Vietnam's Con Dao island is Asia's paradise

With rich traditional cultures and unspoiled landscapes, Con Dao in Vietnam's southern Ba Ria Vung Tau province is one of 12 crowd-free sea paradises in Asia, US Cable News Network (CNN) has recently stated. Once a penal colony known as the Devil's Island of French Indochina, Con Dao, a 16-island archipelago off the Mekong Delta, has turned to more peaceful pursuits in modern times. It offers coral reefs, palm-shaded beaches, rain forest trails and chic beach hotels like the Six Senses Con Dao.

History buffs will revel in the island's role in the age of ocean exploration - Marco Polo allegedly stepped ashore at Con Dao on his long return journey to Venice, according to CNN.

To learn more about the island's war-plagued past, travelers can explore the Revolutionary Museum - located in the former French commander's residence - or tour the old prisons on the main island.