Best Islands in Vietnam: 15 Beautiful Islands from North to South

Vietnam's 3,000 km coastline is dotted with limestone islands, volcanic outposts, turtle-nesting archipelagos and quiet fishing communities. This guide helps you choose the right island for your trip, when to go, how to get there and how to add it to a wider journey through Vietnam.

By [Author name] · Reviewed by a Viet Aurora Travel travel consultant · Last updated: September 2026

Most first-time visitors to Vietnam picture Hanoi's motorbike-filled streets, the rice terraces of Sapa or the lanterns of Hoi An. Far fewer realise that the same country offers island escapes to rival its Southeast Asian neighbours: emerald water off the central coast, sleepy fishing villages in the Gulf of Thailand, and rocky islets rising out of the northern seas.

The challenge is choosing. The islands are spread across three very different climate zones, some are a short flight away and others need a boat and a little patience. The 15 islands below run from north to south, with the practical detail you need to plan: the best months, how long to stay, how to get there and what each island is best for.

Quick Picks: The Best Island for Every Traveler

Short on time? Start here, then jump to the island sections below.

Vietnam Islands at a Glance

Use this table to compare your options before reading the details. Best months are approximate and depend on the year's weather.

The 15 Best Islands in Vietnam

Northern Vietnam

The north's islands sit in the Gulf of Tonkin, where limestone towers rise from green water. They are the easiest to fit around a Hanoi and Halong Bay trip, and they suit travelers who want scenery and activity over classic white-sand beach time.

1. Cat Ba Island

Cat Ba is the largest island in the Halong Bay–Lan Ha Bay area, and the natural base for anyone who wants more than a quick cruise.

Snapshot: North Vietnam · Best for adventure, hiking, kayaking · Best time: March–May and September–November · Suggested stay: 2–3 nights · Getting there: by road and ferry from Hanoi via Hai Phong, roughly 3–4 hours (check current schedules)

Much of the island is protected as a national park and UNESCO biosphere reserve, home to the Cat Ba langur, one of the world's rarest primates. The town is lively, while quieter corners are just a short ride away.

Top things to do:

• Kayak or take a boat trip through Lan Ha Bay's quieter waters
• Hike in Cat Ba National Park
• Visit the war-era Hospital Cave
• Try rock climbing or a sunset at a viewpoint

Good to know: Fresh seafood is the highlight. Stay in Cat Ba town for convenience or in a quieter bay-side spot for calm. Add a stop at Cat Dua ("Monkey Island") in Lan Ha Bay, but keep a close eye on your belongings. Combine with: Hanoi and Halong Bay in our Discover Northern Vietnam: Hanoi, Sa Pa and Ha Long Bay tour.

2. Co To Island

Farther out than Cat Ba, Co To is a small island of clear water, pine forest and quiet beaches.

Snapshot: North Vietnam · Best for beaches, sunrise and sunset, a calm escape · Best time: April–June · Suggested stay: 2–3 nights · Getting there: Van Don airport or road from Hanoi to Cai Rong pier, then a ferry of roughly 1.5–2.5 hours depending on the boat

Co To works best in late spring and early summer, when the sea is calm and the water clearest. Hong Van and Van Chay beaches are the main draws, and the old lighthouse gives wide views over the sea.

Top things to do:

• Swim at Hong Van Beach
• Watch sunset at Van Chay Beach
• Climb to the lighthouse
• Ride around the island by bicycle or motorbike

Good to know: Facilities are simpler than on Cat Ba, so book ahead in summer weekends. Weather can close ferry services, so allow a spare day. If you start in the capital, our Complete Hanoi Travel Guide helps you plan the first days.

3. Quan Lan Island

Quan Lan sits in Bai Tu Long Bay and pairs long, quiet beaches with a rich local history.

Snapshot: North Vietnam · Best for peaceful beaches and local culture · Best time: May–September · Suggested stay: 2 nights · Getting there: ferry or speedboat from Cai Rong pier, roughly 1.5–2 hours

The island was once part of an old trading port network, and its communal house and festivals still reflect that heritage. The beaches, including Minh Chau and Quan Lan, are wide, gentle and rarely crowded.

Top things to do:

• Walk or cycle between the island's long beaches
• Visit the traditional communal house
• Join a local seafood meal in a fishing village

Good to know: Accommodation is mostly small hotels and homestays. For travelers who like culture with their beach time, add the island to one of our Unique Culture tours.

