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Traveloka SG

09 Aug 2019 - 4 min read

Visit these 8 islands in Vietnam before the rest of the world does

Southeast Asia is a haven for beach lovers. Most tourists would flock to Thailand for a little tropical island R&R, but why not get away from the crowd and head over to Vietnam instead? The picturesque islands in Vietnam are mostly still unexplored, offering visitors white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters.

Want to know where these hidden islands are? We’ve rounded up a few islands worth visiting. From the shores of UNESCO-designated Cu Lao Cham to the island getaways of Binh Ba and Phu Quoc, here are the best places to enjoy Vietnam’s sun, sand and sea.

Phu Quoc

First up is Phu Quoc. Only a two-hour flight from Kuala Lumpur, this island is becoming a local favorite for its pristine shores and azure waters. While the southern part of the island is the most famous with tourists, there are several beautiful beaches in the north that are yet to be explored. You could even get up close and personal with (but no touching!) the striking red starfish that dot the shores of the Starfish Beach in the north. Get here quick before the crowd does!

Nam Du

If seclusion is your middle name, then head over to Nam Du. This stunning island is the largest of the 19 islands in the Nam Du archipelago and lies slightly southeast of Phu Quoc. It remains an off-the-beaten path destination and you’ll hardly see any tourists around. It’s the kind of to unplug and get away from it all as there are no ATMs and very limited WiFi, while electricity is only running for a few hours a day. Well, who needs modern world necessities when you have pristine beaches and clear blue water, right?

Côn Sơn

Another island in an archipelago in the south of Vietnam, Côn Sơn is ringed with crystal clear waters, white sand, coral reefs and scenic bays. It remains partially covered in tropical forests, and this offers excellent wildlife-watching opportunities such as the black giant squirrel and endemic bow-fingered gecko.

The island is also famous (or infamous) for its history. The island’s prison was used to house Vietnamese political prisoners during the Indochina War, many of whom were incarcerated here by the French and Americans. The combination of glorious scenery and deep history make Côn Sơn island a fascinating place to visit.

Cu Lao Cham

If you don’t have time for an island vacation, the Cham islands are perfect for a day trip as it’s easily accessible by a short canoe trip from Hoi An’s Cua Dai beach. This group of eight islands have been recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve,the waters also beckon snorkelers and divers. If you’re looking for a day adventure from Hoi An, this is paradise calling.

Cô Tô

Credit: @_khanh__/Instagram

In the north of Vietnam sits the Cô Tô archipelago that’s only accessible by a three-hour boat ride. It’s located quite near to Bai Tu Long Bay, but most tourists would give this place a miss due to its lack of popularity. From Cô Tô, the landscape to the bays is even more majestic and pristine! Because the island is not (yet) commercialized, you’ll have the beaches all to yourself - something you can’t do if you travel to other popular islands.

Since it’s relatively unknown, there are no luxurious hotels and restaurants here. However, it’s perfect if you’re looking to explore nature and appreciate the fresh seafood, or in other words, enjoy being a beach bum!

Bà Lụa Archipelago

Credit: vietnamvisaonentry.com

With sapphire seas and picturesque limestone isles, Bà Lụa is often regarded as the southern Ha Long Bay of Vietnam. Located in Kien Giang Province, Bà Lụa is an archipelago with over 40 large and small islands. However, there are only a few islands of this archipelago that have residents thus, making it the perfect destination for tourists to discover. When the tide is low, you can actually walk the sandbar to another island! Although, do be warned — the island is beautiful and locals want to keep it that way, so littering will not be tolerated.

Cat Ba

Located adjacent to Lan Ha Bay and right next to Halong Bay, Cat Ba is the Pearl Island of north Vietnam, rivaled to southern Vietnam’s Pearl Island — Phu Quoc. Located just 25 kilometers from Halong Bay, Cat Ba is the perfect alternative of the famous bay with its similar characters in geography and climate. Known for its crystal emerald crescent-shaped beaches with dream-like watercolor hues, you can enjoy beach bumming or hike up the green cliffs. It’s truly a paradise for adventurous souls!

Binh Ba

Binh Ba is poised to be the hot new spot in Vietnam. It doesn’t only offer the beach and crystal clear water, the island is also attracting adventurous foodies. Head over to the Binh Ma market in the morning where you can find authentic Vietnamese delicacies such as crab cakes, flan, pho and many more. For water activities, the island offers an impressive spot for swimming and snorkelling. Delicious food and beautiful beaches? Sounds like the perfect holiday!

Have we got your wanderlust tingling for an escape? Vietnam, here we come! Book your flights, hotel(s), and attractions on Traveloka now!

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