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Vietnam tourism boasts over 4000 islands, playing a significant role in fostering the development of coastal tourism. Below is a ranking of the 10 most stunning islands in Vietnam, as voted by Traveltimes.vn. Take a look!
Explore Vietnam's Top 10 Exquisite Islands
10. Bà Lụa Archipelago
Located in Kiên Giang Province, the Bà Lụa Archipelago sits within the Gulf of Thailand, Kiên Lương District. Comprising three main islands—Heo Island, Ngang Island, and Nhum Bà Island—along with numerous smaller islets, Bà Lụa offers opportunities for shellfish hunting and on-the-spot indulgence.
During low tide, it's fascinating to walk from one island to another without the need for floatation devices. Standing amidst the surrounding sea creates a mix of fear and excitement. Moreover, exploring uninhabited islets and experiencing the sensation of island ownership for a day are unforgettable experiences.
9. Bình Hưng Island
Adjacent to Bình Ba Island, Bình Hưng Island is hailed by backpackers as a must-visit new destination. It takes only 5 minutes to cross from the pier to the island, so there are always boats available. As tourism hasn't been fully developed here, Bình Hưng still remains relatively secluded.
Bãi Nước Ngọt (Freshwater Beach) is a beach worth exploring. It's named so because there's a freshwater stream running through it, while the sea lies outside. Bình Hưng also captivates with the Chút Lighthouse, Egg Rock Beach, and tourist services akin to those on Bình Ba Island. Additionally, there's the stunning Kinh Beach with its three-colored sea, clear blue waters revealing the seabed, and fine white sand that mesmerizes visitors.
8. Nam Du Island
Located in Kiên Hải District, Kiên Giang Province, Nam Du is known as a pristine island yet to be extensively developed for tourism like Phú Quốc. However, it's precisely these aspects that make Nam Du even more mysterious. Here, you can swim at Cây Mến Beach, Ngự Beach, visit the Nam Du Lighthouse, and take boat trips to neighboring islets like Mấu Island, Ngang Island, and more.
A distinctive feature of Nam Du is the very affordable prices for tourism services and hotels. Before coming here, it's best to research and contact locals for arrangements. The people of Nam Du are friendly and hospitable, with a strong environmental consciousness. That's why Nam Du has retained its pristine beauty from ancient times to the present day.
7. Cham Island
Cham Island is approximately 15km from Hoi An, consisting of 8 closely-knit islands. Lao Island features Village Beach, Perfume Beach, or the more pristine Chồng Beach and Xếp Beach. Freshwater streams flow day and night here, allowing for rice cultivation on the island. Visitors love to roll up their sleeves and wade through the fields. Despite the rocky terrain, the locals' efforts have turned stones into fertile soil. Fruit trees flourish on the island, exuding lush foliage and blossoms.
Visiting Cham Island, tourists not only delight in diving to admire coral reefs but also find it fascinating to watch local farmers work the fields. The islanders never worry about food shortages, with the sea brimming with fish and shrimp. A quick row out on a boat yields a delicious meal. Cham Island is also recognized by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve.
6. Bình Ba Island
Belonging to Khanh Hoa Province and approximately 15km from Cam Ranh Port, reaching Bình Ba is easy year-round. Transportation and dining costs are extremely affordable. All you need to do is enjoy the pristine beaches of Bình Ba with a belly full of seafood. Bình Ba is famous for Chướng Beach, Nồm Beach, and Nhà Cũ Beach, where you can immerse yourself in sunrise views or explore coral reefs and go fishing.
Bình Ba's specialty is lobster, sold at its origin with various authentic fisherman's recipes. As Bình Ba has only been developed in recent years, service prices remain low. However, some overexploitation has altered the island's pristine and clean nature to some extent. Additionally, it's worth noting that this island is not open to foreign visitors, only Vietnamese nationals are allowed.