Central Vietnam

The central coast has the best variety: marine parks, volcanic islands and family-friendly bays, often within reach of Da Nang, Hoi An or Nha Trang. Seas here are best from roughly spring to late summer, and the autumn storm season can disrupt boats.

4. Cham Islands (Cu Lao Cham)

The Cham Islands are the classic island add-on to a Hoi An visit, and one of Vietnam's best places to snorkel.

Snapshot: Central Vietnam · Best for snorkeling, diving, seafood · Best time: February–August · Suggested stay: 1–2 nights (or a long day trip) · Getting there: speedboat from Cua Dai port near Hoi An, about 20–30 minutes

The islands are a marine protected area and part of the Hoi An biosphere reserve. The water is clear, the coral is healthy in places and the main village, Bai Huong, still runs at a slow local pace.

Top things to do:

• Snorkel or dive around the protected reefs
• Walk between quiet beaches
• Try local seafood in Bai Huong
• Visit the old pagoda and village

Good to know: Boats can stop in rough weather, particularly in autumn and winter. Overnight stays give you the island after the day-trippers leave. Combine with: Hoi An in our 9-Day Vietnam Highlights Tour: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa, Da Nang and Hoi An.

5. Ly Son Island

Ly Son is a small volcanic island known for garlic fields, dramatic rock formations and a strong fishing tradition.

Snapshot: Central Vietnam · Best for volcanic scenery, hiking, local life · Best time: March–August · Suggested stay: 2–3 nights · Getting there: boat from the mainland port at Sa Ky, typically under an hour by speedboat

The landscape is unlike anywhere else on this list: black volcanic rock, terraced garlic fields and temples tucked into caves. Sunrise and sunset viewpoints are the main photo stops.

Top things to do:

• Hike to a crater viewpoint over the island
• Photograph the volcanic arch at sunrise or sunset
• Visit the cave pagodas
• Try fresh seafood and local garlic dishes

Good to know: Rent a motorbike to explore, and bring cash. For travelers who like hiking, browse our Adventure Tours for active routes in Vietnam.

6. Cu Lao Xanh (Green Islet)

Off the coast near Quy Nhon, Cu Lao Xanh is a small, remote island with clear water and a slow rhythm.

Snapshot: Central Vietnam · Best for clear water and peace · Best time: February–August · Suggested stay: 1–2 nights · Getting there: boat from Quy Nhon, usually about an hour

Few international visitors make it here, which is exactly the appeal. Expect simple homestays, small beaches and good snorkeling in calm months.

Top things to do:

• Swim and snorkel from small beaches
• Walk around the fishing village
• Watch the sunrise over the sea

Good to know: Quy Nhon sits between Hoi An and Nha Trang, so it is easy to add if you travel the coast by land. Speak to us about adding it to a private Vietnam tour.

7. Nha Trang Islands (Hon Mun, Hon Tam and more)

Nha Trang's bay is the country's most established island-hopping area, with a marine protected zone around Hon Mun.

Snapshot: Central Vietnam · Best for families, snorkeling and diving, island hopping · Best time: February–September · Suggested stay: day trips, or 1–2 nights · Getting there: Cam Ranh airport, then a boat from Nha Trang's piers

Boat tours cover several islands in a day, while Hon Mun is the top pick for underwater life. Some islands are resort-style, others simple and natural.

Top things to do:

• Snorkel or dive at Hon Mun
• Take an island-hopping boat trip
• Spend a beach afternoon at Hon Tam

Good to know: Choose smaller boats for a calmer experience. Families will find plenty to do, and our Family Holidays can be tailored around beach stays.

8. Binh Ba Island

Binh Ba is a small island in Cam Ranh Bay, known for lobster farms and a simple, local atmosphere.

Snapshot: Central Vietnam · Best for seafood and quiet beaches · Best time: February–August · Suggested stay: 1–2 nights · Getting there: boat from Cam Ranh, roughly 30–60 minutes

Most visitors come for seafood, especially lobster, served fresh in beachside restaurants. The beaches are small and pleasant, and the pace is relaxed.

Top things to do:

• Eat fresh lobster and seafood
• Snorkel around the rocky coves
• Take a boat to nearby islets

Good to know: Facilities are basic, and weekend visitors from the mainland can make it busier. Browse our Beach Holidays for options with more comfort.

