The 10 Most Beautiful Islands in Vietnam

Island Location:

• Lý Sơn Island, also known as Cu Lao Ré, is the only island district of Quảng Ngãi Province, located to the northeast about 15 nautical miles from the mainland.
• The island group consists of three islands: Lớn Island (also known as Lý Sơn or Cu Lao Ré), Bé Island (or Cu Lao Bờ Bãi), and Mù Cu Islet.

Island Introduction:

• Lý Sơn Island is home to three famous national landmarks: An Hải Village's communal house, Âm Linh Temple, and Hang Pagoda.
• The surrounding waters are considered a marine reserve with a rich ecosystem of plants and animals, including a variety of marine species. Coral reefs and seaweed beds along the coastline are home to many rare species like green coral and black coral.
• Tò Vò Gate: This stunning natural arch is one of the favorite spots for photos, particularly for backpackers visiting Lý Sơn Island.
• The Thới Lới Peak: Standing at about 149 meters above sea level, the winding path to the summit is paved and accessible by car. The top offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Lý Sơn archipelago and lush garlic fields arranged in neat terraces.
• Hang Câu: Located to the northeast of the island, it takes about 15 minutes by car to reach. The cave is pristine, covered in green moss, with clear blue waters revealing coral reefs and schools of fish swimming freely.
• Hang Pagoda: Situated inside a volcanic cave, the pagoda is surrounded by a serene atmosphere, with a clear blue sea in front, a lotus pond in the courtyard, and ancient banyan trees providing shade. The temple honors Buddha and seven village ancestors. The altar, made from natural stalactites, gives the temple a sacred and peaceful vibe, making it a prominent spiritual destination on the island.
• Mù Cu Islet: Located on the island’s east, it features unique rock formations and a picturesque landscape, making it a perfect spot to enjoy the island's sunrise.
• Other attractions like Đục Pagoda and the Mouth of the Volcano, along with Bé Island, are equally famous.
• Visiting Lý Sơn Island means stepping into a mystical paradise, with lush greenery, breathtaking views, and a deep sense of local tradition.

Island Location:

• Con Dao is an archipelago located offshore in Southern Vietnam and is a district of Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province.
• It lies 97 nautical miles from Vung Tau city, with Vinh Hai commune in Soc Trang province being the closest, just 40 nautical miles away.

Island Overview:

• The Con Dao archipelago consists of 16 large and small islands, mostly untouched and preserved in their natural state. It's regarded as a tourist paradise with numerous scenic spots, a refreshing and tranquil atmosphere, and diverse nature activities, from exploring forests to marine adventures.
• The forest ecosystem is lush with valuable timber species such as: bối lời, sao đen, cẩm thi, thiên niên kiện, săng đào, and bóng leaf oil... The island’s fauna is equally diverse, home to creatures like civets, monitor lizards, monkeys, deer, wild chickens, and especially the rare black squirrels. There are also endangered birds like the green-faced eagle and sea swallows. The marine life is abundant, featuring rare species such as dolphins, sea turtles, and dugongs, along with prized seafood like lobsters and various types of fish, as well as vibrant coral reefs.
• The central island of Con Son is the largest in the archipelago and offers many beautiful, untouched beaches. The streets are neat and shaded by tall mangrove trees. Popular destinations include An Hai Beach, Con Dao Prison, Ong Dung Beach, Nhat Beach, Dat Doc Beach, Dam Trau Beach, Dam Tre Bay, and So Ray.
• Apart from Con Son Island, visitors can arrange tours with Con Dao National Park to explore other islands in the vicinity, each offering its own unique allure, like Bai Cạnh, Hon Tre Lon, Hon Tai, and Hon Cau.
• Hon Tre Nho: Known as a bird sanctuary, thousands of birds migrate here from the North to nest between May and September.
• Hon Ba: With its Love Peak reaching 352 meters, the view from the summit offers a breathtaking panoramic vista of Ben Dam Bay.
• Visitors can also enjoy activities like diving to explore coral reefs and fishing: options range from recreational fishing with day trips to professional fishing tours that last 3 days and 2 nights or more.
• Con Dao tourism also offers a chance to taste local delicacies such as sea cucumbers, red grouper, lobster, cashew nut jam, sautéed sea worms, and lobster tail... For those on a budget, early risers can visit the local markets to buy fresh, reasonably priced seafood directly from the source.
• Visiting Con Dao allows you to explore the infamous prison, a chilling yet captivating historical site for tourists.

Island Location:

• Phu Quoc, often called the Pearl Island, is the largest island of Vietnam and the largest among the 22 islands in this area, located in the Gulf of Thailand.
• Phu Quoc Island, along with other nearby islands, forms the Phu Quoc district, which is part of the Kiên Giang province.

