Islands of Vietnam are favored by mother nature with countless beautiful landscapes that have captivated the hearts of many visitors. In particular, Vietnam has more than 4,000 large and small islands, each having its own wild and mysterious charm. Let's visit some of the 12 paradise islands in Vietnam listed below to get more "Vitamin Sea" for yourself.
1. Cat Ba Island - One of the best islands of Vietnam
Cat Ba Archipelago, Hai Phong, is a world biosphere reserve recognized by UNESCO. This place has an extremely fresh and cool atmosphere. In particular, the harmony between the forest and the sea here has created a unique landscape.
Coming to this beautiful island, visitors can not only bathe in the cool blue water but also explore the mysterious primeval forests on the island. Cat Ba Island has various tropical rainforests, mangroves, coral reefs, seaweed mats and especially cave systems.
Apart from Cat Ba, the port city of Hai Phong has many other famous tourist spots such as Hon Dau, Long Chau, Bach Long Vy islands, etc.
Tips: Cat Ba Island is accessible by a combination of road and ferry or speedboat. Most travelers arrive in Hai Phong City, and from there, they take a ferry or a speedboat to Cat Ba Island. Alternatively, you can arrange transportation directly from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island, which includes bus and ferry or speedboat transfers.
2. Ly Son Island
Ly Son is an island district in Quang Ngai Province, nearly 30 kilometers away from the mainland. In recent years, Ly Son has become one of the most attractive Vietnam islands, attracting visitors with its unspoiled nature and unique culture.
With an area of about 10 square kilometers and a total coastline length of 25 kilometers, Ly Son island district has 2 main islands, namely Big Island and Little Island. On the Big Island, the highlight is Thoi Loi Mountain, which is the largest of the 5 mountains in Ly Son. Standing on the top of Thoi Loi Mountain, visitors will be overwhelmed by the beautiful natural scenery of the island district.
Meanwhile, the Little Island still has the pristine features that nature has bestowed. It possesses one of the most beautiful coral reefs in the country, which not only has diverse colors but also a long lifespan. This coral reef is also home to a rich population of aquatic plants and animals with colorful colors and various shapes. Therefore, one of the most popular activities for tourists on the Little Island is scuba diving so that they can discover the rich and diverse marine life here themselves.
Tips: The best time to visit Ly Son Island is from March to September when the weather is pleasant and the sea is calm. Avoid the monsoon season, which typically occurs from October to February.
3. Phu Quoc Island - The largest island in Vietnam
Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Kien Giang Province, Phu Quoc is known as the pearl island on the southwest sea of the country. With 150 kilometers of coastline, Vietnam island Phu Quoc has many beautiful beaches stretching from the north to the south. This is an ideal place for swimming, yachting, fishing, squid catching, scuba diving, etc. If you are seeking tranquility and relaxation, you can just unwind on the powdery white sand and soak in the sun.
In addition to the blue sea, white sand, and bright sunshine, Phu Quoc pearl island also has many entertainment establishments and attractive utilities that visitors should not miss the opportunity to explore and experience. Phu Quoc National Park, Ham Ninh Fishing Village, and Phu Quoc Prison are the top destinations, offering a glimpse into the region's natural beauty, local culture, and history.
Vinpearl Phu Quoc is also an impressive highlight that is loved and chosen by many tourists. Not only providing a full range of 5-star luxury hotel rooms and villas, it also offers a series of package services such as shopping, spa, golf course, amusement park, safari, etc.
Tips: Renting a motorbike is one of the most popular ways to explore Phu Quoc Island. The island is relatively large, and having your transportation gives you the flexibility to visit various attractions at your own pace. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi or join organized tours.
>>> Book rooms in Vinpearl Phu Quoc to have a nice stay on the pearl island!
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4. Hon Tre Island - A famous island in Vietnam
This is Nha Trang bay’s largest island with an area of up to 32.5 square kilometers, about 5 kilometers away from the city of Nha Trang. With a temperate tropical climate, Hon Tre Island is known as a gem amongst islands of Vietnam. Visitors can take refreshing dips in the ocean or simply unwind under the shade of palm trees while sipping on tropical cocktails. There are also exciting water sports, like scuba diving and banana boat riding, on offer.
For those seeking relaxation, Vinpearl Nha Trang provides the ultimate pampering experiences. Other entertainment spots include:
- VinWonders Nha Trang: Like a wonderland, this place is the top recreational paradise with many attractive games such as the Aquarium or the epic water shows.
- Se Tre tourism area: A very interesting feature of this place is that all the design, construction, architecture of buildings and items are made from bamboo, which makes a very rustic village scene.
