In this guide, you will find out the top 10 Vietnam islands for tourists, with their unique attractions and practical information to help plan your perfect island-hopping adventure.
1. Phu Quoc Island
Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, sits in the Gulf of Thailand just 15 kilometers from Cambodia’s coast. Through rapid tourism development, the island transformed from a sleepy fishing island famous for fish sauce production into Vietnam’s premier island destination over the past decade.
Despite growing popularity, Phu Quoc maintains its charm with over half the island protected as national park, where dense tropical forest preserved wildlife and hiking trails. The island’s unique status as a special economic zone allows visa-free entry for international visitors staying up to 30 days, making it exceptionally accessible among islands in Vietnam.
Weather: 25-32°C (77-90°F) year-round with rainy season May-October
Location:Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam
Timings: Accessible year-round (best November-March)
Entry Fee: Free for general access; specific trails/attractions may charge 20,000 – 80,000 VND.
What to do:
- Visit Phu Quoc’s famous fish sauce factories in Duong Dong town to observe the traditional barrel fermentation process creating the island’s renowned export.
- Experience the vibrant Dinh Cau Night Market in Duong Dong, with over 100 stalls serving freshly caught seafood and local specialties.
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2. Con Dao Islands
The Con Dao archipelago comprises 16 islands off Vietnam’s southeastern coast, combining natural beauty with a historical legacy. Once known as the “Devil’s Island of Indochina,” Con Son, the largest island, hosted notorious French colonial prisons later used by American forces during the Vietnam War.
Today, the island is one of Vietnam’s most exclusive and well-preserved destinations. Con Dao National Park protects 80% of the archipelago’s land and surrounding waters, creating a sanctuary for endangered marine species, primary forests, and coral reefs.
Weather: 24-30°C (75-86°F) year-round, driest from November to February
Location:Con Dao Islands, Vietnam
Timings: Accessible year-round (best March-September)
Entry Fee: Free (Con Dao National Park: 60,000 VND)
What to do:
- Visit the Con Dao Prison Complex with guided tours through tiger cages and cells providing powerful historical insights into the islands’ dark past.
- Trek through Con Dao National Park with a ranger guide on well-maintained trails leading through primary rainforest to secluded beaches.
- Witness endangered sea turtles nesting on protected beaches between June and September, joining conservation staff on night patrols.
- Dive in Vietnam’s most pristine marine environment, where over 1,400 marine species thrive among vibrant coral reefs.
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3. Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba, the largest island in Halong Bay, serves as both a natural wonderland and convenient base for exploring Vietnam’s most famous seascape. Unlike smaller islands in the bay, Cat Ba welcomes thousands of domestic and international visitors.
Half the island falls within Cat Ba National Park, protecting diverse ecosystems from limestone karst mountains to mangrove forests and coral reefs. The remaining areas feature a developed tourism infrastructure in Cat Ba Town contrasting with traditional fishing villages scattered around the coast.
Weather: 18-30°C (64-86°F) with distinct seasons, best April-November
Location:Cat Ba Island, Vietnam
Timings: Accessible year-round (best April-November)
Entry Fee: Free (National Park: 120,000 VND)
What to do:
- Kayak through Lan Ha Bay, a less-crowded alternative to Halong Bay with limestone karsts creating hidden lagoons and secluded beaches.
- Hike in Cat Ba National Park on well-marked trails through limestone mountains and dense forest harboring the endangered Cat Ba langur.
- Join a boat tour to explore floating fishing villages like Viet Hai, where families live on traditional wooden houseboats maintaining fishing practices.
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4. Cham Islands (Cu Lao Cham)
The Cham Islands (Cu Lao Cham) form an archipelago of eight small islands just 15 kilometers off Hoi An’s coast, offering a perfect day trip or overnight escape from Central Vietnam’s popular tourist areas.
This island cluster, designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2009, balances tourism with conservation efforts protecting rich marine ecosystems and sustainable island communities.
Weather: 22-30°C (72-86°F), best March-September during calm sea conditions
Location:Cham Islands, Vietnam
Timings: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM for day trips; overnight stays available
Entry Fee: 100,000 VND environmental fee
What to do:
- Dive among Vietnam’s most pristine coral reefs with over 300 coral species creating underwater gardens teeming with marine life.
- Visit Hai Tang Pagoda, an 18th-century temple honoring the sea goddess where fishermen still make offerings before voyages.
- Explore Bai Chong beach and Bai Huong fishing village offering homestay accommodations and traditional boat building observations.
- Trek through the islands’ forest interior on marked trails leading to panoramic viewpoints and hidden coves with endemic plant species.
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5. Hon Tre Island
Hon Tre Island, located in Nha Trang Bay, has transformed from a relatively untouched fishing outpost into Vietnam’s premier luxury island resort destination. The island hosts Vinpearl Resort, a massive entertainment complex featuring luxury accommodations, theme parks, and Vietnam’s largest water park.
