Van Son Temple

Con Dao Islands


This large hilltop temple complex, 1km southwest of the town centre, enjoys fine views over Con Son town and islands offshore to an ocean-filled horizon. A steep staircase (of more than 100 steps) leads up to the traditionally designed pagoda structures, each supported by thick wooden columns and topped with an elaborate tiled roof.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Con Dao Islands attractions

1. Revolutionary Museum

1.03 MILES

Located in the former French commandant's residence, this museum has exhibits on Vietnamese resistance against the French, communist opposition to the…

2. Museum Vo Thi Sau

1.08 MILES

Small museum dedicated to the life of teenager martyr and national heroine Vo Thi Sau.

3. Bai An Hai

1.09 MILES

On the south side of Con Son town, this appealing beach has a green mountain backdrop, but there are a good number of fishing boats moored nearby.

4. Phu Hai Prison

1.19 MILES

The largest of the 11 jails on the island, this prison dates from 1862. Thousands of prisoners were held here, with up to 200 prisoners crammed into each…

5. Cow Shed

1.28 MILES

Built by the French in 1930, this crumbling complex was initially known as the 'pigsty' as prisoners were kept in farmyard-style quarters and fed like…

6. Bao Tang Con Dao Museum

1.52 MILES

This impressive museum has more than 2000 exhibits, including many rare documents, dioramas and excellent photographs, which comprehensively record the…

7. Tiger Cages

1.62 MILES

The notorious cells dubbed 'tiger cages' were built in 1940 by the French to incarcerate nearly 2000 political prisoners; the USA continued using them in…

8. Bai Loi Voi

1.75 MILES

On the north side of Con Son Town, Bai Loi Voi is a broad sand-and-shingle beach with lots of seashells and shade-providing coastal trees. At low tide…

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