12 Emerging Southeast Asian Islands That Belong on Your Must-Explore List

5. Con Dao Islands, Vietnam

Steeped in history and clad in wild beauty, the Con Dao Islands have traded their notoriety as a former prison colony for a growing reputation as Vietnam’s premier eco-retreat. Travelers come for protected national parks, empty beaches fringed by forest, and some of the country’s healthiest coral reefs. Sea turtles nest on the islands each year between April and September—a critical time for conservation. Snorkelers and divers can glimpse vibrant marine life, including rays and reef fish, while hikers follow jungle trails that crisscross lush highlands. Newer eco-lodges offer modern comforts with a light footprint, blending into the natural landscape and supporting local employment. Direct flights make the journey simple from Ho Chi Minh City. You’ll find the best wildlife-watching opportunities between spring and early autumn. By balancing respect for the islands’ past with a focus on renewal and sustainability, Con Dao promises both reflection and adventure—ideal for travelers seeking meaning as well as beauty.