Thailand has had lots of international exposure over the decades. Their gorgeous Islands such as Phuket, Ko Rong and Ko Samui triumph. There is so much choice. Ko Phi Phi Islands are another top-rated destination, and yet Vietnam holds its own too. Phu Quoc Island immediately rises to the top, it's one everyone has heard about. Cham Island lesser so, off the coast of Hoi An, the ancient town. Secret Island getaways are all around Vietnam's coastline, if you didn't know.
Nha Trang City is another location, with amazing secret weekend Island getaways. There are great diving spots on most of Nha Trang's many Islands. Our travel guide will explore what Islands you can expect when traveling to Vietnam. Where they are (in relation to a major city) and their best features. Each of the Islands featured in our guide is just perfect for getting away:
And are now ready to laze on a beach for a day or two before heading back home. Keep reading.
Such a difficult question. Because there are just so many places you see in Vietnam, it's bewildering to decide on where to go. Your thoughts turn to Vietnam's paradise. The top choice of course is the stunning Phu Quoc Island. But Vietnam has her secrets, and we reveal those in this Island destination travel guide.
Found far off the coast of southern Vietnam, it's remote and secluded and mountainous. The villages on the Island are so few, equating to a severe lack of development. If you seek solitude and seclusion, it's heavenly perfect. It's the Island for those who love the great outdoors, who go camping a lot. If you fall into that group, you very well could be drawn to Hon Son Island.
What few beaches there are on the Island, you have them all to yourself. Each beach is as beautiful as any beach found anywhere. Before opting for Phu Quoc off the bat, imagine a whole beach just for you and loved ones. Hon Son Island is the "hidden gem of Vietnam's south". Is it the beaches and mountains that sparkle and play with your emotion? Creating a wealth of imagination. Lai Son Village is the main economic hub for this small Island. If you're not in favor of wild camping, it's where you'll find accommodation, and friendly locals.
The village exposes you to tradition, a slower pace of life far from modern town and city. If you are after ultimate peacefulness and solitude, this is your Island. For two days, it's the perfect Island escape from modern life and its hassles.
What is the best time to avoid sea transfer cancellations and the monsoon season? The summer months, between May and November for the best weather, calm waters and ferry links. The best of the Island's seafood is also found during the summer, fresh and plentiful supply.
The only way to this unforgotten Island is by speedboat. First you must travel to Rach Gia City and from there, a short taxi ride to the city pier. There is only one departure per day, in the early morning. You will likely need to stay a night in Rach Gia City, unless you travel overnight by sleeper train or bus.
You can fly into the city from Ho Chi Minh City but that's the only direct flight to Rach Gia City. The domestic flight is once only and in the morning. If you are coming from Hanoi or Da Nang, then either fly to Ho Chi Minh City or Can Tho (and take a bus the rest of the way).
Where Hon Son Island is far south of Phu Quoc Island, on the west coast of Vietnam, Ly Son Island lies far off the east coast. There is a lot of hidden beauty and wanderlust on this volcanic Island. The young Vietnamese generation, they have a love for this exposed, wild and rugged Island. They have every reason to find their way to the Island, and you should too. More and more foreign tourists are learning about this Island. It's stunning beaches and striking, natural landscapes, why should it be you who misses out?
The speedboats leave from Sa Ky Port, Quang Ngai City. It's about 30 minutes to cross the ocean. Peak season is June until September, the height of summer for European holidaymakers. To guarantee yourself a seat on one of the ferries or speedboats, buy your ticket at least a few days in advance. Our advice is you buy your tickets before leaving home. The faster the boat, the more expensive the tickets, from US$8 upwards per person.
You can book a flight into Chu Lai International Airport on any domestic destination. That gets you as close to the port as possible from outside the province. From Quang Ngai City you can hire a taxi to take you the rest of the way. Unlike Hon Son Island where the boats leave once per day, the boats go several times per day to and from Ly Son Island.
