Top 5 Islands to Visit in Vietnam
With hundreds of islands distributed throughout the country, it can be said that the journey when you visit these beautiful islands in Vietnam is definitely the most unforgettable memory. Of course, with so many islands, you will need useful information about the top 5 best islands in Vietnam to help you plan your trip. Follow the information below, and you will find the destination for your journey.
Phu Quoc Island: Vietnam's Largest Island and Beach Lover's Paradise
Vietnam with a long coastline and numerous islands scattered all over, one of the places worth visiting is Phu Quoc Island. This is one of the largest islands and a paradise for sea lovers.
Special features: Phu Quoc Island takes pride in being one of the premier destinations among the best islands in Vietnam. It possesses breathtaking white sandy beaches that provide a surreal backdrop for relaxation and swimming. Moreover, you can immerse yourself in the local way of life. Experience the cuisine, culture, and other exciting aspects awaiting your exploration.
Phu Quoc Island: Vietnam's Largest Island and Beach Lover's Paradise
Activities: As a popular tourist destination, Phu Quoc offers a wide range of entertainment activities to meet your expectations. Some recreational activities include:
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Swimming and relaxing on the sandy beaches.
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Engaging in water sports such as windsurfing.
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Sightseeing and exploring the surrounding natural beauty.
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Enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the night market.
What to eat: The local cuisine on Phu Quoc Island is renowned for its abundance of seafood dishes. This comes as no surprise given its coastal location. Some dishes that you can indulge in are:
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Grilled oysters with onion fat (361 Nguyen Van Cu, Ward 6, An Thoi Town, Phu Quoc District, Kien Giang Province).
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Herring salad (66 Tran Hung Dao Street, Duong Dong Town, Phu Quoc City).
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Grilled scallops with onion fat (Crossroad of Bach Dang Street and 30/4 Street, Duong Dong town, Phu Quoc).
Tips: Phu Quoc Island is a popular tourist spot, so it's recommended to book your tickets early for a better experience. Besides enjoying the beach, you can also explore the surroundings by walking or biking to fully enjoy the beautiful scenery. The best time to visit and enjoy pleasant weather is from April to November when it's cooler.
Foreign visitors visit Phu Quoc
Cat Ba Island: A Gateway to Halong Bay's Wonders
Cat Ba Island, situated in Halong Bay, is a charming and sought-after destination known for its untouched beauty. This is also one of the best islands in Vietnam that tourists frequently visit when experiencing travel in this country. Besides, this idyllic island offers visitors a chance to capture mesmerizing photographs, indulge in swimming in the pristine sandy beaches, and immerse themselves in the awe-inspiring landscape.
Special features: Cat Ba Island is not only visually appealing but also offers many other tourist attractions to explore and capture memorable moments. Some notable locations include Cat Ba National Park, Lan Ha Bay, Fish Village, Sand Pineapple, and many more.
Tourists trekking in Cat Ba National Park
Activities: As a popular tourist destination in Vietnam, Cat Ba Island offers a range of activities to entice visitors. Some enjoyable activities to try include:
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Kayaking to explore bays, forests, and caves.
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Snorkeling to experience the beauty of the coral reefs.
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Climbing, with Cat Co Mountain and Canh Duong being popular spots.
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Sightseeing, including Ha Long Bay, caves, and local villages.
What to eat: Cat Ba Island boasts a variety of specialty dishes, particularly seafood delicacies. Don't miss out on trying:
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Tu Hai (Phuong Phuong Restaurant - No. 232, April 1st Street, Cat Ba).
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Sea Sam (Yummy Restaurant - No. 180 Nui Ngoc, Cat Ba).
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Cat Ba Oysters (Quang Tung Seafood Restaurant - No. 250, April 1st Street, Cat Ba).
Tips: To fully experience all the fascinating aspects of Cat Ba Island, it is recommended to utilize public transportation for exploration. Additionally, try to engage with the local community to gain a deeper understanding of their culture.
Cat Ba Island: A Gateway to Halong Bay's Wonders
Expand your knowledge with our complete Vietnam travel guide.
Con Dao Island: A Historic Haven with Natural Wonders
When you visit Con Dao Island, one of the best islands in Vietnam, you will be captivated by its historical significance and pristine beauty. This island holds a special place in history, making it an intriguing destination not to be missed. Moreover, Con Dao Island boasts stunning beaches with stretches of white sand.
Special features: Con Dao Island, known for its past as a prison for political detainees, holds significant historical value. It stands as a testament to the island's past and serves as a historical monument. Additionally, the island is home to a diverse marine ecosystem, including corals and various marine animals, providing a perfect opportunity for exploration and adventure.
Activities: Swimming is a highly popular activity on the island, owing to its stunning beaches. Additionally, the presence of vibrant coral reefs in the surrounding waters makes it a perfect destination for scuba diving enthusiasts. There are also other activities to enjoy, such as trekking, engaging in historical discovery tours, and exploring the nearby islands.
