Nature, Culture, and Adventure on Vietnam’s Top 5 Beach Islands

The diversity of the country extends to its beaches. There are beaches in buzzing cityscapes backed by shining skyscrapers and nightclubs, like in Da Nang and Nha Trang. There are traditional fishing villages where time seems to stop and rural life passes by relatively untouched. Secluded and untrampled beaches burst from the arms of the jungle. Here are the top five beach islands in Vietnam:

Phu Quoc Island

Called “Pearl Island” for its dazzling white sand beaches, more than half of the island. Its surrounding ocean is a protected biosphere reserve. The 10,000 hectares of the Phu Quoc National Park’s landmass are home to nearly a thousand plant species. Many of these are endangered, and the marine biosphere teems with hundreds of species of coral reef, tropical fish, and other aquatic species. 

Despite its underwater allure, Phu Quoc’s main attraction is its coastline, with beaches garlanding the island from north to south. Long Beach is the most popular, with plenty of hospitality options available to upgrade uninterrupted sunset views. On the southern side of the island, Khem Beach and Sao Beach offer peace and quiet for those who prefer to lounge in more secluded nature.

Explore Tour: 12 Days Vietnam Relaxing Tour With Phu Quoc Island

Con Dao Islands

This archipelago consists of 16 islands located off the southern coast of Vietnam. Con Dao Islands offers a peaceful and secluded retreat with crystal-clear waters and unspoiled beaches. The main island, Con Son, has historical landmarks, and hiking trails. It is known for its diverse marine life, making it an excellent spot for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts.

Cat Ba Island

Situated in Halong Bay, Cat Ba Island combines stunning coastal scenery with rich biodiversity. It offers beautiful beaches, limestone karsts, and lush forests. Visitors can explore Cat Ba National Park, go kayaking through hidden lagoons, or take boat tours to admire the unique rock formations in the bay.

The coastline is mostly rocky cliffs with viewpoints over the ocean and across the island’s forests, but there are several accessible sand beaches. Trekking trails meander through the park’s six different ecosystems, up to the top of waterfalls in tropical rainforests and down to tidal flats and mangrove forests. The three main beaches, Cat Co 1, 2, and 3, are all yellow sand beaches situated close to Cat Ba Town, an outburst of development sitting on the shore of Lan Ha Bay with hotels, resorts, and restaurants to accommodate every kind of traveler.

Cham Islands, Quang Nam Province

Located near Hoi An, the Cham Islands consist of eight small islands renowned for their ecological diversity and clear waters. Recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, these islands are perfect for snorkeling and diving, offering colorful coral reefs and a variety of marine species. Additionally, visitors can learn about the local culture and visit traditional fishing villages.

Ly Son Island

Situated off the central coast of Vietnam, Ly Son Island is known for its volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, and garlic fields. It offers a tranquil atmosphere and unique geological formations. Visitors can hike to the top of Thoi Loi volcano, explore ancient temples, and savor delicious seafood cuisine.

Hike or drive up the craters for views of strange rock formations across a patchwork quilt of flat agricultural land. Make no mistake, there are beaches here, with some of the cleanest and clearest turquoise water in the country. The coves of soft sand all but glow against the sharp, dark cliff sides behind them. Waves crash dramatically against coal-black and jagged rocky outcroppings, shaking the island itself. Outside of the other-worldly geology, Ly Son Island also hosts more than 50 temples and shrines as well as an extensive agricultural industry. The island is nationally famous for its garlic fields, which grow brilliantly in the rich volcanic soil and can be smelled from kilometers away.