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If you're a sea enthusiast seeking to uncover new and exotic destinations, these 27 pristine islands below will be the perfect choice for you this summer.
Save 27 islands across Vietnam to gradually explore this summer
Beautiful Islands in Central Vietnam
1. Ly Son Island, Quang Ngai
In recent years, Ly Son has emerged as a famous destination for backpackers, but in reality, for the people of Quang Ngai 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 locals operate homestays or you can camp overnight on Little Island without incurring any additional costs for food and accommodation.
Discover the charms of Ly Son with its Tò Vò Gate, Quan Âm Pagoda, Hang Pagoda, Hang Câu Cave, the national flagpole atop Thới Lới Peak, and various temples. Ly Son's specialty lies in its solitary garlic, along with a plethora of seafood like trumpet snails, king crabs, and devil fish. Most beautiful beaches are concentrated on Little Island, so when visiting Ly Son, don't miss out on Little Island.
2. Swallow Island (Nội Island), Khánh Hòa
Taking over an hour by boat from Cầu Đá Port, you'll reach Nội Island – a swallow island belonging to Nha Trang city, Khánh Hòa province. What sets Nội Island apart is its unique twin beaches in Vietnam. Standing on the smooth white sand, you'll be surrounded by deep blue sea in every direction. But that's not all; this twin beach also features one side with hot water and the other with cold water due to the unique currents, leaving an unforgettable impression on every visitor.
To reach Swallow Island, head to Cầu Đá Port, Nha Trang, and purchase a boat ticket to the island. As it's under the management of Khanh Hoa Swallow's Nest Company, you can't go independently but must buy tickets. Visitors are only allowed to visit for the day, priced at 350,000 VND per person, including breakfast, swallow nest drink, cake, lunch, and light afternoon fruit.
3. Whale Island (Ông Island), Khánh Hòa
Whale Island, also known as Ông Island, is a small island located in Vân Phong Bay, Vạn Ninh district, Khánh Hòa province. Unlike other tourist islands, Whale Island has no residents. There is only one resort on the island, the Whale Island Resort, which provides all services. Environmental protection is highly prioritized on Whale Island (no fishing or hunting birds allowed). So if you're looking for a place to let loose, a crowded hangout, or noisy night bars, Whale Island is not suitable.
Hòn Ông is only suitable for sea lovers, those who enjoy exploring pristine, tranquil, peaceful places, those who want to temporarily escape the hustle and bustle of urban life, newlyweds looking to enjoy a sweet honeymoon together.
4. Diep Son Island, Khánh Hòa
Diep Son consists of 3 small islands, nestled in the waters of Vân Phong Bay. The journey to explore the islands begins from Vạn Giã town, after about an hour of sailing on the sea, the beautiful Diep Son archipelago gradually appears, sharply outlined against the horizon.
The special thing about Diep Son Island is the incredibly unique and fascinating underwater path nearly 700m long, connecting the small island to the larger Diep Son Island. The winding path, about 1m wide and lying just below the clear blue sea surface, is less than half a meter deep.
Walking on this path brings an extremely thrilling sensation, mixed with excitement and a hint of fear as you step amidst the vast ocean. You can freely admire the playful shoals of small fish swimming on both sides, occasionally seeing the fish leap out of the water as if waving hello to passing boats.
5. Binh Ba Island, Khánh Hòa
Binh Ba Island is about 15km from Cam Ranh port, making it easy to visit Binh Ba at any time of the year. Travel and dining costs are extremely cheap. All you need to do is enjoy the pristine beaches of Binh Ba with a belly full of seafood. Binh Ba is famous for Bai Chuong, Bai Nom, and Bai Nha Cu, where you can immerse yourself in watching the sunrise or indulge in snorkeling and fishing.
Binh Ba's specialty is lobster, sold at its original price with many authentic fishing village-style preparations. As Binh Ba has only been exploited for a few years, the service prices are still low, but some people overexploiting have somewhat changed the pristine, clean nature of the island. Another special thing is that this island does not allow foreign visitors to visit, only Vietnamese people are allowed here.
6. Binh Hung Island, Khanh Hoa
Binh Hung Island, also known as Hon Ty or Hon Chut. When you set foot on the island, you will be immediately captivated by the azure sea color amidst the pristine white sandy beaches. The beaches here are not as long and wide as those in Mui Ne or Nha Trang but are always clean and clear to the bottom. The sea is not deep, calm, and just a few dozen meters of wading, chest-deep water, you can already see coral right under your feet. Especially, on the beaches are rock formations with vivid shapes, styles, and colors.
