Explore Bay Canh Island: The Paradise In Con Dao, Vung Tau

The noisy life of the mainland may make you feel too tired. It’s time finding an escape where you can immerse yourself in the lively sound of waves and ocean. And, Con Dao is ideal for this getaway. Once stepping into this paradise island, you definitely don’t want to leave it again. Comprising 16 smaller islands, Con Dao gives you many options for your visit. Among these, Bay Canh Island standouts as one of the most pristine and beautiful places that you should not miss.

I. Highlights of Bay Canh Island

Bay Canh Island is situated in the east of Con Son island, Con Dao archipelago, covering a total area of more than 680 ha. It is known as the 2nd largest in 16 islands of Con Dao. The system of vast pristine forest that covers almost the island makes it become a green feature in the vast sky of the archipelago. Unlike the other islands, Bay Canh is divided into the 2 parts which is connected by a sandbank called Cat Lon beach right in the middle. 

Visiting the island, you will have a chance to discover different types of environment, from marine life to various types of flora and fauna in the tropical forests. The island has high biological diversity which has been strictly conserved. Especially the rich coral reefs and many colorful species of fishes, clams, etc, will surely surprise you and make your diving more delightful. Besides, the ecosystem of its mangrove forest is also worth discovering. It is so distinctive that you can easily walk in the forest when the tide drains. 

II. Activities on Bay Canh Island

It will be wrong to say that this island has nothing to do. Actually, numerous interesting activities to do will make you have no dull moments on Bay Canh Island. 

1. Swimming and snorkeling

Beautiful Cat Lon beach has charming white sand stretching and clear blue waters, creating favorable conditions for swimming and snorkeling. In the summer, there is nowhere else better than swimming in these cool refreshing waters.

The island is home to a wide variety of marine life which makes snorkeling a more beautiful journey. You will discover colorful coral reefs and schools of fishes in different shapes and sizes. The vivid underwater world will appear in front of your eyes clearly, creating an unforgettable experience. 

2. Discover the diversity of flora and fauna

Bay Canh Island is well known for its rich and precious fauna and flora. Its sandy and dead coral plays an important part in connecting the primary forest ecosystems across the island. For a long time, the island is the place to restore ecological balance and ensure biodiversity. Mother Nature has granted a rich nature for the island with many different types of species, like coral reefs, snails, seaweed, fishes, and sea cucumbers, etc. There are up to 882 plant species and nearly 150 animal species. 

Especially marine life on the island is abundant with many species of corals, of which some are listed in Vietnam’s Red Book. You also can find marine creatures like green turtles, dugongs, dolphins, holothurians, and Chaetodons, etc.

Moreover, Bay Canh is also home to the largest number of turtles in Con Dao. You will have a chance to see turtles laying eggs on the shore. In the breeding season, there are up to 30 mother turtles. This interesting point attracts many local and foreign visitors to the island, particularly those who are curious and wish to know more about the breeding process of turtles. If you have enough time, you can release the baby turtles to the sea. 

3. Climbing mountain

For those who are looking for something active, you can consider climbing a mountain on Bay Canh island. As the 2nd biggest island in Con Dao archipelago, it offers great trails for travelers. On the way to the top of the mountain, you will have a chance to contemplate the beauty of the immense sea from afar and discover many different plants of the primitive forest. Following the trail, you will see the lighthouse in the northeast of the mountain. Built by the French in 1884, it helped guide the boat in this area.

4. See “tank crabs” in the mangrove forest

Visiting Bay Canh Island, you could learn about the life of “tank crabs” which are only found in Con Dao. This species of crab is very scared of humans that they will quickly run away when hearing any noise on the ground. This is the largest shallow crab in Vietnam with the maximum length of more than 10 cm. They are so strong that they can tear leaves and eat plants. As their name doesn’t appear in animal books, the researchers call it “tank crab” as they crawl like tanks. 

III. Where to Stay in Bay Canh Island?

There are no resorts or hotels on Bay Canh island, so you can choose to stay in one of the accommodations in Con Dao.

1. Six Senses Con Dao

Six Senses, a 5 star resort, is a top pick in Con Dao. It features a fine sand private beach, restaurants, bars, swimming pool, a fitness center and spa. Staying here, guests can feel the Vietnamese vibe clearly through contemporary design of a traditional fishing village. There are up to 50 villas and residences in this resort. You have different options of 1, 3, or 4 bedrooms with an ocean view or along the beachfront. Besides, it may be hard to resist the temptation of delicious dishes on this island as most ingredients are harvested from the organic gardens.

2. Saigon Con Dao Resort

Saigon Con Dao Resort is located in the center of Con Dao. With 120 modern bedrooms and professional and hospitable staff, it is an ideal choice for visitors to the island. The resort is divided into 2 areas, including the villa area and the building area. The villa area was built more than 100 years ago and once the residence of French civil servants. It stands out with typical French architecture with old canopies in the surrounding area. The building area was newly built, offering modern experience with luxurious facilities and beautiful rooms facing the sea.

3. Poulo Condor Boutique Resort & Spa

This resort got the same former name of Con Dao island. The resort has a wide ranges of rooms and a private beach. It is truly an ideal place to find peace, comfort, and relaxation where you can immerse yourself in nature. For lunch and dinner, you can enjoy it in the Wild Pineapple Restaurant which has a great colonial ambience with chandeliers, high ceilings, and overhead fans. Unlike other resorts, Poulo Condor also provides the reading space for its guests with an extensive collection of reading materials.

IV. Tips on Visiting Bay Canh Island

Here comes some tips for a comfortable trip to Bay Canh Island:

• Pack your lunch: As the island is quite untouched by tourism, there are probably no restaurants. So, it’s best to pack a little food for your lunch if you plan to visit the island the whole day.

• Beware of wind gusts: It would be not a wise choice to travel to this island during winter months. It can be super windy, so just go slow for caution.

• Nighttime is the best time to see tank crabs and turtles laying eggs.
• It is necessary to have a life jacket with you when visiting the island.
• Do not litter as they will affect the living environment of the creatures here.

Bay Canh island is truly a paradise for anyone who wants to have a temporary escape from the busy daily life of people. The island offers quite a lot to discover, so don’t miss your chance to visit it on the nearest day.