Exploring the Islands of Vietnam
Con Dao, Hoi An, & Cham Island — Where Tropical Secrets Meet World Heritage
Step Into the Unexplored Islands of Vietnam
Con Dao Island served as a French colonial fortress — and today, just 45 minutes from Ho Chi Minh City, it remains one of Vietnam’s most pristine natural sanctuaries. Strict development regulations have preserved its vibrant coral reefs and ancient jungles, offering a rare glimpse of Vietnam’s untouched nature.
In central Vietnam, use the UNESCO World Heritage town of Hoi An as your gateway. From here, a 30-minute speedboat ride whisks you to the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Cham Island, while the sands of An Bang Beach are just a 15-minute drive away.
These islands still have a soul — untouched, unhurried, and well beyond the reach of mass tourism. We bring you the landscapes and stories that only reveal themselves on early morning runs and deep on-the-ground research.
Essential Reading
Our top-recommended reads — handpicked guides and first-hand field reports to help you plan the perfect island escape.
Con Dao Island | Complete Guide
A first-hand guide to Vietnam’s most remote island — covering beaches, hotels, and running routes, all personally surveyed on the ground.
Cham Island | Complete Guide
Just 30 minutes from Hoi An. A deep dive into the crystal waters and coral reefs of this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Con Dao | Hotel Comparison
From the ultra-luxury of Six Senses to smart-value stays. We compare top hotels on what actually matters: beach access, airport transfers, and how well they work as a base for early morning runs.
Hoi An Old Town | Hotel Comparison
Curated stays in and around the UNESCO World Heritage town of Hoi An. We focus on boutique gems with easy access to Cham Island and An Bang Beach.
An Bang Beach | Hotel Comparison
Escape the buzz of Hoi An's old town for pure beachfront serenity. We compare hotels with direct beach access and the most spectacular sunset views.
Explore by Area
A curated directory of guides, hotels, and running routes.
A 45-minute flight to Vietnam’s last frontier. Strictly preserved coral reefs and ancient jungles.
Run through World Heritage streets, dive into Cham Island, and watch the sunset at An Bang. Wonders concentrated within a 30-minute radius.
Base yourself in a World Heritage town | Cham Island (30-min speedboat) | An Bang Beach (15-min drive)
Explore by Theme
Compare hotels, running routes, and guides across all regions.
Island & Beach Guides
Con Dao Island Guide 2026
Vietnam's Last Paradise: Exploring Beauty and History
Located southeast of Vietnam, Con Dao Islands offer stunning beaches like Bai Nhat, visible only at low tide, and a poignant history as a former penal colony. A first-hand guide to Vietnam's most remote island, explored by the author on the ground.
Cham Island Guide 2026
30 MINS FROM HOI AN: BLUE WATERS & UNTOUCHED NATURE
Cu Lao Cham sits just off the coast of Hoi An—a UNESCO-protected island where strict visitor limits keep the beaches genuinely pristine, the cliffside roads wild, and the fishing villages untouched. A complete guide covering everything from independent boat access to authentic fishing village life.
Selected Hotels by Area
6 Best Con Dao Hotels
BEST SELECTION GUIDE
SUCCESS TIPS
A hand-picked selection of hotels in Con Dao — places I've actually stayed, personally vetted, and would return to without hesitation. From ultra-luxury resorts like Six Senses to convenient city hotels, so you can book with confidence — no regrets.
5 Best Hoi An Old Town Hotels
BEST SELECTION GUIDE
SUCCESS TIPS
Discover the 5 best hotels in Hoi An Old Town, handpicked for walkability to the Old Town and quality of facilities. Five hotels that feel like real hotels — not guesthouses, not B&Bs — every one personally scouted and verified on the ground.
6 Best An Bang Beach Hotels
BEST SELECTION GUIDE
SUCCESS TIPS
Your first-hand guide to An Bang Beach — the most convenient base for day trips to Cham Island. I compare centrally located hotels with large beachfront resorts so you can choose with confidence — no regrets.
Island Running Guides
Con Dao Running Course Guide
Con Dao Island · Lakeside & Beach Loops in Vietnam's Last Paradise
Runner's Voice
I explored the remote island of Con Dao entirely on foot — and here's what I found. A runner's guide to the lakeside loop and the stunning coastal beach course, based on first-hand survey.
Hoi An Old Town Running Course Guide
Hoi An · RUN THE TWO-BRIDGE LOOP ALONG THE THU BON RIVER
Runner's Voice
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An before the crowds arrive. A runner's guide earned on foot to the iconic two-bridge loop along the Thu Bon River and the back lanes of Cam Nam Island — distances, surfaces, and insider tips included.
An Bang Running Course Guide
An Bang · BAREFOOT ON THE BEACH, THEN INTO THE RICE FIELDS
Runner's Voice
Run barefoot along An Bang's white-sand shore, then cut inland through rice fields still heavy with the smell of harvest. A first-hand field survey of Vietnam's most photogenic countryside — routes, surfaces, and local tips included.