1. Cu Lao Re, Quang Ngai (Ly Son Island)
Ly Son Island, formerly known as Cu Lao Re, is renowned for its pristine beauty and rich cultural heritage. Apart from its breathtaking natural landscapes, this unique district of Quang Ngai also preserves the distinct Sa Huynh and Champa cultures. Cultural relics such as temples and shrines bear witness to the region's history, with notable sites like Nang Roi Temple and Hang Pagoda. Additionally, Ly Son Island was formed by geological processes and volcanic eruptions approximately 25-30 million years ago. The volcanic activity and subsequent cooling formed unique natural landscapes on the island. Submerged rocky channels and basalt soil provide ideal conditions for the diverse ecological system on Cu Lao Re. The best time to visit Ly Son is from June to September, when the azure sea, white sand, and golden sun create a mesmerizing coastal scenery. If you can arrange your schedule, consider visiting from the 18th to the 20th of March (lunar calendar) to participate in the Hoang Sa Naval Fleet Commemoration Festival.
You can reach Ly Son Island by three common means of transportation: By air (the nearest airport to reach Sa Ky port is Chu Lai Airport in Quang Nam). Weekly flights from both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City operate regularly to this airport. By train: Daily trains from both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City run to and from Sa Ky port, where you can catch a boat to Ly Son Island. By bus: Similar to the train option, your stop will be in Quang Ngai City, and then you'll proceed to Sa Ky port to take a boat to Ly Son Island. There are many reputable and quality bus services from both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Quang Ngai for you to book tickets in advance. Besides being famous for its numerous attractions and beautiful beaches, Ly Son's seawater is also among the cleanest, with visibility to the seafloor. The water's color is so captivating that anyone setting foot on Ly Son can't resist diving into the cool and refreshing sea.


2. Cu Lao Thu, Binh Thuan
About 120km away from Phan Thiet City, when viewed from the east, it resembles a waving dragon, from the north like a mighty fish, and from the southwest like a majestic whale in the vast sea. That's Cu Lao Thu, also known as Phu Quy Island. Cu Lao Thu, or better known as Phu Quy Island in Binh Thuan Province. This is an incredibly beautiful island, with clear, fresh water and attractive tourist spots such as Linh Son Pagoda, Hang Cave, Small Beach, Coconut Hill Beach, the lighthouse on Forbidden Mountain, Triều Dương Bay, Master's Tomb, and more.
As a small island, with an area of 16km2 belonging to Binh Thuan province. Phu Quy is 540 km west of the Truong Sa archipelago, 150 km south of Cam Ranh town - Khanh Hoa province, 330 km east of Con Dao, and 200 km east of Vung Tau city. In addition to the main island, around Phu Quy Island are Hon Da Cao, Hon Do, Hon Tranh, and Hon Hai. Phu Quy island district has 3 communes: Long Hai, Ngũ Phụng, and Tam Thanh. In historical records, the island was once known by names such as Co Long or Thuan Tinh... With many attractive tourist spots like that, Phu Quy Island is truly an ideal destination for everyone with friends and family to travel, relieving the heat of summer. Not only does it have charming natural landscapes, Cu Lao Thu also has dining places with affordable prices, without the phenomenon of overcharging tourists. Early in the morning, running to the fishing port, you can both enjoy the freshest air and bring back for yourself delicious and affordable food!


3. Cham Islands, Quang Nam
Cham Islands belongs to Quang Nam Province, about 15km from Cua Dai Beach. Here consists of 8 islands for tourists to visit: Hon Lao, Dai, Mo, Kho Me, Kho Con, La, Tai, and Ong. If you're planning to visit Hoi An Ancient Town, be sure to stop by this island cluster to admire the majestic beauty of Cham Islands. This is one of the popular coastal tourist destinations in recent years. It's not only close to the center of Hoi An, convenient for transportation, but also boasts beautiful natural landscapes, pristine beaches, and stable quality tourism services.
If you're planning a trip to Hoi An - Da Nang, set aside a day to explore the rustic, pristine beauty of Cham Islands. The best time to visit Cham Islands is from March to August when the weather is warm, the sea is calm, the waves are gentle, and the water is clear. From Hoi An, you can travel to Cham Islands by 2 types of vehicles: speedboat or wooden boat. Visiting Cham Islands not only allows you to admire the simple scenery, but also offers many unique services for tourists such as diving to see coral reefs. Moreover, it has beautiful beaches and interesting attractions such as Cham Islands Marine Museum, Cham Ancient Well, Hai Tang Pagoda, Tan Hiep Market...


