ecological system, not simply a recreation area.

Con Dao National Park is a rare protected-area system where island forest, mangrove, coral reef, seagrass, sandy nesting beaches and surrounding tropical sea are managed as one conservation landscape. The park was established in 1993. Its current biodiversity database reports 19,883.15 hectares, including 5,883.15 hectares of island forest and 14,000 hectares of marine conservation area, with an additional 20,500-hectare marine buffer. The Ramsar information sheet uses a slightly older 19,990.7-hectare park scope, while ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity documentation gives 463.063 km² for the ASEAN Heritage Park recognition area. These are different designation or boundary datasets and should not be silently merged. The park is Ramsar Site No. 2203, recognized regionally as an ASEAN Heritage Park, and appears on the IUCN Green List. It protects Vietnam's leading marine-turtle nesting landscape, important dugong feeding habitat, extensive coral reefs and seagrass, alongside endemic island taxa and tropical forest. Since the 2025 administrative reorganization, Con Dao National Park is under Ho Chi Minh City; Decision 2096/QĐ-UBND dated 8 April 2026 defines the management board as a public service unit directly under the city People's Committee with responsibility for forest, marine protected area and Ramsar management. Con Dao is not a UNESCO World Heritage property.

Key things to understand

  • Use current provinceSlug ho-chi-minh-city; Ba Ria–Vung Tau belongs to historical/source-era geography.
  • Keep terrestrial and marine conservation components explicit.
  • Preserve the 19,883.15-ha current database, 19,990.7-ha Ramsar and 463.063-km² ASEAN recognition scopes separately.
  • Treat the 20,500-ha marine buffer as additional to the current biodiversity-database park area.
  • Recognize Con Dao as one of Vietnam's most important marine-turtle nesting landscapes.
  • Treat turtle nesting and hatchling release as conservation programs, not guaranteed tourist spectacles.
  • Protect coral reefs and seagrass as linked habitats rather than separate attractions.
  • Treat dugong habitat as highly sensitive; never promise sightings or publish precise locations.
  • Recognize the park's Ramsar, ASEAN Heritage Park and IUCN Green List statuses without calling any of them UNESCO World Heritage.
  • Use current Ho Chi Minh City governance established in 2026.
  • Keep Con Dao historical heritage and the natural national-park identity distinct.
  • Enable Nature Map only; no Heritage Map opt-in.
Park perspective

How to understand this protected landscape

Why it matters

Con Dao protects one of Vietnam's most complete island–marine conservation systems and its most important sea-turtle nesting landscape.

What makes it distinctive

Tropical island forest, endemic terrestrial fauna, turtle beaches, seagrass and diverse coral reefs are protected within one connected archipelago.

What visitors often miss

The turtle experience is only the most visible part of a much larger conservation system in which healthy seagrass, reefs, forest, freshwater and controlled human access all matter.

A national park across the Con Dao islands and surrounding sea, protecting Vietnam's leading turtle-nesting beaches together with coral reefs, seagrass and tropical island forest.

Protected landscape

Why this national park exists

Identity
Protected Area Role
Island and marine national park conserving forest, wetlands, coral reefs, seagrass, beaches and threatened marine fauna.
Turtle Role
Vietnam's leading marine-turtle nesting and conservation landscape.
Marine Role
Marine protected area with reefs, seagrass, shallow coastal ecosystems and open-water connections.
Forest Role
Protects tropical island forest, endemic taxa, freshwater regulation and erosion control.
Visitor Role
High-value conservation destination where marine and terrestrial tourism must remain tightly managed.
Core Insight
Con Dao's exceptional value comes from ecological continuity between protected island forest, nesting beaches, seagrass meadows and coral reefs.
Designation
National Park
Established 31 March 1993 under Decision 135/TTg.
Ramsar
Con Dao National Park is Ramsar Site No. 2203, an internationally important wetland.
Asean Heritage Park
ASEAN documentation gives declaration year 2022; the certificate and official launch were celebrated in April–May 2023.
Iucn Green List
Current IUCN Green List site; the Green List database records evaluation/submission milestones in 2025.
Current Governance
Ho Chi Minh City Decision 2096/QĐ-UBND dated 8 April 2026 defines the park management board and its forest, marine protected-area and Ramsar functions.
World Heritage
Not a UNESCO World Heritage property.
Ecosystems

Connected habitats shape the protected landscape

01

Tropical island forest

Evergreen and island forest across mountainous granite terrain.

