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When it comes to stunning beaches and coastlines, Vietnam has so much to offer. So much, in fact, that people often overlook the amazing islands along this country’s picturesque coastline. Here are the most beautiful islands in the land where the mountains meet the sea.

Hòn Bà

Natural Feature

Hon_Ba_Island_Matthew_Pike
© Matthew Pike / Culture Trip
When the tide is low, you can actually walk to this tiny island, located near the giant statue of Jesus in Vũng Tàu, two hours south of Ho Chi Minh City. This island features as the backdrop in millions of photos every year.

Hòn Khoai

Natural Feature

For those of you with a taste for adventurous food, the people on this island actually cook with algae. The island also boasts a colonial-era lighthouse, one of the earliest examples of French architecture in the country.

Phú Quốc

Natural Feature

Kayaks at the tropical beach at Phu Quoc island in Vietnam
DeltaOFF / Unsplash

Development is quickly changing this island, but it’s still such an amazing place – with beaches, seafood, stunning sunsets and a relaxing pace of life. We love this island and definitely recommend you visit it during your time in Vietnam.

Cát Bà Island

Natural Feature

A Small Rocky Island - Cat Ba, Lan Ha Bay, Vietnam
Ronin / Unsplash

We could’ve just filled this list with all the islands of Ha Long Bay, but we’ll limit ourselves to just the main tourism island in the bay: Cát Bà Island. There’s so much to love about this place. When you visit Ha Long Bay, skip the main city, and stay on this island instead.

Hòn Sơn

Natural Feature

While this island may not be all that large, it has nice hiking trails and as beautiful a fishing village as you’ll see in all of Vietnam. You really feel the connection to the sea on this little island off the south coast.

Côn Đảo Islands

Natural Feature

Côn Đảo, Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Vietnam
Degaharu Tekouha / Unsplash
This archipelago of 16 islands has a long history of horrible abuses and torture. The old prisons still stand as a sombre reminder of the cruelties endured by political prisoners during the colonial and wartime years. However, the island is also one of the best places for nature lovers in Vietnam, with superb hiking trails and spots for scuba diving.

Nam Du Islands

Natural Feature

Nam Du island. A tranquil island with beautiful beach in Kien Giang, Vietnam.
Jindowin / Shutterstock

If you’re looking for pristine beaches, you won’t find any better than those on the Nam Du Islands, which are southeast of the more popular Phú Quốc Island. Just have a look at Bãi Cây Mến Beach. If that beach isn’t a paradise, we don’t know what is.

Phú Quý

Natural Feature

If you find yourself in either Phan Thiết or Mũi Né, you should definitely consider taking a trip over to Phú Quý. It only takes about four hours by ferry to get to this island of 20,000 people, and, once you’re here, you get to enjoy the island lifestyle that makes this place such a hidden gem.

Đảo Bình Hưng

Natural Feature

đảo Bình Hưng, Cam Bình, Cam Ranh, Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam
Anh Tuan To / Unsplash

Đảo Bình Hưng is located in the mouth of Cam Ranh Bay. Like with many islands on this list, you’ll find excellent seafood and beaches here that’ll make you want to curl up with a good book and listen to the background noise of waves all day long.

Đảo Bình Ba

Natural Feature

Just across this bay from Đảo Bình Hưng is Đảo Bình Ba. Enjoy strolls along seashell-strewn coastlines, or even take a ride in a coracle boat. That’s the kind of bucket-list adventure to brag about when you get back home after your Vietnam holiday.

Hòn Tre

Natural Feature

Have you ever taken a cable car trip to an island? Step in at Cầu Đá Port in Nha Trang, and step off right next to a waterpark. How cool is that? And, for the golfers out there, be sure to visit the links at Vinpearl Discovery Rockside Nha Trang.

Nhơn Châu Island

Natural Feature

Here’s another island with excellent scuba-diving opportunities, and, unlike some of the smaller islands on this list, Nhơn Châu Island has plenty of accommodations for tourists. You can also check out the colonial-era lighthouse, where you can take in the panoramic views.

Lý Sơn Island

Natural Feature

Lý Sơn, Việt Nam
Hoi An Photographer / Unsplash

This island is the remnant of a volcano that formed approximate 25 million years ago, making it one of the more unique landscapes in Vietnam. Known locally as the Kingdom of Garlic, much of the island is farmland.

Hòn Sơn Chà

Natural Feature

This is the island you’ll see as you make your way over the Hải Vân Pass, one of the best motorbike routes in all of Vietnam. We love it because it adds to the breathtaking views on this spectacular road.

Yến Island

Natural Feature

This island is where the revered General Võ Nguyên Giáp chose to build his tomb. It’s a popular spot for Vietnamese people to visit and show their respect to their national hero.

About the author

Canadian writer in Saigon. Three years ago I quit my job and moved to Vietnam because I knew there was more to life than sitting in a cubicle and waiting for a pension. Since then I've had more wild adventures and met more amazing people than I ever thought possible. Check out Matthew-Pike.com to see more of my rambling, or follow my weak social media game at: www.facebook.com/MatthewPikeWriter/

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