Island Getaways 02:20, 10/05/2022

Phu Quoc 

Phu Quoc island is already a seasoned favourite for locals and expats looking for a tropical escape from Vietnam’s bustling cities. The island is undergoing massive amounts of construction owing to all of the tourists routinely flocking to its sandy shores and azure waters. The southern part of Phu Quoc can be crammed with tourists, but there are several beautiful beaches in the north that are yet to be ambushed by beach bums. Moreover, golfers can get into the swing at Vinpearl Golf Phu Quoc. 

Stay: Mövenpick Resort Waverly Phu Quoc, New World Phu Quoc, Pullman Phu Quoc, Regent Phu Quoc, Fusion Phu Quoc, Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay 

Play: Vinpearl Golf Phu Quoc

Cat Ba 

This island in Vietnam’s famous Ha Long Bay has long been a tourist favourite with good reason – it is drop-dead gorgeous. The views of surrounding rocks jutting out of the calm waters provide stunning scenery you’ll be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. With rich natural resources, majestic unspoiled landscapes and many rare species of flora and fauna, Cat Ba Island has been recognized by UNESCO as a world biosphere reserve.

Stay: Hôtel Perle d'Orient Cat Ba – Mgallery, Flamingo Cat Ba Resort, Cat Ba Island Resort & Spa 

Play: FLC Ha Long Golf Resort

Con Dao

Con Dao is the name for an archipelago in southern Vietnam, with Con Son Island as its largest. Besides the crystal-clear waters and white sand, Con Son’s other claim to fame is the infamous Con Son prison that housed multiple French political prisoners during the Indochina War. The combination of glorious scenery and deep history make Con Son Island a fascinating place to visit. Today, Con Dao is an ideal attraction for those interested in discovering Vietnamese history and enjoying the pristine beauty and escape from the daily bustle life. Con Dao has long and white sandy beaches, a beautiful ocean world with colorful coral reefs, and primary rain forests with rich flora and fauna.

Stay: Poulo Condor Boutique Resort & Spa, Six Senses Con Dao, Con Đao Resort 

Ly Son

Small Ly Son lies an hour’s ferry ride from the south-central coast of Vietnam. Tidy rows of garlic are grown in volcanic soil with a layer of sand on top to protect the crops from the sizzling sun. Naturally, garlic is the island’s staple seasoning. While Ly Son isn’t particularly great for swimming, there are beautiful pagodas, cheap restaurants serving up fresh seafood and panoramic views of Mount Thoi Loi. It is no exaggeration to say that Ly Son Island is considered the Jeju Island of Vietnam because according to scientists, Ly Son Island was formed by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. 

Stay: Ly Son Pearl Hotel, Muong Thanh Holiday Ly Son 

Cu Lao Cham

The Cham Islands are a group of eight islands that have been recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve. It is accessible by a quick canoe trip from Hoi An’s Cua Dai beach. Lush forests, rich biodiversity, mountainous topography and sandy beaches make for a great day adventure from Hoi An. An ideal tourist paradise for domestic and foreign tourists, especially golf enthusiasts because there is a system of coastal golf courses that have been listed in many world rankings.

Stay: Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Vinpearl Resort & Spa Hoi An, Palm Garden Resort, Sunrise Premium Resort Hoi An 

Play: Hoiana Shores Golf Club, Vinpearl Golf Nam Hoi An, BRG Golf Danang, Montgomeries Links…

Binh Ba

Binh Ba lies 15km south of Nha Trang and will cost you hardly anything to get here from Cam Ranh port. This island isn’t yet as popular as others so you will enjoy space, fresh air, cheap and delicious Vietnamese food and, of course, alluring beaches. You can also suit up in a lifejacket and have dinner served on an inflatable table in the water – if you’re into that kind of thing. With rich cuisine and hospitable people, Binh Ba Island deserves to be one of the island paradises that golf enthusiasts should visit this summer. 

Stay: Alma Resort, The Anam, Moevenpick Cam Ranh, Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, An Lâm Resort Nha Trang, Fusion Nha Trang 

Play: Vinpearl Golf Nha Trang, Diamond Bay Golf & Villas Nha Trang, KN Golf Links Cam Ranh