Both Nam Du and Con Dao are pristine marine gems of Southern Vietnam that have not yet been over-exploited. However, they cater to two completely different types of travelers — and their costs differ significantly. This article provides an honest comparison to help you choose the right island for your summer getaway. For further comparison, read our article on Con Dao vs Phu Quoc to get a complete overview of Southern Vietnam's island options.
Nam Du & Hon Son
Kien Giang
2.5h speedboat from Rach Gia
Pristine, budget-friendly, gorgeous beaches
Con Dao
Ba Ria – Vung Tau
45–55 min flight from HCMC
Best beaches in Vietnam, sea turtles
1. Beaches & Nature
🏝️ Nam Du & Hon Son
- Bang Beach (Hon Son): turquoise water, fine white sand
- Bac Beach (Nam Du): crystal-clear, uncrowded, shallow coral reefs
- 21 large and small islands — perfect for boat exploration
- Highly pristine, untouched by mass tourism
🌊 Con Dao
- Dam Trau Beach: frequently ranked among Vietnam's most beautiful beaches
- Clearest water in Vietnam — visible bottom at 4–5m depth
- Sea turtles nesting on the beaches (May to October)
- The entire island is a National Park — strictly conserved
2. Cost — A Significant Difference
| Expense Item | 🏝️ Nam Du 2D1N | 🌊 Con Dao 3D2N |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation | Bus + Speedboat ~300k–500k VND | Flight ~500k–1.5M VND |
| Accommodation | 200k–400k VND/night | 300k–700k VND/night |
| Food & Drinks | 100k–200k VND/day | 150k–300k VND/day |
| Sightseeing | 100k–200k VND | 100k–300k VND |
| Estimated Total | 1.5M–2.5M VND/person | 3M–6M VND/person |
3. Transportation
🏝️ Nam Du
- From HCMC: Sleeper bus to Rach Gia (3.5h) → speedboat to the island (2.5–3h)
- Total travel time: around 6–7 hours
- Travel cost: ~300,000–500,000 VND/person round trip
- No need to book tickets too far in advance
🌊 Con Dao
- From HCMC: Flight from Tan Son Nhat Airport (45–55 minutes)
- Total travel time: around 2–3 hours (including check-in)
- Travel cost: ~500,000–1,500,000 VND/person round trip
- Highly recommended to book flights 2–4 weeks early, especially in summer
4. Highlight Activities
🏝️ Nam Du & Hon Son
- 🤿 Snorkeling in shallow coastal coral reefs
- 🎣 Fishing and night squid fishing with local fishermen
- 🥾 Trekking Hon Ngang for a panoramic view of the archipelago
- 🚤 Renting a boat to explore small uninhabited islets
- 🏖️ Swimming at Bang Beach — the most beautiful beach in Western Vietnam
- 🦞 Enjoying fresh, cheap seafood right by the beach
🌊 Con Dao
- 🐢 Watching sea turtles lay eggs at night (May to October)
- 🤿 Deep-sea diving to view pristine coral reefs
- 🏛️ Visiting Con Dao Prison + Hang Duong Cemetery
- 🚲 Renting bicycles / electric motorbikes to explore the island
- 🌅 Watching the sunset at secluded, empty beaches
- 🌿 Trekking through Con Dao National Park forest
Summary & Verdict
| Criteria | 🏝️ Nam Du | 🌊 Con Dao |
|---|---|---|
| Beach Quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Affordability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of Travel | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unique Appeal | Island hopping | Sea turtles, history |
| Best for Students | ✅ Highly Recommended | ⚠️ More Expensive |
| Best for Couples | ✅ Good | ✅ Ideal Choice |
🏝️ Choose Nam Du if...
- ✅ Your budget is under 2.5 million VND/person
- ✅ You are traveling with a student group or young friends
- ✅ You want to explore multiple small islets
- ✅ You love squid fishing and shallow snorkeling
- ✅ You have a flexible 2–3 day weekend schedule
🌊 Choose Con Dao if...
- ✅ You want the most beautiful beaches and clearest water
- ✅ You are on a honeymoon or celebrating a special occasion
- ✅ You want to witness sea turtles nesting
- ✅ You like combining history with nature
- ✅ A budget of 4–6 million VND/person is not an issue
💡 Pro-Tip for the Ultimate Trip
Do both in a 4–5 day itinerary: Nam Du + Hon Son 2D1N → Ca Mau 2D1N. Alternatively, reserve a dedicated Con Dao 3D2N Tour for special occasions like honeymoons, and choose Nam Du for your annual group trip. Bà Ngoại Homestay offers tours for both — contact us to customize your combined itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get to Nam Du from Saigon?
It takes about 6–7 hours in total: a sleeper bus from HCMC to Rach Gia port (about 3.5 hours), followed by a speedboat to the island (2.5–3 hours). Travelers usually depart from HCMC the night before, rest in Rach Gia, and catch the early morning boat to save time.
Can I visit both Nam Du and Con Dao in a single trip?
It is not very convenient because the two islands are far apart and transit between them is complex. It is best to split them into two separate trips. If you want to combine island destinations in one go, Ca Mau + Nam Du is a much more logical choice as Rach Gia (the gateway to Nam Du) is only about 130km from Ca Mau.
Where does the Nam Du tour by Bà Ngoại Homestay depart from?
Our Nam Du & Hon Son Tour departs from Rach Gia Port, Kien Giang. If needed, Bà Ngoại Homestay can arrange a pickup from Ca Mau City and transfer you to Rach Gia before heading to the island. Contact Mr. Bi via Zalo at 0919 244 834 to arrange your preferred pickup point.
Book Your Nam Du & Con Dao Tour Now!
Bà Ngoại Homestay offers Nam Du + Hon Son 2D1N and Con Dao 3D2N tours. Contact Mr. Bi to choose the perfect island for your group.