Why it matters

Endemic terrestrial biodiversity, freshwater regulation and erosion protection.

Visitor impact

Fire, off-route trekking and wildlife disturbance can degrade habitat.

02

Mangrove forest

Tidal woody vegetation in suitable sheltered coastal sectors.

Why it matters

Nursery habitat, shoreline function and land–sea connectivity.

Visitor impact

Hydrological disturbance and trampling are harmful.

03

Coral reef

Diverse reef systems around the archipelago.

Why it matters

ASEAN documentation records 354 coral species.

Visitor impact

Anchoring, standing, touching and pollution damage coral.

04

Seagrass meadow

Shallow marine flowering-plant habitat.

Why it matters

Feeding habitat for dugong and nursery habitat for marine fauna.

Visitor impact

Anchors, propellers and sediment disturbance can damage beds.

05

Sea-turtle nesting beach

Sandy beaches used by marine turtles for nesting.

Why it matters

Con Dao is among Vietnam's most important nesting landscapes.

Visitor impact

Light, noise, crowding and direct handling require strict control.

06

Rocky coast and shallow marine habitat

Granite shore, bays and shallow-water ecological mosaics.

Why it matters

Adds marine habitat diversity and scenic value.

Visitor impact

Wave, current and physical disturbance risks require management.

Conditions & safety

Weather, terrain and preparation shape the visit

Safety

Prepare for terrain, weather and changing conditions

Low Impact Practice
  • Use authorized turtle-conservation programs only.
  • Never use flash around nesting turtles.
  • Do not touch turtles, eggs or hatchlings unless conservation staff explicitly direct participation.
  • Never stand on or touch coral.
  • Do not anchor on coral or seagrass.
  • Keep boat speeds appropriate in sensitive marine habitat.
  • Do not collect shells, coral, plants or wildlife.
  • Carry out unmanaged waste.
  • Use authorized forest trails.
  • Do not light unauthorized fires.
  • Do not feed macaques or other wildlife.
  • Do not publish sensitive nest, dugong or wildlife locations.
  • Do not assume drone permission.
  • Follow park, marine, weather and seasonal restrictions.
Conservation

Visitor access is subordinate to protection

Current conservation context
Priorities
  • Sea turtles
  • Coral reefs
  • Seagrass
  • Dugong habitat
  • Island forest
  • Endemic taxa
  • Marine mammals
  • Wetlands
  • Freshwater regulation
  • Fire prevention
  • Low-impact tourism
Pressures
  • Marine pollution
  • Plastic waste
  • Boat disturbance
  • Anchoring
  • Illegal extraction
  • Wildlife disturbance
  • Tourism pressure
  • Forest fire
  • Climate change
  • Coral heat stress
Management2026
Current Ho Chi Minh City governance explicitly integrates forest, marine protected area and Ramsar management.
Tourism Principle
Tourism must remain within ecological carrying capacity and conservation zoning.
Wildlife & visit planning