About the Island:

• The Phu Quoc archipelago consists of 22 islands, with the main island covering 567 km² (56,700 ha) and stretching 49 km in length.
• Phu Quoc is a recognized center for eco-tourism and international trade, offering visitors a wealth of scenic beauty.
• Phu Quoc Island is known as the “pearl island,” with its pristine landscapes, fresh air, crystal-clear waters, and fine white sand beaches. Experiencing tourism here will leave you proud and more in love with Vietnam.
• The climate is relatively mild, with the best time to visit Phu Quoc being from October to May.
• Vinpearl Land and Safari (on the northern side of Phu Quoc Island): This is an ideal destination for tourists visiting Phu Quoc, offering unlimited fun with a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, from thrilling rides to relaxing pastimes. You can also enjoy water music shows, observe more than 9,000 rare species like albino fish, golden mountain turtles, glow lizards, sharks, and stingrays in Vietnam’s largest and most modern aquarium. There are also mermaid performances to delight you.
• Hòn Thơm Cable Car (on the southern part of Phu Quoc): This European-style 3-rope cable car stretches 7,899.99m, currently the longest in the world. Hòn Thơm Cable Car connects a range of services such as the Seaside Village, Food Village, resorts, and a collection of thrilling seaside amusement parks... providing a fresh, captivating experience for every visitor to this Pearl Island.
• Hàm Ninh Fishing Village: The best spot to watch the sunrise is at the pier, where the famous Phu Quoc crab is served. Arriving at 5:30 AM gives you the best chance to watch the sun rise around 5:45–6:00 AM. Afterward, you can head over to the nearby market for some delicious Bún Riêu (Vietnamese crab noodle soup).
• Bãi Sao – The Most Pristine and Beautiful Beach in Phu Quoc: With white sand, clear waters, calm waves, and palm trees, Bãi Sao is a surreal paradise. The beach is divided into two areas: one for Vietnamese visitors at My Lan restaurant and one for international visitors near Paradisa restaurant. This is the perfect place for young travelers to snap pictures and check in.
• Additionally, Phu Quoc offers numerous other famous tourist spots worth exploring. Be sure to visit and enjoy the natural beauty this island has to offer!

Location of the island:

• Cu Lao Cau, also known as Cu Lao Cau or Hon Cau, is a small island located in Tuy Phong District, Binh Thuan Province, approximately 110 km from Phan Thiet city.

Introduction to the island:

• Cu Lao Cau Island is incredibly pristine, with crystal clear and exceptionally clean waters. It's a must-visit for those who love exploration and adventure.
• From the mainland, Cu Lao Cau looks like a warship anchored in the sea, with its bow facing east. The island is about 7 nautical miles away from the shore. On rough sea days, a motorboat takes about 75 minutes, while on calm days, it takes around 40 minutes. The rocks here are numerous, with bizarre shapes and varying colors that change depending on the light of the day.
• The island's main water source comes from the Gia Long well. Legend has it that Nguyen Anh, while on the run, once hid on the island. Several fascinating locations on the island are steeped in mystery, such as the Love Cave, Happy Stream, Coral Beach, Fish Bay, Swallow Cave, Ba Hon Cave, and the Fairy Well.
• Coral Reef: Cu Lao Cau is home to numerous rare marine species, making it an excellent spot for coral reef viewing.
• Swallow Cave: This cave houses hundreds of swallows. In the past, local fishermen would come here to harvest eggs and nests, but with the protection of the border guard forces, the swallows have flourished and multiplied.
• Ba Hon Cave: Located right next to Swallow Cave, Ba Hon Cave consists of three large vertical rocks, forming a shape so intriguing that every visitor must take a photo here.
• The Nam Hai Temple (dedicated to the Whale God for fishermen) is located here. Every year, a festival is held during the full moon of April.
• When you visit Cu Lao Cau, you'll find yourself fully immersed in nature, far away from the bustling world. Here, it will just be you and the island's untouched beauty. Give Cu Lao Cau a try!

Location of the island:

• Located approximately 390km from Ho Chi Minh City, to reach Binh Ba, you must pass through Ba Ngoi port. Ba Ngoi port is 15km away from Cam Ranh airport and 15km away from Binh Ba Island.

