Located about 3 nautical miles northwest of Ly Son’s main island, An Binh Islet (Dao Be) covers only 0.69 km² and is home to roughly 500 residents living in just over 100 households. True to its name, An Binh offers a peaceful and quiet atmosphere: no crowds, no noise, only the refreshing sea breeze and the sound of waves.
Travelers can reach Dao Be by high-speed canoe from Ly Son Island in 10–15 minutes, with round-trip tickets costing 100,000–120,000 VND per person; private canoe rental for groups ranges from 2.5–3 million VND/day. Canoes depart every 20 minutes from 7:00 to 11:20, and return from 10:00 to 14:30.
Note that waves around the area can be quite strong, so motion-sickness medication is recommended, and visitors should pay attention to return schedules to avoid missing the last boat.
Natural Beauty & Things to Do
Compared to the main island, Dao Be has fewer tourist services, but that simplicity is exactly what preserves its untouched charm: turquoise water, powder-white sand beaches and striking volcanic rock formations shaped millions of years ago. Many visitors refer to this place as the “Maldives of Vietnam.”
The most famous spot is Bai Sau, a small but stunning beach where you can see the seabed through crystal-clear water. It is perfect for swimming, kayaking, SUP paddling, round-boat tours or snorkeling to explore vibrant coral reefs—most activities cost 100,000–150,000 VND/hour/person.
Another favorite site is Bai Dua, known for its calm emerald water, gentle waves and impressive volcanic sediment rocks stretching along the shore. In recent years, locals have developed small, rustic homestays that blend naturally with the coastal landscape, and colorful murals depicting fishermen and marine life now brighten up the village paths.
Life on Dao Be remains simple and serene: houses face the sea, residents fish for a living, grow garlic, onions and vegetables, creating a charming, authentic island atmosphere.
Best Time to Visit & Travel Notes
The ideal time to explore Dao Be is from April to August, when the weather is sunny and the sea is calm. From late December to April, Ly Son enters its beautiful green-algae season, while from September to December, rain and storms may disrupt boat services.
Though small and modest, Dao Be offers an unforgettable experience with its pristine scenery and peaceful lifestyle.
If you’re visiting Ly Son, spare just 15 minutes by canoe to step onto this emerald island gem—one of the most captivating coastal destinations in central Vietnam.
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