The island's residents mainly live by fishing, especially lobster farming. The houses on the island are usually close together and face the sea, and another impressive thing is that the roads around the island are very clean.
To get to Binh Hung Island, you will drive along stunning beaches like Binh Tien Beach, Freshwater Beach, Banana Beach, and arrive at Kinh Beach, which is also the pier to Binh Hung. From here, you take a boat to the island, which takes about 10 minutes, costing 10,000 VND per person one way. If guests want to ride a motorcycle around the island, add another 10,000 VND, very cheap.
7. Phu Quy Island, Binh Thuan
Phu Quy is a small island located about 120km from Phan Thiet city, your first impression when setting foot here is the very pristine scenery and almost no touch of professional tourism services. Perhaps that's why Phu Quy is becoming hotter than ever in the minds of young travel enthusiasts.
Not only attracting tourists with many beaches like Trieu Duong Bay, Doi Dua Beach, Small Beach - Ganh Hang,... but Phu Quy also has many scenic spots for you to explore. As a small island with an area of only 16 km², but there are many temples, shrines, and ancient architecture such as: Linh Quang Pagoda, Van An Thanh Pagoda in Tam Thanh commune; Thay Nai's tomb, Bang Tranh Lady Shrine in Long Hai commune; ancient Linh Son Pagoda on Cao Cat mountain...
8. Cau Island (Cau Island), Binh Thuan
Cau Island, also known as Hon Cau, belongs to Phuoc The commune, Tuy Phong district, Binh Thuan province, about 110 km from Phan Thiet city. This place is suitable for nature lovers, adventurous travelers, and those who love to explore.
Looking from the mainland, Cau Island stands like a 'stone kingdom' with strange-shaped blocks, attracting tourists with its clear water, visible to the bottom. Therefore, this place is also considered a paradise for diving.
This island is under the management of the border guard force, so if you want to stay overnight, you need to ask for permission from the border guard. However, there are no accommodation services on the island, so if you want to stay, you need to bring your own tent, sleeping bag, or you can ask to sleep at the border guard station. The soldiers here are quite friendly and always help everyone. Usually, groups only go to the island in the morning and play until the afternoon before returning to the mainland.
Cau Island is a small island so you can easily explore the island in a day, there are some landmarks such as Love Cave, Joyful Crevice, Fairy Beach, Swallow Cave, Ba Hon Cave, coral reef, Nam Hai Temple, Whale Beach...
What could be better after a long journey on the road, escaping from the heat, stuffiness, and noise of the city to immerse yourself in the clear, cool, and peaceful water on the deserted island. In the evening, lighting a campfire, grilling seafood on the beach, sleeping in a tent listening to the sound of waves. Or if you love music, guitar melodies played along with the applause, the sound of the waves, what could be better.
9. Cham Island, Quang Nam
Located about 15 km from Cua Dai beach and consisting of 8 different large and small islands, Cham Island is gradually gaining the affection of many tourists when it comes to sea tourism because of its pristine and peaceful beauty like a 'sea paradise'. Just 15 minutes swaying on a canoe from Cua Dai beach, you will be able to admire Cham Island appearing cool and green before your eyes.
The best thing when coming here is to 'put on your snorkel and go diving' with your group of friends, exploring the blue ocean. Don't miss the chance to ride a bike on winding roads through sandbanks and coastal fishing villages. Exploring the deep forest and experiencing a picnic amidst countless green trees will bring you unforgettable moments.
10. Xanh Island, Binh Dinh
Located in Nhon Chau commune, Quy Nhon city, Binh Dinh province, Xanh Island is as charming as a gem on the sea. It is sparsely populated, mainly inhabited by the elderly and children. Therefore, when you come here, you will have the opportunity to experience the strange but attractive feeling of a 'deserted island.'
The water at Xanh Island is exactly as its name suggests, green all the way to the bottom. The sea is calm, the water is clean, the sand is white, making it an ideal spot not only for swimming but also for diving at any beach here. If you travel with a group, you can organize campfires, seafood grilling parties on the beach with delicacies such as snails, tuna, squid, and the specialty 'flashy squid,' a name referring to squid caught by fishermen while still fresh. Xanh Island is still relatively new, so be the pioneering adventurers to explore the mysterious beauty of this emerald gem.
11. Bo Bai Island, Quang Ngai
Bo Bai Island is the small island of Ly Son district, Quang Ngai province. The beauty of Bo Bai Island is not inferior to that of Re Island with its magnificent beaches. Perhaps the most wonderful is Bai Tien - where white sandy beaches embrace the black rock walls, creating a contrasting and extremely attractive scene. The sea at Bai Tien is as green as emerald, with sunlight shining through to the bottom, creating a sparkling and magical atmosphere. When swimming at Bai Tien, you can bring diving goggles and admire the sparkling coral world right under the water.