Introduction to the island:

• The island boasts three beaches: Nom Beach, Old House Beach, and Chuong Beach. All three beaches are perfect for swimming, with clear and clean waters and fine white sand. Old House Beach and Chuong Beach still maintain a pristine, untouched charm.
• Binh Ba Island is famous for its lobster specialty.
• You can engage in various activities like snorkeling, grilling fresh seafood, and fishing.
• Nom Beach: Situated between two mountains, creating a natural bay, the waves are calm, the sea is peaceful, and the fine white sand is present all year round. It's one of the most tranquil and beautiful beaches in Nha Trang.
• Chuong Beach: An ideal spot for beach strolls and watching the sunrise, offering stunning views. While Chuong Beach may not have the crystal-clear water of Nom Beach, its scenic views make it the perfect place to watch the first rays of sunlight or the sunset fading into the vast sea.
• Old House Beach: This beach is becoming known as the peaceful paradise of Binh Ba Island. With more investment in tourism services, this area offers better security compared to other parts of the island.
• Grass Hill: The reed grass here stands out, adding a delicate beauty to Binh Ba’s landscape. It is the number one check-in location for visitors because few places offer this unique pink reed, and the hill next to the beach offers an exclusive experience.
• There are many other amazing tourist spots on Binh Ba Island, so why wait? Pack your bags and come enjoy the pristine nature here.

Location of the island:

• Phu Quy Island is an island district of Binh Thuan Province, located about 120km southeast of the mainland. It is 540 km southwest of the Spratly Islands, 150 km south of Cam Ranh City in Khanh Hoa Province, 330 km northeast of Con Dao, and 200 km east of Vung Tau City.
• The island has a small area of 18km², but it is blessed with beautiful landscapes and stunning beaches for tourists to explore.

Introduction to the island:

• The climate is monsoonal with two distinct seasons: the South Wind season, from May to August, and the North Wind season, from September to April of the following year.
• The average annual rainfall is between 1000 and 1100mm.
• The average air temperature ranges from 22°C to 28°C.
• The humidity is between 72% and 88%. The climate is relatively mild and cool all year round.
• The island rarely experiences typhoons, with an average frequency of 0.66 times per year, but it is often affected by tropical low-pressure systems causing heavy rains, strong winds, and rough seas.
• The island’s terrain is relatively flat, with small hills and weak dissection, but still exhibits a noticeable topographic hierarchy.
• The coastal shelf typically has heights of 4m and 2m, and there are many sandy beaches and sandbars, making it an ideal location for swimming. The coastline is diverse with numerous inlets and rocky outcrops.
• On the island and in the surrounding waters, you can still see the remnants of four underwater volcano craters and two volcanic peaks on the island, including Cam Mountain and Ong Dune Mountain. Cao Cat Mountain is a well-preserved volcanic remnant, with steep cliffs on the east slope offering a majestic view, and the summit is home to impressive volcanic rocks formed by thousands of years of natural forces.
• The best time to visit Phu Quy Island is from December to June, with stable weather, calm seas, clear waters, and light winds, making it perfect for sightseeing and recreational activities.
• You can reach the island by sea or high-speed boat, with a travel time of 2.5 to 4 hours depending on the type of boat you choose. After reaching Phan Thiet City, you can only take a boat to get to the island.
• Popular tourist activities include snorkeling, shrimp fishing, beach swimming, and canoeing.
• Some must-visit spots on the island include the Windmill, Linh Quang Pagoda, Cao Cat Mountain, Small Beach – Ganh Hang, Triều Duong Bay, and the Seven-Colored Embankment – Lang Co.
• Local specialties to try in Phu Quy include Phu Quy “hot” beef, crab feet jelly, moon crabs, and various other seafood dishes.

Location of the island:

• To the east and south, it borders the waters off the Gulf of Bac Bo
• To the west, it borders the waters of Van Don District
• To the north, it borders the waters of Hai Ha District and Mong Cai City.
• The island district covers an area of 53.68 km², with a population of 6,778 people in 2022, and a population density of 126 people/km².

About the island:

• Cô Tô consists of nearly 50 large and small islands, with tourists primarily exploring the Cô Tô, Cô Tô Con, and Thanh Lân island groups.
• The island has mountainous terrain. The peak of Cáp Cháu on Thanh Lân Island reaches 210 meters, and the meteorological station on Cô Tô Island stands at 160 meters. The middle areas of the islands are elevated, surrounded by lower mountains and narrow fields, with small beaches and coves along the shore.
• The vegetation on the islands is quite diverse, with many species.
• The best time to visit Cô Tô is in summer and fall when the weather is stable, without storms or heavy rains, and the heat is moderate.
• Transportation to the island includes high-speed boats, wooden boats, and enhanced boats.
• The Ho Chi Minh Memorial Site: This site has been recognized as a national historical site since 1997. It contains memorial points associated with the places where President Ho Chi Minh visited during his trips to the island district in 1961 and 1962.
• Cô Tô Con Island: Located 7 km from Cô Tô Town, this island features a pristine forest home to many rare animal species, as well as a sea filled with stunning coral reefs.
• Móng Rồng Stone Beach: This site is known for its sedimentary rock formations, smoothed over thousands of years by the sea, creating a truly magnificent landscape.
• Tình Yêu Beach: With its soft white sand and crystal-clear waters, this beach is perfect for a leisurely stroll in the afternoon.
• And there are many other famous spots with breathtaking natural scenery and rich cuisine waiting to be discovered.

