This is Con Dao Island’s most accessible pristine beach with protected location near airport, consistent year-round swimming conditions, and stunning sunset views. At 14 km from Con Dao town (a 30-minute motorbike ride), Dam Trau has white sand and clear water. A tragic Vietnamese love legend adds to its charm. This makes it a must-see stop for beach lovers and romantics.
Dam Trau Beach is Con Dao Island’s top beach choice protected location ensures swimming year-round (even windy winter), near airport convenience, pristine natural beauty, best sunset viewing spot. Therefore, visit as primary Con Dao beach activity. Only skip if exclusively seeking completely deserted beaches (although Dam Trau relatively uncrowded compared to mainland Vietnam beaches).
Quick Facts: Dam Trau Beach
Location: Con Dao Island, near Co Ong Airport, outside Con Dao National Park boundaries
Distance from town: 14km Con Dao center (30-min motorbike/taxi)
Size: 3.3 hectares (one of Con Dao’s largest beaches)
Beach type: White sand, clear water, protected from northeastern winds
Best for: Year-round swimming, sunset viewing, accessible pristine beach
View: Overlooks Hon Cau Island offshore
Legend: Tragic love story (Cau and Trau siblings)
Entry: FREE (public beach)
Best time: April-October ideal, December-January still swimmable (protected location)
Dam Trau Beach is Con Dao’s most reliable beach protected northeastern wind shelter means swimmable when other Con Dao beaches too rough. However, “limited facilities” means pack lunch if spending full day.
The Tragic Legend of Dam Trau Beach
Vietnamese Romeo & Juliet: Boy (Cau) and girl (Trau) met on beach, fell in love. Cau asked father permission to marry. Father revealed shocking secret: Trau was Cau’s half-sister (father’s affair result). Trau already pregnant.
Tragic ending: Cau blamed himself, drifted to deserted island, lived in seclusion until death. Trees with red fruits grew (Hon Cau Island). Trau daily waited at cliff, learned truth, jumped into sea committing suicide. Beach where she died = Dam Trau Beach.
Why matters: Adds Vietnamese cultural context distinguishing Dam Trau from generic tropical beaches. Romantic sunset viewing gains poignancy knowing tragic love story. Legend resonates with Vietnamese visitors emotional significance beyond scenery.
Dam Trau Beach Features
Protected Location = Year-Round Swimming: Sheltered from northeastern winter winds (Nov-Jan). Dam Trau calm when other beaches rough (25-35mph winds). Safe bet swimming regardless season. See Con Dao Islands guide for complete planning.
Pristine Beauty: Long white sand (3.3 hectares), crystal clear water, rocky cliffs, National Park forest backdrop, coral reefs, mangrove shadow, Hon Cau Island view. NO heavy development, crowds, vendors.
Best Sunset: Western exposure, clear horizon, rocky cliffs viewing platforms, seagulls, reflecting sea surface, golden hour lighting. If ONE Con Dao sunset, make it Dam Trau.
Activities
Swimming/Sunbathing: Glassy water year-round, safe conditions, gradual depth, less harsh sunlight than North Vietnam. Bring reef-safe sunscreen.
Coastal Walk: Long stretch, rocky areas, cliff climbing elevated views, tidepool exploration. Best early morning or late afternoon.
National Park Access: 15,000+ hectares (882 plant species, 144 animals, largest turtle community Vietnam, ONLY dugong habitat). Easy access hiking trails from beach. Combine beach + nature reserve same day.
See Con Dao Prison guide for historical context.
Getting to Dam Trau Beach
From Con Dao Town (14km, 30 min): Follow Co Ong Road → airport → turn left → Dam Trau.
Transport: Motorbike rental 100-150k VND/day (recommended—freedom), Taxi ~150-200k one-way, Hotel shuttles (expensive), Bicycle (14km challenging heat).
From Airport: Adjacent (right next to Co Ong Airport, minimal travel).
To Con Dao: Flight 45-min HCMC/Can Tho, Ferry 12-14h Vung Tau → Bookaway
See Six Senses review for luxury resort option.
When to Visit
Best: April-October – Gentle seas, favorable temperature. Monsoon = occasional showers, NOT constant rain.
