Dam Trau Beach, with its crystal-clear waters, powdery white sands, and stunning views, offers an unforgettable escape that will leave you refreshed and amazed by the beauty of nature.
Nestled on the serene Con Dao archipelago, Dam Trau Beach is a breathtaking escape that captures the heart of every traveler. Located just 4 km from Con Son town in Ba Ria–Vung Tau Province, this pristine beach is renowned for its golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and lush surroundings. For international visitors seeking an unspoiled tropical paradise, Dam Trau Beach offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and tranquility.
In this guide, we’ll explore the allure of Dam Trau Beach, top activities, and essential tips to plan your visit, ensuring an unforgettable experience in Vietnam.
1. The Allure of Dam Trau Beach: A Tropical Masterpiece
Dam Trau Beach, or Bãi Đầm Trầu in Vietnamese, is one of Con Dao Island’s most stunning coastal treasures. Spanning 3.3 hectares just outside Con Dao National Park, it lies near Co Ong Airport, about 15 km from Con Son town. In April 2021, Dam Trau Beach earned global acclaim when Travel+Leisure ranked it 18th among the world’s 25 most beautiful beaches, praising its golden sands framed by bamboo groves and vibrant forests.
The beach’s crescent-shaped shore curves gently, with turquoise waters lapping against soft, powdery sand. Surrounding Dam Trau Beach are ancient pine trees, a prominent bamboo forest, and pockets of tropical jungle, creating a wild, untouched vibe. Its proximity to Con Son Airport adds a unique thrill—planes soar low overhead, offering a spectacular photo opportunity against the beach’s scenic backdrop. Unlike commercialized beaches, Dam Trau Beach remains relatively undeveloped, preserving its pristine charm for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Dam Trau Beach in Con Dao named among the world’s most beautiful beaches (Source: Collected)
A local legend adds a romantic yet tragic layer to Dam Trau Beach. The story tells of Cau and Trau, two lovers who fell in love on this shore. When they discovered they were half-siblings, Cau left for another island, where an areca tree grew on his grave, naming it Hon Cau. Heartbroken, Trau took her life by leaping into the sea at this beach, naming it Dam Trau Beach. This tale infuses the beach with a mystical allure, captivating visitors.
For international travelers, Dam Trau Beach is a sanctuary of natural beauty and serenity, far from the crowds of Vietnam’s more touristy coastal spots. Its recognition as a global gem makes it a must-visit on any Con Dao itinerary.
The crystal-clear water and fine white sand of Dam Trau Beach – the most beautiful Con Dao beach (Source: Collected)
2. Top Activities at Dam Trau Beach
Dam Trau Beach offers a range of activities that showcase its natural splendor and cultural charm. From water adventures to tranquil relaxation, here’s how to experience this coastal paradise.
2.1. Swim and Snorkel in Crystal Waters
The calm, clear waters of Dam Trau Beach are perfect for swimming, with gentle waves and shallow areas ideal for families. The beach’s vibrant underwater ecosystem makes it Con Dao’s premier snorkeling spot. Just 700 meters from shore, colorful coral reefs teem with marine life, including tropical fish and anemones. Snorkeling gear rentals are available at nearby shops for 100,000–200,000 VND per day, or join a guided tour (500,000–1,000,000 VND) for a curated experience.
This magical underwater world comes to life with vivid colors and stunning coral scenes at shallow depths of just 2 to 4 meters. As you dive deeper, the scenery becomes even more captivating, with a wider variety of marine life revealing itself. On bright, sunny days, you can even see coral reefs as deep as 8 to 10 meters below the surface while standing on a boat.
For a quieter adventure, kayak through nearby mangrove forests, where you can paddle in serene waters surrounded by lush greenery. Rentals cost around 150,000 VND per hour.
Snorkeling is one of the most fascinating things to do in Con Dao with your friends and family (source: Collected)
2.2. Catch Stunning Sunsets and Plane Landings
Dam Trau Beach is famed for its magical sunsets, where the sky transforms into a canvas of orange, pink, and purple hues. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sea shimmers, creating a serene setting for photos or quiet reflection. Bring a blanket and enjoy the spectacle from the soft sands.
A unique feature of Dam Trau Beach is its proximity to Con Son Airport, with around 20 daily flights landing low over the beach. Visitors gather to snap photos of planes against the ocean backdrop, adding excitement to the tranquil atmosphere. Arrive in the morning or late afternoon to catch these moments, especially during the dry season when skies are clear.
Capture the moment a plane takes off amid stunning natural scenery with you as the focal point. (Source: Collected)
2.3. Camp Under the Stars
Camping on Dam Trau Beach is a bucket-list experience for adventurous travelers. The beach’s clean, quiet environment is ideal for pitching a tent and spending a night under the stars, with the sound of waves as your lullaby. Camping is free, but bring your own gear or rent tents locally for 200,000–300,000 VND per night. Organize a BBQ with fresh seafood from nearby restaurants, costing 300,000–500,000 VND for a group. Always clean up to preserve the beach’s pristine state.
