Vietnam is a diverse country with many ideal destinations for team-building activities, perfectly combining breathtaking natural landscapes, rich cultural values, and modern tourism infrastructure. Each region of Vietnam boasts its own unique beauty, from the stunning beaches of the Central Coast and the pristine waterfalls of the Central Highlands to the towering peaks of the Northern Mountains. Furthermore, the country’s rich culture and diverse cuisine also attract visitors, providing unforgettable experiences. In this article, we would like to introduce Con Dao Islands – a hidden gem of nature and history for your company’s upcoming team-building event.
Con Dao – A Hidden Gem of Nature and History
Located off the coast of Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, Con Dao is 45 nautical miles from Tran De Port (at the mouth of the Bassac River) and 97 nautical miles from Vung Tau City. Known as Poulo Condor by Westerners, Con Dao is widely regarded as one of the ten most captivating islands in the world. The archipelago consists of 16 smaller islands clustered together, forming a picturesque natural masterpiece. With its countless stunning beaches, Con Dao is a destination that leaves a lasting impression on every visitor. Offering a unique blend of untouched nature and poignant history, Con Dao provides the perfect setting for impactful team-building experiences.
- Untouched Natural Beauty – Con Dao boasts stunning beaches with endless stretches of soft golden sand, crystal-clear waters, and a diverse & well-preserved marine ecosystem. The island is blanketed by lush green mountains, creating a serene and refreshing atmosphere where visitors can fully immerse themselves in nature. Some of the most remarkable beaches include An Hai Beach, Nhat Beach, Dam Trau Beach, and more along with smaller islands such as Bay Canh Islet, Tai Islet, and Ba Islet. Whether swimming, kayaking, or engaging in beach sports, Con Dao’s untouched landscapes offer the perfect setting for outdoor adventures and team bonding.
One of the most spectacular spots on the island is Dam Trau Beach, where smooth sand dunes stretch at the foot of towering cliffs, forming an enchanting coastal scene. For those who love exploring, Thanh Gia Peak presents a worthy challenge. Standing 577 meters above sea level, it is the highest mountain on Con Dao, often referred to as the “roof” of the sacred island. The trek to the summit takes about an hour, leading adventurers through dense forests filled with rare and endemic wildlife.
- Invaluable Historical Legacy: Beyond its breathtaking natural beauty, Con Dao holds profound historical significance as a testament to the unwavering struggle for independence of Vietnamese revolutionaries. The island was once home to the notorious Con Dao prison system, originally built by the French colonialists in 1862 and later significantly expanded under the administration of the Republic of Vietnam. Known as the “Hell on Earth,” this prison complex consisted of 127 cells, 42 solitary confinement chambers, and 504 isolated rooms, where thousands of political prisoners endured brutal forms of torture.
One of the most notorious sections of the prison was the “Tiger Cages”, designed to inflict both physical and psychological torment by keeping prisoners in cramped, airless cells. Visiting historical sites such as the Con Dao Museum and Hang Duong Cemetery offers visitors a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by those who fought for national independence.
Today, these historic relics serve not only as spaces for education and remembrance but also as meaningful venues for team-building activities with a strong humanitarian message. Guided tours, historical storytelling sessions, and candlelit memorial ceremonies allow participants to connect deeply with the past, fostering a sense of unity, appreciation, and gratitude. Con Dao is not merely a destination – it is a place where history echoes, reminding visitors of the indomitable human spirit.
- Rich Flora, Fauna, and Marine Ecosystem – The Con Dao National Park, spanning 20,000 km², is an ideal place to explore vibrant coral reefs and trek through lush primary forests teeming with life. The island is a sanctuary for a diverse ecosystem, home to approximately 285 plant species and over 100 species of birds and mammals, including the pied imperial pigeon (Ducula bicolor), swiftlets, endangered sea turtles (Cheloniidae, Eretmochelys), and the rare dugong. Often referred to as the ‘mermaids of the sea,’ dugongs are gentle marine mammals that graze on seagrass meadows around Con Dao, making the island one of the few places in Vietnam where these rare creatures can still be spotted.”
For a deeper connection with nature, visitors can participate in sea turtle conservation programs, snorkeling, or scuba diving. These activities not only provide an up-close encounter with the island’s rich biodiversity but also foster awareness of environmental protection and sustainable tourism development.
