Explore the scenic coastlines and verdant plains of the top eight islands we ranked in Vietnam
Vietnam is an adventurer’s dream. From Hanoi and Ha Long to Ho Chi Minh and Hoi An, this breathtaking Southeast Asian nation is home to plenty of well-trodden star attractions and opportunities for adventure travel. Drift off the glittering coastline and discover the unspoiled beauty of the many islands of Vietnam.
There are approximately 4,000 islands in Vietnam, ranging from large, highly-developed tourism hubs to remote islets perfect for getting away from it all. Here’s our pick of the eight best islands in Vietnam to visit.
1. Phu Quoc Island
Pepper, pearls, and world-famous fish sauce are on the menu on Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island and premier watersports destination. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve covers more than half of this paradise, with gleaming white sands and dense jungle ideal for camping, hiking, and birdwatching.
Phu Quoc is a must for foodie adventurers. Tour a fish sauce factory and visit the traditional fishing village Ham Hinh to sample fresh seafood with local black pepper at a floating restaurant. Meanwhile, vendors sell seafood, mushrooms, and sweets at the island’s noisy markets.
There’s plenty for adventure travelers here. Take the strenuous trek to Mount Heaven, walk to Hang Doi (the Grotto of Bats), camp near the magical Suoi Tranh Waterfall, and spot pygmy loris’ and stump-tailed macaques in the national park.
Elsewhere, VinWonders Phu Quoc Amusement Park features water slides, roller coasters, and a 5D cinema and hosts vibrant traditional dances every day.
How to get to Phu Quoc Island: Phu Quoc is located off the south-west coast of Vietnam. Fly to its international airport or take a two-hour ferry from Ha Tien or Rach Gia.
2. Cat Ba Island
Famed for towering limestone karsts and emerald waters, Ha Long Bay is firmly on the bucket list of most travelers exploring Vietnam. While some opt to stay overnight on boats, a smattering of islands offer alternative accommodation. Cat Ba is the largest of these beachy islands.
Cat Ba Town has become somewhat over-developed over the past decade. Yet breathtaking hiking trails wind through the national park, home to the golden-headed langur–the world’s most endangered primate. A 9km jungle trek to a homestay in Viet Hai village is a popular route, while a short, grueling hike to Ngu Lam peak rewards adventurers with a stunning jungle panorama. Afterwards, unwind on one of the three Cat Co Cove beaches.
Kayak around the otherworldly limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay, or discover the 300 karst islands of its comparatively untouched neighbor Lan Ha Bay, home to seals, dolphins and white sand beaches. Hiking, rock climbing, and island homestays are all on offer here.
How to get to Cat Ba Island: Take the ferry to Cat Ba from Tuan Chau in Ha Long. Look for the Gia Luan pier.
3. Ly Son Island
Discover a more off-the-beaten-path island on Ly Son–two small volcanic islands famed for ‘lonely garlic’ and historical gems.
Dive into the brilliant turquoise waters to discover jaw-dropping coral reefs. Explore Gieng Tien and Thoi Loi, two of the island’s ten inactive volcanoes, and spend a sunset at To Vo Gate–a small gate-shaped cliff formed by a volcanic eruption. Tour Chua Hang, a 400-year-old cave pagoda, and climb Thoi Loi Peak for panoramic views of green fields of garlic and glittering turquoise waters.
At the table, foodies should try the famous Ly Son garlic salad. Garlic is chopped and steamed, and then mixed with sugar, salt, pepper, and peanuts. Braver travelers may sample the Garlic Wine, said to cure all manner of ailments.
How to get to Ly Son Island: A ferry from the coastal city of Da Nang takes around two hours, while a speedboat from Sa Ky Port in the Quang Ngai Province takes 30-60 minutes.
4. Cham Islands
The serene Cham Islands lay just a short boat ride from lantern-bedecked Hoi An. Most visitors embark on a day trip to the islands to snorkel or dive amidst live coral and exotic fish, but homestays are available for those hoping to enjoy the beaches at their most serene.
Paddleboard, kayak or windsurf around the breathtaking coastlines, or lounge in a hammock on powdery Bac Beach. Fish with locals, shop for medicinal tea and trek through the dense forest to scenic viewpoints. Ong Ngu is a modest temple dedicated to whales, harking back to the days when these sea creatures were in abundance in the area.
