Phu Quoc
If a beach retreat is what you’re looking for, then Phu Quoc has you covered. Just a short flight from Ho Chi Minh, this idyllic island is brimming with some of Vietnam’s most beautiful, untouched scenery. Whether on a family adventure, a solo expedition or exploring with your main squeeze, the island’s soft sandy stretches and slow, sunny way of life will satisfy all beach break needs. Head into the agricultural hub of the island to see traditional rice and black pepper being harvested or stick to the coast and try your hand at the locals’ authentic fishing methods. If it’s adventure you’re after, or you just fancy seeing a little more of the coastline, head out on a boat trip around the An Thoi Archipelago with its palm fringed beaches and perfectly clear waters.
Con Dao
Although both islands were once home to prisons, Phu Quoc and Con Dao holidays are now better known for their wildlife inhabitants rather than their inmates. History afficionados can still enjoy a trip to Con Dao’s prison for an understanding of the island’s past, before heading into its tropical rainforest core for a Vietnamese adventure. Get your legs moving with a hike through the island’s lush green mountains, head to the crystal-clear coastline for a spot of kayaking or a speed boat tour around the Con Dao archipelago and keep your eyes peeled for sea turtles or even the rare sea-cow-like dugong which hang out in the shallow coastal waters.