In spite of pristine water and beaches, the island was mostly known for its notorious past as a prison, where thousands of political prisoners died during Frech colonial time and the Vietnam War.
Con Dao Island in the central province of Vung Tau
aims to become an international-standard spiritual and eco-tourism
centre by 2030, according to a newly approved plan to develop the
island.
The People''s Committee of Con Dao Island District in
the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau announced that everyone in its
tourism sector has specialised training.
Valuable documents and photos featuring the history of Con Dao Island,
dubbed "hell on earth", with a colossal systems of jails built by the
French and Americans, are on display at the Con Dao Temple in the
southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau.
Before departing for Con Dao Island, I was told it often had an
"atmosphere of death", that it was "wild and the food is scarce", and
that "it''s worth only a day visit as there''s nothing to entertain".
Con Dao island district was working with contractors to ensure a
passenger port was ready by 2014, according to the Ben DamPort
management board in the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau.
