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An archipelago of 14 islands, Con Dao is the hidden jewel along the country's along coastline. For a long time [http://khamphacondao.vn du lich con dao], the largest of the islands, was Vietnam's Robben Island. Used as a penal colony by both the French and the Americans, the dilapidated remains of the prisons, including the infamous Tiger Cages, serve as a stark reminder of the brutality of the times. Many of those killed in the prisons were buried at Hang Duong Cemetery, including Vo Thi Sau, Vietnam's most famous war heroine, who was executed on the island in 1952.

Now the islands are becoming a leading light in the country's eco-tourism industry. Several of their beaches are the breeding grounds for the endangered Green Turtle. Each year from April to November, turtles return to the beaches where they were born to hatch their own offspring. Some 50000 hatchings make their way into the sea. The [http://khamphacondao.vn du lich con dao] National Park Authority arranges tours to the breeding grounds on Bay Canh Island with overnight stays. The best time to see the turtles is in June and July.

The marine park also has a rich marine life, with 1300 species so far identified, including 342 species of hard coral. The best diving and snorkelling is off the coast of Hon Ba Island, although you can dive around Bay Canh if you want to combine diving with turtle watching. Visibility is best from March to May.

Con Dao is also home to the dugong. This endangered animal can even be seen in the main Con Son Bay on occasions. The best time to spot the 'Little Mermaid' is in December and January.

The islands are not really set up for mass tourism yet. The local authorities have ambitious development plans for Con Dao, and a Six Senses hideaway is currently under construction, but part of the station and bicyles de rigueur, this is rural Vietnam at its truest. Put on your hiking boots and set across Con Dao National Park, passing derelict colonial buildings and deserted fruit plantations. You might be lucky enough to spot a Con Dao Monkey or a Black Squirrel, both of which are endemic to the island.

To see what the future might have in store for [http://khamphacondao.vn du lich con dao], you need only visit the island of Phu Quoc. This erstwhile island hideaway has in Ho Chi Minh City. Tourism has been benefited from the island's relatively infertile land as over 70 percent of the island is protected as part of the Phu Quoc National Park.