Updated 18 August 2026
Cat Ba Island, the Quieter Base Beside Ha Long Bay
Cat Ba Island, the largest island near Ha Long Bay: a national park, limestone karsts, Lan Ha Bay, beaches and treks, and how it compares to a cruise.
Beaches, islands & nature
All our Beaches, islands & nature guides for Vietnam, in one place.
10 guides: Beaches, islands & nature
Updated 17 August 2026
Mui Ne Guide: Sand Dunes, Kitesurfing and the Fairy Stream
A Mui Ne guide built on one trade-off: the wind that makes it Vietnam's kitesurfing capital roughens the sea. Dunes, the Fairy Stream and planning.
Updated 11 August 2026
Phong Nha-Ke Bang, the Cave Capital of Vietnam
Phong Nha-Ke Bang, a UNESCO World Heritage site with some of the largest caves on earth, from an easy boat ride to a Son Doong expedition.
Updated 29 July 2026
Con Dao Islands: Turtle Nesting, Empty Beaches and How to Get There
A personal guide to Con Dao, Vietnam's remote turtle-nesting islands: getting there by flight or ferry, empty beaches, diving, prison history and Bay Canh.
Updated 28 July 2026
The Mekong Delta, Day Trip or Overnight
Mekong Delta day trip or overnight? What each gives you, which towns merit the extra night, the floating markets and how early to go, and the crowds.
Updated 28 July 2026
Nha Trang, City Beach and Islands
Nha Trang for travellers, not package tourists: the city beach, the islands and diving, the Cham towers and mud baths, and whether it fits your itinerary.
Updated 28 July 2026
Ninh Binh, the Dry Halong Bay
Ninh Binh, the inland version of Ha Long Bay: which boat route to take, why Trang An beats Tam Coc for most people, the viewpoint climbs, and the stay.
Updated 28 July 2026
Phu Quoc, Beaches and Resorts in the South
Phu Quoc honestly: which beaches are still worth it after the building boom, the north versus south divide, when the sea is calm, and who it suits.
Updated 9 July 2026
Ha Long Bay Cruise Guide: Day vs Overnight and How to Book
How to choose a Ha Long Bay cruise: day trip or overnight, the quieter Lan Ha Bay, what to look for when booking, when to go, and how to avoid the crowds.
Updated 8 May 2026
Sapa Trekking Guide: Rice Terraces, Homestays and Villages
How to trek Sapa: the famous rice terraces, staying in a village homestay, meeting the ethnic-minority communities, and when to go.