How to get to the Cham Islands: Speedboats, tour boats, and ferries travel between Hoi An and the Cham Islands. Hotels in Hoi An can usually arrange transport.
5. Con Son Island
The remote Con Dao islands, off the southern coast of Vietnam, boast the best coral reef in Vietnam. Con Son is the largest of this tiny archipelago’s 15 islands, and the only one inhabited.
Embrace the unhurried nature of the island by lounging on a beach, or sailing to a nearby islet to swim and watch local fishermen at work. Follow deserted coastal paths to secluded sands, and dive in the crystal clear water to explore colorful coral. Take a trip into the wild to spot the black giant squirrel and bow-fingered gecko.
The tragic history of Con Son can be witnessed at Phu Hai Prison, which was used during the French colonial era to house political prisoners in inhumane conditions.
It’s well worth visiting some of the other Con Dao islands from Con Son. Venture east to Bay Canh for mangroves, sea turtles and a two-hour hike to a historic French-era lighthouse.
How to get to Con Son Island: Fly directly to Con Son, or take a 2.5-hour speedboat from Tran De pier in Soc Trang or Cat Lo pier in Vung Tau. A standard boat trip from Vung Tau can take around 12 hours.
6. Binh Ba Island
Welcome to ‘Lobster Island’. Another must-visit for foodies, Binh Ba is famed for its fresh seafood, including blue lobster, shrimp, sea snails, sea cucumbers, oysters and squid. Snap up super-fresh seafood at the morning market as the fishing boats return. At night, dine on an inflatable table in the ocean.
Away from the seafood scene, Binh Ba serves up a heady combination of pristine beaches, colorful coral reefs and limestone caves. Nha Cu, Nom and Chuong are among the most popular beaches, while those brave enough to ride a motorbike can explore the island’s mountainous roads and visit scenic sunset viewpoints.
Bear in mind that accommodation is limited to modest local hostels; for now Binh Ba remains pleasingly off-the-beaten-track.
How to get to Binh Ba Island: Binh Ba lies nine miles south of southeastern city Nha Trang. Travel to the nearby Cam Ranh port, where boats depart between 7am and 4pm.
7. Co To Island
Part of a romantic archipelago in northeastern Vietnam, Co To Island offers up a craggy mountainous skyline, tranquil beaches and unmissable fresh seafood. A tourism boom is on the horizon but for now these islands remain comparatively tranquil.
Follow the mountain path up to Co To Lighthouse, the highest point of the island, to be rewarded with panoramic views of the island’s sparkling coastline and thick forests. Hire a boat to cruise around the coastline and visit the smaller islands. Relax on Hong Van and Van Chay–Co To’s peaceful beaches. The unique cliffs of Cau My Rocks make for a spectacular sunrise-watching spot.
Seafood can be purchased from local fishermen, with delicacies including abalone–a rare and valuable sea slug often served with rice, porridge or in a soup.
How to get to Co To Island: From Hanoi, take the three-hour drive to Cai Rong Port in Van Don, Quang Ninh. A speedboat leaves for Co To three times a day, and takes 90 minutes to reach the island. A wooden boat leaves twice per day, but can take upwards of 2.5 hours to arrive in Co To.
8. Hon Tre Island
Hon Tre Island is perfect for travelers seeking a less rustic version of island life. Home to large luxury hotels and the gargantuan Vinpearl Amusement Park, Hon Tre is easy to get to from Nha Trang, and hugely popular with families.
Despite the built-up nature of Hon Tre, it’s still possible to connect with nature. Enjoy a day of hiking on Hon Tre Mountain, or snorkel and scuba amidst the bright corals of the Bay Lagoon. Bathe in the crystal clear waters of Bai Tru and Bai Chen beaches, indulge in seafood at local restaurants, and visit surrounding villages.
How to get to Hon Tre Island: Speed boats depart Nha Trang for Hon Tre every 30 minutes, with the journey taking around 15 minutes. Alternatively, hop on a cable car for a 12-minute ride to the island.
Have you been to Vietnam before? Tell us your best travel tips in the comments below.