Location of the Island:

• Ba Lua Archipelago (formerly known as Bình Trị cluster during French colonial times) is an archipelago located under the management of Sơn Hải Commune, Kiên Lương District, Kiên Giang Province, Vietnam.
• The group consists of about 45 large and small islands off the coast of Kiên Lương, about 7 km west of Hòn Chông - Bình An point and 15 km east of Ngã Ba Hòn.
• This archipelago is also known as the "Mini Ha Long" of the South.

Introduction to the Island:

• Ba Lua Archipelago has 3 major islands: Hòn Heo, Hòn Ngang, and Hòn Nhum Bà, along with many other smaller islands. Here, you can try your hand at shellfish gathering and enjoy them right on the spot.
• The surrounding waters of Ba Lua Archipelago are shallow, so at times, you can walk from one island to another without needing transportation or life-saving buoys. It’s an exciting experience standing amidst the vast sea.
• When mentioning the sea and islands, it would be a big oversight not to mention seafood. The seafood here at Ba Lua Archipelago is absolutely delicious, and the prices? Very affordable. Additionally, the islands are home to many coconut trees, and the coconuts here are sweet and refreshing. You can enjoy the view, sip coconut water, and savor the seafood, making it a perfect destination for a relaxing vacation.

Location of the Island:

• The archipelago consists of 367 islands, including Cat Ba Island, which lies to the south of Ha Long Bay, offshore from Hai Phong city and Quang Ninh Province.
• The archipelago is approximately 30 km from the center of Hai Phong city and 25 km from Ha Long city. Administratively, it belongs to Cat Hai District, Hai Phong City.

Introduction to the Island:

• Cat Ba Island has been recognized by UNESCO as a world biosphere reserve.
• The island's infrastructure is well-developed with numerous hotels, resorts, guesthouses, temples, and most notably, the entire island area is equipped with Wi-Fi hotspots initiated by Hai Phong City.
• The beaches on the island: There are hundreds of small and large beaches, with popular bathing spots like Cát Cò 1, Cát Cò 2, and Cát Cò 3 offering beautiful scenery, surrounded by lush mountains stretching to the sea, with white sandy shores and crystal-clear waters. These beaches are conveniently located near the center, offering full amenities for tourists. Additionally, beaches like Tùng Thu are developed to international standards.
• The Thần Công Fort: also known as Peak 177, is a significant historical site and a viewpoint for a panoramic view of Cat Ba Archipelago and the surrounding bays. At sunset, this place transforms into a breathtaking landscape, resembling a beautiful lacquer painting.
• Cat Ba National Park: With majestic mountains and diverse flora and fauna, it is perfect for many exciting exploration activities like cycling, hiking through different forest trails, animal watching, and bird watching.
• The caves: There are numerous caves with unique characteristics. The most notable is Trung Trang Cave, known for its large stalactites, Quân Y Cave with a hospital containing hundreds of beds, and Thiên Long Cave, mysterious and maze-like.
• Cat Ba Archipelago has a temperate climate throughout the year, with each season being slightly delayed by about a month. Located along Hai Phong’s coast, the sea breeze moderates the climate, making summers cool and winters unusually warm.

Location of the Island:

Nam Du is an archipelago located to the southeast of Phu Quoc Island in the Gulf of Thailand, about 65 nautical miles from the coast of Rach Gia. The archipelago is part of An Son and Nam Du communes, situated in Kiên Hải District, Kiên Giang Province.

Introduction to the Island:

• Nam Du Archipelago is often referred to as the “rough gems” scattered in the southwestern waters of Vietnam. Its natural beauty is like a poem, adding an exquisite touch to its magnificent mirror-like surface. With its serene sea, lush green mountains, and palm trees swaying beside pristine white beaches, the underwater coral reefs in various vibrant colors create an enchanting scene.
• Comprising 21 islands of varying sizes, the archipelago spans an area of approximately 1,054 hectares. Of these, 11 islands are inhabited, with the highest population found on Cu Tron, Ngang, and Mau Islands:
  + Cu Tron, also known as Big Island, is the largest and serves as the primary port of call for tourists due to its numerous sturdy piers.
  + Ngang Island, though smaller than Cu Tron, is the most densely populated, and is famous for its grouper fish farming, forming a large fishing village on the water.
  + Mau Island is another popular spot, and the locals say, “If you haven’t visited Mau Island, you haven’t been to the Nam Du archipelago.”
  + The remaining islands in the archipelago are more remote, evoking the feeling of Robinson Crusoe stranded on a deserted island, but with rich, untamed natural beauty and diverse ecosystems.
• Although the archipelago lacks extravagant tourism services, its mesmerizing charm, abundant seafood, and the warm hospitality of the islanders have made Nam Du Archipelago an increasingly popular destination for travelers from near and far.