Top 6 Lobster Islands You Must Visit in Vietnam

Côn Đảo is a remote paradise, isolated from the mainland and home to pristine nature that has been carefully preserved, with an abundance of resources ranging from forests to oceans. Beneath its waters, there are rare and valuable species, including the highly sought-after Côn Đảo Fire Lobster. This lobster, also known as the red lobster, belongs to the spiny lobster family and is recognizable by its long, slender body, shiny red-brown shell, and large white spots scattered across its spine. Typically measuring between 20 and 30 cm, it thrives in tropical and subtropical waters, often found among coral reefs or underwater rocky outcrops. In Vietnam, the Fire Lobster is considered a rare and endangered species, though it is still legally farmed, harvested, and sold. While this lobster can be found in several coastal regions like Quảng Bình, Phú Quý Island, Bình Ba, Bình Hưng in Khánh Hòa, and Lý Sơn in Quảng Ngãi, it is especially famous in Côn Đảo. The reason for its popularity? Unlike most lobsters, the Fire Lobster of Côn Đảo can only be caught in the wild, making it a unique and prized seafood.

Cat Ba is an attractive eco-tourism and resort destination with a rich ecosystem. Almost half of the islands in Cat Ba have beautiful beaches, drawing many tourists during the summer to relax on the fine, white sand and participate in exciting activities such as hiking, diving, or staying overnight on the bay. Among the most popular experiences are exploring Lan Ha Bay, Monkey Island, Cat Ba National Park, and the Cannon Fort. For a panoramic view of Cat Ba, visitors can head to the observation deck at Cannon Fort, which stands 177 meters above sea level. From here, tourists can admire the stunning beauty of Cat Ba's archipelago, picturesque beaches, and tranquil islands. If you're visiting Cat Ba, don't miss the chance to savor some delicious lobster dishes!

Lobster is often prepared by mixing its blood with alcohol or used to make a unique dish known as lobster blood pudding. Lobster blood is not only aromatic and thick, but also has strong antibacterial properties. Lobsters are typically large and heavy, with most of the weight concentrated in their heads. They live on the ocean floor, in caves and coral reefs. Lobsters reproduce by laying eggs, with their breeding season taking place in the spring. Aside from lobster blood, the meat is delicious, tender, and sweet, making it a much-loved delicacy worldwide. Lobsters are often caught using nets or electric pulses, and due to the difficulty in catching them and the demanding conditions of their habitats—warm, calm seas—they are relatively expensive. Lobsters spawn in the summer, so in winter, you'll often find many of them carrying eggs, also known as lobster roe. The roe is usually a yellowish color, clumped near the head, and has a rich, fragrant taste. Be sure to visit Cat Ba in winter to fully enjoy the lobster delicacies!

Located about 56 nautical miles from Phan Thiet city, Phu Quy is a charming island district in Binh Thuan province. Known also as Thu Island or Khoai Xu Island, Phu Quy is a small, pristine island with an area of over 16 square kilometers. The island is blessed with a variety of natural resources and many scenic spots. Visitors to Phu Quy are immediately captivated by its serene and untouched landscape, with sparse human activity and a backdrop of mountains, sea, and lush vegetation. The environment is peaceful and refreshing, offering a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The best time to visit Phu Quy is during the dry season, ideally between spring and summer, when the sea is calm, and the weather is ideal for travel and outdoor activities. However, from July to November, the island is prone to rainstorms, and the weather can be cold and damp, making it less suitable for travel during this period.

While Phu Quy may not be as famous as Binh Ba for its lobsters, it is nonetheless a significant supplier of these nutritious and valuable crustaceans. Lobster diving is a traditional profession for the local fishermen here. The lobsters from Phu Quy are known for their firm, sweet meat, with a perfect balance of tender and crunchy textures. They are a must-try when visiting the island, and can be found in abundance at the local piers and seafood restaurants. The lobsters are often prepared in various ways, such as steaming, grilling, making salads, or even in soups. When cooked, the shell is removed to reveal the pure, white meat that is firm and delicious. The fresh, flavorful seafood and the rich taste of Phu Quy lobsters will surely win you over.