5. Phu Quy Island (Thu Isle)
Besides being known as Thu Isle, Phu Quy Island also goes by many other names like Khoai Xứ Isle, or Thuận Tịnh Isle... Located 120km from Phan Thiet, Thu Isle may be small at just 16km², but it's packed with attractions. With just a motorbike, you can explore the tomb of Master Nại to learn about the island's history, stand on Doi Cape to watch the crashing waves, or visit Triều Dương Beach – the most romantic beach on the island.
Additionally, you should visit Cao Cát Mountain with the Linh Sơn Temple nestled in its cliffs, or the Cấm Mountain Lighthouse – the closest spot to witness Vietnam's beautiful sunsets. Phu Quy's specialties include stone crabs and red snappers, which you can't miss. The island also boasts stunning coastal roads that will leave you mesmerized forever if you have the chance to experience them.
4. Cô Tô Island
To explore Cô Tô Island in Quang Ninh, you can spend 1 to 2 days here. Unlike other islands accessed by motorbike or boat, with Cô Tô, all you need is a bicycle.
Must-visit spots on the island include Cô Tô Lighthouse, Vàn Chải Pier, Hồng Vàn Pier, Bắc Vàn Port, Cầu Mỵ Rock Beach, and don't forget Cô Tô Con, a small uninhabited island near Cô Tô. You should wake up early to visit the market, buy seafood like squid, clams, or oysters... then in the evening, bring them to grill by the beach. With a bit of skill and meticulousness, you can even create unique BBQ feasts on sand tables at Cô Tô Island's beaches.
3. Phu Quoc Island
Phu Quoc is a famous tourist island, previously ranked in the top 3 most beautiful winter destinations by National Geographic and topping Asiaone's list of top 10 ideal beach destinations in Asia. With stunning beaches like Sao Beach, Long Beach, and dozens of other pristine beaches; abundant seafood such as razor clams, scallops, jumping snails, barracudas, mackerels... and fantastic experiences like coral diving, squid fishing, watching the sunset at Cau Palace, or riding through the national forest, it's enough to attract both seasoned and amateur travelers.
The best way to explore Phu Quoc is to rent a motorbike and ride around the island. The road system is still incomplete, posing challenges for riders to showcase their driving skills. However, you should also be cautious as the traffic police on the island are quite strict.
2. Ly Son Island (Re Isle)
Recently, Ly Son has emerged as a famous destination for backpacking tourism, but for the people of Quang Ngai province in particular and the Central region in general, Ly Son has existed and held historical significance for a long time. There aren't many hotels on Ly Son, so some households operate homestays or you can camp overnight on Little Island, enjoying food and accommodation without any additional expenses.
Ly Son features Tò Vò Gate, Quan Âm Tower, Hang Pagoda, Câu Cave, the national flagpole on Thới Lới Peak, and several other temples. Ly Son's specialty differs from other islands with its lonely garlic, along with various seafood like statue snails, king crabs, devil fish... Most beautiful beaches are concentrated on Little Island, so when you visit Ly Son, don't miss out on Little Island.
1. Con Son Island (Con Dao)
Being a place visited by 'Brangelina' when they traveled to Vietnam, there's no doubt about the fame of Con Dao. For travel enthusiasts, Con Dao is a must-visit destination at least once in a lifetime. Perhaps due to its remote location and good management, Con Dao still maintains its true beauty even though resorts and resorts have sprung up a lot.
When in Con Dao, visit Hang Duong Cemetery to light incense for the fallen heroes who rest during... midnight. But don't worry, the warm golden light and the scent of incense will quickly dispel any fear, replaced by a sense of national pride amidst the vast land and sky. Additionally, Dam Trau Beach – the most beautiful beach in Con Dao, and Bay Canh Island are places you shouldn't miss exploring. Learning about Con Dao's history is also something backpackers shouldn't overlook while here.
Source: Traveltimes.vn
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Reference: Travel guide by Mytour
Wanderlust.comMarch 14, 2016