4. Cau Island - Binh Thuan
The small island Cau Island or also known as Cau Cau Island, Cau Hon belongs to Tuy Phong district, Binh Thuan province, about 110km from Phan Thiet city to the northeast. According to fishermen in the area, the island is named like this because it has many sea moss beds. The nearest point of the island from the mainland is about 10 km, the length of this beautiful island is 1.5 km, the widest place is less than 800 m. The island is extremely pristine with deep blue sea water, surrounded by thousands of rocks of different colors and shapes. The rocks here have various bizarre shapes and colors, changing unusually depending on the light of each day. The main source of fresh water on the island is taken from Gia Long well, besides, it also collects rainwater so the island is only suitable for nature lovers, adventure tourism enthusiasts, and those who enjoy exploration.
On Cau Island, there are 2 distinct seasons: the South wind season and the North wind season. The South wind season lasts from January to June of the lunar calendar, whenever the sea is calm, the waves are gentle, many boats bustling through the island, the climate is fresh and cool. The North wind season lasts from July to December of the lunar calendar, at this time the sea is rough, the trees are dry, and the wind against the big waves. The most suitable time to visit the island is from April to August of the lunar calendar (because at this time the sea is calm, the sea breeze is gentle and cool, the deep blue sea is extremely charming). Cau Island is like a anchor resting on the coast of Phan Thiet. The shape of the bizarre and color-changing rock formations under the light of each day is a secret of the island bestowed by nature. When coming to Cau Island, you should not miss the coral reef with many rare marine species. Yen Cave, Ba Hon Cave are two famous caves on Cau Island. The Nam Hai temple will hold a festival on the 15th of April, very suitable for visitors to come here for tourism and enjoy the traditional culture here.


5. Xanh Island, Binh Dinh
Cù Lao Xanh, also known as Van Phi Island, is a marine island located near Xuan Dai Bay, belonging to Nhon Chau commune, Quy Nhon city, Binh Dinh province. Cù Lao Xanh is situated on the border between Phu Yen and Binh Dinh provinces, so it shares similar weather patterns. You can visit Cù Lao Xanh at any time except during the rainy season when the waves are large and boats have difficulty departing. The best time to visit Cù Lao Xanh is from February to June and from September to October every year. Cù Lao Xanh resembles the image of a fish lying on the vast blue ocean. Here, you can marvel at the vibrant coral reefs and thousands of swiftlet nests. Known as the 'Jewel of the East Sea,' Cù Lao Xanh is definitely worth a visit.
The long stretches of white sandy beaches, rugged rocky cliffs, and lush green trees carry the breath of the sea. Fairy Well Stream is a beautiful attraction here. Looking from the sea, the fishing village of fishermen leans against the foot of the mountain, beside the white sandy beach like a girl's eyebrows. Looking up at the mountaintop is the towering lighthouse. Another impressive sight is the tranquil and peaceful atmosphere of a fishing village (which is almost nonexistent in inland areas). From the village center, following the concrete road, passing through small houses, you can slowly climb the mountain, where a lighthouse built since the French colonial period stands 119 meters tall. Cù Lao Xanh in recent years has attracted more tourists due to its pristine beauty and upgraded infrastructure. If you have the chance to watch the sunset at Cù Lao Xanh once, surely many people would want to leave the city to come here to enjoy the beauty of life.


