As waves of heat burst in, travellers fancy places for a great escape. Vietnam is fully furbished with beaches, white sands, seashore and more. From ancient volcanic outcroppings in the Central Coast to protected national marine parks in the deep south, these four island destinations offer an exclusive, highly immersive escape into Vietnam’s pristine maritime wilderness.

Con Dao: The protected sanctuary of barefoot luxury

Rising dramatically out of the deep blue waters off the southern coast, Con Dao archipelago is a sanctuary where granite cliffs plunge into protected marine bays. Here, days begin with the soft chorus of native birds and the low hum of gentle waves. Staying in private teakwood villas set along empty stretches of golden sand, guests experience total immersion in nature. The true magic unfolds between May and October, when endangered green sea turtles crawl ashore under midnight skies to nest. Guests can join marine conservation rangers at dawn to carefully release tiny hatchlings back into the ocean, before spending the afternoon cycling along quiet, shaded avenues.

Photo: TITC

Phu Quy: The volcanic frontier

Floating 120 kilometres off the coast of Lam Dong province, Phu Quy remains delightfully unbothered by commercial luxury. Formed by prehistoric volcanic eruptions, this compact 18-square-kilometer island is defined by sharp black basalt cliffs colliding with neon-cyan ocean bays.

Phu Quy is built for tactile exploration. Without large resort chains, the island invites you to adapt to its slow, local rhythm. The quintessential day involves renting a vintage scooter to wind along empty coastal roads, where the air smells of sea salt and wild basil. Trek up the steep stone steps of Cao Cat Mountain to stand beside the Linh Son Pagoda, carved directly into wind-sculpted cliff faces, and gaze out over the vast Pacific horizon. In the late afternoon, submerge yourself in Ganh Hang (The Happy Slot)’s natural seawater infinity pools before sitting down at a cliffside plastic-stool eatery for fresh, sweet king crab pulled straight off local wooden boats.

Ly Son: The garlic kingdom of volcanic craters

Rising off the coast of Quang Ngai, Ly Son was shaped by five extinct volcanic craters millions of years ago. Famous across Vietnam as the "Garlic Kingdom" for its unique agricultural fields layered with basalt soil and white coral sand, the island offers an otherworldly geological landscape.

Standing on the jagged rim of Thoi Loi volcano ring at sunrise offers an unforgettable panorama: terraced green garlic fields stretching toward the edge of dramatic volcanic cliffs, framed by deep cobalt sea. Travellers can stroll through the natural basalt archway of To Vo Archway at dusk, watching the sun dip behind black lava rocks. For an even more private escape, take a 15-minute wooden boat ride to the tiny neighbouring islet of Small Island (Đảo Bé), where you can sink your toes into powder-soft sand and snorkel over brilliant shallow coral reefs without another soul in sight.

Photo: dovafa@gmail.com

Nam Du: The emerald archipelago of the Southwest

Nam Du is a cluster of 21 islands and islets that feels like Phu Quoc did decades ago. Free of major infrastructure, it remains a castaway paradise defined by coconut-fringed coves and quiet fishing harbors.

Life on Nam Du revolves entirely around the sea. Rent a traditional wooden longtail boat to weave through tiny uninhabited islets like Dau Islet and Mau Islet. You'll drop anchor in glass-clear waters to swim alongside colourful reef fish, before pulling up to a secluded bay where local fishermen grill sea urchins and garlic butter-drizzled scallops over open embers right on the shore. End your day at Cay Men Beach, a postcard-perfect bay framed by slanting palm trees, with a freshly cracked coconut in hand as the western sky turns violet.

Photo: Nguyen Thanh Hung