Vietnam has several lesser-known beach destinations not overrun by tourists. Enjoy them while the seclusion lasts. 

Vietnam is facing the same problems as its Southeast Asian peers when it comes to beach tourism: “overcrowding, coral damage and waste,” as pointed out by British newspaper The Independent.

Countries across the region have adopted various measures to protect their coastlines, such as running clean-up campaigns, upgrading waste water treatment facilities, fining people who litter, and even closing off beaches completely to visitors.

Yet luckily enough, several islands and islets in Vietnam have somehow managed to preserve their pristine beauty and escape the worst effects of mass tourism.

So if you are not constrained by a tight schedule, make sure you check out these four island paradises in Vietnam that you should visit.

Fingernail Islet, Phu Quoc

Translated literally from the Vietnamese name “Mong tay,” the Fingernail Islet lies to the south of Phu Quoc.

Due to the lack of human presence, Mong Tay Islet beauty remains virtually untouched. So take a look especially if you are visiting Phu Quoc, Vietnam's largest island in the southern province of Kien Giang.

It has crystal blue water and soft white sand surrounded by lines of evergreen poplar trees.

Some seasoned travelers tipped that there are little fishing boats anchored along the beach, which means you can go deeper farther out into the crystal blue sea before diving to see coral reefs.

The best time to visit the islet is from October to April, when the weather is warm and dry.

Dubbed Vietnam’s Maldives, the sunny Phu Quoc Island has gained worldwide popularity since it opened an international airport in 2012 and began offering a 30-day visa-free policy to foreigners in 2014. 

Phu Quoc was recently named one of the most beautiful places in the country by U.S. news site CNN.