CON DAO ISLAND, BA RIA - VUNG TAU

For sea lovers and travel enthusiasts, Con Dao Island is a must-visit destination. This island is famous not only for its military significance and glorious history but also for its rare, unspoiled beauty. Con Dao has been listed by many foreign publications as one of the Top 10 most charming islands on the planet, or one of the Top 20 most mysterious islands in the world... With its peaceful landscape, one side featuring the azure sea and the other showcasing French colonial architecture with a distinct Western influence, and with minimal traffic, Con Dao is an ideal choice for those who enjoy exploring nature and immersing themselves in the local life.

Con Dao Island boasts 200 km of coastline with dozens of beautiful and pristine beaches, featuring fine white sand and clear blue water, such as An Hai, Dam Trau, Lo Voi, Suoi Ot, and Hon Ba. It is also considered to have some of the most diverse and beautiful coral reefs and marine life in Vietnam. In addition, you can explore Con Dao National Park, home to an incredibly rich and rare flora and fauna. Finally, don't forget to visit famous historical sites like Con Dao Prison and Hang Duong Cemetery to remember and pay respects to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives on this land to protect the country's peace.

LY SON, QUANG NGAI

Ly Son is a name that is no longer unfamiliar to travel enthusiasts. Known as a paradise of islands and beaches, it boasts crystal-clear, turquoise waters that seem almost transparent, along with many pristine and majestic natural landscapes. Located about 25 km from the mainland, Ly Son district comprises three islands: the main island (Ly Son, also known as Cu Lao Re), the smaller island (Cu Lao Bo Bai), and Mu Cu islet. Riding a motorbike along the long coastal roads, visiting famous landmarks such as To Vo Gate, Quan Am Dai, Hang Pagoda, Duc Pagoda, and the national flag pole on Thoi Loi peak, will surely create unforgettable memories. If you want to swim, you should visit the smaller island – home to beautiful sandy beaches – or you can try snorkeling to admire the coral reefs at Hang Cau.

In particular, it would be a great loss to visit Ly Son without enjoying its delicious seafood dishes such as lobster, red shrimp, grilled sand clams, grilled scallops with scallion oil... Seafood in Ly Son is much cheaper than in other tourist areas and very fresh because it is caught by local fishermen. Ly Son is also famous as the "kingdom of onions and garlic". The onion and garlic fields, arranged in colorful plots, interspersed with houses that are both ancient and modern, give the place a simple yet incredibly impressive beauty.

PALAWAN, PHILIPPINES

Palawan was not only the most beautiful island in Asia but also in the world in 2017, according to a poll by Travel + Leisure magazine. Although called an island, Palawan is the largest province in the Philippines, stretching over 430 km in length and over 39 km in width. Thanks to its diverse ecosystem with lush tropical forests, turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, and mysterious caves, Palawan is often called the "paradise island" or "the last frontier of biodiversity."

In Palawan, visitors can take a Bangka boat ride between the islands, visit the cliffs, sinkholes, and lagoons in Bacuit, or enjoy the culinary culture and participate in a Puerto Princesa Underground River tour. UNESCO calls it one of the most unique places in the world. Furthermore, Palawan is one of the world's best diving spots in Coron Bay, with its coral reefs and countless colorful fish species. This is definitely a destination you should add to your list of things to experience in your lifetime.

CRETE, GREECE

Crete, the largest island in Greece, is renowned as a wonder of the Aegean Sea and the birthplace of mysterious Greek mythology. Not only is it blessed with stunning natural beauty, including long stretches of white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and fresh air, but Crete is also famous for the Minoan civilization, one of the oldest cultures in Greece and Europe. The island of Crete comprises six main cities, with Krakow as its capital. Among them, Chania is a particularly popular tourist destination, boasting many remnants of Turkish architecture, from mosques to traditional Turkish baths and other ancient monuments.

In addition, in Crete, visitors can explore fascinating medieval towns or tranquil, picturesque fishing villages. Notably, despite being a popular tourist destination, the island remains unaffected by urban development and crowds. You can rent a car to freely explore the island to your heart's content.

WAIHEKE, NEW ZEANLAND

Located east of Auckland, Waiheke Island boasts a wealth of historical sites, diverse wildlife, and habitats, making it a national treasure of New Zealand and a jewel of Hauraki Bay. Waiheke is home to New Zealand's renowned vineyards and olive groves. Additionally, the island offers pristine forests, long stretches of white sandy beaches, and stylish cafes.

If you're an outdoor enthusiast, Oneroa and Onetangi beaches are perfect spots for swimming, kayaking, and more. Alternatively, you could try hiking the trails in Waiheke; if you're lucky, you might spot a kereru, a bird native to New Zealand. Exploring the underground tunnels at Stony Batter Fort is also a great experience to try while in Waiheke.

Thu Trang