Vietnam is a paradise of relaxation with a long coastal line and many beaches and islands. Coming to these beach destinations, not only can you immerse yourself in the crystal water and pristine nature, but you can also join many other exciting activities. Let’s refer to the top 08 incredible islands in Vietnam you should not miss for a memorable holiday with Handspan Travel Indochina!

Through this article, you may find detailed information about these islands below.

Co To Island

Co To Island, belonging to Quang Ninh Province, is one of the islands in Vietnam you should not miss. This island impresses tourists with its charming natural landscape, long-stretching beaches, stunning rocks, and cool weather all year round. To reach Co To Island, you can choose the high-speed or wooden boat from Cai Rong Port. While the speed boat takes only 90 minutes, the wooden boat takes three to four hours. Coming to Co To Island, you should visit these spots below.

Cau My Rock Formations

Cau My Rock Formations is located in the South of Co To Island, three kilometers from the center. This place owns an airy space with the combination of the vast ocean, vertical cliffs, and colorful rocks stretching along the coast. 

Cau My Rock Formations

Co To Lighthouse

Co To Lighthouse is located on a mountain, 5 kilometers from the island’s center. From here, you can admire the immense sea with clear blue water, majestic mountains, forests, seaside towns, etc. 

Hong Van Beach

Located 7 kilometers from the island’s center, Hong Van Beach, with a stretching sandy bank and crystal seawater, is a must-visit spot on Co To Island. 

Hong Van Beach

Van Chay Beach

Van Chay Beach is the most beautiful beach on Co To Island. Here you can immerse yourself in the gentle blue sea water and join beach games. 

Let’s visit Co To Island and enjoy pristine nature and the atmosphere!

Cat Ba Island

Looking for charming islands in Vietnam? Then, you may want to refer to Cat Ba Island,  25 km from the famous Halong Bay. Cat Ba Island is ideal for relaxing, exploring nature, and joining adventurous activities thanks to the untouched scenery, calm atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and primary forest. Let’s explore these things to do in Cat Ba Island below. 

Immersing yourself on the beaches

Cat Ba Island is famous for its hundreds of small beaches with crystal jade seawater. Among these beaches, Cat Co Beach, Tung Thu Beach, Cat Dua Beach, and Van Boi Beach are the most popular. Coming to these beaches, besides immersing yourself in the cool water, you can also join water sports games, such as kayaking, banana boat riding, windsurfing with a canoe, paddleboarding, water motor, etc. 

Cat Co Beach

Van Boi Beach

Exploring Lan Ha Bay

Exploring Lan Ha Bay is also one thing to do on Cat Ba Island. Located on the East of Cat Ba Island, Lan Ha Bay is an appealing spot for every tourist. The bay is as beautiful as Halong Bay; however, you will find it more isolated and tranquil. 

Lan Ha Bay

Visiting Cai Beo Fishing Village

Visiting Cai Beo Fishing Village (or Vung O Village) is also on the list of the best things to do on Cat Ba Island. This fishing village is one of the oldest floating villages in Vietnam, with more than 500 families living fishing. In the majestic mountain scenery of Cat Ba Island, you will see floating houses connected by a small bridge and fish cages. 

Cai Beo Fishing Village

Snorkeling

Coming to Cat Ba Island, you can find many spots to enjoy snorkeling. They include Ang Tham, Cat Dua, Mui Hong, Ba Trai Dao, Dau Be - Hang Trai Islets, and Long Chau. These areas’ coral reefs are valuable for conservation and eco-tourism on Cat Ba Island.

Snorkeling on Cat Ba Island

Besides these engaging activities, Cat Ba Island has many other things waiting to be explored. For more detailed information about the best time to visit Cat Ba Island, how to reach here, accommodation here, and things to do here, please refer to our article: Everything you should know before visiting Cat Ba Island. 

Cu Lao Cham - Cham Island

Located 30 kilometers from Da Nang to the South, Cu Lao Cham is one of the most beautiful islands in Vietnam. Cu Lao Cham not only attracts tourists with wild natural scenery but also with vibrant biodiversity. With a distance of 18 kilometers from Cua Dai Port, you can easily travel to Cu Lao Cham by high-speed canoe or wooden boat. 