This 21 Island archipelago is gorgeous. Found on the west side of Vietnam, further out from the Phu Quoc Islands, it's a destination most people dream of. Come and fulfil your dreams. You may find Phu Quoc a little crowded to your liking, it's that popular. So, reconsider your plans. Nam Du Island should be a real contender for your paradise dream. It's less than a 2-hour ferry ride south to Nam Du Island, from Bai Vong Port on Phu Quoc.
It's an option were you holidaying on Phu Quoc too, and the mainland. The Nam Du Island archipelago is a top destination, a little-known fact. Young Vietnamese professionals from nearby Ho Chi Minh City travel to the Islands a lot. Why is that? It's the distance that appeals to them. For those looking to destress from pressures of city life, the Nam Du archipelago has a purpose.
From HCMC, you fly direct to Phu Quoc's International Airport and from there, jump on the next ferry. The brief taxi journey from the airport to the Bai Vong Port costs US$6 and takes 15 minutes at most.
You are a 90-minute flight from Vietnam's mega city, to touching down on Phu Quoc. It's also possible to bypass Phu Quoc with a direct ferry link from Rach Gia Port. It's all about convenience, really.
On the main Island, Nam Du there is lots to see and do. The Island is especially ideal for families as well as suited for couples. There are nice beaches, each one has beautiful settings. The beaches have ample shade, from a backdrop of overhanging palms. It's the Island paradise for sure, and clear warm turquoise water you dreamt about. The resorts too are amazing, their services and facilities cannot be faulted. All round, it's a really nice holiday experience.
Be mindful that not all Islands mentioned in this travel guide have developed resorts or hotel apartment blocks.
The land is gorgeous and lush in forest, rugged and perfect for walking and trekking. The roads are modern, so hire a motorbike for the day and go off and explore. Nam Du Island has untouched coastal beauty oozing out at the seams. The interior is best for trekking towards the mountains. On the western side you find it is more stunning for the coastal terrain. Several rocky outcrops can be found. They're perfect for lounging on isolated sandy beaches and snorkeling.
The one outlying Island most visited is Hon Mau Island. Rent a boat if you can, because its drop-dead gorgeous beach, Bai Chuong Beach. Sadly, you can expect to encounter some litter on the Island, but the problem is being addressed.
Getting to the Island archipelago can be a little tricky, but possible. You need to get to Phan Thiet City first of all, from wherever it is you're holidaying from. The city's port has several boats that go back and forth to the Islands daily on the 2-hour, 30-minute journey.
The bulk of the Island's people are grouped within three distinct communities. It's because the Island is so closely knitted, there isn't any public transport. You get around on foot or by renting a scooter. Many of the archipelago's Islands aren't inhabited, or worth knowing about either.
There are numerous reasons, not including the Island's famous lighthouse:
The Island is loosely termed the "Bali of Vietnam". Domestic tourism finds attraction for the Island's wild nature and abundant beauty. At only 115km off the eastern coast of Vietnam, it's reachable with least amount of hassle. Young professionals living in Nah Trang, Ho Chi Minh and Dalat flock here in their droves. You should too, which is why it makes our travel list.
For culture seekers, there are historical tombs and sites strewn on the Island. The Island is perfect for those who also want that "lost feeling", the wanders of the world. If you fall within the age groups of those Vietnamese who travel to the Island, you'll fit in nicely. Volcanic cliffs and green dense forests surround the sacred sites inland. You will tire of the interior at some point and when you do, go snorkeling in warm coral reef waters.
Each of the five secret Islands are amazing for a two-day break, a weekend escape.
Inclined to learn about the Island and its people, their customs? Arrive any time from December through to June. Holiday between March and April for the calmer waters. Many of the beaches have an almost remote feeling about them, certainly they can be secluded. Some beaches are also a little rocky too but there is sand enough for lounging. Much of your time we suspect will be sitting on the grass, above the beach staring out over the ocean, hypnotized.
