Can Tho
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From $56
1380000/person
Overview
The So Ray Plantation Tour is a 3-4 hour guided journey combining Con Dao’s history, protected forest, and elevated island scenery. The program begins with a short stop at Ma Thien Lanh Bridge, where unfinished bridge abutments recall a difficult chapter in Con Dao’s past. You will then visit the Environmental Education Center before walking uphill through tropical forest to So Ray Plantation at approximately 250 meters above sea level.
At So Ray, take time to rest and enjoy panoramic views across Con Dao Town, forested mountains, and the coastline before returning to town. This half-day program is suited to travelers who want more than a sightseeing stop and are comfortable with uphill forest walking. Travelers with limited mobility, knee concerns, or a medical condition should contact Mekong Smile before booking to confirm the current trail conditions.
For travelers comparing hiking options, our guide to forest routes in Con Dao explains how different trails vary in difficulty, scenery, and time requirements.Highlights
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Discover the history of Ma Thien Lanh Bridge through its unfinished bridge abutments and memorial setting.
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Learn about Con Dao’s protected ecosystems inside the Environmental Education Center.
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Walk uphill beneath the tropical forest canopy while your guide introduces local plants and wildlife habitats.
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Reach So Ray Plantation at approximately 250 meters above sea level.
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Take in views over Con Dao Town, forested mountains, and the coastline.
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Choose a morning or afternoon departure with transport and an English-speaking guide included.
Itinerary
Pickup in Con Dao Town — 8:00 AM or 1:30 PM
Meet your guide in Con Dao Town and transfer to Con Dao National Park. During the drive, receive a practical briefing on the walking route and the island’s natural and cultural setting.
Ma Thien Lanh Bridge
Before entering the forest route, stop at the Ma Thien Lanh Bridge historical site, where two unfinished bridge abutments remain along the mountain landscape. Listen as your guide explains the site’s connection with the forced labor and hardship endured by Con Dao prisoners during the French colonial period. Guests may pause at the memorial or offer incense as a voluntary gesture of respect.
Environmental Education Center
Begin your National Park visit at the Environmental Education Center. Explore the Interpretation Room and Specimen Area while your guide introduces Con Dao’s forest ecosystem, native wildlife, and conservation work. This short visit provides useful context for the plants, habitats, and wildlife signs you may notice later on the trail.
Forest Hiking Adventure
Forest Walk to So Ray Plantation
Continue uphill along the paved stone trail beneath the tropical forest canopy. Along the route, your guide points out local plants and explains how the protected forest ecosystem supports Con Dao’s wildlife. Depending on natural conditions, you may notice birds, black squirrels, long-tailed macaques, lizards, or other signs of forest life, but sightings are never guaranteed.
So Ray Viewpoint and Return
Arrive at So Ray Plantation at approximately 250 meters above sea level and take time to rest after the uphill walk. From the viewpoint, look across Con Dao Town, forested mountains, and the surrounding coastline. Take photographs and enjoy the elevated landscape before beginning the return journey.
Things to Know
Includes
Tour Included
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English-speaking guide
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National Park ticket
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Drinking water and seasonal fruit
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Transport from Con Dao Town
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Travel insurance and VAT
Tour Excluded
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Personal expenses
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Optional services or additional expenses requested by the traveler
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OnePay payment surcharge: 4% of the total tour price
Additional Info
Who This Tour Is For
This tour includes uphill walking through tropical forest to So Ray Plantation at approximately 250 meters above sea level. Wear walking shoes with grip, breathable clothing, sun protection, insect repellent, and carry any personal medication you need. Bring a light rain layer when conditions call for it. Travelers with limited mobility, knee concerns, or a medical condition should contact Mekong Smile before booking.
Booking and Payment
Full payment is required to confirm your booking. Payment for this Con Dao tour is not accepted at the Mekong Smile office.
Choose one of the following payment methods:
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QR Code payment: Pay the full booking amount via QR Code.
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OnePay payment: Pay the full booking amount through OnePay. A 4% surcharge is added to the total tour price.
Please confirm tour availability, group size, departure time, and the final payable amount with Mekong Smile before making payment.
Ready to plan your So Ray Plantation hike? Contact Mekong Smile via Hotline or WhatsApp to confirm availability, group pricing, and your preferred morning or afternoon departure.
Child and Cancellation Terms
One child under five may join free of charge with two adults; parents cover any incurred costs. The second accompanying child is charged at the applicable child rate. Contact Mekong Smile before booking to confirm the current child rate and whether the route is suitable for the child.