Binh Ba is a small island commune with an area of just under 3 square kilometers, located in Cam Binh, Cam Ranh City, within the administrative region of Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam. The island is situated in the Cam Ranh Bay, about 60 kilometers south of Nha Trang city and 15 kilometers east of Ba Ngoi port (Cam Ranh). Binh Ba is renowned for its stunning landscapes and long stretches of white sandy beaches. The three most beautiful beaches on the island are Chuong Beach (with many rocks and clear water), Nom Beach (with soft white sand, a popular spot for locals), and Old House Beach (known for the presence of sea urchins). The island also has several historical wartime sites dating back to before 1975. Notable tourist attractions include the Five Elements Temple and the Bình Ba village shrine. Although Binh Ba is currently a military island and tourism development is limited, visitors can still explore the island and stay with local families.

Binh Ba is often referred to as the lobster island because its most famous and delicious specialty is lobster. The lobsters here are not only plentiful but also fresh, tasty, and affordable. Imagine catching large lobsters right from the floating cages, grilling them, and enjoying them directly on the beach—it’s a truly wonderful experience! In addition to lobsters, the island is also abundant with other seafood, such as snails, squid, and blood clams. You can ask the local residents to prepare a variety of dishes for you, such as steamed, grilled, or seafood salads. Binh Ba is an island where the local way of life revolves around fishing, and the best place to witness this authentic lifestyle is at the Binh Ba market. A stroll through the market, which takes around 30 minutes, will surprise you with the wide variety of delicious Vietnamese dishes, with lobster being the star attraction.

Binh Hung is one of the three islands in the Tam Binh group, located in the deep-water Cam Ranh Bay in Khanh Hoa Province. Known by other names such as Hon Ty or Hon Chut, Binh Hung is a charming little island where visitors are immediately drawn to the vibrant turquoise waters and pristine white beaches. While the beaches here aren't as long or expansive as those in Mui Ne or Nha Trang, they are always clean and crystal clear. The water is shallow and gentle, and within just a few steps, you’ll find yourself wading over colorful coral reefs. The beaches are also dotted with large rocks in various shapes and colors, adding to the island's natural beauty. The local people primarily rely on fishing, especially lobster farming, as their main livelihood. The island’s houses are often clustered together, facing the sea, and the roads are impressively well-maintained.

Visitors can explore Binh Hung Island year-round, though it's best to avoid the rainy and stormy months of September and October. The ideal time to visit is during the summer months, when the sea is calm, and the weather is perfect for enjoying the golden sunshine, white sand, and clear blue waters. You can rent a boat to visit the local fishermen's lobster farms and enjoy fresh seafood right there on the boat. Some boats even have transparent glass bottoms, so you can admire the coral reefs while cruising. Follow the narrow trail up to Hon Bu Mountain, and you’ll soon arrive at the 100-year-old lighthouse of Hon Chut. From the top of the lighthouse, you can take in the bustling activity of the cargo ships in Cam Ranh Port to the west, while the expansive eastern sea stretches out in front of you, dotted with small fishing boats.

The natural beauty of Ly Son Island will instantly lift your spirits. Its tranquility, crystal-clear waters, and untouched landscapes offer a breathtaking experience that will stay with you long after you leave. The island’s seafood is also a highlight, with many delicious and unique dishes to try, including seaweed salad, Huynh De crab, and sea snails. When you visit Ly Son, you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to a world where the vast sea meets the towering mountains, creating a spectacular and awe-inspiring view. At the top of the mountains, you’ll find lush forests, while winding paths lead down to scenic roads, dotted with scattered homes and vast garlic fields. If you’re looking to relax on the beach, head over to Little Island (Dao Be), where you’ll be mesmerized by its indescribable beauty.

In addition to its scenic views, Ly Son, formed from volcanic lava, is home to unique caves and a natural stone bridge that is truly a sight to behold. Here, you’ll also have the chance to sample delicious local specialties prepared by the islanders. Apart from the more common dishes like garlic salad, seaweed salad, and Huynh De crab, Ly Son is also famous for its lobsters. The residents of Ly Son Island have over 150 lobster farms in the An Hai area, making it one of the island's key industries. With such a large supply of lobsters, Ly Son even exports them abroad. Visitors can purchase fresh, high-quality lobsters at reasonable prices, making this island one of the best places in Vietnam to enjoy lobster.