12. Mai Nha Island, Phu Yen
Mai Nha Island, located in An Hai commune, Tuy An district, Phu Yen province, is a small island nestled in the middle of the open sea, over 4km away from O Loan Lagoon. Over 20 years ago, there were people living on the island, but due to its remote geographical location, this island still remains unfamiliar to many, even to the locals. With an area of about 1.2 km², surrounded by high mountains, caves, and pristine beaches, Mai Nha Island is undoubtedly a fascinating destination for those who love to explore pristine natural landscapes.
13. Nua Island, Phu Yen
Nua Island is located at the foot of Ca Pass, bordering between Phu Yen and Khanh Hoa provinces, with a peak height of 105m above sea level. When visiting Nua Island with a large group, it's advisable to stay overnight to enjoy campfires, grilled seafood, and the tranquil atmosphere of the night by the sea.
On the island, there is a beautiful beach with clear blue water, which is also an ideal camping spot. Following the footsteps of the lighthouse guards, you will be guided to visit the Nua Island lighthouse and admire the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding azure sea. The guards are also hospitable and cheerful hosts, as there aren't many visitors who stay overnight on the island.
The boundary marker between Phu Yen and Khanh Hoa provinces is also an interesting spot for people to visit and take photos. Located on the north side of Nua Island are towering cliffs that rise from the sea, creating a mesmerizing sight. The gigantic cliffs with rugged surfaces provide a mysterious atmosphere. The higher you climb, the more beautiful views of the sea you'll discover.
14. Chua Island, Phu Yen
Located about 7km from the mainland, Chua Island is part of the Dua and Than islands cluster off the coast of Long Thuy sea area, belonging to An Phu commune, Tuy Hoa city. Upon setting foot on Chua Island, you'll notice the landscape here remains quite pristine. The island is mainly covered with dense shrubs and various types of grass, creating a very fresh atmosphere. The beach on Chua Island stretches long, with clear blue water and fine white sand, allowing you to immerse yourself in the cool water and play freely in the sand.
Surrounding Chua Island are extensive coral reefs, diverse in species, covering an area of 100 hectares. These coral reefs boast vibrant colors and serve as habitats for various shrimp, fish, squid, crabs, and more. With just a diving mask and a life jacket, you can admire the 'castles' of coral reefs beneath the ocean floor.
Additionally, you can go spearfishing and catch sea urchins - locally known as 'nhum' or 'cau gai' - to contribute to the island's feast. Chua Island is perfect for those who enjoy outdoor adventures and exploration.
15. Dry Island, Binh Dinh
Dry Island, also known as Hon Kho, is one of 32 islands near the coast of Binh Dinh province, about 16km from the center of Quy Nhon city, located in Hai Dong hamlet, Nhon Hai commune. This relatively new tourist destination offers two exciting experiences that visitors cannot miss: snorkeling to admire the coral reefs underwater and conquering the rocky mountain range on the island.
Beautiful Southern Islands
16. Nam Du Archipelago, Kien Giang
Located southeast of Phu Quoc Island, Kien Giang Province, about 60 km from the mainland, Nam Du Archipelago consists of 21 small and large islands, creating a stunning landscape amidst the Gulf of Thailand.
On the tourist map, Nam Du is still a relatively new name. Therefore, Nam Du retains the most authentic beauty of the island seas. It resembles the coastal girls, simple, graceful, charming yet resilient, and salty. From Rach Gia, tourists can take high-speed boats to Nam Du. After nearly 3 hours of sailing, you will set foot on Hon Lon with a deep green space connecting the sky and the sea. Although there are no hotels or resorts yet, you can choose homestays with local families on the island or camp overnight on the beach.
Embarking on the journey to explore Nam Du Archipelago, you must not miss the pristine and beautiful beaches considered the specialty of this island seas. Men Beach and Mau Island are two points with expansive white sandy shores, lush coconut trees, and clear, cool seawater. There is nothing more relaxing than the feeling of freedom amidst the vast sea and sky with the sea breeze blowing gently, leaving behind all the worries of life.
17. Con Dao, Vung Tau
As a place that the 'Brangelina' family once chose to visit when traveling to Vietnam, there is no doubt about the fame of Con Dao. For travel enthusiasts, Con Dao is a place that cannot be missed in a lifetime. Perhaps due to its distance from the mainland and good management, Con Dao still maintains its true beauty despite the many resorts and accommodations that have sprung up.