Observe responsibly and choose a visit that fits

Wildlife

Observe without turning wildlife into a target

Photography
Subjects
  • Island forest
  • Granite coast
  • Coral from responsible underwater activity
  • Seagrass landscapes where visible
  • Sea turtles under ranger rules
  • Common wildlife
  • Coastal scenery
Turtles
No flash, crowding, touching or obstruction.
Underwater
Maintain buoyancy and never contact coral.
Wildlife
No baiting, feeding or chasing.
Geotagging
Avoid sensitive turtle, dugong and threatened-species locations.
Drone
Do not assume permission over national-park islands, wildlife beaches or marine protected areas.
Access
Regional Gateway
Con Dao archipelago.
Current Administration
Ho Chi Minh City.
Transport Context
Access to the archipelago is by air and sea services; individual park sites may require boats or park-arranged transport.
Operational Rule
Flights, ferries, boats, island access, turtle programs, diving and fees are time-sensitive.
Accessibility
Managed Sites
Some visitor facilities and coastal sites may be relatively accessible.
Forest
Steep natural trails have limited accessibility.
Marine
Boat boarding, beaches and snorkeling/diving create activity-specific barriers.
Remote Islands
Remote conservation islands can be substantially less accessible.
Best Strategy
Assess each current park program separately.
Plan your visit

Choose a visit that matches your time and ability

01

Con Dao land–sea introduction

Full day
  1. Park orientation
  2. Authorized forest/coastal route
  3. Marine ecosystem interpretation
  4. Turtle-conservation context

Best for: First-time nature visitors

02

Marine conservation day

Full day where currently authorized
  1. Marine briefing
  2. Responsible snorkeling/diving or boat experience
  3. Coral/seagrass interpretation
  4. Dugong habitat context without sighting expectation

Best for: Marine nature travelers

03

Sea-turtle conservation experience

According to current biological and park schedule
  1. Conservation briefing
  2. Authorized nesting-beach access
  3. Observation under ranger rules
  4. Hatchling-release participation only if officially scheduled

Best for: Conservation-focused visitors

Visitor fit

Who gets the most from the park

Marine conservation travelerExceptional

Sea turtles, coral, seagrass and marine mammals make Con Dao nationally important.

Turtle conservation learnerExceptional

Con Dao is Vietnam's leading marine-turtle nesting landscape.

Diver/snorkelerVery high with authorized operators

The park protects extensive and diverse coral habitat.

Forest hikerHigh

Island forest and mountainous terrain complement the marine landscape.

Wildlife photographerHigh with strict ethics

Island endemics and marine wildlife are significant but sensitive.

Mobility-limited visitorVariable

Some managed sites may work while boats, forest trails and remote islands are difficult.

Avoid the wrong mental model

Common misconceptions

01

Con Dao National Park is currently administered by Ho Chi Minh City, not Ba Ria–Vung Tau.

02

19,883.15 ha, 19,990.7 ha and 463.063 km² belong to different current/historical designation scopes.

03

The 20,500-ha marine buffer is additional to the current 19,883.15-ha park database area.

04

ASEAN Heritage Park is not UNESCO World Heritage.

05

Ramsar status is not UNESCO World Heritage.

06

IUCN Green List status is not UNESCO World Heritage.

07

Sea-turtle programs do not guarantee nesting or hatching on a visitor's chosen date.

08

Dugong habitat does not mean dugongs are easy to see.

09

Con Dao's historical memorial landscape should not be conflated with the national park.

Timeline

How the protected landscape reached its present status

1993-03-31

Con Dao National Park established

Decision 135/TTg establishes the modern national park.

2013–2014

Ramsar international recognition

Con Dao becomes Ramsar Site No. 2203; public sources vary between announcement/recognition year references, while Ramsar documentation defines the formal site record.

2022

ASEAN Heritage Park declaration

ACB's current profile lists Con Dao as declared an ASEAN Heritage Park in 2022.

2023-04

ASEAN Heritage Park certificate celebrated

Con Dao marks its 30th anniversary and receives/celebrates the ASEAN Heritage Park certificate.

2025

IUCN Green List evaluation milestones

IUCN's site database records evaluation and Green List committee submission milestones.

2026-04-08

Ho Chi Minh City management framework

Decision 2096/QĐ-UBND defines the current Con Dao National Park Management Board under Ho Chi Minh City.

2026-07

Current sustainable-conservation agenda

The park continues public communication around sustainable biodiversity, forest, marine and wetland conservation.