9. Phu Quy Island

Phu Quy is a windswept island offshore from Phan Thiet, with rocky coasts, quiet beaches and almost no international tourism.

Snapshot: South-central Vietnam · Best for off-the-beaten-path travel · Best time: March–August · Suggested stay: 2–3 nights · Getting there: fast boat from Phan Thiet, roughly 2.5–3 hours

Phu Quy is for travelers who like rugged scenery and local life more than resorts. The coastline mixes rocky headlands with small beaches, and wind turbines add to the island's character.

Top things to do:

• Ride around the coast by motorbike
• Visit small beaches and rocky viewpoints
• Eat freshly caught seafood in the main town

Good to know: Sea conditions vary a lot, so flexibility matters. We can arrange a tailor-made trip that fits boat schedules and weather.

Southern Vietnam

The south has both the country's most famous island and some of its quietest. Phu Quoc and the Gulf of Thailand islands are best in the dry season from around November to April, while Con Dao has its own rhythm shaped by turtle season and sea conditions.

10. Con Dao Islands

Con Dao is a 16-island archipelago with dramatic history, protected nature and some of Vietnam's best diving.

Snapshot: South Vietnam · Best for history, luxury stays, marine life · Best time: March–September · Suggested stay: 3 nights · Getting there: a short flight from Ho Chi Minh City

The islands once housed a notorious colonial and wartime prison, and today's visits are quiet and reflective. Nature is just as strong a draw: the surrounding waters are a national park, with reefs and turtle nesting beaches.

Top things to do:

• Visit the historic prison and cemetery sites
• Dive or snorkel in the marine park
• Join a ranger-led turtle-nesting experience in season (roughly May–October)
• Cycle or walk around Con Son's quiet roads

Good to know: Con Dao is quiet in the evenings and popular with couples and travelers who want calm. Rooms fill up around holidays. For refined stays, see our Luxury Tours.

11. Phu Quoc Island

Phu Quoc is Vietnam's largest island and its most complete beach destination, with direct flights, a huge range of hotels and a long list of things to do.

Snapshot: South Vietnam · Best for beaches, families, first-timers · Best time: November–April · Suggested stay: 3–5 nights · Getting there: direct flights from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and other cities

The west coast has the best sunsets and the long stretches of sand, while the south has clearer water and the famous white beach of Bai Sao. Inland, you can visit pepper farms, fish sauce workshops and small fishing villages.

Top things to do:

• Relax on Sao Beach and Long Beach
• Watch sunset near Dinh Cau Temple
• Take a boat trip to the southern islands to snorkel
• Visit Ham Ninh fishing village and the night market

Good to know: The island is busy, but quieter corners exist in the north and east. Rainy season runs roughly May to October, with fewer visitors and lower prices. Combine with: Phu Quoc on our Phu Quoc Beach Holidays, or pair it with the north in our Ultimate Vietnam Experience in 11 Days: Phu Quoc, Da Nang, Ha Noi and Halong Bay.

12. Nam Du Islands

Nam Du is an archipelago of around 20 islands off the southwest coast, with simple beaches, fishing villages and a laid-back feel.

Snapshot: South Vietnam · Best for island hopping, quiet beaches, local life · Best time: December–April · Suggested stay: 2 nights · Getting there: speedboat from Rach Gia, roughly 2–3 hours

Most travelers explore by scooter along the coastal road, stopping at beaches and viewpoints, then visit neighbouring islands by boat. Facilities are basic but friendly, and prices are low.

Top things to do:

• Ride the island's coastal road
• Take a small boat around nearby islets
• Eat freshly caught seafood in the fishing villages

Good to know: Sea conditions can change quickly, and boat timetables depend on the weather, so build in a spare day.

13. Hon Son Island

Hon Son is a quiet island near Nam Du, popular with domestic visitors at weekends and calm during the week.

Snapshot: South Vietnam · Best for hiking and peaceful coastline · Best time: December–April · Suggested stay: 2 nights · Getting there: ferry or speedboat from Rach Gia

Most services are in the main town, and a coastal road leads to viewpoints and quiet beaches. The hills offer short hikes with sea views.

