
Dau BeachVietnam Beach Guide
Wild golden shore, rocky headlands, blue views beyond






About
Bãi Đầu sits on the northeast coast of Con Dao Island, framed by rocky headlands at both ends that give it a raw, contained character. Golden sand meets blue water, and across the strait you can make out the outline of Hòn Bảy Cạnh island on clear days. Sparse coastal scrub backs the beach, keeping the whole scene wild and unmanicured. It's quieter than nearby Bãi Đầm Trầu, which means you'll often have the shore largely to yourself. National park regulations govern the area, so the environment stays intact.
How to get there
From Côn Đảo town, the drive takes around 12 minutes by car — a straightforward daily route with no special permit needed to reach the beach itself. Paid parking is available on site; general parking fees on Con Dao Island run 25,000–37,500 VND. Road access exists, but there is no formal accessible beach infrastructure for visitors with mobility needs.
Who it's for
For couples
The quiet atmosphere and the framing of rocky headlands on either side make Bãi Đầu a genuinely private spot for couples who want scenery without the company. Pack a picnic, find a perch on the rocks, and watch the light shift over Hòn Bảy Cạnh island.
For families
Families should visit during the dry season (November–April) for the calmest conditions, but be aware that swimming is dangerous and there is no lifeguard present — this beach suits older children happy to explore the headlands and shoreline rather than swim. Young children and non-swimmers should stay well clear of the water.
Our take
Do not come to Bãi Đầu expecting a safe swim — there is no lifeguard, and strong northeast swell makes the water dangerous for five months of the year, with caution warranted even in calmer periods. That said, if you're on Con Dao and want a wild, uncrowded shore with real character, this beach delivers. The golden sand, blue water, and rocky headlands framing views to Hòn Bảy Cạnh island are genuinely striking. It's less visited than Bãi Đầm Trầu, and that solitude is the whole point. Come in the dry season, stay out of the water, walk the headlands, and let the landscape do the work. Worth the 12-minute drive from town.
What to do
The beach itself is the draw — walk the shoreline to the rocky headlands at either end for the best views across to Hòn Bảy Cạnh island. When conditions allow, seasonal snorkeling is possible in the waters around the rocky edges. About 2 km away, Bãi Đầm Trầu offers a calmer, more sheltered horseshoe bay if you want a contrast. The Con Dao National Park Headquarters, roughly 7 km out, is worth a stop for context on the island's ecology, and Hàng Dương Cemetery — a historic site tied to Vietnamese revolutionary history — lies about 8 km away.
The rocky headland at either end of the beach gives you a natural elevated frame with golden sand, blue water, and Hòn Bảy Cạnh island lined up in the background — shoot wide at sunrise.
The sparse coastal scrub along the back of the beach photographs well in late afternoon when the low angle picks out the wild, untouched texture of the shoreline.
Where to eat
Quán Thúy and Hải Nam Quán, both around 1.2 km from the beach, cover local seafood without much fuss. A little further at 1.5 km, Infiniti handles breakfast, coffee, sandwiches, and pizza if you want something international, while Luân Ôc Dao offers more seafood at the same distance. There are no food vendors on the beach itself, so sort out supplies before you head out.
Where to stay
Khách Sạn Hoàng Sơn is the closest option at 1.3 km, a practical base for early morning visits before the day heats up. Six Pearl Hotel and Lan Anh's Homestay are both around 1.5 km away and offer different price points for the same convenient location. Đăng Khoa and Hotel Duong Than Binh sit at 1.6 km if those are full.
Photography
The rocky headlands at both ends of the beach make the strongest foreground subjects. Late afternoon light rakes across the sparse coastal scrub backdrop and gives the wild shoreline real texture, with Hòn Bảy Cạnh island visible in the distance.
Good to know
National park rules apply here — no camping without a permit, and pets are prohibited under park regulations. Do not enter the water: strong northeast swell makes swimming dangerous from November through March, and there is no lifeguard on duty at any time of year. Even outside those five months, approach the water with caution given the absence of any safety cover. Snorkeling is seasonal, so check conditions locally before you pack fins.
Map
Nearby places
Quán Thúy
Hải Nam Quán
Infiniti
Luân Ôc Dao
BÒ Beefsteak 30a Côn Đảo
Khách Sạn Hoàng Sơn
Six pearl hotel
Lan Anh's Homestay
Đăng Khoa
Hotel duong than binh
Things to see around Côn Đảo
Bãi Đầm Trầu
Nearby horseshoe bay beach close to the airport, calmer and more sheltered.
Con Dao National Park Headquarters
Main visitor centre for the national park.
Hàng Dương Cemetery
Historic cemetery and pilgrimage site for Vietnamese revolutionary prisoners.
Frequently asked
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.
Other beaches in the region
Other wild beaches in Vietnam
More beaches in Vietnamese Coast
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Photo credits
Sources and licenses for the photos shown above.
- Photo 1 — Mikhail Nilov · source · Pexels License
- Photo 2 — Jess Loiterton · source · Pexels License
- Photo 3 — meomupmofilm · source · Pexels License
- Photo 4 — Đào Thân · source · Pexels License
- Photo 5 — Vũ Bụi · source · Pexels License
- Photo 6 — Quang Nguyen Vinh · source · Pexels License