Ong Beach on Cu Lao Cham

Xep Beach on Cu Lao Cham

Cu Lao Cham impresses tourists with many untouched beaches, including Ong Beach, Xep Beach, Chong Beach, and Huong Beach. They all possess a long stretch of fine white sand and a clear blue sea. Coming to Cu Lao Cham, besides soaking in the ocean, you will also have a chance to join these exciting activities below.

Snorkeling to see the coral reefs

With the diverse ecological system, snorkeling is always one of the favorite activities in Cu Lao Cham. You will be overwhelmed by the seaweed, coral, sea creatures, etc.

Snorkeling on Cu Lao Cham

Seabed walking

Like snorkeling, you will also have an opportunity to admire sea creatures. You do not need to wear oxygen masks, gas cylinders, prosthetic legs, etc., but just wear an oxygen supply hat and follow the guide's instructions.

Camping

Overnight camping in Cu Lao Cham is one of the unique experiences you should not miss. At night, you can lie down, watch the starry sky, and make campfires. 

Fishing

Fishing is also a favorite activity in Cu Lao Cham. You will have a chance to discover the peaceful beauty of this place by boat, learn about the life of fishers, and enjoy fresh and clean dishes. 

Exploring primeval forests

Besides immersing yourself in the sea, you can also explore primeval forests and rugged cliffs in Cu Lao Cham. Following the trails to climb the mountainside, you will be immersed in a vast green space, a charming stream, and beautiful orchid flowers. 

Thanks to diverse activities and pristine scenery, Cu Lao Cham is indeed among the must-visit islands in Vietnam. Let’s prepare your luggage and come here now!

Ly Son Island

Being famous for its friendliness and long beautiful beaches, Ly Son Island is also on the list of wonderful islands in Vietnam. This island is located northeast of Quang Ngai province, combining two small islands named Big Island and Small Island, and Mu Cu islet with no inhabitants. Every day, three hydrofoils depart from Sa Ky port to Ly Son Island and vice versa. Hydrofoils go offshore from 7.30 AM to 9.00 AM, while the ticket booths are open from 6.30 AM. Every passenger can buy only two tickets with ID information. Coming to Ly Son Island, you should visit the places below.

To Vo archway

To Vo is the most beautiful archway formed by natural lava in Vietnam. It views an affluent fishing village. Enjoying the sunrise or sunset at the To Vo archway will be an unforgettable experience.

To Vo Archway

Hang pagoda (Grotto pagoda)

Hang Pagoda is located in the Northeast of Thoi Loi Mountain, the highest mountain left from a volcanic eruption. The way to Hang Pagoda is winding on the hill with a nice sea view. 

The Small island

Also known as An Binh Island, the Small island is home to about 100 residents who do fishing and garlic farming. Visitors like enjoying the beautiful white sand beach or taking pictures of garlic fields. Another activity is snorkeling - amazing coral reefs under the crystal clear water are waiting. 

Small Island

For more information about Ly Son, please visit our article: Ly Son Island Travel Guide. 

Phu Quy Island

Phu Quy Island is a small island about 120 kilometers to the Southeast of Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan Province. The island has beautiful beaches, coral reefs, black rock clusters, an excellent fresh climate all year round, and many unique historical, cultural, architectural, and artistic relics. Thanks to these resources and scenic spots, Phu Quy Island has been one of the must-visit islands in Vietnam. 

Phu Quy Island

Normally, if you want to explore the whole island, you may want to spend four to five days. Let’s refer to these spots below for a complete experience on Phu Quy Island!

Trieu Duong Bay

Trieu Duong Bay is located in Tam Thanh Commune, Phu Quy District, about one kilometer from Phu Quy Port. This place has a two-kilometer coast with blue and calm seawater, a long stretch of fine sand, and green ferns. 

Trieu Duong Bay on Phu Quy Island

Bai Nho - Ganh Hang

Bai Nho - Ganh Hang tourist area is 10 kilometers from the center of Phu Quy Island. While Ganh Hang impresses tourists with the magnificent scenery of crashing waves on towering cliffs, Bai Nho mesmerizes tourists with turquoise sea water and a white crescent-shaped sandy bank. Coming here, you can swim, dive to the coral reefs, and sit on the cliffs watching the beautiful natural scenery. 

Bai Nho

Cao Cat Mountain Peak

Cao Cat mountain peak, located in the North of Phu Quy Island, is one of the highest peaks on the island, 106 meters above sea level. Here you can find special-shaped cliffs and admire a panoramic view of the sea, sky, mountains, villages, boats, and bustling Phu Quy Port. 