Superior infrastructure for corporate events
Con Dao, while maintaining its natural charm, has developed modern infrastructure to host corporate events, making it an emerging destination for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) programs:
- Con Dao Airport: The newly upgraded Con Dao Airport offers domestic flights from major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. It accommodates short-haul aircraft such as the ATR 72, Fokker 70, Bombardier CRJ, C909 ensuring easy access for corporate groups traveling to the island.
- Modern Road Network: While Con Dao is a relatively small island, it has an efficient road network connecting key locations, including resorts, conference venues, and popular team-building activity sites, allowing for smooth travel within the island.
- Luxury Hotels and Resorts: The island is home to several luxurious resorts and boutique hotels, including Con Dao Resort, Con Son Blue Sea Hotel, Marina Bay Con Dao Hotel, Orson Hotel & Resort Con Dao, Poulo Condor Boutique Resort & Spa, Saigon – Con Dao Resort, Secret Con Dao, and Six Senses Con Dao. Among them, Six Senses Con Dao stands out as a world-class resort that seamlessly blends modern design with Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage. Featuring 50 private pool villas, it embodies a rustic yet elegant charm, harmonizing perfectly with the pristine coastal surroundings. As the premier choice on the island, Six Senses Con Dao offers an unparalleled retreat that reflects the essence of the sea. These venues offer exceptional accommodations with meeting facilities and outdoor event spaces, making them ideal for corporate meetings, incentive programs, and team-building activities in a comfortable yet inspirational environment.
Con Dao – A Gateway to Wonders of Nature and History
Con Dao serves as the perfect starting point to explore some of Vietnam’s most remarkable destinations:
- Con Dao National Park (full day tour): A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Con Dao National Park offers hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife observation opportunities. Teams can participate in nature treks, outdoor challenges, and environmental preservation programs, encouraging collaboration while appreciating the island’s diverse ecosystems.
- Bay Canh Island (full day tour): Hon Bay Canh is home to a historic lighthouse, originally constructed and put into operation in 1885. Perched on a 200-meter-high peak on the eastern side of the island, this lighthouse serves as a vital beacon for maritime navigation while offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding seascape.
Renowned for its pristine coral reefs, mangrove forests, and untouched beaches, Bay Canh Island is a fantastic destination for team-building activities such as snorkeling and diving.The waters surrounding Hon Tai Lon and Hon Tai Nho are home to vibrant coral ecosystems and serve as a protected habitat for rare marine species, including sea turtles, swiftlets, and green turtles. The coral reefs here are incredibly diverse, featuring various reef-building species such as plate, table, disc, and branching corals. This rich marine environment also supports an abundance of marine life.
If you visit Bay Canh Island during the sea turtle nesting season (June to October), you may have the unforgettable opportunity to witness the release of baby turtles into the ocean—a truly remarkable experience.
Teams can explore this underwater paradise while contributing to marine conservation efforts, fostering both adventure and a shared commitment to environmental sustainability.
- Historical Sites (half day tour): Con Dao is home to significant historical sites, including Phu Hai Prison (built in 1863, the island’s oldest prison), Phu Tuong Prison (famous for its notorious “Tiger Cages,” where brutal torture scenes are vividly recreated), and Dinh Chua Dao (the former residence and workplace of the island’s governors, offering insights into Con Dao’s history through artifacts, relics, images, and historical documents). Additionally, the Con Dao Museum and Hang Duong Cemetery provide profound historical perspectives. These sites offer teams an opportunity to engage in reflection-based team-building activities, fostering values such as resilience, teamwork, and historical awareness.
Exotic Vietnam – A Trusted MICE Partner
Exotic Vietnam is honored to be a leading organizer of Team Building events in Con Dao, offering a wide range of innovative team-building programs that incorporate local culture, nature, and unique regional experiences:
- Professional Event Management: From concept to execution, Exotic Vietnam offers complete event management services, including program design, logistics coordination, and on-the-ground support to ensure that every aspect of your event runs smoothly and successfully.
- Diverse Program Options: We offer a variety of team-building activities in Con Dao, such as water-based challenges, local cultural tours, environmental workshops, and traditional cooking classes. These activities are specifically designed to foster collaboration, communication, and team spirit in a fun and engaging way.
- Sustainability Commitment: At Exotic Vietnam, we prioritize sustainability in every aspect of our events. By focusing on eco-friendly activities and community-based tourism, we contribute to the preservation of local cultures and environments while promoting responsible tourism.
With Exotic Vietnam, your team-building experience in Con Dao will not only enhance team unity but also provide an opportunity to connect with the culture and the breathtaking natural beauty of the islands, creating lasting memories long after the event concludes.