What to eat: When visiting Con Dao Island, indulging in the local culinary delights is a must. Some recommended specialties include:
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Bun Rieu (Hai Khiem Vermicelli - 22 Nguyen Hue, Con Dao).
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Chicken porridge (Son Trang Chicken Porridge - Vo Thi Sau Street, Con Dao).
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Pancake (Kieu Tam Pancake - Nguyen An Ninh Street, Con Dao).
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Oyster porridge (Huynh Thuc Khang - Con Dao).
Tips: Con Dao Island is a relatively small destination, making it easy to explore using public transportation options such as bicycles. Remember to bring mosquito repellent and sun protection items. Additionally, it is advisable to book a tour in advance or hire a local guide to enhance your experience.
Con Dao Island: A Historic Haven with Natural Wonders
Co To Island: Vietnam's Eco-Friendly Haven
If you are looking for a green trip in Vietnam, the name of Co To Island cannot help but be mentioned. This place is always filled with pristine landscapes with white sand and a clear blue sea. This is part of the efforts of local people in the direction of sustainable tourism development. It truly embodies the essence of being one of the best islands in Vietnam.
Special features: Co To Island owns a beach with white sand and turquoise sea, an ideal place for you to swim and relax. In addition, the island has a pristine nature covered by primeval forests and limestone mountains, creating a quiet and relaxing space.
Activities: Although it is just a pristine island, they also bring a lot of activities that you can freely experience:
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Discover the marine ecosystem and go scuba diving, trekking on the trails here and explore nature.
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Enjoy the local dishes.
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Visit neighboring islands and beautiful places.
What to eat: Not only is this place beautiful, but it also contains many delicious dishes that you cannot ignore when coming here:
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Nail snail (Van Don, Quan Lan, Co To).
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Sea cucumber (Zone 3, Co To Town).
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Co To Squid (seafood markets and restaurants in Co To).
Tips: Before you start your journey, book a tour. If necessary, you can also choose a tour guide to make the trip more smooth. In addition, you should bring equipment to protect yourself from mosquitoes and the sun. It is also recommended to carry raincoats due to the continuous changes in weather here.
Co To Island: Vietnam's Eco-Friendly Haven
Hon Tre Island: Nha Trang's Hidden Gem
One place you must visit when coming to Vietnam is Hon Tre Island. Among the best islands in Vietnam, this one stands out as an exceptional destination. Located 3 km from Nha Trang city, this island offers a harmonious natural landscape, creating a picturesque setting for you to experience. It serves as a perfect getaway for those in search of serenity and relaxation, providing an idyllic destination to unwind and rejuvenate.
Special features: Hon Tre Island is known for its swimming opportunities, culinary delights, and sightseeing. Being a large tourist area, it has received significant investments, such as the Vinpearl Land Park system, which provides essential services, and the cable car system, offering stunning views of the sea and city from above.
Activities: Hon Tre Island is a popular tourist destination with a wide range of activities, including visiting Vinpearl Land, riding the cable car, swimming, and participating in various sea-related activities, such as diving and trekking.
What to eat: When visiting the beach, seafood dishes are a must-try. Additionally, there are many local dishes you can enjoy, such as:
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Lac Canh grilled beef (44 Nguyen Binh Khiem, Nha Trang).
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Ninh Hoa grilled spring rolls (25 Le Hong Phong, Nha Trang).
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Fish noodles, fish cake soup, jellyfish noodles (23A Yet Kieu, Nha Trang).
Tips: In addition to appreciating the stunning natural beauty, make sure to fully embrace the local culture and engage with the friendly locals to gain insights into their way of life. The optimal period to visit is from February to September, as the weather is delightful and perfect for participating in various island activities.
Hon Tre Island: Nha Trang's Hidden Gem
Planning Your Island Getaway
With the top 5 islands mentioned above in the best islands in Vietnam, all you need to do is plan your trip. Early planning will save you more time, allowing you to focus on enjoying your vacation. Here are some guidelines that you can apply to your vacation plan:
- Selecting the island: Depending on your time and expectations for the trip, you can choose one of the islands mentioned above. These islands offer the most interesting experiences and opportunities for entertainment and integration into the local island life. Additionally, you can gather more information from the descriptions provided above to help make your decision.
- Setting your budget: Traveling in Vietnam can be relatively inexpensive, but it's important to consider the initial itinerary to calculate travel costs, duration of stay, and other entertainment expenses.
- Accommodation preparation: Before coming to Vietnam, you can consider booking tours, as they often include various stops and accommodations. If you prefer not to book a tour, you can search for nearby resorts or hotels, which may provide more flexibility in your experience, although it may take more time to arrange.
- Essential items: When visiting these pristine islands, you'll want to consider protection against mosquitoes and the sun. Be sure to pack insect repellent, sunscreen, and appropriate clothing. Additionally, if you plan on trekking, ensure you are physically prepared, have suitable footwear, and carry the necessary medications.
What could be more valuable than exploring beautiful nature and engaging in interesting entertainment activities on the best islands? With the choices available among the top 5 best islands in Vietnam, you can find your ideal destination. We hope you enjoy your Vietnam journey!