Top things to do:

• Hike to one of the island's peaks
• Cycle or ride the coastal road
• Enjoy a simple seafood dinner by the sea

Good to know: Weekends bring more visitors, so weekdays feel more remote.

14. Hai Tac (Pirate) Islands

Near the border town of Ha Tien, the Hai Tac archipelago is a group of small islands with calm water and few facilities.

Snapshot: South Vietnam · Best for day trips and calm water · Best time: December–April · Suggested stay: day trip · Getting there: boat from Ha Tien, usually under an hour

Most travelers visit on a day boat, swimming and snorkeling in sheltered coves. The islands are undeveloped, which is exactly the charm.

Top things to do:

• Swim and snorkel in calm bays
• Relax on quiet beaches
• Combine with a visit to Ha Tien's coast

Good to know: Bring water, snacks and sun protection, as facilities are limited.

15. An Binh Island

An Binh is not a tropical sea island but a green river island in the Mekong Delta, and it makes a very different kind of escape.

Snapshot: Mekong Delta · Best for rural life, fruit orchards, homestays · Best time: December–April for dry weather · Suggested stay: 1 night · Getting there: road from Ho Chi Minh City to Vinh Long (roughly 3–4 hours), then a short ferry

You can cycle between orchards, take a small boat along shaded canals and sleep in a riverside homestay. Fruit season brings tastings straight from the trees.

Top things to do:

• Cycle through village lanes
• Take a sampan through the canals
• Stay in a family homestay

Good to know: It pairs well with a longer Delta trip. See more about the Mekong Delta and how to include it in your journey.

Best Time to Visit Vietnam's Islands (by Region)

Vietnam is long, so there is no single "island season". The north, center and south have different rhythms, and picking the right window makes the difference between glassy water and cancelled boats.

How to Get to Vietnam's Islands

Getting there is part of the experience. Some islands have airports, while others need a mainland road transfer and a boat. Timings below are approximate, and schedules change with season and weather, so confirm before you go.

Sample Itineraries: Adding Islands to Your Vietnam Trip

Islands work best as a slow finish to a busy trip. These combinations are the ones travelers ask us about most, and every one can be adjusted to your dates and budget.

• Hanoi, Halong Bay and Cat Ba (4–5 days): Start in the capital, cruise the bay and finish with kayaking and hiking on Cat Ba. See Northern Vietnam and Da Nang Escape for a north-plus-coast option.
• Hoi An and the Cham Islands (3–4 days): Explore the old town, then take a boat to the marine park for snorkeling and seafood.
• Ho Chi Minh City and Con Dao (5–6 days): A city stay followed by history, nature and quiet beaches.
• Southern beach finish: End a cultural tour with Phu Quoc, as in our Viet Nam Essential 10 Days 9 Nights.
• Mekong Delta plus An Binh: A slower, greener alternative to the beach.
• Two weeks, north to south: See The Best of Vietnam Tour and add a beach extension to match your season.

Want something different? Browse all of our Vietnam tours or ask for a tailored plan.

Practical Tips for Island Travel in Vietnam

A little planning makes island stays smoother, especially on smaller, remote islands.

• Cash: ATMs are limited on small islands, so carry enough cash. Our Vietnam Travel Costs and Budget guide helps you plan spending.
• Weather flexibility: Leave spare days around flights and avoid tight connections.
• Transport: Motorbikes are common on islands, but only ride if you are experienced and have proper cover and licence. Hotels can arrange drivers and bicycles.
• Booking: Reserve accommodation early for weekends, holidays and dry-season peaks.
• Packing: Sun protection, a light rain layer, sturdy sandals for rocky trails, and a dry bag for boats.
• Connectivity: Mobile coverage is good on big islands, patchy on remote ones.

Travel Responsibly on Vietnam's Islands

Many of these islands protect fragile coral, nesting turtles and rare wildlife, and small communities rely on visitors who treat them with care.

• Do not touch or stand on coral, and use reef-safe sunscreen where possible.
• Never disturb turtle nests or hatchlings. Join ranger-led experiences on Con Dao instead.
• Keep your distance from wildlife, including langurs on Cat Ba and monkeys on Cat Dua.
• Take your rubbish with you and avoid single-use plastic.
• Respect local customs. Dress modestly in villages and temples, and ask before photographing people. Our guide to Customs and Etiquette in Vietnam covers the essentials.