Top 10 Vietnam Islands for A Diverse Range of Experiences

Vietnam captivates travelers not only with its stunning mainland beaches but also as a tropical paradise featuring an array of enchanting Vietnam islands. Whether you're seeking underwater adventures, cultural immersion, or simply a serene escape from bustling city life, Vietnam's islands stretch from North to South, delivering unforgettable memories for every type of traveler.

1. Cat Ba Island 

Cat Ba Island is situated in Tran Chau Town, Cat Hai Commune, Hai Phong City, and sits approximately 150 kilometers southeast of Hanoi, as well as about 30 kilometers from the famous Ha Long Bay UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Vietnam. Around half of the island is protected as Cat Ba National Park, a biodiversity hotspot home to several rare species, including the critically endangered Cat Ba langur. Despite its wild nature, Cat Ba Island is also inhabited, with a population of about 13,000 people.

Visitors who love wildlife exploration can trek through Cat Ba National Park for the rare chance to spot the critically endangered Cat Ba langur while discovering the island's rich biodiversity. The park's extensive trail system also leads to the mysterious Hospital Cave, where travelers can explore wartime history preserved within dramatic limestone formations. For those seeking panoramic views, rock climbing on towering limestone cliffs offers breathtaking vistas of Ha Long Bay's emerald waters and iconic karst landscapes.

For the best Cat Ba Island experience, travelers should note these essential tips:

• Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and a refillable water bottle to stay comfortable and hydrated.
• Wear lightweight, breathable clothes and sturdy shoes for trekking or outdoor activities, plus swimwear for beach days.
• Reserve boat tours and trekking guides before the peak season to secure spots on popular excursions.
• Begin trekking and wildlife watching tours early in the morning when temperatures are cooler and animals are more active.

Cat Ba is a captivating blend of lush mountains, turquoise waters, and untouched biodiversity (Source: Internet)

2. Co To Island

Co To Island is actually an archipelago of about 40-50 islands located 80 kilometers from the mainland in Quang Ninh Province, Northern Vietnam. The island features untouched beaches, traditional fishing villages, and crystal-clear waters. Visitors can explore multiple islets by motorbike or bicycle, discovering hidden gems that feel like private paradises perfect for peaceful relaxation.

The island's numerous secluded bays provide ideal swimming spots with pristine waters, while lighthouse viewpoints offer spectacular sunrise and sunset photography opportunities that capture the archipelago's untouched beauty. Meanwhile, head to traditional fishing villages to take a glimpse into centuries-old fishing traditions and connect with local families who warmly welcome visitors into their daily routines.

For the best Co To Island experience, travelers should consider these practical tips:

• Rent a motorbike or bicycle to explore multiple islets at your own pace and discover hidden beaches
• Visit during spring (March to April) or autumn (September to October), a perfect time to explore the island and its beautiful beaches

Co To Island stands out with crystal-clear waters, romantic coastal roads, and a peaceful atmosphere ideal for a relaxing getaway (Source: Internet)

3. Tuan Chau Island

Tuan Chau Island sits in Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh Province, covering approximately 400 hectares and located just 2 kilometers from Ha Long City center. The island is renowned for luxury resorts, diverse recreational activities, and convenient access to the famous limestone karst landscapes. Entrance fees to Tuan Chau Island are VND 280,000 per adult (USD 10.71), while children under 1 meter can enter for free.

The 5-kilometer stretch of natural white sand beaches on the island provides perfect settings for family gatherings and romantic sunset walks along the pristine coastline. As the sun sets, visitors can head to spectacular water music performances at the Roman Colosseum-style amphitheater that mesmerize audiences with synchronized fountains. Adventure enthusiasts can enjoy exciting water sports, including windsurfing, kayaking, and jet skiing against the backdrop of Ha Long Bay's iconic limestone karsts.

For the optimal Tuan Chau experience, travelers should remember these key tips:

• The best time to visit is between April and October, when the weather is at its most ideal with clear skies and calm seas.
• Take advantage of direct cruise departures to Ha Long Bay for seamless sightseeing
• Plan full days for the ultimate experience with beach activities, entertainment shows, and water sports

Tuan Chau Island impresses with its modern resorts, famous water music stage, and strategic gateway location to Ha Long Bay (Source: Internet)

4. Ly Son District

Ly Son District, often called "Garlic Island", sits approximately 30 kilometers off the coast of Quang Ngai Province in Central Vietnam. The island captivates visitors with its unique volcanic landscape featuring the dormant Thoi Loi volcano and Gieng Tien Mountain, the second largest crater that houses Duc Pagoda with its beautiful Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva statue.

