Islands In Vietnam: Sun-Soaked Holiday Along The Coastline

Those looking for a sun-soaked vacation, the islands in Vietnam surrounded by islets, old temples, traditional villages, lush forests, untouched grottoes and marine life are the perfect place for them.  Yes, the 3000 km long coastline is home to some of the most stunning islands.

Phu Quoc, Hon Tre and Cat Ba Island in Halong Bay are some of the most well- known islands that have undergone tremendous development, which have led to the bird of various resorts, hotels, restaurants, nightlight spots, shops and tourist facilities. Vietnam has some of the most off- the beaten path places that attract tourists from around the world.

10 Breathtaking Islands in Vietnam: For The Independent Travelers

Island hopping has become the most interesting ways of exploring a destination for most independent travelers. The coast of Vietnam is flecked with islands from North to South. So, when it comes to having the ideal holiday, the islands in Vietnam are the best choice.

1. Con Dao Islands

Sitting pretty on the southern coast of Vietnam, Con Dao is one of biggest inhabited island rich with breathtaking beaches, out of the 16 archipelagos islands. Once a upon time prison island for the war prisoners, Con Dao Island has become one of the most famous islands in Vietnam. Rich in biodiversity, the area is known to the world as Con Dao National Park.

In June and September, people can see sea turtles nesting on the Con Dao Archipelago, one of the beautiful beach destinations flecked with natural grandeur and fancy resorts. Apart from being rich in marine biodiversity, the island is the perfect place for diving. One of the best kept secrets has been the resort like ambience, which attracts several travelers and backpackers.

Best Time To Visit: November- February

How to reach: Con Dao Airport is the main airport where most of the major airlines’ land. People can even take a ferry to the island, is also one of the ways to reach the island.

Famous For: Prison Island for war prisoners and its infamous cells called the tiger cells.

Best Places To Stay: Six Senses Con Dao, Paulo Condor Boutique Resort and Spa, The Secret Con Dao and Orson Hotel and Resort Con Dao

2. Hon Khoai Island

Known for some of the best beaches in Vietnam and beachside views, Hon Khoai Island offers a majestic uninterrupted ocean view.  Nestled close to Ca Mau, the island is a three- hour boat ride. The rolling rocks, primitive untouched forests and stunning beaches welcome tourists from around the world. Built during the 19th century by the French, there is a lighthouse on the highest peak of Hon Khoai.  Tourists can see the lighthouse through a telescope.

With a view of the tropical flora and fauna, one can scale the 38 meters high Hon Khoai Mountain. Known for its egg- stones and casuarina trees, people should explore the western part of the beach, home to the crystal blue waters and white sands.

Best Time To Visit:  June- October

How to reach:  One can reach the island by a boat ride, which is about 3 hours.

Famous For: Lighthouse, rolling rocks, primitive untouched forests and stunning beaches

Best Places To Stay: Muong Thanh Luxury Ca Mau Hotel, Sao Kim, Khách sạn Phú An

Suggested Read: Nightlife In Vietnam: Top Places For The Night Owls To Enjoy The Evening

3. Hon Tre Island

Found off the coast Nha Trang, the Hon Tre Island is home to Vinpearl Amusement Park and a cultural village. It is one of the most beautiful islands in Vietnam filled with natural beaches, aquariums, shopping places, amusement rides, water sports, resorts and much more. For the most ideal experience, people should explore the island between February till May. People can reach the island by ferries and stay at a hotel or apartment of their choice.

The attractions on the island have been created for families like water sports, beach volleyball and sunbathing.  If people want to grab a bite to eat, the island has a few restaurants within the amusement park, Con Se Tre Tourist Village, Vinpearl Nha Trang Resort and Vinpearl Luxury Nha Trang. People can give their taste buds a treat buds a treat like Vietnamese dishes such as pho, bun cha sua (seafood noodle soup), banh cuon (rolled cake), and guoi chon (spring rolls).

