Vietnam’s 3,260-kilometer coastline is dotted with over 4,000 islands, offering a tropical paradise where pristine beaches meet jungle-fringed shores and vibrant coral reefs teem with marine life. From secluded free islands in Vietnam to bustling tourist hubs, the country’s islands provide experiences for every type of traveler, whether seeking tranquility or cultural immersion.
In this guide, discover the top 10 Vietnam islands to visit, explore the best islands near Vietnam’s popular destinations, and learn about the islands around Vietnam that are perfect for island-hopping adventures. Find practical tips and highlights to help plan your ultimate journey to the best island to visit in Vietnam.
Suggested Read: Vietnam in September – Golden Rice Harvest, National Celebrations & Cultural Heritage
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 a 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.
Suggested Read: Vietnam Visa Photo Size Requirement & Specification Guide
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.
Suggested Read: Vietnam Visa Extension for Indian Citizens
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.
Suggested Read: Vietnam Visa Rejection for Indians: Top Reasons and Solutions
4. Cham Islands (Cu Lao Cham)
The Cham Islands (Cu Lao Cham) are an archipelago of eight small islands located just 15 kilometers off the coast of Hoi An, making them one of the best islands near Vietnam for a day trip or overnight stay. Recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2009, these islands around Vietnam showcase a balance between tourism and conservation, protecting vibrant marine ecosystems and supporting sustainable local 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.
Suggested Read: How to Book Vietnam Visa Appointment + Tips
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.
Suggested Read: How To Check Vietnam Visa Status In India
6. Nam Du Islands
The Nam Du Archipelago, made up of 21 islands in the Gulf of Thailand about 90 kilometers from the Mekong Delta, is one of the best islands to visit in Vietnam for travelers seeking untouched natural beauty. Unlike more popular islands around Vietnam, Nam Du remains largely undeveloped, offering an authentic fishing village experience and pristine landscapes that have only recently become accessible to foreign visitors.
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.
Suggested Read: Vietnam on a Budget: An Insider’s Travel Guide
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.
Suggested Read: Most Beautiful Temples in Vietnam to Visit
8. Ly Son Island
Ly Son Island rises from the East Sea, about 30 kilometers off the coast of Quang Ngai Province, and is considered one of the best islands near Vietnam for its unique volcanic landscape. Known as the “Kingdom of Garlic,” this 10-square-kilometer island is famous for its purple garlic and shallots grown in fertile volcanic soil. Visitors can explore traditional Whale Temples, historic pagodas, and cultural festivals that celebrate the island’s maritime heritage, while also marveling at geological wonders such as 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.
Suggested Read: Honeymoon in Vietnam – Top Romantic Places & Experiences for Couples
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.
Suggested Read: Comprehensive Guide to Vietnam Visa for Indians: Requirements, Process & Tips
10. Quan Lan Island
Source: Wikimedia
Quan Lan Island stretches 11 kilometers along Vietnam’s northeastern coast within the Bai Tu Long Bay archipelago, making it one of the best islands near Vietnam for travelers seeking tranquility away from Halong Bay’s crowds. Unlike more developed islands in Vietnam, Quan Lan retains a traditional agricultural economy focused on fishing, farming, and emerging tourism. Visitors can explore ancient pagodas and communal houses that reflect its historical significance as a key trading port during the Ly and Tran dynasties, preserving centuries-old architectural charm.
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.
Suggested Read: Best of Vietnam’s Famous Food: 20 Must-Try Dishes
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 stands out as the most family-friendly island in Vietnam, offering gentle sandy beaches, kid-friendly resorts, waterparks, and safari experiences. Cat Ba Island is another great option for families with older children, featuring adventure activities like kayaking, hiking, and exploring limestone karsts.
What is the best time to visit the Vietnam islands?
The best time to visit Vietnam depends on the region. Southern islands such as Phu Quoc and Con Dao are ideal from November to April during the dry season. Central islands, including the Cham Islands, are best from February to September for clear skies and calm seas.
How to reach World Islands Vietnam?
To reach islands in Vietnam, travelers usually fly into major hubs like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, or Da Nang, then continue via domestic flights, ferries, or speedboats depending on the destination. Phu Quoc and Con Dao have international airports for direct access, while other islands may require a combination of land transport and boat rides. Using a Vietnam islands map can help plan your routes efficiently.