When in Con Dao, visit Hang Duong Cemetery to light candles for the fallen heroes resting during wartime... at midnight. But fear not, the warm glow of yellow lights and the scent of incense will quickly dispel any sense of dread, replaced by a surge 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 the history of Con Dao is also something backpackers shouldn't overlook while here.
18. Ba Lua Archipelago, Kien Giang
Ba Lua Archipelago (also known as Binh Tri) with over 40 small and large islands in the sea area of Kien Luong district, Kien Giang. Ba Lua Archipelago is still quite pristine, attracting many tourists lately due to its low winds and calm seas, earning it the nickname 'Little Halong Bay' of the South.
Due to the numerous islands in Ba Lua Archipelago, it's challenging to explore them all, so you should only choose a few beautiful ones. Three Dam Islands (including Dam Duong Island, Dam Duoc Island, and Gieng Island) are popular spots for exploration. Here, you'll find beautiful beaches and a wide variety of fresh seafood such as fish, crabs, squid, crabs, sea urchins, and snails.
Three Dam Islands attract many visitors for their location between the three islands, not far from each other, creating a 'lagoon' in the middle of the vast sea. Tourists can swim or walk from one island to another without needing a boat.
Sunrise and sunset on Ba Lua Archipelago are the most beautiful moments of nature. You'll witness the sun rise and set into the sea with stunning pink hues. Hundreds of fishing boats anchor in the island bays seeking shelter from the wind, resting as evening falls, some swaying in the vast sea.
19. Phu Quoc Archipelago, Kien Giang
Phu Quoc is the largest island in Vietnam, long hailed as the pearl island with its pristine, mysterious beauty and enchanting beaches that captivate countless tourists.
Phu Quoc has been ranked in the top 3 most beautiful winter destinations by National Geographic and tops the list of 10 ideal beach destinations in Asia by Asiaone,... With the most beautiful beaches in the world such as Sao Beach, Long Beach, and dozens of other pristine beaches; abundant seafood such as sea urchins, scallops, jumping snails, grouper, mullet fish,... along with fantastic experiences in Phu Quoc like snorkeling, squid fishing, watching the sunset at Dinh Cau, or riding through the national forest are enough to attract both professional 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 drivers to demonstrate their driving skills.
20. Pirate Archipelago, Kien Giang
The Pirate Archipelago in Kien Giang is considered a peculiar destination right from its name. In fact, it's the name of an archipelago consisting of 16 islands, the largest of which is Hon Tre (Hon Doc), located in Tien Hai commune, Ha Tien district. This place is about 28 km from the coast of Ha Tien and 40 km from Phu Quoc island.
From its name alone, visitors can envision the past on the island. Situated in the Gulf of Ha Tien - Rach Gia to the Gulf of Thailand, a crucial trade route from China to Western countries, this archipelago has long been an ideal haven for pirates to hide, ambush, and attack passing merchant ships. Even in the early 20th century, piracy still prevailed in these waters. Nowadays, besides the curiosity aroused by its name, people also come to Pirate Island to explore its rare pristine beauty.
The island boasts a stunning stretch of white sandy beach spanning hundreds of meters, where you can swim freely, play games on the beach independently, or rent snorkeling gear to explore the nearshore coral reefs, crab hunting, and shellfish gathering around the rocky outcrops.
Most of the island's area is covered by lush forests, bordered by rugged and pristine rocky cliffs. Here, besides learning about and hearing stories from locals about the origins and naming of the Pirate Archipelago, you'll have the opportunity to experience the natural landscape with its pristine, refreshing, and pure beauty.
21. Hon Son Island, Kien Giang
Hon Son Island, also known as Hon Son Rai (because there used to be many mackerels living here), belongs to Lai Son commune, Kien Hai district, Kien Giang province. Hon Son Island is situated between Nam Du Island and Hon Tre Island, and it's considered one of the most pristine and charming islands in Vietnam.
The island has 5 beaches: Bang Beach, Nha Beach, Thien Thue Beach, Gieng Beach, and Bac Beach. All beaches are still very pristine and clean. Among them, Bang Beach is considered the most beautiful beach on Hon Son with a 1km-long coastline curving inward like a sickle, flanked by small and large rocks on both sides, with long stretches of smooth and flat sand in between. Immersing yourself in the clear blue water and solitude, admiring the coconut groves swaying along the coast in the wind, breathing in the fresh, cool sea air, you will feel completely immersed in nature during your summer vacation.
