Côn Đảo: Aspiring to Become an Eco-Friendly, Heritage-Rich, and World-Class Coastal Tourism Destination

Concretizing the Development Vision of the “Heritage Island”

The People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City has issued the Implementation Plan for the Adjusted Master Plan on Con Dao Island’s Development by 2045, concretizing the vision approved by the Prime Minister in Decision No. 566/QĐ-TTg dated June 26, 2025.

This marks the beginning of a new development phase for Con Dao Special Zone, aiming to transform it into an international-class eco-heritage and tourism coastal city while preserving its unique historical, cultural, and natural values.

The plan clearly outlines the responsibilities of each department, agency, and the Con Dao Special Zone’s People’s Committee in implementing the master plan, ensuring synchronized, unified, and feasible coordination. The focus is on developing technical and social infrastructure, enhancing urban and rural quality, and attracting investment while conserving nature.

From 2025 to 2030, Con Dao will implement 73 technical and social infrastructure projects and attract investment; after 2030, three additional major projects will be added.

Key projects include expanding Con Dao Airport, upgrading Ben Dam Port, constructing a passenger terminal, the 110 kV Vinh Chau – Con Dao underground power line, wastewater treatment systems, reservoirs, and new water supply plants.

Additionally, the Co Ong – Ben Dam route, Northwest Con Dao, and urban traffic axes will be upgraded and expanded to support tourism and local livelihoods.

Alongside public investment, Ho Chi Minh City will implement 21 PPP and socialized projects, focusing on tourism complexes, urban housing, a golf course in Co Ong, and passenger and yacht terminals in Ben Dam.

Two land reclamation areas in Southeast Sua Ot, Co Ong, and central Con Dao will be studied to create a modern coastal urban space harmonized with the natural landscape.

The total capital required for projects from 2025 to 2045 is approximately VND 66 trillion, including VND 21.648 trillion from the state budget and VND 44.555 trillion from socialized and PPP sources. Con Dao Airport and Passenger Terminal will be funded under the PPP model, with 40% from the state budget and 60% from private sources.

Preserving Historical and Cultural Values in Urban Development

Alongside technical infrastructure, Ho Chi Minh City will prioritize significant social infrastructure projects such as restoring Hang Keo Cemetery, expanding Con Dao Museum, building Vinh Quang Square, resettlement areas, social housing, schools, and the special zone’s administrative center.

The plan also requires reviewing and synchronizing planning projects with the 2021-2030 Land Use Plan, vision to 2050, ensuring unified land use indicators and avoiding overlaps, especially in special-use forests, defense land, historical sites, and key infrastructure.

This is a “conservation in development” approach—leveraging potential while preserving Con Dao’s natural beauty and cultural depth, recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve.

Three “Golden Keys” to Unlock Con Dao’s Development

Dr. Nguyen Thi Hau, Secretary-General of the Ho Chi Minh City Historical Science Association, highlights three “golden keys” for Con Dao to become a premier tourism destination in Vietnam and the region.

According to Dr. Hau, Con Dao’s greatest asset is its pristine nature. Its isolated location, marine tropical climate, and long evolutionary history have created a diverse ecosystem with rare and endemic species—an invaluable “ecological treasure” to be sustainably exploited for ecotourism, research, and environmental education.

Secondly, Con Dao is a unique cultural, historical, and spiritual region. Its centuries-old prison system has made it a “living museum” of Vietnamese history, imbued with profound spiritual significance, making it a sacred destination for every Vietnamese.

Restoring, preserving, and leveraging these cultural and spiritual values will create distinctive tourism products, enriching the national tourism map.

Lastly, the peaceful, simple community life of Con Dao’s residents is a rare asset. Due to its unique historical and social conditions, the population remains small, with a pure and harmonious lifestyle.

Residents primarily engage in services, tourism, small trade, living slowly and amicably. This creates a sense of tranquility and closeness for visitors—a key factor in high-quality tourism development.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Hau emphasizes: “For a sustainable future, we must preserve nature and culture today. Repositioning Con Dao as a controlled eco-tourism, learning, and conservation destination will ensure sustainable economic development. Con Dao’s direct administration by Ho Chi Minh City continues its historical tradition while giving it a new, important status.”

According to Dr. Hau, Con Dao’s affiliation with Ho Chi Minh City provides access to greater resources for investment, planning, and urban management. Ho Chi Minh City’s urban development and modern infrastructure expertise will help Con Dao shape a sustainable model—effectively leveraging potential while conserving the ecological environment and cultural identity.