Weather-related cancellations receive a full refund. For cancellations made for personal reasons, written notice is required, and the following charges apply:
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30% of the deposit at 30 or more days before departure;
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50% of the deposit at 15-30 days;
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80% of the tour cost at 8-15 days;
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and 100% of the tour cost at 1-7 days before departure.
Cancellation time is calculated on working days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
Meeting and Pickup
Morning departure: 8:00 AM. Afternoon departure: 1:30 PM. Pickup is available in Con Dao Town.
Confirm your preferred departure, group size, availability, and final payable amount with Mekong Smile before completing payment.
Compare Con Dao Forest Hikes
The So Ray Plantation Tour focuses on uphill forest walking and elevated views over Con Dao. For a route centered on the Environmental Education Center, Holy Cave, and a 400-year-old Heritage Tree, explore the Con Dao Heritage Tree hiking experience.
Pricing & Packages
| Group Size | 2-3 pax | 4-5 pax | 6-7 pax | 8 pax and above |
| Price per Person (VND/Adult) | 1.380.000 VND | 1.050.000 VND | 950.000 VND | 880.000 VND |
| Price per Person (USD/Adult) | 56 USD | 42 USD | 38 USD | 36 USD |
| Last reviewed: 27 July 2026. Prices are per adult and displayed in VND. Rates may be adjusted if fuel or operating costs change. OnePay payments incur a 4% surcharge on the total tour price. Mekong Smile will confirm the final payable amount before payment. | ||||
| Call Mekong Smile | ||||
| Check Availability on WhatsApp | ||||
Meeting & Pickup
Start time: 8:00 AM or 1:30 PM
Pickup point: Con Dao Town
8h00 / 13h30 – Tour guide will pick you up in town and transfer
to Con Dao National Park.
to Con Dao National Park.
FAQ
How long is the So Ray Plantation Tour?
+The program lasts approximately 3-4 hours, including pickup, the Environmental Education Center visit, the forest walk, time at So Ray Plantation, and the return to town.
Is this tour suitable for beginners?
+It is designed as a short, guided forest hike, but it includes an uphill section to the viewpoint. Guests should be comfortable walking on a forest trail.
What is Ma Thien Lanh Bridge?
+Ma Thien Lanh Bridge is a historical site associated with the forced labor of Con Dao prisoners during the French colonial period. Today, visitors can see unfinished stone bridge abutments and a memorial area before continuing to Con Dao National Park.
What can I see from So Ray Plantation?
+The viewpoint looks over Con Dao Town, surrounding mountains, forest, and coastline.
Is the National Park ticket included?
+Yes. The National Park ticket is included in the tour price.
How can I pay for the tour?
+Full payment is required to confirm the booking. You can pay the full amount via QR Code or through OnePay. OnePay payments are subject to a 4% surcharge on the total tour price. Payment is not accepted at the Mekong Smile office.
What should I bring?
+Bring walking shoes with grip, sun protection, insect repellent, a light rain layer when needed, and a small personal bag. Drinking water and seasonal fruit are included.
Can children or older travelers join?
+The route includes uphill forest walking. Contact Mekong Smile before booking so the team can advise based on the traveler’s mobility, health, and the current trail conditions.
Can I expect to see wildlife on the route?
+You may observe wildlife along the forest route when conditions allow, but sightings vary and are not guaranteed. Need help choosing between the So Ray and Heritage Tree routes? Contact Mekong Smile via Hotline or WhatsApp for current trail advice.
zoe.hamilton_88 (verified owner) –
I loved sitting at the So Ray Plantation viewpoint and looking over Con Dao town and the ocean horizon.
Aria Simmons (verified owner) –
The viewpoint at So Ray Plantation is definitely one of the best photo spots inside Con Dao National Park.
luna.watson_25 (verified owner) –
The whole Con Dao National Park hiking route felt safe, clean and suitable even for first-time hikers.
Nathan Griffin (verified owner) –
The guide shared many interesting stories about wildlife and conservation during the So Ray Plantation tour.
jackson.cooper_91 (verified owner) –
We spotted colorful lizards and squirrels during the So Ray Plantation Con Dao hike which was really memorable.
Ethan Carter (verified owner) –
The afternoon So Ray Plantation tour had beautiful lighting for photos and cooler weather for hiking.
Scarlett Hayes (verified owner) –
This Con Dao National Park hiking experience was easy enough for beginners but still very enjoyable.
logan.turner_21 (verified owner) –
Seeing monkeys and black squirrels along the So Ray Plantation Con Dao trail made the trip feel very authentic.