- Dam Bay eco-tourism area: This place develops marine ecotourism with coral diving as the spearhead thanks to the calm sea, which makes it completely safe for you to dive and explore the ocean.
Tips: Since Hon Tre Island is an island destination, it's essential to pack essentials such as sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and reusable water bottles to stay hydrated.
>>> Book rooms in Vinpearl Nha Trang to enjoy a better trip to this island!
5. Cham Islands - A must-visit island in Vietnam
Cu Lao Cham, an island with an area of about 15 square kilometers, belongs to the city of Hoi An, Quang Nam Province. In 2009, the island was recognized by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve of the world. Thanks to its usually cool climate, you can come to Cu Lao Cham at any time that suits your schedule. In particular, you should come here in the summer to soak in the fresh air and enjoy the experience of jumping into the cool water of this Vietnam island.
Since the island was recognized as a marine protected area, the people of Cu Lao Cham island have switched from fishing to tourism. The homestay system in Cu Lao Cham is built based on the homes of the locals themselves. Coming to Cu Lao Cham, you will have a chance to eat and drink with the people here, as well as be guided by them in the most welcoming and enthusiastic way to explore this island.
However, if you want to enjoy a more luxurious accommodation with high-class facilities, you can stay at Vietnam island resorts near Cu Lao Cham. In particular, Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An is a favorite destination with a system of 5-star hotel rooms and high-standard services such as dining, golf, spa, swimming pool, etc.
Tips: Cham Island is a seafood lover's paradise. Don't miss the chance to savor the freshest catches from the sea. Try dishes like grilled squid, steamed fish, and stir-fried clams. You can find seafood served at local restaurants and eateries around the island.
>>> Book rooms in Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An and discover this wonderful island!
6. Hon Lao: Monkey Island Vietnam's Nha Trang
Hon Lao – the “Monkey Island” of Nha Trang is considered a kingdom of monkeys, attracting a large number of tourists. About 18 kilometers north of Nha Trang city center, this island has an area of 25 hectares with fresh natural landscape, cool climate, peaceful scenery with countless trees, birds and animals.
The monkeys here are kept for conservation purposes as well as tourism. When you come here, you are free to see, learn about and play with these mischievous and lovely animal friends. This place is very suitable for nature lovers and families with young children who like to explore and have fun.
This Vietnam monkey island is also the right place to enjoy the best food in Nha Trang. You can buy fresh seafood that fishermen have just caught and then have it processed the way you like by local chefs, or you can enjoy it at restaurants and eateries on the island.
Tips: Monkey Island is home to a population of wild monkeys. While it might be tempting to interact with them, remember that they are wild animals and can be unpredictable. Maintain a safe distance from the monkeys and avoid feeding them to prevent any aggressive behavior.
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7. Nam Du Island - A beautiful island in Vietnam
Situated in the same Kien Giang sea area with Phu Quoc island, Nam Du Island is also a famous destination loved by many tourists. This island captivates visitors with its wild and peaceful scenery. The addition of Nam Du Island in your Phu Quoc travel itinerary will give you a complete experience, for you will have a chance to be immersed in the wild nature on this Vietnam island while enjoying the best travel and accommodation services in the pearl island.
Nam Du island is about 78.6 kilometers southeast of Phu Quoc and takes only about 90 minutes to reach by speedboat. Having a pristine and charming beauty with its blue sea, white sand, golden sunshine, colorful coral reefs, fishes and a variety of fresh seafood, Nam Du is likened to a miniature Ha Long Bay in the heart of Vietnam’s southern sea, which will promisingly bring many interesting experiences to visitors.
Tips: Nam Du Island is part of an archipelago, and there are several nearby islands worth exploring, such as Hon Ngang, Hon Mau, and Hon Lon. Consider taking island-hopping tours to discover these beautiful destinations.
8. Tuan Chau Island
Tuan Chau Island is located in the coastal city of Ha Long, Quang Ninh Province. The island has an area of about 400 hectares, some 2 kilometers away from Ha Long city center. Having a peaceful beauty, airy atmosphere along with a modern amusement park and a large cruise port, Tuan Chau island has become one of the most attractive destinations in Ha Long.
As a tourist city with many famous scenic spots, accommodation services in Ha Long have been especially developed. Tuan Chau island is no exception. This place has a lot of hotel services at many levels of quality for visitors to choose from. If you want to have a complete vacation with the best service quality and the most luxurious resort space, Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long is the perfect option for you. It is only 9 kilometers away from Ha Long city center, making traveling from here to Tuan Chau Vietnam island very convenient, which only takes about 15-20 minutes by car.
>>> Book rooms in Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long to conveniently travel to this island!
