Best Vietnam Islands to Visit in 2025
Vietnam, a Southeast Asian gem, is renowned for its bustling cities, historical sites, and delicious cuisine. However, beyond the mainland, lies a collection of stunning islands offering a tranquil escape and a unique perspective on Vietnamese culture. As we look ahead to 2025, now is the perfect time to plan your island getaway. This article will guide you through the best Vietnam islands to visit, highlighting their distinct characteristics, attractions, and why they deserve a spot on your travel itinerary.
Phu Quoc: The Pearl Island
Phu Quoc, often referred to as the “Pearl Island,” is the largest island in Vietnam and a rising star in Southeast Asian tourism. Its pristine beaches, lush jungles, and vibrant culture make it a compelling destination for travelers seeking relaxation and adventure alike. In 2025, Phu Quoc is expected to be even more accessible and developed, offering an enhanced travel experience while retaining its natural charm.
Beaches of Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc boasts a diverse range of beaches, each with its own unique appeal:
Long Beach (Bai Truong): Stretching for approximately 20 kilometers along the western coast, Long Beach is the most popular beach on Phu Quoc. Its soft, golden sand, clear turquoise waters, and stunning sunset views attract a large number of visitors. A wide array of resorts, restaurants, and bars line the shore, offering a variety of options for accommodation and entertainment.
Sao Beach (Bai Sao): Located on the southeastern coast, Sao Beach is renowned for its powdery white sand and calm, shallow waters. It’s an ideal spot for families with children and those seeking a more tranquil beach experience. Several seafood restaurants dot the shoreline, serving fresh catches of the day.
Ong Lang Beach: Situated on the west coast, north of Long Beach, Ong Lang Beach offers a more secluded and laid-back atmosphere. Its clear waters, swaying palm trees, and rocky outcrops create a picturesque setting. Several boutique resorts and bungalows provide comfortable accommodation options.
Ganh Dau Beach: Located on the northwestern tip of the island, Ganh Dau Beach is a hidden gem with its pristine sand, clear waters, and stunning views of Cambodia’s coastline. The nearby fishing village offers a glimpse into the local way of life.
Bai Khem Beach: Often cited as one of the most beautiful beaches on Phu Quoc, Bai Khem features dazzling white sand and azure waters. This beach was formerly restricted to military personnel, but is now open to the public. Development is ongoing, but it retains much of its natural beauty.
Things to Do in Phu Quoc
Beyond its stunning beaches, Phu Quoc offers a variety of activities and attractions:
Phu Quoc National Park: Covering more than half of the island, Phu Quoc National Park is a haven for nature lovers. Hiking trails wind through dense forests, offering opportunities to spot diverse flora and fauna. Guided tours are available for those who want to learn more about the park’s ecosystem.
Dinh Cau Rock (Cau Temple): Perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the harbor, Dinh Cau Rock is a prominent landmark and a popular spot for sunset viewing. The temple at the top of the rock is dedicated to the goddess of the sea and provides panoramic views of Duong Dong town.
Phu Quoc Prison: This historical site offers a sobering look at the Vietnam War. The prison, once used by the French and later by the South Vietnamese government, housed thousands of political prisoners. Exhibits and displays recount the harsh conditions and the resilience of the inmates.
Pepper Farms: Phu Quoc is famous for its high-quality pepper, and a visit to a pepper farm is a must for food enthusiasts. Learn about the cultivation process and sample the different varieties of pepper.
Fish Sauce Factories: Phu Quoc is also known for its fish sauce, a staple ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine. A visit to a fish sauce factory provides insight into the traditional methods of production.
Snorkeling and Diving: The waters around Phu Quoc are teeming with marine life, making it a great destination for snorkeling and diving. Several dive sites offer opportunities to explore coral reefs and encounter a variety of fish species.
Island Hopping: Take a boat trip to explore the smaller islands surrounding Phu Quoc. These islands offer pristine beaches, secluded coves, and opportunities for snorkeling and swimming.
Night Market: Located in Duong Dong town, the night market is a bustling hub of activity. Sample local delicacies, browse souvenirs, and soak up the lively atmosphere.