The waters are protected, for the coral reef and over 1000 fish species. Con Dao Island has one of the best coral reefs with a very diverse marine life found in Vietnam waters. The waters are clear and pristine, and inviting so don your diving gear and be prepared to be amazed. In fact, Vietnam's only shipwreck you can dive to, is close to the Island.
As with the other Islands in our travel guide, domestic tourists flock to the Islands. What else would you expect? They too want to a quick getaway for a few days. By "domestic tourists", we also mean local tourists from other southeast Asian countries.
Perfect for relaxing and soaking up the beautiful scenery as much as the sun. Con Dao Island has some of the best beaches found in Vietnam. The beaches on Con Dao Island are gorgeous, free of the crowds and clean. First thing to do is find Bai Dat Doc Beach. For nearly two-kilometer in length, the bay is encompassed with green lush palms. The next best beach is Dam Trau Beach, situated about 4km from Con Dao Town itself. Bai Dat Doc Beach is the furthest away from the town but having the best resorts.
The best method of moving around the Island is by hiring a motorbike in town. Do so, because you are obliged to go and lounge; splash around and chill out ― it's paradise after all. The motorbike rental is less than US$8 a day, and there are very few other road users on the Island.
The best time to visit depends on what you want to do whilst holidaying on the Island:
There are a few other Islands within the vicinity of Con Dao Island, be sure not to neglect those too. Private boats are available to rent and do haggle for the best price.
A small airport on the Island, facilitating greater access. For getting to the Island from Ho Chi Minh City airport, it's never been easier. There are daily flights, and you are in the air no longer than 90 minutes but if you prefer, there is a ferry service too. From Ho Chi Minh City, take yourself to Soc Trang City.
From the city, hire a taxi to take you to Tran De Port, 35km out of the city. There is a regular ferry service from the port to Con Dao Island, at least once a day. All the boats are modern, very comfortable and fast paced. Your journey to the Island shouldn't be more than 2 hours. We strongly urge you to have already booked tickets in advance, to guarantee you a seat on board.
Show up 30 minutes before the advertised departure time, as they do on occasion leave early. One way, a ticket costs from US$15 per person. With the Island being so well connected, there's no genuine excuse for not visiting the Con Dao Island paradise.
Accommodation in the small villages comprise of guesthouses and homestays. Other than that, you can expect small-sized developed resorts with better facilities. As stated, Vietnam's domestic market occupies much of the Islands during public holidays. Every weekend too, throughout the summer months. You can expect a) accommodation to be in demand and b) a little pricier too in comparison to the mainland.
You have guessed, the vast majority of the cuisine is based on the tradition of a fresh seafood diet. The Islands are so distant from the mainland, it's not viable for the Islanders to import so much. Which isn't a problem if you're a seafood die-hard fan, is it?
A few of the bigger resorts on an Island may do so, but only a few. It's accepted that you eat what is local, which is typical of a homestay or small guesthouse.
Although these Islands are little known of outside Vietnam, popular among the Vietnamese. It's better for you provided you book accommodation in advance. Wait until the last minute and you face disappointment and miss out on an amazing getaway. Very few other places in Vietnam, can you get a piece of this Island. Villages, and resorts during public holidays and weekends are the busiest periods.
You are up against the domestic crowd, booking in advance is paramount. Most bookings have no cancellation penalties, there's nothing to lose. Except when you try to book too late, of course.
Remember to take local currency with you because there are no ATMs on the Islands. Con Dao Island being the exception. And brush up on a few Vietnam phrases because many of the locals don't understand English or French. The locals are friendly and polite of course, and hospitality is top-notch. It helps if there are younger Vietnamese close by, they speak another language, as a mediator. Just be mindful that the Island communities are very traditional and rural.
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Hello, we are George and Elle Mae Melyre.
Over the years, amidst work and family life, we have traveled extensively throughout Asia. Any chance to briefly escape or properly holiday in our beloved Asian destinations is eagerly seized, motivated by the enduring dream of leaving behind the UK's dreary cold for tropical climes.