Con Dao has 20 nice sandy beaches, mountains and primitive forests that create a poetic landscape. White sand dunes slope gently to the sea, luring tourists not only to swim, play with the waves and discover the beauty of the coral reefs with scuba diving, but also to fish for squid. In war time, the island was used as a political prison.

From now until December 31, Saigontourist Travel Service Company and Vasco Airlines are offering an attractive three-day tour called ‘Con Dao’s memory itinerary’ for VND2.925 million. This tour departs on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. For seasoned tourists and former prisoners of Con Dao, the price is VND2.525 million.

The tour visits Co Ong and Lo Voi villages, Hang Keo and Hang Duong cemeteries, the local museum, Phu Hai and Phu Son prisons to offer a glimpse of Vietnamese history. The tour also hits Dam Trau and Bai Nhat beaches, striking in their pristine condition, Ben Dam Wharf and Da Trang Beach with its white rocks.

Accommodations on this tour are at the Saigon-Con Dao Resort. This facility was inaugurated in June and boasts 82 luxury rooms, fine restaurants and an entertainment area. Tourists can also stay in a 31 room villa which was renovated on the basis of 19th century villas used as the living and working quarters for French colonial officials.

Located in the center of the island, Con Dao Resort is charming with its riverside road embracing the sunny, blue coast. The villas feature ocean-views and are covered in shade from dense green groves.

The tour also includes local seafood specialties and European, Asian and Vietnamese cuisine.

Saigontourist Travel Service is at 49 Le Thanh Ton Street, District 1, HCMC, tel: 3827 9279