Besides these spots, you should also drop in small islets surrounding Phu Quy Island. Just 10 minutes using a canoe, you will reach some islets around Phu Quy Island, including Hon Da Cao, Hon Do, Hon Tranh, and Hon Hai. Coming to these islets, you can learn about the life of fishers and see them diving to catch lobsters. 

Let’s visit Phu Quy Island and have yourself relax on the beach!

Con Dao

Mentioning the worth-visiting islands in Vietnam, Con Dao is indispensable. Con Dao Archipelago, also called Con Lon or Con Son, is an archipelago belonging to Ba Ria – Vung Tau province. Being known as "The hell on Earth," the island witnesses Vietnam's history of colonial times and the sacrifice of many heroes.

Con Dao

Today Con Dao is an ideal attraction for those interested in discovering Vietnamese history and enjoying the pristine beauty and escape from the daily bustle of life. Let’s explore some exciting activities in Con Dao below. 

Diving, Snorkeling, and watching corals

Con Dao consists of different sub-islands such as Bay Canh, Tai, Tre, Trac, Cau, etc., in which the convergence of coral reefs is the highest density in Vietnam. Taking the snorkeling tour, you will be equipped with a life jacket, diving goggles, diving mask, propellers, and guided about diving manipulation. You will have a chance to immerse yourself in the crystal clear water, explore the magical ocean world, and admire schools of fish swimming through the colorful coral reefs.

Fishing

Con Dao has various fishes, such as mackerel, grouper, plaice, etc. You will need a different type of bait to catch different kinds of fish. After fishing, you can enjoy your achievement and watch the scenery of the sea and islands. 

Exploring small islands

Con Son Bay has a system of 14 big and small islands close or far away from each other. The islands create magnificent scenery you cannot take your eyes off. Coming to these islands, you will have a chance to discover wildlife, see rare animals, and easily find beautiful beaches, forest ecosystems, and diverse mangroves.

Watching turtles laying eggs

Watching turtles lay eggs is an exciting activity you should not miss in Con Dao. Hon Bay Island, known as the best eco-island in Con Dao and the most significant marine turtle conservation in Vietnam, is the most suitable island to watch. The island has the highest number of turtles to lay eggs in Con Dao. 

Turtles laying eggs in Con Dao

Let’s refer to our Con Dao Travel Guide for more detailed information about the best time to visit, how to reach, famous attractions, and accommodations in Con Dao. 

Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc, one of the largest islands in Vietnam, is regarded as a pearl island with pristine and wild natural beauties. This destination is not only suitable for those seeking a relaxing holiday but also for those who would like to explore the charming nature and history of Vietnam. 

Visiting Phu Quoc, you will have the chance to admire the charming sceneries of pristine Sao, Khem, Truong, Long, and many other beaches. Besides, you can see the diverse system of flora and fauna, the marine ecosystem of fishes, coral reefs in different sizes and shapes, etc. Let us go through each part of Phu Quoc Island for more information about the attractions.

The North Island

The North Island of Phu Quoc is a fertile land with abundant forest ranges and rich flora and fauna, and countless beaches hidden behind the forests. Coming to the North of the island, you will have opportunities to visit the attractions below.

• Khu Tuong Pepper Garden
• Ganh Dau Cape
• Dinh Cau Cape
• Tranh Stream

Tranh Stream

• Da Ban Stream
• Long Beach

Long Beach

The East and South Islands

East and South of Phu Quoc Island, a lowland intertwined with secondary forests, is where the population is densely concentrated. This area has many beautiful beaches, such as Sao, Khem, and Gieng. Besides these charming beaches, Ham Ninh fishing village and An Thoi Archipelago are also must-visit places in the East and South Islands of Phu Quoc. 

Star Beach Phu Quoc

Ham Ninh Fishing Village

In addition to visiting these attractions, there are many other enjoyable activities in Phu Quoc. For example, you can join exciting games in the Vinpearl Land Phu Quoc, see animals in Vinpearl Safari, discover Phu Quoc National Park and Phu Quoc Prison, etc. For more information about Phu Quoc, visit our article: All you need to know before going to Phu Quoc. Otherwise, if you have any requests or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our team.

In conclusion, you have just known the top 08 best islands in Vietnam that international and domestic tourists favor. Let’s prepare your luggage and take a visit to these islands!