Where to Stay in Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious resorts:
Long Beach Area: This area is home to a wide variety of hotels and resorts, catering to different budgets and preferences. You’ll find everything from simple guesthouses to upscale beachfront properties.
Ong Lang Area: This area offers a more relaxed and secluded atmosphere, with a selection of boutique resorts and bungalows.
Duong Dong Town: Staying in Duong Dong town puts you close to the night market, restaurants, and other attractions. A variety of hotels and guesthouses are available.
South Phu Quoc: If you’re looking for luxury and seclusion, consider staying in the southern part of the island, where you’ll find several high-end resorts.
Getting to Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) receives direct flights from several major cities in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Ha Tien or Rach Gia on the mainland.
Con Dao: A History-Rich Paradise
Con Dao, an archipelago of 16 islands off the southern coast of Vietnam, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Once a notorious prison island, Con Dao has transformed into a peaceful and captivating destination. Its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and lush forests provide a stunning backdrop for exploration and relaxation. In 2025, Con Dao will likely remain a more secluded and exclusive destination compared to Phu Quoc, attracting travelers seeking a more authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience.
Beaches of Con Dao
Con Dao’s beaches are renowned for their pristine beauty and tranquility:
An Hai Beach: Located near Con Son town, An Hai Beach is a long stretch of golden sand with calm, shallow waters. It’s a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing, and several restaurants and cafes are located nearby.
Dam Trau Beach: Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Con Dao, Dam Trau Beach features pristine white sand, turquoise waters, and towering cliffs. It’s located near the airport, but its natural beauty makes it well worth a visit.
Lo Voi Beach: Situated near Con Son town, Lo Voi Beach offers stunning views of the surrounding islands. It’s a great spot for watching the sunset.
Dat Doc Beach: This secluded beach is home to the Six Senses Con Dao resort, one of the most luxurious properties in Vietnam. Even if you’re not staying at the resort, you can still visit the beach and enjoy its pristine beauty.
Things to Do in Con Dao
Con Dao offers a range of activities and attractions, from exploring its historical sites to enjoying its natural beauty:
Con Dao Museum: This museum provides a comprehensive overview of Con Dao’s history, from its early days as a prison island to its present-day status as a national park. Exhibits and displays recount the stories of the prisoners who were held here, as well as the island’s natural environment.
Con Dao Prisons: A visit to the Con Dao prisons is a somber but essential experience. The prisons, including Phu Hai Prison and Phu Son Prison, offer a chilling glimpse into the harsh conditions endured by political prisoners during the French colonial era and the Vietnam War.
Hang Duong Cemetery: This cemetery is the final resting place of thousands of political prisoners who died in Con Dao. It’s a place of remembrance and reflection.
Con Dao National Park: Covering much of the archipelago, Con Dao National Park is a haven for biodiversity. Hiking trails wind through lush forests, offering opportunities to spot monkeys, birds, and other wildlife. The park also protects the nesting grounds of sea turtles.
Snorkeling and Diving: The waters around Con Dao are home to vibrant coral reefs and a diverse array of marine life. Several dive sites offer opportunities to explore the underwater world.
Island Hopping: Take a boat trip to explore the smaller islands surrounding Con Dao. These islands offer pristine beaches, secluded coves, and opportunities for snorkeling and swimming.
Turtle Conservation: Con Dao is an important nesting site for sea turtles. During the nesting season (April to October), you can participate in turtle conservation activities, such as releasing baby turtles into the sea.
Where to Stay in Con Dao
Con Dao offers a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious resorts:
Con Son Town: This is the main town on Con Dao and offers a variety of hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants.
Along the Coast: Several resorts are located along the coast, offering stunning views and easy access to the beaches.
Six Senses Con Dao: This is the most luxurious resort on Con Dao, offering a secluded and exclusive experience.
Getting to Con Dao
Con Dao Airport (VCS) receives flights from Ho Chi Minh City. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Vung Tau on the mainland.