22. Thanh An Island, Ho Chi Minh City
Located more than 70 km east of downtown Ho Chi Minh City, Thanh An Island commune is completely isolated from Can Gio district and Ho Chi Minh City. This is the ideal destination for those who love the simple and rustic river life, and can be visited in a day without taking much time.
Here, travelers will explore a pristine and peaceful coastal area, welcomed warmly by the friendly and hospitable fishermen, and enjoy various delicious seafood specialties.
Thanh An Island covers an area of about 131 km² with about 5,000 inhabitants, considered the vital gateway of old Saigon - Gia Dinh, situated between two large rivers: Thị Vải River and Long Tau River. This area was also the rear base of the 10th Rung Sac Special Task Force in the past. Due to its geographical remoteness, life here is full of challenges. The impoverished residents of this island commune still rely entirely on fishing, salt making, and forest care for their livelihoods.
Beautiful Island in the North
23. Co To Island, Quang Ninh
To explore and discover Co To Island in Quang Ninh, you can spend 1 to 2 days here. Unlike other islands accessed by motorbike or boat, with Co To, all you need is a bicycle.
Must-visit places on the island include the Co To lighthouse, visiting Van Chai, Hong Van piers, Bac Van port, Cau My rock beach, and don't miss Co To Con, a small uninhabited island near Co To. You should wake up early to go to the market, buy seafood such as squid, clams, oysters... then in the evening, barbecue them near the beach. If you're skilled and meticulous, you can build unique BBQ tables made of sand on Co To Island's beach.
24. Cat Ba Archipelago, Hai Phong
Located about 60 km from downtown Hai Phong, Cat Ba is a summer destination chosen by many tourists for each summer or weekend getaway. You can spend about 2 - 3 days to explore and enjoy the spacious atmosphere of this archipelago.
Nature on Cat Ba Island is still pristine, with forests, sea, rivers, streams, mountains, hills, valleys, sandy beaches, caves, interspersed and connected to each other, creating many fascinating landscapes. Cat Ba National Park, covering 15,200 ha, has a 570 ha area of pristine tropical forests with a diverse and characteristic plant and animal system, including the White-headed Langur and the Cephalotaxus.
When in Cat Ba, you can rent a tourist boat to cruise around Lan Ha Bay, visit beautiful beaches with funny names like Cat Co Beach, Ben Beo Beach, Co Tien Beach... or explore fascinating caves like Trung Trang, Hoa Cuong, Thien Long then stop at any small bay, enjoy fishing and indulge in fresh seafood and a bit of wine amidst the green mountains and blue water.
25. Hon Dau Island, Hai Phong
Rarely does any island near the mainland receive as much favor from both nature and legend as Hon Dau Island (Do Son, Hai Phong). Just after about 20 minutes riding on the winding waves from Nghieng Pier - Do Son, you will find yourself in the pristine forests, witnessing the lighthouse - a hundred-year-old construction - amidst the refreshing sea breeze.
Hon Dau Island has forests, has the sea creating a majestic scenery amidst the vast ocean. Also visiting Do Son but if you go to Hon Dau Island, the taste of the trip will probably be much more.
26. Quan Lan Island, Quang Ninh
Being a pristine island located in Bai Tu Long Bay within the jurisdiction of Van Don island district, to reach Quan Lan, passengers have to endure a 2-hour ride on a high-speed boat from Cai Rong port. The first impression, what makes Quan Lan different from many other northern coastal areas is the blue water, beautiful white sand beach no less than any beach from the Central region.
On the island, there is also a very beautiful cluster of relics such as temples, pagodas, shrines, and wharves that have existed for a long time, especially the ancient Quan Lan temple built since the Late Le Dynasty.
27. Dragon Eye Island, Quang Ninh
Located on the southern edge of Ha Long Bay, Bai Dong Island is a maritime area adjacent to Bai Tu Long. Here, there is a natural white sand beach, stretching for 300 to 400 meters, and especially with the unique landscape of a beautiful circular shape nestled amidst the mountains. That's why Bai Dong Island is also known as the fascinating Dragon Eye Island.
Dragon Eye Island, with an area of about 30 hectares, is also known as Bai Dong Island. The island is located in the southern part of Ha Long Bay, adjacent to the Lan Ha Bay area. It can be said that the most attractive feature of Dragon Eye Island lies in its pristine, primitive beauty. If you have the financial means to take a helicopter tour, you will be able to admire the entire Ha Long Bay from above and understand why this island is called Dragon Eye.
Little Lam (Compilation)
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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour
TravelBuddy.comNovember 11, 2017