For a guided camping experience, join a tour through Con Dao National Park, which includes beach camping and turtle-watching from April to September. Tours cost 600,000–1,200,000 VND per person and support conservation efforts.
Camping is one of the most enjoyable experiences, be sure to help preserve the beauty of the beach (source: Collected)
Why do this? Camping at Dam Trau Beach offers an immersive way to connect with nature and create lasting memories.
3. Planning Your Visit to Dam Trau Beach
To ensure a seamless trip to Dam Trau Beach, here’s a detailed guide on getting there, costs, and tips for international travelers.
3.1. How to Reach Dam Trau Beach
Dam Trau Beach is on Con Son Island, accessible by air or sea:
By air: Fly from Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat Airport) or Can Tho Airport to Con Dao Airport in 50–60 minutes. Book early for the dry season (November–April). From Con Dao Airport, Dam Trau Beach is a 5-minute taxi ride (50,000–100,000 VND) or 10-minute walk.
By ferry: High-speed ferries from Vung Tau (Con Dao Express 36) take 3.5–4 hours (660,000–880,000 VND), or from Soc Trang (Tran De Port) take 2.5–3 hours (610,000–690,000 VND). Ferries arrive at Ben Dam Port, a 20-minute motorbike ride (15 km) to Dam Trau Beach. Check schedules at phuquocexpressboat.com, as weather may affect departures.
Tourists can easily book flights to move to Dam Trau Beach, Con Dao Vietnam (Source: Collected)
From Con Son town, rent a motorbike (100,000–150,000 VND/day) or take a taxi (150,000–200,000 VND) to Dam Trau Beach. The scenic coastal road offers stunning views, so take your time and stop for photos. A sandy path leads to the beach, where parking is available.
3.2. Costs and Amenities
- Entry: Dam Trau Beach is free to visit, with no entrance fees.
- Amenities: Basic facilities include parking, showers, and changing cabins. Rent deck chairs, hammocks, or loungers for 50,000–100,000 VND/day. Three low-key bars and restaurants offer seafood, cold drinks, and fresh fruit, with meals costing 100,000–300,000 VND per person.
- Activities: Snorkeling gear rentals are 100,000–200,000 VND/day, kayak rentals 150,000 VND/hour, and camping gear 200,000–300,000 VND/night. Guided tours (snorkeling, camping, or park hikes) range from 500,000–1,200,000 VND.
Cash (Vietnamese Dong) is preferred, as card payments are uncommon. Confirm prices at restaurants or rental shops to avoid overcharges.
3.3. Best Time to Visit Dam Trau Beach
The dry season (November–April) is ideal for visiting Dam Trau Beach, with calm seas, clear skies, and temperatures of 25–30°C. This period is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. The rainy season (May–October) brings gentle waves and fewer crowds, making it great for turtle-watching (April–September) and camping. April to October is recommended for the best beach conditions, despite occasional showers. Avoid Tet (January–February) to dodge crowds and higher prices.
3.4. Tips for International Visitors
- Pack smart: Bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, and water shoes for rocky areas. A reusable water bottle and snacks are handy, as amenities are limited.
- Respect nature: Keep Dam Trau Beach clean by disposing of trash properly. Avoid touching coral reefs while snorkeling to protect the ecosystem.
- Stay safe: The beach is safe for swimming, but check tide schedules, as high tides reduce the shoreline. Watch for monkeys near the forest, and secure belongings.
- Combine attractions: Pair your Dam Trau Beach visit with Con Dao Prison (20,000–40,000 VND entry) and Hang Duong Cemetery (free) for a mix of history and nature. The 914 Jetty and Ma Thien Lanh Bridge are nearby historical sites.
Combine your trip with visits to Con Dao attractions, such as the historic Con Dao Prison (source: Collected)
4. What Makes Dam Trau Beach Special
Dam Trau Beach is not just an ordinary beach but a piece of paradise that gives a sense of pristine wilderness. The soft sand, clear water, and green forest have helped make this place one of the world’s top beaches, yet it remains quiet enough for you to feel at home. Unlike Vietnam’s more crowded destinations, Dam Trau Beach keeps everything simple, with no large hotels or noisy crowds.
For visitors, Dam Trau Beach offers opportunities to swim in coral-filled waters, watch planes glide overhead, or camp beside the waves. The love story of Cau and Trau adds a magical element, while nearby sites like Con Dao Prison interweave with Vietnamese history. As Con Dao becomes increasingly famous, Dam Trau Beach remains a hidden gem. Visit now to experience this place at its most beautiful.
Are you ready to fall in love with Dam Trau Beach in Con Dao? Book your flight or ferry early, especially from November to April. Spend 3-4 hours enjoying the beach or dedicate a whole day to explore Suoi Nong Beach or Con Dao National Park as well.
Contact Lux Travel DMC to plan diving or camping without worrying about anything else. Just prepare your swimwear and get ready for your trip to Dam Trau Beach in Con Dao Vietnam!