Nestled within this volcanic terrain, travelers can explore traditional garlic cultivation thriving in the rich basaltic soil, uniquely enriched with seaweed fertilizer and coral sand. This fertile environment explains why Ly Son produces Vietnam’s finest garlic, known nationwide for its distinctive flavor.

Adding to the island’s charm are centuries-old temples dedicated to local fishermen, offering visitors a spiritual experience that connects them with Ly Son’s enduring maritime traditions and the close-knit community that has sustained these practices across generations.

For the optimal Ly Son experience, travelers should keep these practical tips:

• Time your visit for the annual Tu Linh boat-race festival featuring eight boats decorated as dragons, unicorns, turtles, and phoenixes
• Visit the Ly Son night market for local specialties like the island's signature garlic salad, considered Vietnam's best garlic due to unique growing conditions
• Plan visits from March to August when weather conditions are most suitable for outdoor exploration

Ly Son District captivates visitors with its unique volcanic landscapes, sacred ancient temples, and famous garlic fields (Source: Internet)

5. Binh Ba Island

Binh Ba Island, dubbed as "Lobster Island", lies approximately 15 kilometers southeast of Cam Ranh Bay in Khanh Hoa Province, central Vietnam. The island invites visitors to experience an authentic fishing village where fresh lobsters and sea urchins straight from local fishermen's daily catches are real highlights.

Surrounding the island, swimming in turquoise bays dotted with colorful traditional fishing boats creates perfect photo opportunities while showcasing authentic maritime culture. Meanwhile, cycling through peaceful village streets allows travelers to witness daily island life and interact with friendly locals who maintain traditional fishing practices passed down through generations.

For the best Binh Ba experience, travelers should note these essential tips:

• Visit from March to September when the weather is warm, the seas are calm, and it's perfect for swimming and snorkeling
• Be sure to bring cash for motorbike rentals and seafood purchases, as card payments are rarely accepted.
• Pack essential personal items and sun protection, since tourist facilities on the island are limited.

Binh Ba Island offers an authentic fishing village experience, where travelers enjoy fresh lobsters and flavorful seafood amidst peaceful coastal scenery (Source: Internet)

6. Diep Son Island

Diep Son Island belongs to Van Phong Bay, near Nha Trang City in Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam. It consists of three islets - Hon Bip, Hon Giua, and Hon Duoc - connected by a unique 700-meter sandbar trail in the middle of the sea, creating an ideal spot for Instagram-worthy pictures. Remarkably, the connecting bridge has become a famous location among Vietnamese couples for marriage proposals, making it perfect for romantic getaways.

Visitors can walk across the famous sandbar during low tide for spectacular photography that captures this natural wonder, creating memorable moments perfect for social media sharing. Fỏ adventure enthusiasts, kayaking provides an enjoyable way to explore the pristine waters while discovering hidden coves and secluded beaches ideal for intimate picnics and peaceful escapes from crowded tourist destinations.

For the optimal Diep Son experience, travelers should consider these keynotes:

• Visit between December and August when the weather is dry and warm with calm sea waves, perfect for boat access
• Visit during low tide to experience the famous sandbar walkway connecting the three islets
• Bring waterproof bags for cameras and personal items during kayaking and water activities

Diep Son Island stands out with a 700-meter sandbar connecting three islets across the sea, creating a romantic setting perfect for couples (Source: Internet)

7. Cham Islands

The Cham Islands constitute a cluster of eight islands located 15 kilometers off the coast of Hoi An in Quang Nam Province, Central Vietnam. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve, Cham Island features a rich marine ecosystem with 165 hectares of coral reefs and 500 hectares of seaweed, making it a premier destination for nature lovers and sustainable travelers.

Visitors can enjoy snorkeling in crystal-clear waters to spot schools of fish, sea turtles gliding gracefully through the waves, and vibrant corals swaying in the current, creating unforgettable underwater experiences that connect them with marine conservation efforts.

Above the water, cultural exploration continues in traditional fishing villages, where locals preserve centuries-old maritime traditions and practice sustainable fishing to protect the delicate marine ecosystem that sustains their way of life. This deep connection to the sea also shines through in the island’s food culture, with exceptional seafood specialties such as grilled one-sunny-day squid, pyramid top shell, abalone, rock crab, and sea urchin — all harvested fresh from surrounding waters, offering visitors an authentic taste of Vietnamese seafood.

