Co To, Quang Ninh

Co To remains one of the most popular northern destinations during the April 30 - May 1 holiday and the summer season.

Often described as a “northern island paradise,” the archipelago features nearly 50 small islands, long stretches of white sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters where the seabed is visible. Notable beaches include Van Chay, Tinh Yeu (also known as Tau Dam Beach), Hong Van, and Bac Van.

With a long holiday period and favourable weather expected this year, visitor numbers to the Co To Special Zone are projected to rise sharply.

According to Ngo Thi Minh Sao, Deputy Head of the Culture and Social Affairs Division of the Co To Special Zone, accommodation on the island is nearly 100 percent booked for the April 30 - May 1 holiday. The island’s lodging system can host an estimated maximum of 12,500 to 13,000 visitors.

This year, Thanh Lan - the largest island in the Co To archipelago - has seen particularly early bookings. The island is home to poetic beaches such as Hai Quan Beach, C76, and Ba Chau, alongside striking grey sedimentary rock formations with smooth surfaces. The waters here are clear and calm.

The Co To Special Zone People’s Committee has tasked the Culture and Social Affairs Division with strengthening inspections and supervision of tourist sites, restaurants, and accommodation facilities. At the same time, efforts are being intensified to promote codes of conduct in tourism activities to better meet visitor demand.

The goal is to preserve Co To’s image as a safe, civilised, and friendly destination, while preventing local overcrowding, harassment, fraud, unreasonable price hikes, or any inconvenience to tourists.

Ly Son, Quang Ngai

From April to August each year, Ly Son enters its most beautiful season - sunny skies, little rain, and calm seas - attracting large numbers of visitors.

Beyond Cu Lao Re (Big Island), known for landmarks such as Hang Pagoda, To Vo Gate, and Cau Cave, the area also boasts An Binh Island (Little Island). This destination surprises visitors with its untouched beauty, emerald waters, and is often likened to the “Maldives of Vietnam.”

Currently, Big Island has 110 accommodation facilities with more than 1,000 rooms, while Little Island has eight establishments offering 65 rooms. According to the Culture and Social Affairs Division of the Ly Son Special Zone, 90 percent of rooms on Big Island had been booked two weeks before the holiday. On Little Island, accommodation was fully booked about a month in advance.

Visitors to Ly Son during the April 30 holiday may also experience unique cultural events such as the Tu Linh traditional boat racing festival and the Hoang Sa soldiers’ commemoration ceremony.

Phu Quy Island, Lam Dong

Phu Quy, also known as Cu Lao Thu or Cu Lao Khoai Xu, is a small island located about 120km southeast of Phan Thiet.

Covering just over 18 square kilometres, Phu Quy offers a wide range of landscapes and experiences. Surrounding the main island are smaller islets such as Hon Da Cao, Hon Do, Hon Tranh, and Hon Hai. Earlier this year, Thailand’s Khaosod listed Phu Quy among 10 “quiet” destinations that remain largely untouched, hard to access, yet rich in Southeast Asian character.

The island is at its most beautiful from March to May. In recent years, it has consistently drawn large numbers of visitors during the April 30 - May 1 holiday.

According to Do Thai Thanh, Head of the Culture and Social Affairs Division of the Phu Quy Special Zone, the island currently has 69 hotels and guesthouses with 850 rooms, along with more than 100 homestays. All rooms have already been fully booked for the Hung Kings Commemoration holiday and the April 30 - May 1 break.

Must-visit spots on Phu Quy include Trieu Duong Bay; Nho Beach - a crescent-shaped cove nestled against a mountainside with turquoise waters; Ganh Hang - known for its steep seaside cliffs where waves create the “Happy Crevice” and a natural infinity pool; Cao Cat Peak; and Lang Duong fish lake. Visitors are also encouraged to take canoe trips to Hon Tranh and Hon Den for coral diving and fishing experiences.