Tips: Consider taking a Ha Long Bay cruise that includes a stop at Tuan Chau Island. These cruises offer a chance to explore the stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters of Halong Bay.
9. Ti Top Island
Ti Top Island, also called Titov, is one of the brightest gems located inside the world’s natural wonder of Ha Long Bay. Coming to Ti Top island, the first thing tourists should do is swim at the Crescent Beach, whose name originates from its crescent-like shape. Although the beach is not too large, its attraction lies in the impressive natural scenery, cool and clean atmosphere. Few other islands in Ha Long can maintain such a clear blue color of water like that around Ti Top island. Every day, the high and low tides help wash away all the dirt, keeping the sandy beach pure white.
Visitors can also take the time to climb 400 steps to the top of Ti Top island. Standing at the peak, you will see that all the surroundings are immense sea waves. It will seem that you are really tiny in front of the great nature. Below your feet are large and small islands, majestic mountains, adorned with boats gliding on the sea. All of these help create an impressive visual wonder for you to take photos with.
Tips: Consider taking an overnight cruise in Halong Bay to enjoy more time exploring the islands, including Ti Top Island, and witnessing the beautiful sunset and sunrise over the bay.
10. Thanh An Island
Thanh An island commune is in Can Gio district, about 70 kilometers east of Ho Chi Minh City and has only about 5,000 inhabitants. This place has its own unspoiled and quiet beauty, a thing that can hardly be found in the nearby prosperous city. Coming here, you will be immersed in nature, have a chance to observe the life of the hospitable fishing villagers and enjoy their delicious seafood. Walking on the long embankments across the island and listening to the murmuring waves, you can clearly feel the wild and idyllic features here.
Thanh An island has only been developing tourism in the last few years, so accommodation services on the island are not yet developed. Therefore, visitors should choose a place to stay in the center of Ho Chi Minh City for a convenient day trip to the island.
Tips: Thanh An Island is accessible by boat from several ports in the Mekong Delta region, such as Ben Tre or My Tho. You can arrange a boat tour or hire a local boat to reach the island.
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11. Vietnam Con Dao Island
Con Dao is an island district in Ba Ria - Vung Tau province, about 1 hour of flight away from Ho Chi Minh City. With an area of about 76 square kilometers, Con Dao consists of 16 large and small islands with a population of only about 7,500 people.
Con Dao is famous for its long beaches, white sand, and beautiful clear water. The most attractive feature here is the wonderful marine life, since this is the only place in Vietnam where visitors can see dugongs, a species currently on the national conservation list. You can also observe turtles laying eggs or herds of monkeys sitting on cliffs, etc.
Con Dao is also a historical destination, with its Con Dao prison system being a must-visit place when coming here. This is the place where the French and Americans imprisoned Vietnamese patriots and revolutionary prisoners during the wars, in hundreds of cells and isolated rooms. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the history of the heroic liberation struggle of Vietnamese people here.
Tips: Con Dao Island is a protected area with delicate ecosystems. Practice responsible tourism by avoiding littering, using eco-friendly products, and following any local guidelines for preserving the environment.
12. Phu Quy Island - One of Vietnam best islands
Phu Quy island is located in Binh Thuan Province, about 100 kilometers away from the city of Phan Thiet. Phu Quy island is endowed by nature with its scenic beauty of beaches, coral reefs, undulating black rock clusters on the sea and a cool fresh climate all year round. It is also a rich fishing ground with many rare and precious seafood specialties. In addition, the island has many unique historical, cultural, architectural and artistic relics. For all of these reasons, Phu Quy island has become an attractive and potential tourist destination of Binh Thuan province.
Phu Quy island has an area of only about 18 square kilometers and approximately 29,000 people, yet it has 28 places of worship, including many historical-cultural relics and national-level landscapes. Here, visitors will be impressed by the wild beauty and charm of primitive black cliffs standing close to the sea with many different shapes, which used to be a result of previous volcanic eruptions. In particular, by the miraculous creation of nature, the large cliffs are also connected to form a depression in the middle of the sea, which many people love to call a unique "saltwater pool", which cannot be found in other beaches near the island.
Tips: Phu Quy Island can be reached by a ferry from Phan Thiet or Ho Chi Minh City. The ferry ride takes about 4-6 hours, so be prepared for a longer journey. Check the ferry schedule in advance, as it may vary depending on weather conditions.
Coming to Vietnam, you certainly cannot miss the dreamlike islands listed above. They all evoke a feeling of peace and beauty, resembling ravishing paradises that any tourist will want to visit. If you want to discover new things and experience the feeling of being immersed in the sea, ready your backpack and go to these beautiful islands of Vietnam to enjoy their quintessence of nature.