Con Dao’s turquoise waters sparkle like a jewel, and they’re best enjoyed from one of the island’s many beautiful beaches. Some are ideal for vegging out while others require an adventurous hike. One thing’s for sure: it will never be crowded. Here’s a rundown of all the island’s noteworthy beaches.

Lo Voi beach: Walk north on the beach or take a quick ridge along the coastal road (Nguyen Van Cu) to reach Lo Voi Beach (Bai Lo Voi). The white sand is vast, flat and empty, and relatively rubbish free. During low tide, the water can recede as far as a kilometre – you almost feel as if you could walk to one of the outer islands. Gentle shallow waters make this a lovely spot to visit.

Nhat beach is a gorgeous little beach with white sand and crystal water. It’s located on the way to Ben Dam. There is a little track down to it off the main road. The scenery is spectacular.

Dam Trau beach is undeniably the island’s best. Clean soft sand and glittering turquoise water broadly stretches out, flanked on either side with rocky green hills. You can easily spend a whole day on your trip lazing here. And because it is on the west coast and naturally protected, Dam Trau is swimmable even during the windy months of November to February.

Ong Dung beach is great for snorkeling and is a relatively easy walk, 700 metres one-way on a paved trail. You can rent snorkel equipment from dive shops in town.

Enjoy a tour of the island via bicycle as you set your own pace over a mix of flat and hilly terrain.

Dive off Con Dao for a glimpse of its stunning coral reef - generally considered to be the best diving in Vietnam. Here, divers can find sea cows, once thought to be dolphins by the locals. There are rays, cobia, cuttlefish, turtles and giant barracuda, as well as a wide variety of tropical reef fish.

Con Dao's National Park extends from forested hills to vibrant coral reefs. Macaques and black squirrels abound, as do more exotic animals including the white-rumped shama, greater racket-tailed drongo, the rare pied imperial pigeon, and the even rarer red-billed tropical bird. Hike and trek your way through the jungle. Some of the longer hikes require guides, who can point out some of the indigenous wildlife. Pause for lunch as you breathe in the fresh air and enjoy this unspoiled corner of Southeast Asia.

A vital turtle breeding program can be found on Bay Canh Island, which lies near Con Dao Island. Watch the turtles as they hatch, and cheer them on in their subsequent race to the ocean. Overnight stays can be arranged.

It’s difficult to believe that such a beautiful island had such a violent history. Formerly a prison camp, the Con Dao Museum's photographs, artwork, and relics depict the brutal conditions on the island before its liberation, when the French, Vietnamese, and Americans all used Con Dao as a place to keep “enemies.” Trai Phu Hai Prison, with its looming guard towers and thick, high walls, is one of many former prisons around the island. Visit a “tiger cage,” where, from 1940 to 1955, prisoners were kept in open pits and monitored from above by their jailors --just like tigers at a zoo. Additionally, there is also a cemetery which honors the nearly 20,000 Vietnamese who perished in the struggles against the French and American governments.