Vietnam is rapidly gaining popularity as a beach destination and is becoming a top choice for beach getaways in Southeast Asia. The nation’s beaches are comparable to those in nearby Thailand. While most tourists tend to visit the mainland with perhaps a brief excursion to Phu Quoc Island, many other islands in Vietnam remain relatively tranquil.
I’ve reached out to some travel blogging friends to share their top island recommendations.
Here are some islands in Vietnam to explore if you find some time to enjoy the country:
(Main image: Nhat Beach, Con Dao)
Phu Quoc
Situated just off the border with Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc Island is famous for its stunning white-sand beaches, serene red dirt roads, and palm-fringed coastline. Approximately 50% of the island is part of the Phu Quoc National Park, offering visitors opportunities to explore jungles, hiking trails, and mountains if they want a break from the beautiful palm-lined beaches.
The island is a seafood lover’s paradise, with the Duong Dong night market providing access to the freshest options complemented by a refreshing beer or two.
Phu Quoc maintains a peaceful atmosphere compared to other islands, with street vendors to be found but without the usual hassle experienced on the mainland. It’s an ideal place for relaxation. Options include taking a cooking class or delving into the island’s history at the Phu Quoc prison. Exploring the island by motorbike is a great way to experience its quiet roads and hidden gems.
Due to its location on the Cambodia-Vietnam border, Phu Quoc serves as a perfect stopover between the two countries and is a wonderful island for unwinding.
by Sarah Cartner from ASocialNomad
Con Dao
Con Dao is a must-visit destination when traveling to Vietnam. Located south of the country, it encompasses a group of islands, with only Con Son being inhabited.
During our five months of traveling in Southeast Asia, Con Dao offered some of the best beaches we encountered. The island is small enough to explore many beautiful beaches by motorbike. Our favorite beach was Dam Trau, which also provided excellent snorkeling opportunities. Diving and snorkeling boat trips are readily available on the island.
If luxury is what you seek, Con Dao boasts the renowned Six Senses resort, part of a global chain known for its high-end accommodations in exotic locations, featuring a private beach for a complete getaway.
Beyond its beaches, Con Dao has historical sites worth visiting. Once a place of exile, its former prisons and concentration camps have been preserved and transformed into somber museums. The Con Dao cemetery is a pilgrimage site for many Vietnamese, honoring their national heroine, Vo Thi Sau, who was executed by the French.
The tourist infrastructure in Con Dao remains relatively undeveloped, making it a prime destination for those looking to experience its untouched beauty as soon as possible.
by Dave from Dave’s Travel Pages
Cat Ba Island
Located near Halong Bay in Northern Vietnam, Cat Ba Island stands out as one of the most exciting islands in Southeast Asia. It serves as a fantastic base for exploring Halong Bay, while also providing a plethora of unique experiences.
You can easily book a bus from Hanoi to Cat Ba, with tickets that include the boat ride. Once you arrive, they’ll drop you off right in front of your hotel or hostel on the island. I highly recommend Cat Ba Oasis Bungalows, which offers luxurious private rooms as well as budget-friendly dorms, catering to all types of travelers. Their pool is pristine, and guests benefit from discounts on food and drinks at the restaurant. Additionally, you can arrange your Halong Bay, Cat Ba National Park, or rock climbing tours through their attentive staff.
Cat Ba Island is a hidden gem that has still managed to remain somewhat off the beaten path. However, it is rapidly developing with new resorts on the way. Thankfully, I didn’t feel its impact too much, though that’s becoming hard to escape in Southeast Asia today.
My favorite activities on Cat Ba include hiking in Cat Ba National Park, enjoying seafood hot pot (head inland for better prices), and swimming. For a truly magical experience, don’t miss out on night swimming with bioluminescent plankton! You’ll find that Cat Ba allows you to choose your ideal atmosphere, whether you prefer a tranquil escape into nature or a lively beach party—or even a combination of both!
by Kaisa Lee from Glam Granola Travel
Cham Islands
The Cham Islands, a group of eight islands off the coast of Hoi An, recently opened their largest inhabited island to tourism. Note, however, that half of the island remains under military control and is therefore inaccessible to the public.
You can reach the island via speedboat in about 20-30 minutes, or opt for the daily ferry service, which takes around 1.5 hours. The boat docks in the main village, which features good amenities for tourists and several beautiful beaches.
Alternatively, you can continue to the smaller village by a smaller boat or motorcycle, about 5km east. The beaches may be a bit rocky, but the authenticity of this quieter area draws visitors.
Both villages offer homestays, and luxury accommodations are currently being developed. Fishing, snorkeling, and kayaking tours can be arranged through local service providers.
If you prefer a DIY adventure, hiking along the road connecting the two villages is a great way to enjoy the stunning bays along the route. [As of 2019, this is the only area of the island that allows for hiking].
Of course, you can also simply relax. Sometimes, the best part of visiting a place like this is just soaking up the tranquility.
by Elly McGuinness from Parenting, Passports, and Profits
Other Islands in Vietnam to Discover
Nam Du
Located just south of Phu Quoc, the Nam Du Archipelago was once off-limits to foreign travelers. However, it has recently become accessible via ferry from Rach Gia, with growing accommodation options over the last couple of years. Exploring the archipelago by boat is ideal (you can arrange private boat trips at local fishing ports).
Nam Du has limited tourist infrastructure, making it perfect for days spent island hopping, enjoying fresh seafood, or simply lounging on the beach.
Ly Son
Ly Son is a volcanic island situated in the southern part of Vietnam, in Quang Ngai province. It can be easily reached by ferry from Sa Ky port, but it’s not as widely known among international travelers due to its lack of picturesque white sandy beaches compared to Phu Quoc and Con Dao. However, Vietnamese tourists flock to Ly Son for its stunning volcanic landscapes and cliffs adorning the island’s shores. The local seafood features a distinct garlicky flavor, as garlic grows abundantly on Ly Son.
Ba Lua Archipelago
Often referred to as the “Ha Long Bay of the South,” the Ba Lua Archipelago is composed of over 40 tiny islands and islets a few miles off the mainland in the Gulf of Thailand, located near Rach Gia. With only a handful of islands currently inhabited, Ba Lua is an alluring destination for those seeking to escape the crowds found in Thailand.
Some islands are so closely situated, and the water is so shallow that wading between them in knee-deep water at low tide is a popular activity.
An Binh and Other Mekong Islands
Did you know that Vietnam also has many small islands along its mainland? This is particularly true in the Mekong Delta, where rivers and canals have formed several little islands, bringing a taste of island life to the mainland and making them extremely easy to reach.
An Binh, located in the river just across from Vinh Long town, is one of the more popular islands, dotted with homestays along the riverbanks. The island’s narrow roads are often inaccessible to cars, creating a perfect environment for a relaxing bicycle or scooter ride.
