Exploring Việt Nam’s serene island escapes

Thanh Nga

Việt Nam is home to a few islands that still possess pristine beauty and places untouched by human encroachment. These islands offer pure escape and serenity, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in their natural wonders. The following list highlights some of these exquisite islands.

Hòn Ngư Island is a hidden gem located just 4km from Cửa Lò Beach in Nghệ An Province. — Photo cualo.vn

Hòn Ngư Island

Hòn Ngư Island (also known as Song Ngư Island) in Nghệ An Province is a quiet hideaway just 4km from the bustling Cửa Lò Beach.

Two islands here lie affectionately side by side, the larger one rising to 133m high and the smaller, 88m. Hòn Ngư Island offers breathtaking beauty.

Its Tắm Tiên Beach boasts crystal-clear, cool blue waters, and the kilometre-long gravel beach adds an unique touch that sets it apart from other beaches. Whether you prefer walking, cycling, swimming or simply enjoying the sea, this island provides an extraordinary experience.

Unlike the crowded and bustling Cửa Lò Beach, Hòn Ngư Island offers tranquillity, simplicity, and clarity that will captivate you from the moment you arrive. Additionally, the island is renowned for its crispy fish, a culinary delight that is both flavourful and irresistible.

The peaceful life of people on Vĩnh Thực Island. — Photo traveloka.com

Vĩnh Thực Island

Vĩnh Thực Island in Quảng Ninh Province is a pristine island that preserves the natural, unspoiled beauty of the sea, mountains, trees, and the freshest, most invigorating air.

Its allure lies in its beautiful beaches adorned with white sand, bathed in golden sunshine, and embraced by gently rippling clear waters, creating a truly lyrical atmosphere.

Noteworthy beaches include Đầu Đông Beach and Bến Hèn Beach, where casuarina trees sway in the wind while the sea shimmers under the golden sunlight.

The island also features numerous rocky beaches with intriguing shapes, perfect for capturing mysterious and memorable photographs. With an expansive area of 5,000ha, Vĩnh Thực Island offers endless opportunities for exploration, including swimming, beach volleyball, fishing with local fishermen, or even camping overnight on the beach. It is a romantic coastal haven, far away from the noisy urban areas commonly encountered.

Lighthouse on Vĩnh Thực Island. — Photo traveloka.com

Hòn Nưa Island

Hòn Nưa Island, located on the border of Phú Yên Province and Khánh Hòa Province, is a hidden gem that often goes unnoticed.

Despite passing through Cả Pass multiple times, few people have heard of Hòn Nưa. However, looking down from Cả Pass, you can glimpse the unique shape of the island, often compared to that of a giant dinosaur.

Camping on Hòn Nưa Island. — Photo traveloka.com

To reach Hòn Nưa, one can hire a boat at the foot of Cả Pass and embark on a 30-minute journey. The boat owner can even take you on a tour around the island, where you can visit the bird’s nest cave and admire the majestic rocky headlands.

With its untouched natural beauty and absence of human habitation, Hòn Nưa requires visitors to come prepared if they wish to camp with friends and enjoy the mesmerising view of the night sea.

Exploring the island with the guidance of lighthouse or border guards will allow you to hear fascinating stories about Hòn Nưa. Don’t forget to catch some snails and crabs, which can be grilled over a campfire, offering a truly delectable seafood experience in the tranquil ambiance of the island.

Thạnh An Island lies within easy reach from Hồ Chí Minh City. — Photo traveloka.com

Thạnh An Island

Thạnh An Island, belonging to Cần Giờ District, is located approximately 70km east of HCM City and is home to a population of around 5,000 people. Although the island does not offer an extensive range of recreational activities, basic services are available to cater to tourists.

Traveling to Thạnh An Island not only provides respite from the heat and dust of HCM City, but also allows visitors to savour incredibly fresh seafood dishes.

One of the island’s standout features is an exceptionally unique stone road that should not be missed. This picturesque stone road stretches across the sea, creating a majestic and distinctive natural sight, perfect for creating dazzling photo shoots.

In addition to the stone road, visitors can partake in various enjoyable activities such as kayaking and squid fishing

Delicious seafood at Thạnh An Island. — Photo go2joy.vn

Thạnh An Island does offer entertainment and vibrancy. The island’s abundance of fresh seafood, including shrimp, squid, octopus and oysters, is caught throughout the day and promptly supplied to local restaurants, ensuring that the dishes prepared from these ingredients are incredibly fresh and nutritious.

Besides the vast sea and soothing waves, visitors can explore other scenic spots, including fishing villages, charming grass fields and sun-drenched salt fields, all of which provide excellent opportunities for artistic photography. These islands offer a haven of natural beauty, granting visitors an escape from the bustle of everyday life and a chance to appreciate Việt Nam’s pristine landscapes. — VNS