Glossary

Useful ecology and conservation terms

Côn Đảo
Southern Vietnamese archipelago whose terrestrial and surrounding marine ecosystems form Con Dao National Park.
Marine protected area
Managed marine space where biodiversity conservation controls extraction and visitor use.
Ramsar Site
Wetland of international importance recognized under the Ramsar Convention.
ASEAN Heritage Park
Regional ASEAN recognition for protected areas of outstanding conservation importance; distinct from UNESCO World Heritage.
IUCN Green List
International standard recognizing protected areas demonstrating effective and equitable conservation management.
Seagrass meadow
Shallow marine habitat formed by flowering plants and important to dugong, turtles and juvenile marine fauna.
Dugong
Large herbivorous marine mammal dependent on healthy seagrass habitat.
Nesting beach
Beach used by adult female sea turtles to lay eggs and hatchlings to enter the sea.
Marine buffer
Surrounding marine area managed to reduce pressures on the more strictly protected park.
Questions

Frequently asked questions

What is Con Dao National Park?

An island and marine national park protecting forest, coral reefs, seagrass, wetlands and sea-turtle nesting habitat in the Con Dao archipelago.

When was it established?

31 March 1993 under Decision 135/TTg.

Which city administers it now?

Ho Chi Minh City. Decision 2096/QĐ-UBND dated 8 April 2026 defines the current management board under the city People's Committee.

How large is the park?

The current biodiversity database gives 19,883.15 ha: 5,883.15 ha terrestrial and 14,000 ha marine.

Why does the Ramsar document say 19,990.7 ha?

It uses a different boundary vintage: 5,990.7 ha terrestrial plus the same 14,000-ha marine component.

What is the 20,500-ha figure?

The current biodiversity database identifies it as an additional marine buffer area.

Why does ASEAN list 463.063 km²?

That is the ASEAN Heritage Park recognition scope and should not be substituted for the national-park database area.

Is Con Dao a Ramsar site?

Yes, Ramsar Site No. 2203.

Is it an ASEAN Heritage Park?

Yes. ACB's current profile gives declaration year 2022, with official launch/certificate celebration in 2023.

Is it on the IUCN Green List?

Yes, it is currently listed by IUCN.

Is Con Dao UNESCO World Heritage?

No.

Why is Con Dao important for sea turtles?

ASEAN conservation documentation identifies it as Vietnam's most important sea-turtle nesting landscape.

Can I watch turtles nesting?

Only through current authorized conservation programs; nesting cannot be guaranteed.

Can I release hatchlings?

Only when an official conservation program schedules and supervises it.

Are there dugongs?

Con Dao contains important dugong feeding habitat, but sightings are rare and never guaranteed.

How diverse are the corals?

ASEAN documentation reports 354 coral species.

How many vascular plant species are recorded?

ASEAN documentation reports 1,077 species.

Can I snorkel or dive?

Yes in currently authorized areas and services, with strict no-contact reef behavior.

Can I hike in the forest?

Use authorized routes and follow current fire, weather and conservation restrictions.

Can I camp anywhere?

No. Camping must follow current park rules and designated arrangements.

Can I feed monkeys?

No.

Can I fly a drone?

Do not assume permission; national-park, aviation, wildlife and security rules may apply.

What should I check before visiting?

Current flights/ferries, park access, turtle program availability, marine weather, diving/snorkeling operations, trail/fire restrictions and fees.

What is the best way to understand Con Dao National Park?

Treat forest, nesting beaches, seagrass and coral reefs as one connected island–marine conservation system.

Sources

Primary references

Ho Chi Minh City Official GazetteDecision 2096/QĐ-UBND on functions, duties, powers and structure of Con Dao National Park Management Board
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Con Dao National Park Biodiversity DatabaseBiodiversity Database Con Dao National Park
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ASEAN Centre for BiodiversityCon Dao Marine Protected Area
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IUCN Green ListCon Dao National Park
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Ramsar Sites Information ServiceInformation Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands – Con Dao National Park
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ASEAN Clearing House MechanismViet Nam launches Con Dao National Park as its 12th ASEAN Heritage Park
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Con Dao National ParkOfficial ecotourism and conservation website
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Ho Chi Minh City Official GazetteDecision 4049/QĐ-UBND
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