For the best Cham Islands experience, travelers should note these important tips:

• Visit from March to August for favorable weather with plenty of sunshine, ideal for swimming and diving
• Follow strict environmental guidelines to protect the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

Cham Islands form a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve known for vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life, and traditional fishing villages (Source: Internet)

8. Phu Quy Island

Phu Quy Island sits approximately 120 kilometers southeast of Phan Thiet City in Binh Thuan Province, Southern Vietnam. The island offers dramatic coastal landscapes with unique attractions, including the pristine Trieu Duong Bay with turquoise waters, the scenic crescent-shaped Nho Beach embraced by rocky outcrops, and Hang Cliff featuring a natural "infinity pool" carved by relentless waves.

Visitors can explore the ancient Linh Son Pagoda perched on Cao Cat Peak, providing spiritual experiences and panoramic ocean views perfect for meditation and reflection. This spiritual journey naturally connects with other cultural landmarks across the island, such as Van An Thanh Temple, home to a remarkable 20-meter whale skeleton revered by locals as a guardian of seafarers, and the Temple of Princess Ban Tranh, built by the Cham people, which reflects the island’s rich, multicultural heritage.

For the optimal Phu Quy experience, travelers should remember these practical tips:

• Visit from December to June for a consistently cool climate and avoid storm-prone months from September to November
• Pack motion sickness medication for the 2-hour boat journey and secure front-row seats for enhanced comfort
• Rent a motorbike for island transportation, as ride-hailing services are unavailable

Phu Quy Island impresses with dramatic cliffs, crescent-shaped beaches, and unique cultural and spiritual landmarks closely tied to local fishing life (Source: Internet)

9. Con Son Island

Con Son Island, the largest in the Con Dao archipelago, lies approximately 180 kilometers Southeast of Ho Chi Minh City in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province. The island combines poignant historical significance with exceptional natural beauty, featuring pristine beaches, diverse marine life, and important sea turtle nesting sites protected as a national park.

Visitors can explore the infamous Con Dao Prison complex, where Vietnamese revolutionaries endured imprisonment during the French colonial period and the American War, gaining deep insights into Vietnam's struggle for independence through preserved cells and detailed historical exhibits.

Here, nature lovers can participate in sea turtle conservation programs that protect endangered species returning annually to nest on protected beaches, contributing to meaningful wildlife preservation efforts.

For the best Con Son Island experience, travelers should keep these essential notes:

• Follow strict environmental guidelines to help preserve this protected ecosystem
• Plan to participate in sea turtle conservation activities for meaningful educational experiences
• Visit from November to April when weather conditions are most pleasant and sea turtles are more active

Con Son Island blends untouched natural beauty with deep historical resonance (Source: Internet)

10. Phu Quoc Island

Phu Quoc Island stands as Vietnam's largest island, located in the Gulf of Thailand approximately 45 kilometers west of Ha Tien in Kien Giang Province, southern Vietnam. The island serves as Vietnam's premier beach destination, renowned for its pristine white-sand beaches, including the famous Sao Beach, and luxury resort facilities that attract international travelers seeking a tropical paradise.

Beyond relaxing on the beach, visitors can dive into the island’s rich marine world by snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs in Phu Quoc Island that reveal diverse marine life in pristine underwater ecosystems, creating unforgettable moments for marine discovery.

From the sea to the sky, the three-rope cable car to Hon Thom Island provides panoramic views of the archipelago's stunning landscape, offering breathtaking photo opportunities and romantic moments above turquoise waters. The island’s cultural charm continues on land, where travelers can visit traditional pepper farms and fish sauce factories, and shop for souvenirs.

For the ultimate Phu Quoc experience, travelers should keep these essential tips:

• Secure accommodations well in advance during peak season (November to March) for the best rates and beachfront locations
• Schedule beach activities for early morning or late afternoon to avoid harsh midday sun
• Visit from November to March when weather conditions are most pleasant for outdoor activities in this island.

Phu Quoc Island entices travelers with powdery white beaches, crystal-clear waters and diverse marine ecosystems (Source: Internet)

Diverse Vietnam islands offer something extraordinary for every traveler, from luxury resort experiences to authentic cultural immersion and thrilling outdoor adventures. Each island provides unique experiences that create lasting memories and showcase why Vietnam ranks among Southeast Asia's premier tropical destinations.

For comprehensive travel information, insider tips, and exclusive travel deals to help you explore these stunning island destinations, visit Vietnam Airlines' travel guide and start planning your perfect Vietnamese island adventure today.