Nha Trang Islands: A Coastal Paradise
Nha Trang, a vibrant coastal city in central Vietnam, is surrounded by a collection of stunning islands, each offering its own unique charm. These islands provide a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, offering pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a variety of activities. In 2025, Nha Trang’s islands will continue to be a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists, offering a diverse range of experiences for all types of travelers.
Most Popular Islands near Nha Trang
Nha Trang is known for its many beautiful islands. Here are a few of the most popular:
Hon Tre Island (Vinpearl Land): This is the largest island in Nha Trang Bay and is home to Vinpearl Land, a large amusement park with a water park, an aquarium, and a variety of rides and attractions. The island also boasts several beautiful beaches and luxurious resorts.
Hon Mun Island: This is a popular destination for snorkeling and diving, thanks to its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. Several dive shops offer trips to Hon Mun Island.
Hon Mieu Island: This island is home to the Tri Nguyen Aquarium, a unique structure built to resemble a pirate ship. The aquarium houses a variety of marine creatures.
Hon Tam Island: This island offers a range of activities, including swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and diving. It also features a mud bath and a restaurant serving fresh seafood.
Hon Chong Promontory: While technically not an island, Hon Chong is a stunning rocky promontory located just north of Nha Trang. It offers panoramic views of the coastline and the surrounding islands.
Things to Do on Nha Trang Islands
The islands near Nha Trang offer a variety of activities for all interests:
Snorkeling and Diving: The clear waters around the islands are ideal for snorkeling and diving. Hon Mun Island is particularly popular for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.
Swimming and Sunbathing: The islands boast several beautiful beaches where you can relax, swim, and soak up the sun. Doc Let Beach on the mainland north of Nha Trang is also a good option for beautiful beaches.
Water Sports: Many of the islands offer a range of water sports, including jet skiing, parasailing, and windsurfing.
Island Hopping: Take a boat trip to explore the different islands in Nha Trang Bay. Many tours include stops at several islands, allowing you to experience the diversity of the region.
Visiting Vinpearl Land: Spend a day at Vinpearl Land on Hon Tre Island, enjoying the water park, the aquarium, and the various rides and attractions.
Mud Bathing: Enjoy a rejuvenating mud bath at one of the mud bath centers on Hon Tam Island or near Nha Trang on the mainland.
Where to Stay near Nha Trang Islands
While you can stay on some of the islands, most visitors choose to stay in Nha Trang and take day trips to the islands:
Nha Trang City: Nha Trang offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels and resorts. Staying in the city allows you to easily access the islands and other attractions in the area.
Vinpearl Resorts: If you want to stay on Hon Tre Island, consider staying at one of the Vinpearl resorts. These resorts offer luxurious accommodations and easy access to Vinpearl Land.
Getting to Nha Trang Islands
The islands near Nha Trang are easily accessible by boat from Nha Trang harbor. Many tour operators offer day trips to the islands, and you can also hire a private boat.
Ly Son Island: A Volcanic Marvel
Ly Son Island, also known as Cu Lao Re, is a volcanic island off the coast of Quang Ngai province in central Vietnam. This island offers a unique landscape of volcanic craters, garlic fields, and pristine beaches. It’s a relatively undiscovered gem, offering a more authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience than Phu Quoc or Con Dao. In 2025, Ly Son Island is expected to become more popular with adventurous travelers seeking to explore its unique natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Landscape of Ly Son Island
Ly Son Island is characterized by its volcanic origins, which have created a dramatic and unique landscape:
Volcanic Craters: The island is home to several extinct volcanic craters, which have been transformed into fertile fields and picturesque lakes.
Garlic Fields: Ly Son Island is famous for its garlic, which is grown in the rich volcanic soil. The garlic fields create a patchwork of green and brown across the landscape.
Beaches: The island boasts several beautiful beaches with clear turquoise waters and white sand.
Cliffs: The coastline is punctuated by dramatic cliffs and rocky outcrops.
Things to Do on Ly Son Island
Ly Son Island offers a range of activities for those seeking adventure and cultural immersion:
Thoi Loi Mountain: Climb to the summit of Thoi Loi Mountain, the highest point on the island, for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Hang Pagoda: Visit Hang Pagoda, a unique temple built inside a cave on the side of Thoi Loi Mountain.
