Vietnam’s Con Dao Island ranked fourth on a list of the ten most attractive places in Asia, published by the travel site Lonely Planet.

Summer days in Con Dao Island (Photo: bariavungtautourism)

Con Dao, an island belonging to Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, remains a mystery to many tourists. It is the largest of 15 islands in the Con Dao Archipelago, 80km from the mainland Mekong Delta region and 230km from Saigon.

The island became famous as the site of a brutal colonial prison during the war. Now it is a peaceful, tranquil island popular with fishermen and tourists who enjoy the beauty of sparkling sea, and white sand.

Con Dao Island at sun down (Photo: bariavungtautourism)

Dugongs (sea cows) and sea turtles lay their eggs on the beaches from March to August. The winter months on Con Son are dry, and have rough seas and strong winds from the northeast. The summer months bring occasional monsoon rains, but the seas remain calm and clear; the bays’ beautiful and tranquil.

Other top destinations on Lonely Planet’s list are Hokkaido (Japan), Shanghai (China), and Jeonju (Republic of Korea).

( According to bariavungtautourism )