Unlike most islands in Vietnam that emphasize natural experiences, Hon Tre represents tourism development at its most ambitious scale. The eastern shoreline remains relatively undeveloped, while the western side facing Nha Trang city shows Vietnamese leisure tourism with golf courses, upscale shopping, and family-friendly attractions.
Weather: 24-32°C (75-90°F) year-round, best January-August
Location:Hon Tre Island, Vietnam
Timings: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Vinpearl attractions)
Entry Fee: Free access (Vinpearl Land day pass: 800,000 VND)
What to do:
- Experience Vinpearl Land with Vietnam’s largest water park, traditional theme park rides, and an aquarium housing over 300 marine species.
- Take the world’s longest oversea cable car stretching 3,320 meters between Nha Trang city and Hon Tre Island with breathtaking views.
- Relax on private beaches with white sand shores and clear waters offering water sports including jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides.
- Enjoy vibrant nightlife on Vietnam islands at beachfront restaurants and bars with cultural performances, live music, and themed dinner shows.
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6. Nam Du Islands
The Nam Du Archipelago consists of 21 islands scattered across the Gulf of Thailand approximately 90 kilometers from the mainland Mekong Delta, offering visitors a glimpse of undeveloped island life increasingly rare in Southeast Asia.
Unlike more famous islands in Vietnam, Nam Du has only recently opened to foreign visitors, preserving its authentic fishing village atmosphere and pristine natural environment.
Weather: 25-32°C (77-90°F) year-round, best December-March with calm seas
Location:Nam Du Islands, Vietnam
Timings: Accessible year-round (limited boat service May-October)
Entry Fee: Free
What to do:
- Join island-hopping boat tours from Hon Lon to explore smaller islands including Hon Ngang, Hon Mau, and Hon Dau with its historic lighthouse.
- Experience local island life in Nam Du’s fishing villages observing traditional boat building, net mending, and fish sauce production.
- Swim at beaches like Dat Trang and Cay Men with crystal-clear waters offering visibility up to 15 meters revealing healthy coral.
- Sample authentic island cuisine at simple beachfront restaurants serving ultra-fresh seafood specialties including Nam Du rock lobsters and sea urchin.
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7. Binh Hung Island
Source: Wikimedia
Binh Hung Island lies within Cam Ranh Bay, approximately 60 kilometers south of Nha Trang, offering an alternative to Vietnam’s busier coastal destinations. This small 2.5 square kilometer island remains largely undeveloped despite proximity to major tourist centers, preserving a traditional fishing community atmosphere where lobster cultivation forms the economic backbone.
Simple guesthouses and homestays of this island provide accommodation without luxury resort development, attracting domestic weekend visitors and international travelers searching for authentic experiences away from tourism hotspots.
Weather: 24-32°C (75-90°F), best March-September with calmer seas
Location:Binh Hung Island, Vietnam
Timings: Accessible year-round during daylight hours
Entry Fee: Free
What to do:
- Explore diverse beaches including Hon Chut with dramatic rock formations, Bai Kinh with calm protected waters, and Bai Nom’s golden sand.
- Visit the French colonial lighthouse for a short hike rewarding with 360-degree panoramic views of the entire island and surrounding bay.
- Experience night fishing with local fishermen using traditional methods and lanterns to attract squid, followed by fresh seafood cooking onboard.
- Sample the island’s famous fresh lobster at family-run beachfront restaurants with prices lower than mainland.
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8. Ly Son Island
Ly Son Island emerges from the East Sea 30 kilometers from Quang Ngai Province’s coast, formed by ancient volcanic eruptions that created a distinctive landscape unlike other islands in Vietnam. Often called the “Kingdom of Garlic,” this 10 square kilometer island produces renowned purple garlic and shallots in fertile volcanic soil.
Traditional Whale Temples, historic pagodas, and cultural festivals preserve this island’s maritime heritage alongside geological wonders including volcanic craters, lava caves, and natural rock arches.
Weather: 22-32°C (72-90°F), best June-September with calm seas
Location:Ly Son Island, Vietnam
Timings: Accessible year-round (ferry operations weather-dependent)
Entry Fee: Free (Thoi Loi Mountain: 20,000 VND)
What to do:
- Visit Hang Pagoda (Cave Pagoda), a temple complex built into natural volcanic caves featuring Buddhist shrines dating back to the 17th century.
- Climb 538 steps to Thoi Loi Mountain’s summit, an extinct volcano crater with a small freshwater lake offering spectacular 360-degree views.
- Explore To Vo Gate, a natural rock arch formed by ancient lava flows creating a picturesque stone bridge over turquoise waters.
- Discover traditional garlic farms with purple garlic cultivated in small fields bordered by volcanic stone walls using generations-old techniques.