6. Cù Lao Mái Nhà, Phú Yên
Cù Lao Mái Nhà spans 1.2 km2, surrounded by high mountains with caves and pristine beaches. This is an intriguing destination for those who love to explore natural landscapes in their untouched beauty. The best time to visit is from March to August in the Gregorian calendar. During this period, the weather is mild, the waves are calm, and the sea is peaceful. The islanders are very hospitable, and you can experience their lives of cattle farming, forestry, shrimp breeding, and fishing. Cù Lao Mái Nhà is a rustic tourist spot about 27km north of Tuy Hoa city (Phu Yen). In the summer, this Robinson-like island boasts a rare color in Vietnam.
Visitors to Cù Lao Mái Nhà will feel like they've stepped into a world full of peace and romance, with melodious bird songs, four-season trees, the sound of gentle waves, and the bright smiles of kind-hearted people who live on the island all year round. The front beach of the main island features fine, white sand covered with coral and seaweed. The sea is clear, perfect for swimming during camping trips. If you're looking for a place to unwind or simply recharge your energy, let nature here help you. Cù Lao Mái Nhà is serene and breathtaking. It's like a world of its own, not as fully equipped as other places, so make sure to pack your essentials!


7. Cù lao Bờ Bãi - Quảng Ngãi
Cù lao Bờ Bãi, also known as Bờ Bãi Island, is part of the Lý Sơn archipelago, Quảng Ngãi province. This island rivals Cù Lao Ré in beauty. With stunning beaches and majestic rock formations, Bãi Tiên is a magnet for visitors. Bãi Tiên, situated on Cù Lao Bờ Bãi, a small island in the Lý Sơn district (Quảng Ngãi), has been inhabited for hundreds of years. The island's small scale - with a circumference of only a few kilometers - has earned it the nickname 'cù lao.' Legend has it that the entire Cù lao Bờ Bãi is formed from the volcanic lava flow of five active volcanoes millions of years ago. The black rocks line the coastline. Over time, the rocks eroded by waves, partially collapsing to create towering cliffs along the coast. Bãi Tiên's sand is gleaming white. The water is crystal clear like jade, with sunlight shining through to the bottom, creating a mystical sparkle.
The beach here is relatively small but still provides plenty of room for visitors to frolic in the clear water, swim for hours, and dive to admire the coral reefs and marine life without getting bored. The coral and seaweed in this area are abundant and vibrant. Just a few feet deep, the water is densely packed with coral and seaweed. Visitors cannot step on the beach as it would disturb the ecosystem. The best way is to wear goggles and snorkels, put on a life jacket, float on the water, and admire the coral. Here, you will feel the purity of the island's coastal waters. If you have the opportunity to visit, spend an afternoon exploring the coral reefs beneath the sea surface!


8. Cù lao An Bình, Vĩnh Long
An Binh Isle consists of 4 communes: An Binh, Hoa Ninh, Dong Phu, and Binh Hoa Phuoc in Long Ho District, Vinh Long Province. With its terrain surrounded by the Co Chien and Ham Luong rivers, it has become an attractive Vinh Long tourist destination, offering unforgettable experiences of a lush Mekong Delta river region. Visiting the Mekong Delta means exploring unique eco-tourism areas filled with lush gardens, perfect for sightseeing and relaxation. An Binh Isle in Vinh Long is renowned for its orchards, tourist areas, and the unique culture of the local people, attracting thousands of visitors each year. At An Binh Isle, tourists can hop on a boat and meander through the canals, enjoying the picturesque river scenery on both sides. The cool breezes and folk songs on the bow of the boat will leave you with unforgettable memories. Or, you can cycle along shaded village roads, inhaling the peaceful countryside air. Visit chom chom, longan, lychee, and citrus fruit orchards, which are characteristic of Mekong Delta tourism. Visiting the orchards, tourists can indulge in seasonal fruits almost all year round.
An Binh Isle is formed from alluvial soil, with lush vegetation providing pleasant colors even in the scorching heat. Besides exploring the rivers and canals, you can also visit fruit orchards here, with a wide variety of fresh fruits. The local cuisine is unique and rich in Mekong Delta flavors. Nature has blessed An Binh Isle with four-season fruit trees, and the locals have creatively utilized the rivers and gardens for tourism. After a day of exploration, tourists can spend the night at homestays in orchards, dining and living with the locals. Enjoying typical Mekong Delta dishes such as fried elephant-ear fish, crispy fried spring rolls, grilled snakehead fish, banh xeo, fruit wine... fragrant and flavorful with the essence of the Mekong Delta countryside, accompanied by traditional opera and folk music performances.


