10 Best Islands in Vietnam

Phu Quoc Island has idyllic beaches, romantic sunsets, evergreen forests, and a serene atmosphere, making it an ideal holiday destination for travellers looking to escape bustling city life. It has an international airport and is the only visa-free destination in Vietnam. Located 45 km west of Ha Tien in the far south of Vietnam, the northern part of the island is relatively untouched due to its status as a UNESCO-listed national park. However, there are plenty of luxurious resorts, funky bars, and quaint cafes along the southern coastline. 

Aside from beachside activities, you can explore traditional villages, expansive nature parks, and Buddhist pagodas, all of which are easily accessible via motorcycle, taxi, bus or even day trips by reputable companies. Catering to just about any budget level and preference, Phu Quoc’s dining scene ranges from local markets selling fresh seafood and Vietnamese street food to expat-owned bistros offering authentic western and European fare.

The Con Dao Islands are an archipelago of 16 mostly uninhabited islets just off the southern coast of Vietnam, each of which offers expansive beaches shaded with evergreen trees. Great for savvy travellers looking to escape bustling city life, the main island boasts miles of coastal roads, hiking trails, and a wide range of outdoor activities. 

Island-hopping and diving are popular activities on the Con Dao Islands, where you can explore most of the uninhabited islets and spot various wildlife such as stingrays, barracudas, moray eels, and dugongs. Due to its status as a national park, you need to arrange your trip with the Con Dao National Park Headquarters (29 Vo Thi Sau, Con Dao District, Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province).

The Cham Islands comprise 8 small islands off the coast of Hoi An, one of which is a recognized UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. The Cu Lao Cham Marine Park attracts travellers looking to enjoy a day of scuba diving and snorkelling, while Hon Lao Island is where you can find fishing villages and pristine beaches that are great for sunbathing and water sports. 

The islands are about 30 minutes from Chua Dai Beach via express boat. If you’re planning on staying on Hon Lao Island, note that tourists aren’t allowed to rent motorcycles to get around. Homestays (mostly along Bai Chong Beach) are among the most popular accommodation options on the Cham Islands. There are also plenty of restaurants and dive centres that offer tent rentals at rather reasonable rates.

Vung Tau Island, also known as Cap Saint-Jacques, is a popular seaside resort town located about 120 km southeast of Ho Chi Minh City. It is a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists, thanks to its stunning beaches, excellent seafood, and variety of outdoor activities. Vung Tau is also a great destination for golf enthusiasts, with several world-class golf courses, including the Vung Tau Paradise Golf Resort and the Long Thanh Golf Club.

The island is famous for its Back Beach, which is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. Other popular beaches on the island include Front Beach and Pineapple Beach. For those who enjoy snorkelling, Vung Tau offers some of the best diving spots in Vietnam, including Ho Tram Beach and Long Hai Beach. One of the most popular landmarks on the island is Bach Dinh or Villa Blanche, a stunning French colonial villa built during the French occupation in the late 19th century. The villa offers a panoramic view of the island and the surrounding sea.

Cat Ba Island is the largest island in Ha Long Bay. Just about every tour company in Hanoi offers daily trips to the island, attracting travellers looking to enjoy a day of sightseeing during their holiday. Located off the coast of Hai Phong City, the island's beaches (Cat Co 1 and Cat Co 2) are great for sunbathing and swimming during the summer months. If you’re not a fan of crowds on the beach, you can rent a speedboat or kayak to Monkey Island and Lan Ha Bay, where the beaches are cleaner and quieter. 

Cat Ba Island is home to a national park of the same name. While the majority of caves in Ha Long Bay are fitted with artificial lights, the grottoes within the Cat Ba National Park are relatively natural so we highly recommend bringing necessary caving gear with you or engage with a local guide.

Hon Tre Island is best known for housing Vinpearl Amusement Park, where you can find a massive aquarium, amphitheatre, shopping mall, and a variety of rides. Another draw is Bai Tru Beach, located adjacent to the park. There’s an entrance fee that is inclusive of return speedboat transfers, buffet lunch, and access to the beach and swimming pool. 

Despite the massive development on the island, nature lovers can still enjoy a day of hiking on Hon Tre Mountain, while Bay Lagoon offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling town centre. Hon Tre Island is around 5 km east of Nha Trang. You can ride a cable car from Cau Da Wharf to Hon Tre Island, or travel via a ferry, high-speed boat, car, and motorcycle.

Ly Son is home to over 50 shrines and temples, sandy beaches, and garlic farms. Located off the coast of Quang Ngai Province, you can travel to the main island of Ly Son via a 1.5-hour-long ferry ride from Cang Sa Ky. Due to its remote location, it’s usually frequented by locals during the holidays. The island is known for its garlic fields, but you can enjoy a day of sightseeing as there are over 50 Buddhist temples and shrines that are easily reachable via motorcycle. There are also plenty of pristine beaches with affordable hotels and seafood restaurants. 

Popular landmarks include Chua Hang Pagoda and Dinh Liem Tu Temple, both of which offer breathtaking views of the ocean and town centre. If you’re travelling to Ly Son during the weekends, annual holidays and festivities, be sure to book your hotel well in advance.

The Ba Lua Islands are a cluster of 45 islets off the coast of Kien Giang Province. Known as the Halong Bay of the South, only 10 of these limestone islands are home to local fishing villages. Hon Gieng, Hon Duoc and Hon Duong are closest to each other, resulting in a shallow bay. One of the popular activities is to walk from one islet to another when the tide is low. 

There are numerous caves on each islet, though we recommend exploring them with a local islander for safety reasons. The Ba Lua Islands are relatively far from major cities in Vietnam, making them an ideal holiday destination for adventurous travellers looking to enjoy a secluded holiday.

The Nam Du archipelago is about 40 km southeast of Phu Quoc Island. It comprises 21 islands with colourful marine life and coral reefs, as well as expansive beaches and historical sites. Only 11 islets are inhabited and the main island of Hon Lon is where travellers can find the best hotels and restaurants. The main island also houses a lighthouse that stands 300 metres above sea level, while expansive beaches like Dat Do, Mam, Nhun, Men are popular spots for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. 

Snorkellers and divers can join a day tour or charter a boat to the nearby Hon Dau Island, which is known for its thriving coral reefs and rare marine life. Do note that you need to have proper documentation (passport, visa, and a permit from the Rach Gia immigration department) when visiting Nam Du. The best time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from November to April.

Binh Ba Island on Cam Ranh Bay features limestone caves and pristine beaches with colourful reef systems, as well as friendly locals, fresh seafood, and affordable accommodation. A great way to get there is by boat from Ba Ngoi Pier, which is around 15 km southwest of Cam Ranh Airport. Boats depart daily between 7 am and 4 pm. 

Popular beaches on Binh Ba Island include Nha Cu, Nom, and Chuong, where you can spend hours just lounging on the beach and enjoying a wide range of local specialities You can also rent a motorcycle to explore Binh Ba Island’s mountainous roads. There are several lookout points along the way, where you can enjoy breathtaking sunset views of the sea and surrounding islets.