Good: November-March – Dry guaranteed, but Dec-Jan winds.
Dam Trau advantage: Protected, still swimmable.
Time of Day: Sunrise 5-6am, Morning 8-11am swim, AVOID midday 11am-2pm (hottest), BEST late afternoon 3-6pm (cooling + sunset).
Strategy: Morning swim + return late afternoon sunset.
Practical Tips
Bring: Water (1-2L), food/snacks (limited restaurants), reef-safe sunscreen, hat/sunglasses, beach towel, swimsuit, waterproof phone case, snorkel gear, trash bag, cash.
Safety: Avoid rough seas, watch children (no lifeguards), don’t swim far alone, reapply sunscreen, leave if storm approaches, respect turtle nests (May-Oct).
Food: 2 seafood restaurants (island premium pricing).
Strategy: Pack lunch from town, buy drinks supporting local.
Environment: Pack out ALL trash, reef-safe sunscreen only, don’t touch coral, respect nesting areas, stay on paths.
Itineraries
Half-Day: 9am departure → 9:30 am swim → 11am walk → 12pm lunch → 1pm return.
Full-Day: 8am departure → 8 :30-11am swim/snorkel → 11am-2pm lunch/siesta → 2-5pm National Park → 5-6pm sunset → 6:30 pm return. Requires full supplies.
Multi-Day Con Dao: Day 1 arrival + Dam Trau sunset, Day 2 boat tour, Day 3 prison morning + Dam Trau afternoon, Day 4 other beaches, Day 5 final swim. Tours: → Klook
Audio guide: → IZI Travel
Final Verdict: Con Dao’s Essential Beach
Dam Trau Beach delivers everything Con Dao promises. Pristine white sand, crystal-clear water, untouched natural beauty, Vietnamese cultural legend, stunning sunsets with crucial practical advantage: protected location ensuring swimmable conditions year-round.
Visit Dam Trau if:
- Seeking Con Dao’s most reliable beach (weather-protected)
- Want accessible pristine beauty (30-min from town)
- Prioritizing sunset viewing (best Con Dao spot)
- Combining beach + National Park access
- Prefer less-developed natural beaches
- Visiting December-January (only beach consistently swimmable)
Skip Dam Trau if:
- Exclusively seeking completely deserted beaches (although Dam Trau relatively uncrowded)
- Need extensive facilities (restaurants, shops, rentals)
- Prefer developed beach resorts (Six Senses has private beach alternative)
Of all Con Dao beaches, Dam Trau offers best balance accessibility + pristine beauty + reliable conditions + sunset viewing. Unless seeking extreme remote adventure (Ong Dung) or local atmosphere over convenience (Nhat), Dam Trau is your Con Dao beach answer. The tragic Cau-Trau legend adds emotional depth, but even without story, Dam Trau ranks as Southern Vietnam’s most consistently excellent pristine beach experience.
Visited Dam Trau Beach? Best Con Dao beach or prefer alternatives? Share experience!
FAQ
Yes, Dam Trau Beach is Con Dao’s best all-around beach for most visitors. Protected location ensures year-round swimming (even December-January when northeastern winds make other beaches rough), easy 30-minute access from town, pristine white sand + clear water, best sunset viewing, and immediate Con Dao National Park access. Only beaten by specific preferences: Nhat Beach more local atmosphere, Ong Dung more remote adventure (but requires difficult hiking).
Yes, Dam Trau Beach swimmable year-round due to protected northeastern wind shelter. This critical advantage means Dam Trau remains calm when other Con Dao beaches become too rough December-January (25-35mph wind period). Best conditions April-October (gentle seas, favorable temperature), but December-March still acceptable unlike less-protected alternatives. Avoid only during monsoon storms (June-October sporadic heavy rain days).
Dam Trau Beach has LIMITED facilities only 2 modest seafood restaurants offering fresh catches, basic Vietnamese dishes, cold drinks. NO beach vendors, NO extensive amenities, NO equipment rental shops. Must bring own: food/snacks (restaurant backup only), water, sunscreen, beach gear, first aid. This minimal development preserves pristine scenery but requires self-sufficient planning. Nearest full services: Con Dao town (14km, 30-min motorbike).
