{"id":17338,"date":"2018-11-20T12:45:04","date_gmt":"2018-11-20T11:45:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/?p=17338"},"modified":"2023-12-27T13:22:09","modified_gmt":"2023-12-27T12:22:09","slug":"10-best-islands-vietnam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/10-best-islands-vietnam\/","title":{"rendered":"The 8 Best Islands in Vietnam to Visit"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Explore the scenic coastlines and verdant plains of the top eight islands we ranked in Vietnam<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Vietnam is an adventurer\u2019s dream. From Hanoi and Ha Long<\/a> to Ho Chi Minh and Hoi An<\/a>, this breathtaking Southeast Asian nation is home to plenty of well-trodden star attractions and opportunities for adventure travel. Drift off the glittering coastline and discover the unspoiled beauty of the many islands of Vietnam. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are approximately 4,000 islands in Vietnam, ranging from large, highly-developed tourism hubs to remote islets perfect for getting away from it all. Here\u2019s our pick of the eight best islands in Vietnam to visit.<\/p>\n\n\n

\r\n
\r\n

Travel to: <\/em>Vietnam <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1. Phu Quoc Island<\/strong><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"
\u00a9Khiem Antony\/Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Pepper, pearls, and world-famous fish sauce are on the menu on Phu Quoc, Vietnam\u2019s largest island<\/a> and premier watersports destination. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve covers more than half of this paradise, with gleaming white sands and dense jungle ideal for camping, hiking, and birdwatching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Phu Quoc is a must for foodie adventurers. Tour a fish sauce factory and visit the traditional fishing village Ham Hinh to sample fresh seafood with local black pepper at a floating restaurant. Meanwhile, vendors sell seafood, mushrooms, and sweets at the island\u2019s noisy markets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s plenty for adventure travelers here. Take the strenuous trek to Mount Heaven, walk to Hang Doi (the Grotto of Bats), camp near the magical Suoi Tranh Waterfall, and spot pygmy loris\u2019 and stump-tailed macaques in the national park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Elsewhere, VinWonders Phu Quoc Amusement Park features water slides, roller coasters, and a 5D cinema and hosts vibrant traditional dances every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get to Phu Quoc Island: <\/b>Phu Quoc is located off the south-west coast of Vietnam. Fly to its international airport or take a two-hour ferry from Ha Tien or Rach Gia.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Cat Ba Island<\/strong><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"
\u00a9Nina Lishchuk\/Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Famed for towering limestone karsts and emerald waters, Ha Long Bay is firmly on the bucket list<\/a> of most travelers exploring Vietnam. While some opt to stay overnight on boats, a smattering of islands offer alternative accommodation. Cat Ba is the largest of these beachy islands<\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cat Ba Town has become somewhat over-developed over the past decade. Yet breathtaking hiking trails wind through the national park<\/a>, home to the golden-headed langur\u2013the world’s most endangered primate. A 9km jungle trek to a homestay in Viet Hai village is a popular route, while a short, grueling hike to Ngu Lam peak rewards adventurers with a stunning jungle panorama. Afterwards, unwind on one of the three Cat Co Cove beaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kayak around the otherworldly limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay, or discover the 300 karst islands of its comparatively untouched neighbor Lan Ha Bay, home to seals, dolphins and white sand beaches. Hiking, rock climbing, and island homestays are all on offer here. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get to Cat Ba Island:<\/b> Take the ferry to Cat Ba from Tuan Chau in Ha Long. Look for the Gia Luan pier.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Ly Son Island<\/strong><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"
\u00a9Hoi An\/Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Discover a more off-the-beaten-path island on Ly Son\u2013two small volcanic islands famed for \u2018lonely garlic\u2019 and historical gems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dive into the brilliant turquoise waters to discover jaw-dropping coral reefs. Explore Gieng Tien and Thoi Loi, two of the island\u2019s ten inactive volcanoes, and spend a sunset at To Vo Gate\u2013a small gate-shaped cliff formed by a volcanic eruption. Tour Chua Hang, a 400-year-old cave pagoda, and climb Thoi Loi Peak for panoramic views of green fields of garlic and glittering turquoise waters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the table, foodies should try the famous Ly Son garlic salad. Garlic is chopped and steamed, and then mixed with sugar, salt, pepper, and peanuts. Braver travelers may sample the Garlic Wine, said to cure all manner of ailments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get to Ly Son Island:<\/b> A ferry from the coastal city of Da Nang<\/a> takes around two hours, while a speedboat from Sa Ky Port in the Quang Ngai Province takes 30-60 minutes. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

\r\n
\r\n

See Also: <\/em>The Best Eco-Friendly Tours in Vietnam<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

4. Cham Islands<\/strong><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
\u00a9Jaromir Chalabala\/Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The serene Cham Islands lay just a short boat ride from lantern-bedecked Hoi An. Most visitors embark on a day trip to the islands<\/a> to snorkel or dive amidst live coral and exotic fish, but homestays are available for those hoping to enjoy the beaches at their most serene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paddleboard, kayak or windsurf around the breathtaking coastlines, or lounge in a hammock on powdery Bac Beach. Fish with locals, shop for medicinal tea and trek through the dense forest to scenic viewpoints. Ong Ngu is a modest temple dedicated to whales, harking back to the days when these sea creatures were in abundance in the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get to the Cham Islands:<\/b> Speedboats, tour boats, and ferries travel between Hoi An and the Cham Islands. Hotels in Hoi An can usually arrange transport. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n