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9. Binh Ba Island
Source: Wikimedia
Binh Ba Island floats in Cam Ranh Bay just 15 kilometers from the mainland, famous among domestic tourists as “Lobster Island” for its thriving crustacean farming industry and resulting culinary specialization.
The island’s lobster farming operations create a fascinating seascape of floating cages visible from shoreside restaurants serving ultra-fresh seafood. Simple guesthouses and homestays provide accommodation in the main village. Without major resort development, Binh Ba maintains its charm while catering primarily to adventurous Vietnamese tourists.
Weather: 24-32°C (75-90°F), best March-September with calmer seas
Location:Binh Ba Island, Vietnam
Timings: Currently restricted for foreign visitors (special permits required)
Entry Fee: Free
What to do:
- Feast on famous lobster prepared in multiple styles at beachfront restaurants offering set menus with various preparations at lower mainland prices.
- Dive around the northern coast at spots like Bai Nom with healthy coral gardens supporting diverse marine life and excellent visibility.
- Explore varied beaches including Bai Chuong, rocky Bai Nom, and Bai Nha Cu.
- Experience island life through village homestays with fishing families offering simple accommodations and opportunities to observe daily routines.
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10. Quan Lan Island
Source: Wikimedia
Quan Lan stretches 11 kilometers along Vietnam’s northeastern coast within the Bai Tu Long Bay archipelago, offering a quieter alternative to neighboring Halong Bay.
Unlike more developed islands in Vietnam, Quan Lan maintains a primarily agricultural economy centered on fishing, farming, and growing tourism. The island’s rich history as an important trading port during the Ly and Tran dynasties lives on through ancient pagodas and communal houses preserving centuries-old architecture.
Weather: 20-30°C (68-86°F), best May-September with calm seas
Location:Quan Lan Island, Vietnam
Timings: Accessible year-round (more frequent ferry service May-October)
Entry Fee: Free
What to do:
- Relax on Minh Chau Beach, a 2-kilometer stretch of white silica sand with shallow turquoise waters and beachfront cafes serving fresh coconuts.
- Visit the historic Quan Lan Temple built during the 13th century Tran Dynasty featuring traditional architecture with intricately carved wooden panels.
- Explore the traditional fishing village to observe daily maritime activities including returning fishing boats, net mending, and boat building.
- Take a motorbike tour around the island’s perimeter, stopping at scenic viewpoints overlooking Bai Tu Long Bay’s limestone karsts and hidden coves.
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FAQs
How many islands are in Vietnam?
Vietnam’s coastline contains approximately 4,000 islands, though the exact count varies depending on classification criteria. These range from major inhabited islands like Phu Quoc (574 km²) to tiny uninhabited islets. Nearly 2,700 islands in Vietnam are concentrated in Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay alone, creating Vietnam’s most iconic seascapes.
What are the most famous islands in Vietnam for tourists?
The most popular Vietnam islands for tourists include Phu Quoc for its beaches and resorts, Cat Ba as the gateway to Halong Bay, Con Dao for pristine nature and history, Cham Islands for diving, and Hon Tre Island for luxury experiences at Vinpearl Resort. Each island offers distinct attractions for different travel preferences.
Are Vietnam islands open to public?
Most Vietnam islands are open to public visitors, though accessibility varies significantly. Major tourist islands like Phu Quoc and Cat Ba welcome visitors year-round with regular transportation and developed infrastructure. Some smaller islands require permits due to military zones or conservation efforts.
What is nightlife on Vietnam islands like?
Nightlife on Vietnam islands varies dramatically by location. Phu Quoc offers the most developed scene with beach bars, night markets, and casino resorts. Hon Tre Island features resort entertainment and performances. Most other islands maintain quiet evenings focused on seafood dining and beachfront relaxation.
Which is the most luxurious island in Vietnam?
Hon Tre Island in Nha Trang Bay hosts Vietnam’s most luxurious island experience at Vinpearl Resort, featuring five-star accommodations, private beaches, golf courses, and entertainment complexes. Phu Quoc follows with high-end international brands including JW Marriott, InterContinental, and Fusion Resorts offering premium beachfront experiences.
Which Vietnam island is best for families?
Phu Quoc Island offers the most family-friendly experience with gentle beaches, diverse activities including waterparks and safari experiences, and accommodation options ranging from budget to luxury. Cat Ba Island provides adventure opportunities including kayaking and hiking suitable for families with older children
What is the best time to visit Vietnam islands?
The optimal time to visit Vietnam islands varies by location. Southern islands like Phu Quoc and Con Dao are best from November to April during the dry season. Central Vietnam islands including Cham Islands are ideal from February to September.
How to reach World Islands Vietnam?
To reach islands in Vietnam, travelers typically fly to major cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, or Da Nang, then connect via domestic flights, ferries, or speedboats depending on the destination. Phu Quoc and Con Dao have international airports, while other islands require combinations of land transport and boat connections. A Vietnam islands map is useful for planning these routes.
