Côn Đảo — Local services in Bà Rịa - Vũng Tàu Province

Vietnam, a good place if you are looking for solitude, but not the best place for romantic dates. The island has a small L G B T community with a high risk of H I V. In May 2021, I contracted H I V from a SixSenses hotel employee. Having dates on an island is not a good idea for community. There are zero medical services on the island, knowledge of measures to prevent of H I V - absent at all. Three cases of H I V transmission from the employee of SixSenses hotel were identified. I hope the local authorities will show due responsibility for the catastrophic situation with H I V on the island, will properly approach the issues of promoting not only the values of communism but also a healthy lifestyle. Provide local community information about H I V, ensure that not only locals but also tourists have access to quick H I V tests, and ensure that necessary medications are available for those already affected and living on the island. It should be clearly understood that the timely use of medication by affected people will prevent the further spread of H IV ! In my case, I would not have contracted H I V if a SixSenses hotel employee had been on therapy and under medical supervision! But due to the irresponsibility of the island administration, hotel management, and adequate awareness among residents, the risk of H I V transmission is very high. Be vigilant when visiting the island,...

Still rather undeveloped, the accommodations are limited to few hotels and home stays. Restaurant service is under average. Great place for backpacks and the more adventure tourists. For the typical tourist the only decent place to stay is the resort which is very pricey. The beaches are still clean and not overcrowded but can be ranked as average, nothing exceptional about them. The diving and snorkeling is also very average. If you are expecting an exceptional experience you may be disappointed. If you just want a place to relax then it may suit your needs. The most disadvantage here as tourist destination is how to get here. The boat ride is too long (4hr from Vung Tau or 2.5hr from Soc Trang, both are inconvenient from Saigon). The plane ride is only by small prop airplanes which could be bumpy at times. The government also plays up the relics of the former prison as an attraction, but it only has limited effect, mostly for local Vietnamese. There is a superstition following cult believing in some dead prisoners. They gathered as crowds every night about midnight at the tombstone of a young girl believing she has power to grant fortunes to those who worship her. It’s quite a...

We stayed here for 1 month and loved it. There are no big chain shops, but there is good infrastructure and the roads are very quiet at all times. Monkeys are easily seen along the road sides. Sadly, local government seems disinterested to clean up the trash found at ALL beauty spots and beaches. A lot of trash is washed in from the sea, a lot with Chinese or Korean wrappings. However, more is dropped by locals and people who don't care. There is 1 group that cleans a beach each Sunday morning. They have much work cut out for them. Most visitors are Vietnamese who come to lay gifts on the grave of Vo Thi Sau and ask for good fortune. Big army presence. This is an up and coming tourist destination. Most people only visit for a day or 2. Good museum and the prison is open. But tickets...