9. Tan Phong Isle, Cai Lay District, Tien Giang Province
Tan Phong Isle lies amidst the Tien River in Cai Lay District, Tien Giang Province, just over 20 km from My Tho City. With its charming natural scenery of rivers and eco-tourism, Tan Phong Isle has made a lasting impression on domestic and international tourists. The Mekong Delta is now also a popular tourist destination attracting tourists from all over the world. Not only does it offer beautiful natural landscapes, but the people here are also warm, hospitable, and genuinely welcoming. Tan Phong is an islet commune nestled in the Tien River in Cai Lay District, Tien Giang. Thanks to the alluvial soil and year-round fresh water, Tan Phong has seen remarkable economic development in agriculture. The climate here is fresh and cool, easily attracting tourists to visit the eco-tourism areas of the Mekong Delta.
Tan Phong Isle covers an area of over a thousand hectares, with a pleasant climate and fertile soil, renowned as a land of sweet fruit trees such as: rambutan, longan, pomelo, orange, plum, and strawberries... especially during the ripe rambutan season, the entire islet turns bright red. Tourists can freely visit the orchards, handpick fruits, and enjoy them in the gardens, or lounge in hammocks under the shade of the trees. Additionally, tourists can bike around the islet, along roads lined with natural flowers and beautifully landscaped gardens. Exploring craft villages such as bee farms, coconut leaf weaving for roofing, weaving baskets from bamboo materials, making rice paper... The rustic beauty of the Mekong Delta is truly unique, and tourists can sit on boats and explore all the scenery here from floating markets to flooded forests. 'Mud bathing' is also a unique activity on Tan Phong Isle.


10. Thoi Son Isle, Tien Giang
Thoi Son Isle (also known as Lân Isle) is one of the famous 'Four Sacred Islets' of the Mekong Delta. Thoi Son Isle is located in the lower section of the Tien River (flowing through My Tho City), belonging to Thoi Son Commune, My Tho City, Tien Giang Province. With an area of up to 50 hectares and countless attractions, Thoi Son Isle is the most famous and attractive eco-tourism destination in Tien Giang. Every year, this beautiful islet welcomes a huge number of tourists, up to hundreds of thousands. It is a unique land with delicious fruits and a popular eco-tourism destination attracting many tourists. The peaceful and cool Mekong Delta with thatched houses, fish ponds, coconut bridges... is an ideal place to relax. Visiting Thoi Son Isle, tourists have the opportunity to explore lush fruit orchards full of ripe and juicy fruits, which are extremely attractive. You also know that the Mekong Delta is a large fruit basket of the country, right? Here, there are only the most famous and delicious fruits. Don't forget to enjoy the freshest, most delicious fruits just picked from the trees and experience the flavor of the Mekong Delta.
Having come to Thoi Son Isle without experiencing paddling to admire the scenery is really regrettable, my friend. You should try the feeling of sitting on a three-leaf boat, drifting into every nook and cranny, small creeks to admire the rows of fresh green coconut trees growing closely together along with the rows of fresh, soft willow trees, leaning over to shade. During the boat trip to explore the Mekong Delta, tourists have the opportunity to interact and chat with the local people here. They are professional boatmen and extremely enthusiastic and hospitable. Chatting with them, you will understand more about the simple and rustic life of the people in the peaceful and picturesque Mekong Delta, my friend.

