HCM CITY — New York-based travel site Thrillist has included Cát Cò 2 Beach on the northern island of Cát Bà and Thơm Beach on the southern island of Phú Quốc on its list of the best seaside getaways in Việt Nam.

Situated 45km to the east of Hải Phòng, Cát Bà boasts crystal-clear waters, jungles and ancient fishing villages, but has managed to keep a relatively low profile despite being just south of the world-famous Hạ Long Bay.

The travel site described Cát Cò 2 as “the most relaxed of Cát Bà’s three beaches” and a place where travellers can take in a panoramic view of the amazing island surrounded by spectacular limestone mountains.

It described Thơm Beach in Phú Quốc as “Nested in the forest that dominates this island, Thơm Beach is too far off the beaten track for coach tourists but brings in enough intrepid backpackers to sustain the local snack shacks and their surprisingly delicious homebrewed beer.” — VNS