To Vo Gate: Explore To Vo Gate, a natural rock archway formed by volcanic activity.
Garlic Fields: Take a stroll through the garlic fields and learn about the cultivation process.
Beaches: Relax on the beaches and swim in the clear waters.
Small Ly Son Island (Dao Be): Take a boat trip to Small Ly Son Island, a smaller island located just off the coast of Ly Son. This island is home to a beautiful beach and a fishing village.
Local Markets: Visit the local markets and sample the fresh seafood and local delicacies.
Where to Stay on Ly Son Island
Ly Son Island offers a limited range of accommodation options, primarily guesthouses and small hotels:
Ly Son Town: This is the main town on Ly Son Island and offers a selection of guesthouses and small hotels.
Near the Beaches: Several guesthouses are located near the beaches.
Getting to Ly Son Island
You can reach Ly Son Island by taking a ferry from Sa Ky Port in Quang Ngai province.
Cat Ba Island: A Halong Bay Extension
Cat Ba Island, the largest island in Halong Bay, offers a unique blend of stunning natural beauty and a vibrant local culture. While Halong Bay itself is world-renowned, Cat Ba Island provides an opportunity to experience the beauty of the region while also enjoying a wider range of activities and attractions. In 2025, Cat Ba Island is expected to continue to be a popular destination for travelers seeking to explore Halong Bay and its surrounding areas.
Landscape of Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba Island is characterized by its karst landscape, similar to that of Halong Bay:
Karst Mountains: The island is covered in towering karst mountains, creating a dramatic and scenic landscape.
Beaches: Cat Ba Island boasts several beautiful beaches, including Cat Co 1, Cat Co 2, and Cat Co 3.
Lan Ha Bay: Located just south of Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay is a less crowded and equally beautiful bay with stunning karst formations and emerald waters.
Cat Ba National Park: Covering much of the island, Cat Ba National Park is a haven for biodiversity, with a variety of flora and fauna.
Things to Do on Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba Island offers a wide range of activities for all interests:
Cruises in Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay: Take a cruise through Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay to admire the stunning karst formations and explore the hidden caves and lagoons.
Kayaking: Explore the bays by kayak, paddling through the narrow waterways and discovering hidden gems.
Swimming and Sunbathing: Relax on the beaches and swim in the clear waters.
Cat Ba National Park: Hike through Cat Ba National Park, exploring the lush forests and spotting wildlife.
Cannon Fort: Visit Cannon Fort, a historical site offering panoramic views of Cat Ba Island and Halong Bay.
Hospital Cave: Explore Hospital Cave, a former hospital used during the Vietnam War.
Cat Ba Town: Explore Cat Ba Town, the main town on the island, and sample the fresh seafood at the local restaurants.
Where to Stay on Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba Island offers a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious hotels and resorts:
Cat Ba Town: This is the main town on Cat Ba Island and offers a wide selection of hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants.
Near the Beaches: Several hotels and resorts are located near the beaches, offering easy access to the water.
Lan Ha Bay Resorts: Some resorts are located on the islands within Lan Ha Bay, offering a secluded and tranquil experience.
Getting to Cat Ba Island
You can reach Cat Ba Island by taking a bus and ferry from Hanoi. Alternatively, you can take a hydrofoil from Hai Phong.
Conclusion: Choosing Your Perfect Vietnam Island Escape
Vietnam’s islands offer a diverse range of experiences, from the bustling beaches of Phu Quoc to the historical significance of Con Dao and the volcanic landscapes of Ly Son. As you plan your trip to Vietnam in 2025, consider the unique appeal of each island and choose the one that best suits your interests and travel style. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, Vietnam’s islands offer something for everyone. With careful planning, you can create an unforgettable island getaway that will leave you with lasting memories of this beautiful Southeast Asian country. Remember to book accommodations and transportation in advance, especially during peak season, and be prepared to embrace the local culture and customs. Happy travels!