CON DAO BUS: EXPLORE THE ISLAND LIKE A LOCAL

The Con Dao archipelago comprises 16 islands and islets, with Con Son serving as the main island and vibrant hub. Following administrative restructuring in July 2025, Con Dao is officially designated as a special administrative zone under Ho Chi Minh City (formerly under Ba Ria–Vung Tau province).

Alongside these regional updates, a modern, eco-friendly electric bus network has been introduced on Con Son to serve both local residents and travelers. Here is your complete guide to navigating the island effortlessly using Con Dao’s green public transit system.

1. What does the Con Dao bus look like?

Unlike traditional municipal transit, the Con Son electric bus is a sleek, single-decker green 40-seater vehicle. Keep an eye out for Bus #173—this is currently the primary public electric bus operating across the island.

Con Dao local bus is a sleek, electric single decker 40 seater vehicle

2. Con Dao Electric bus: Route, schedule & travel time

The bus operates continuously back and forth between Con Dao Market (in the town center) and Co Ong Airport, departing every 15 minutes from 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily. A complete one-way trip takes approximately 30 minutes.

The scenic journey takes you along Ton Duc Thang Street—one of Con Son’s most striking coastal roads—and makes stops near famous sights, including Dam Trau Beach (recognized by Travel + Leisure as one of the world’s most stunning beaches). You can also use the bus to reach nearby destinations like the Poulo Condor Boutique Resort and Dam Tre Bay.

Getting to a bus stop

If you are staying in the center of Con Dao town, there is usually a bus stop within short walking distance of your accommodation. If your hotel is located further out, you can ask your hotel to arrange a transfer provided by the bus company for 10,000 VND per ride.

The 21 Bus stops along route 173

Con Dao Market (Departure point) Con Dao Post Office Con Dao Court Tourist Pier Sai Gon Con Dao Resort The Secret Con Dao Phu Tuong Prison Hang Keo Cemetery Lo Voi Phan Chu Trinh T-junction Dat Doc Six Senses Con Dao Chan Chim Cape Tau Be Cape Yen Spa Con Dao Water Supply Station Madam Phi Yen Temple Uncle Temple Dam Trau Beach Van Hoa Community No. 1 Co Ong Airport (Ending point)

The route of Con Dao bus

The return bus route follows the exact same stops in reverse.

4. Ticketing & How to track your Con Dao bus

Remember that the bus is FREE for everyone, including locals residents and tourists alike. However, you will need a credit card/ debit card (or ID card for Vietnamese citizens) or any card with a microchip  just for recording the data.

Once you step on the bus, just give the usher your card, and tell her/ him when you want to get off. She/ he will let you know when the bus arrives at your bus stop.

For Live Route Tracking: Download the Multi-Go app on your mobile device. Select Route 173 (Con Dao bus) to check real-time arrival schedules, track the bus location live on the map, and plan your stops accordingly.

MultiGo App

Conclusion

Taking the electric bus is not only an eco-conscious and budget-friendly way to travel across Con Son, but it also offers front-row seats to the island’s coastal scenery. Whether you need a smooth airport transfer or a hassle-free day of beach-hopping and historic exploration, hopping on Bus #173 is the best way to slow down and experience Con Dao like a local.

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If you are planning your trip to Con Dao, don’t forget to truly immerse yourself in the natural wonders and heritage of Con Dao, explore these curated local experiences by Endless Vietnam:

• Historical Con Dao Tour by Bicycle, Motorbike, or Car

  Step back in time on a guided journey through Con Dao’s historic landmarks and French/American-era heritage sites, choosing your preferred pace on two or four wheels.

• Con Dao Turtle Release & Snorkeling Half-Day Tour

  Join an early morning eco-adventure to release hatchling baby sea turtles back to the ocean, followed by guided snorkeling among pristine coral reefs.

• Con Dao Sea Turtle Egg Laying Experience

  An unforgettable overnight conservation experience on Bảy Cạnh Island to witness mother sea turtles nesting under the stars in their natural sanctuary.

And many other nature treks are waiting for you ahead.

Got questions? Feel free to reach out to Endless Vietnam—we’d love to help you design your unforgettable journey!

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