CON DAO ARCHIPELAGO

Being the most isolate of all Vietnam’s islands lends the Con Dao archipelago an exclusivity few visitors or locals alike can claim to have experienced. Situated in the South of Vietnam about 50 km off the south – eastern coast of Viet Nam, Con Dao is a group of 16 mountainous sand-fringed islands and islets. Here diving is among the best in Vietnam with 1300 species of sea life in the area, including rare dugongs and sea turtles as well as beautiful coral reef. Other options for things to do include talking a rainforest walk on Con Son, hiring a boat and cruising the nearby island or renting a motorbike and finding your own piece of paradise.

CHAM ISLANDS

Perched Hoi An coast and visible from land are the mountainous Cu Lao Cham or Cham Islands. The islands are famous locally for their prized swallow nest that make the popular delicacy Bird’s Nest Soup, and for which diners have been known to pay up to US$2500 per kilo. Also a World Biosphere Reserve, the white sand encrusted islands are known as being a “kingdom of aquatic animals” and unsurprisingly popular with snorkelers and drivers who come to witness the area’s coral and shoals of colorful fish. Half –day and overnight trips are easily arranged from Hoi An, with the option of a cultural home-stay or beach camping.

CAT BA ISLAND

This rugged island of limestone cliffs, deep valleys, mountain spires and lush jungle and has the feel of being straight out of Jurassic Park. Unlike many of the other islands in the Bay, Cay Ba has a resident population contained in a few fishing villages and town and numerous sandy beaches, with the most popular being the Cat Co. With almost half of the island classified as a National Park, there are lakes, waterfalls and grottoes in spectacular limestone hills to be found. A trek along a mountain trail also gives the visitor the opportunity to meet some of the Park’s curious mix of wildlife, including the endangered golden - headed langue, wild boar, deer, squirrels and hedgehog.

PHU QUOC ISLAND

Surrounded by more 40 kilometers of white sand beaches, warm tropical water in every shade of green quaint fishing villages, and a kaleidoscope of off - shore coral, a visit to Phu Quoc is high on the agenda of anyone after that perfect Vietnam tropical island holiday. While Phu Quoc has a range of accommodation from backpacker hotels to upmarket hotels, development on the island is restricted by its national park which has helped to ensure the island retains much of its laid back charm. Here activities are plentiful, circumnavigate the island on a motorbike stopping at its picturesque bays and beaches, explore the coast by kayak, or scuba dive its reef. Or for those less actively inclined, simply fill your day relaxing on the beach with your favorite book, only getting up for a meal of sumptuous fresh seafood.