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I keep reading that Con Dao is the quiet, untouched island while Phu Quoc is getting built up fast. The problem is the flight to Con Dao from HCMC costs almost double what the Phu Quoc flight costs, and there are way fewer flights per day.
For people who have been to both: is Con Dao really that different, or would I have just as good a time on Phu Quoc for half the price? We are into snorkeling and just sitting on a beach doing nothing, not resorts with water slides.
Also, how many days does Con Dao need? I am thinking 3 nights, but I worry there is not much to do after the second day.
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I went the opposite way, Phu Quoc first, then Con Dao, and I would skip Phu Quoc next time. Too many construction sites along the west coast now. Con Dao feels like what Phu Quoc was ten years ago.
Replying to Mike
Interesting, we almost booked Phu Quoc first because the flights were so cheap. What bothered you most about it, the construction or something else?
Replying to Leesa Simmons
The construction, mostly. Big resorts going up along the main beaches, and the old town strip felt like it was built for tour groups. The diving was still good though. Con Dao felt like the Vietnam I came to see, quiet roads, nobody hassling you. If you like things a bit raw, you will prefer Con Dao.
We did Con Dao last year after Phu Quoc the year before, and honestly they feel like different countries. Con Dao is quiet, almost no traffic, the beaches are empty. If you want to just sit and snorkel, Con Dao wins by a mile. But the flight cost is real, so it depends how much that bothers you.
Replying to Gold Precious
This is exactly the comparison I needed, thank you. Did you find enough to do for 3 nights, or did you get bored?
Replying to Leesa Simmons
Three nights was perfect for us. One day snorkeling at Hon Bay Canh, one day riding around the island to Dam Trau beach, one day just doing nothing. The prison museum takes half a day if you are into history. You will not be bored, but there is no nightlife, so do not expect that.