【Bãi Đầm Trầu】Dam Trau Beach Guide in Con Dao, Vietnam
Golden sands. Lush forest. Planes floating right above your head as you chill by the waves. Dam Trau Beach is that underrated spot you didn’t know you needed—and now you won’t stop thinking about it.
Ranked as one of the Top 25 Beaches in the World, this dreamy stretch of coastline on Con Dao Island is that good. Think peaceful vibes, soft sand, and a wild legend (wait ‘til you read it below 🥲).
This guide will give you everything you need to know — from how to get there and where to stay, to a few can’t-miss local secrets.
legend of Dam Trau Beach
In Co Ong Village, there once lived a kind, intelligent young man named Cau, and later, a beautiful, gentle girl named Trau. Fate brought them together one day on the beach, where Cau wooed Trau with folk verses and quiet charm. Their love blossomed like the sea breeze — soft, deep, and full of promise.
Eventually, Cau wanted to marry Trau. He approached his father to ask for her hand, believing their love was destined. But what he heard changed everything.
His father, visibly shaken, revealed a long-buried secret: Trau was actually his daughter — born from an affair he had kept hidden. Cau and Trau were half-siblings.
Crushed by guilt and grief, Cau didn’t have the heart to face Trau. He vanished without a word, sailing to a deserted island where he lived the rest of his days in self-exile. It’s said that when he died, lush green trees bearing red fruits sprang up where he was buried, giving the island its name — Hon Cau, in his memory.
Back on the mainland, Trau waited.
Every day, she returned to the same cliff where they once laughed and dreamed, hoping to see Cau’s figure in the distance. One day, she too learned the heartbreaking truth about their connection. Overcome with sorrow, she walked into the ocean, surrendering to the waves with a love she could no longer hold.
The beach where she ended her life was named Dam Trau, a tribute to her eternal longing.
getting to Dam Trau Beach
Dam Trau Beach is only a 10-minute drive from Con Dao Airport, making it super accessible once you’re on the island. Here’s how to get there:
From mainland Vietnam
FLY from Saigon via a short 1-hour flight (the quickest option!)
FERRY from Vung Tau, Soc Trang, or Can Tho (a scenic but slower journey)
From Con Dao 🛵
TAXI from your hotel
SCOOTER RENTAL for more freedom (we rented ours from right outside our stay!)
☀️ TIP
Visit on weekdays to avoid the weekend crowd.
where to stay
Ready to wake up steps from the shore?
These Dam Trau Beach hotels are highly rated and offer something for every vibe.
The Secret Con Dao
Sustainable, quiet, and packed with thoughtful touches—ideal for eco-lovers who still want comfort.
🔗 Check availability on Agoda | Booking.com
Six Senses Con Dao
Luxury meets nature: private villas, oceanfront yoga, and a spa you’ll never forget. Worth the splurge.
🔗 Check availability on Agoda | Booking.com
Puolo Condor Boutique Resort & Spa
Hidden in the jungle, this gem comes with a private beach and soul-soothing architectural design.
🔗 Check availability on Agoda | Booking.com
things to do
There’s more than just soft sand here!
Here are some of the best things to do at Dam Trau Beach:
Swim
The water is shallow and gentle during low tide — perfect for a safe dip.
Swing under the trees
There are swings tucked under leafy shade — perfect for cute photos!
Sip fresh guava juice
Chill by the beach and get some fresh guava juice at the snack shed near the beach. Super refreshing!
Rent beach chairs
Chairs are cheap to rent, but you can also bring your own towel and chill under the trees.
Spot Sand Bubbler Crabs at work
These tiny crabs are easy to miss — but if you pause and look closely, you’ll see them emerge from the sand, sifting grains through their mouths and forming intricate little sand ball patterns.
✈️ Watch planes land
Another activity is watching small planes glide just above your head as they approach Con Dao Airport. This moment reminded me of relaxing with my friends at Rockaway Beach in NYC.
Thankfully, the planes flying overhead in Con Dao weren't very loud or disruptive, so they didn’t take away from the beach experience.
🏕 Camp on the beach
While camping is free, you’ll need to rent camping gear for 200,000 – 300,000 VND (~$12 USD) per night and fall asleep to crashing waves.
Please remember to clean up after yourself to maintain the beach’s natural beauty for wildlife, such as sea turtles, and for the visitors who come after you. Keeping the beach pristine is important for everyone to enjoy this stunning location.
🥾 Explore nearby forest paths
Wander a bit past the beach and find trails shaded by tall trees — perfect for a little nature moment.
🔗 WANT TO SKIP PLANNING?
Check out this 3-Day Con Dao Island Tour on GetYourGuide — it includes beaches, history, and local life.
know before you go!
| WHAT TO KNOW | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| BEST TIME TO VISIT | November to April |
| ETIQUETTE | Clean up after yourself + keep wildlife safe |
| PERFECT FOR | Solo travelers. Couples. Friends. Families. |
| FACILITIES | No bathrooms or restaurants — only a snack shack! |
| TRIP DURATION | Perfect for a 2-hour beach stop |
| WHAT TO BRING | Swimwear, towel, reef-safe sunscreen, bug spray |
| WATCH OUT FOR | Sandflies (in shaded areas), and monkeys — don’t leave your bags unintended! |
final thoughts
Dam Trau Beach is up there with my fave beaches — right next to Playa Zoní in Culebra and Jaws Beach in the Bahamas. Sure, the weather wasn’t perfect when we went (it was super overcast when we visited), and the water wasn’t crystal clear like in pics, but the vibe? Impeccable.
👉🏼 Need trusted sites to book your trip?
Head over to my Travel Resources Page — I’ve packed it with my favorite booking platforms, tools, and gear I personally use to travel light, live deep, and save money along the way.
plan your visit
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LUX Travel DMC: Dam Trau Beach: Discover a Coastal Wonder in Con Dao
Vietnam Discovery: Bai Dam Trau Beach: a Masterpiece of Nature on Con Dao Island
check out my recent travel vlog!
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