Best Time To Visit:   February- May

How to reach:   People can take a ferry or speedboat to the island.

Famous For: Natural beaches, aquariums, shopping places, amusement rides, water sports, resorts

Best Places To Stay: Vinpearl Resort Nha Trang, Vinpearl Resort and Spa Nha Trang Bay, Vinpearl Discovery Rockside Nha Trang

4. Ly Son Island

The stunning, stark and stunning destination, Ly Son is a volcanic island surrounded by a ring of reefs. One of the nice islands in Vietnam, Ly Son is a barren dry and sand island known for its patchwork of fields, that rise towards the dramatic cliffs that plunge into the blue sea. With no long sandy beaches with coconut palms, the island is not your regular tropical island.

The island is filled with coral reefs, crystal clear sea, rock formations, black cliffs and crater- top views and a stunning view of the Vietnam beaches. One can reach the island by a boat ferry from Sa Ky Port.  Ly Son Island is known for its seafood and garlic.  Some of the many things to do is hiking, riding a motorbike, swimming, snorkeling the reefs and taking a boat to Dao Be Island.

Best Time To Visit:   June- September

How to reach:  People can easily reach the island by a boat ferry from Sa Ky Port.

Famous For: Coral reefs, crystal clear sea, rock formations, black cliffs

Best Places To Stay: Ly Son Pearl Island Hotel and Resort, Holiday Muong Thanh Ly Son, Khach San Bien Ngoc Ly Son and Ly Son Bunglow Hostel

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Vietnam Which Will Make You Drool Over This Country

5. Bin Hung Island

Once you set foot on Bin Hung Island, you will be taken away by the raw and organic beauty seen through its untouched landscapes and peacefulness. The blue sea and white sand beaches, the stunning South Sea temple and Hon Chut Lighthouse are some of the hidden gems waiting to be explored on the island.

People can get to the island by flight, trains, ferries and bus rides, nestled a couple of kms from Cam Ranh City. What more can anyone ask for? It is one of the most amazing places to visit in Asia for its beauty.

Best Time To Visit:  October- November

How to reach: The ideal way of traveling to the island is by air with either Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air or Bamboo Airways. The main airport is Cam Ranh International airport. One can even get to the island by boat, which takes about 10 mins.

Famous For: Landscapes

Best Places To Stay: Trang An River View Homestay, Adamo Hotel, Vietnam, Seashore Hotel- Apartment and Hue Happy Homestay

6. Monkey Island

Monkey Island Vietnam is a one stop tourist attraction known for its untouched scenery. Named as Cat Dua, the island has several wild pineapple trees that look yummy but can’t be eaten.  It is said that the villages are seen either drinking it or eating the pineapple dry as medication for diabetes. It is one of the most ideal places to swim in the clear blue waters and walk on the soft white sand.  The monkey island is named so because it is home to over 20 monkeys.

Tourists have interacted with the monkey’s multiple times as they love to eat and play around them. Cat Dua 1 beach and Cat Dua 2 beach are the two beaches on the Monkey Island. People will be awe struck with the clear blue waters of cat Dua 1 beach along with enjoying a few drinks and munching on ice cream. Some of the facilities offered by the island are swimming clothes, floats and kayaks.  Nestled behind what is known as a tiger- shaped cliff, the Cat Dua 2 beach has a stunning garden home to several kinds of trees and birds. The island is one of the best places to visit in April in the world at least once.

Best Time To Visit:  April- October

How to reach:  The only way to reach the island is by boat, which takes about 10 minutes.

Famous For: Monkeys and Wild Pineapple Trees

Best Places To Stay: Catba View Hotel, Cat Ba Sunsrise Resort and Flamingo Cat Ba Beach Resort

7. Phu Quoc Island

Boasting of some of the most stunning beaches, romantic sunsets, lush green forests and peaceful atmosphere, Phu Quoc island is the one stop tourist destination for those wanting to escape the city life. Despite having a part that is untouched, the island has several resorts, bars and cafes along the southern coastline.

Tourists can discover the stunning villages, nature parks and Buddhist pagodas close to the island, which is easily accessible by cabs or bus.  The culinary scene at the island comes from the fresh seafood sold at the local markets and Vietnamese street food to bistros and much more.

Best Time To Visit:  December- March

How to reach:  The best way to reach the island is by ferries, which can be taken from Ha Tein and Ho Chi Minh City. One can even travel by cruise to the island.

Famous For: Stunning beaches, romantic sunsets, lush green forests

Best Places To Stay: Sol by Melia Phu Quoc, Salinda Resort Phu Quoc Island and JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort and Spa

Suggested Read: Stunning Places To Visit In India To Rejuvenate Your Senses

8. Nhon Chau Island

Nhon Chau Island or Cu Lao Xanh means Green Island, because of the seawater color. Tourists from around the world are attracted to the hidden beauty and charm of the island, nestled a couple of kms away from the mainland. The lush green natural forest, the tall coconut trees, the clear blue skies and crystal-clear sea waters are some of the thing's tourists are attracted too.

People will be awe struck by the sparkling water under the sunshine. With its soft white sand dunes, the island often comes across as an attractive woman lying silently close to the vast ocean.  It is one of the many places to visit in Vietnam when on vacation.

Best Time To Visit: Feb- October

How to reach:  The only way tourists can get to the island is by boat or speedboat, which takes about 2 hours.

Famous For:  Lush green natural forest, the tall coconut trees, the clear blue skies and crystal-clear sea waters

Best Places To Stay: Casa Marina Resort, Khach San Cu Lao Xanh and Anantara Quy Nhon Villas

9. Yen Island

One of the best honeymoon places to go in the world, Yen Island is known for its hot and warm sea currents. The panoramic view of the island is said to heaven on earth and is known for its bamboo brides. People visiting the island are often awe struck by the stunning beauty of the mountains and sea and the natural life of the birds. Standing in the middle of the white sand strip, the double beach in Vietnam is a stunning place to visit.

The island is called a tourist paradise as nature has a strange way of attracting people from around the world. Guests can enjoy the cool or warm bathing waters of the island and forget about all their worries. What more can anyone want when it comes to escaping the hustle and bustle of the city life? It is a once in a lifetime chance to enjoy nature at its best.

Best Time To Visit: September- November

How to reach:  The best way to get to the island is by boat, which will take about an hour. It is one of the most convenient ways of reaching the island.

Famous For:  Du Ha Mountain and Swift Caves

Best Places To Stay: Latte Motel, Moung Thanh Hotel Grand Ha Tinh and Khach San Thanh Phat

Suggested Read: Islands in Singapore: The Most Picturesque Coastlines In The City

10. Cham Island, Vietnam

Home to some of the most beautiful islands in Vietnam, Cham Island is known for its adventure activities like snorkeling, trekking, swimming and diving. People can even enjoy an overnight stay and enjoy the charming marine life.

People will be awe struck by the stunning cluster of granite islands along with the rich underwater atmosphere to over 135 species of hard and soft coral and varied Marco life. The island is home to fishing and a range of bird nests.  Tourists visiting the island will never want to leave the place and will always come back for more.

Best Time To Visit: March- August

How to reach:   The best way to reach the island is by boat, which takes about 30 minutes. It is probably the only way to reach the island without any problems.

Famous For:  Fishing, snorkeling, bird nests and diving

Best Places To Stay: Hammoch Homestay, Trang Vu Homestay and Homestay Ngo Khanh

Have you decided where you want to go on your next vacation? If you haven’t yet, then the islands in Vietnam is the perfect vacation for your family and you. These islands are absolutely stunning, a break away from the city life. Vietnam has not left any stone unturned as the ideal holiday destination. So, what you waiting for? Go ahead and visit those islands.

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