12 Marvelous Islands in Nha Trang

1. Hon Mun Islet

Hon Mun Island is situated on the south of Nha Trang Bay. It was named Mun (Ebony) due to high-rise cliffs with dangerous wattles forming caves and grottoes in the southeast of the island, especially its stones are as black as ebony. Every year, in the black-stone caves of Hon Mun, flocks of swallows migrate to the area and build their nests. The sea bed is home to an abundant and diverse group of marine species and an interesting and useful place for researchers, oceanographers, and tourists to observe and explore more of the life of sea creatures.

In Hon Mun, visitors can go scuba diving or take a glass-bottom boat to admire the colourful coral and sea creatures. All the diving centres come and stop near this island: visibility is always excellent there. There are an impressive variety of corals of all colours, with numerous pretty tropical fishes.

Hon Mun Nha Trang

2. Hon Tre Island

Hon Tre is the largest island in Nha Trang Bay, where a 5-star hotel - Sofitel Vinpearl Resort and Spa - is located. Since the beginning of 2007, the island is connected to the continent by a cable car system, in addition to the shuttles of ferries which not only serve the hotel but also transport the tourists to Vinpearl Land Nha Trang - the large amusement park on the island. To supplement, a lot of shops and a reconstituted traditional village are with the program.

Despite being influenced by humans' impacts, the island generally retains inherent pristine beauty with its boundless forest covering the mountainsides. As the owner of the prime location with beautiful natural beaches, pristine flora, and temperate climate, Hon Tre Island has been favourable for the development of ecotourism and leisure tourism.

Hon Tre Nha Trang

3. Hon Tam Island

Hon Tam (Silkworm Island) has become a familiar name for tourists to Nha Trang coastal city these years for its wild tropical forest, long beach, and clear water. The island is covered by hundreds of ancient trees such as tamarind, willow, almond, and bamboo, as well as an array of colourful flowers such as daisies and sunflowers. No one lives here, but the tourists can stay at the 4-star Hon Tam Resort, which offers bungalow rooms, camping services, and of course, a restaurant.

For sightseeing and sunbathing demand, there is a wide range of activities available on the Island: mountain climbing, hiking, parasailing, boating, wind-surfing, jet-skiing, and especially scuba-diving, to explore the secrets of the ocean world and see thousands of fish and colourful corals around the rocks. Therefore, Hon Tam Resort is a wonderful spot for recreation and health improvement.

Hon Tam Island

4. Hon Mieu Islet

Hon Mieu is located about 5km southeast of Nha Trang. It is the best inshore island in Nha Trang Bay and takes 15 minutes to get to the island by ferry from Cau Da Port. Tri Nguyen Aquarium is an outdoor fish lake and one of the main attractions on the island. It is designed to a fossil ship shape with clinging moss, inside is a miniature ocean with many rare species of marine life, especially live corals farmed as in the ocean.

The other main highlights of Hon Mieu are Tri Nguyen Fishing Village, set up around the bay, and Bai San Beach on the other side of the island. The best way to get the most out of the island is embarking on a boat trip around Hon Mieu and enjoying fresh seafood right on the raft.

Hon Mieu Islet

5. Monkey Island

Locally known as Hon Lao Island but famously known as Monkey Island to visitors, it is a private island about 2km off the coast north of Nha Trang. It is a fairly large island, and 1500 monkeys are living there. There is a lovely beach with huts and chairs for guests to use and a simple water slide, and some other entertainment activities out in the water. There are some interesting gardens and a few shops, but the main attractions are the colony of monkeys free to roam anywhere on the island and the “dog & monkey show” runs three times per day.

Nearby Monkey Island, Nha Phu is a beautiful collection of islets set in a crystal blue lagoon that is loved for its tranquil settings and many attractions. A paradise for nature lovers who want to immerse themselves in tranquillity, Nha Phu is a slice of isolated heaven. Or Orchid Stream Island, home to the orchid caves, is another amazing place near Monkey Island. That’s where hundreds of species of bright and beautiful blooms hang from the ceilings before heading to the nearby wildlife sanctuary, you can easily see deer and peacocks roam freely in the landscape.

Monkey Island

6. Diep Son Island

Diep Son is a mini-archipelago of small green islands located in the calm, warm waters of Van Phong Bay, about an hour north of Nha Trang. A curving sandbar is exposed at low tide, connecting three of the islets via a "sand bridge." The long swath of white sand between the three green islands in the blue bay is stunning.

Diep Son path, which is submerged under the sea and connects three islands to Van Gia town, enchants most visitors who come here. A sand path appears when the tide is low, it’s normally at 6.am, but depending on the moon period, this time can change flexibly. It is approximately 500m long and 8m wide near the island but narrows to 2-3m as one moves away from the island. 

Although Diep Son is becoming increasingly popular with domestic tour groups, it is best visited independently to avoid crowds.

Diep Son Island

7. Hon Yen Islet

Located about 25 km to the Northeast of Nha Trang city, Hon Yen is the home of thousands of birds and also the largest source of Salanganes Nest reserves in Vietnam today. Hon Yen is made up of beautiful and wild islands, located in the middle of the immense sea and sky, which increases the beauty of the space here. The island also has a large and beautiful coral reef that looks like a glass of tropical fish; put on a diving mask and take a deep breath to enjoy it. There is also a mountain on the island that can capture the entire panoramic view of Hon Yen; climb to Du Ha mountain and enjoy the fresh taste of Nha Trang sea.

Hon Yen Islet

8. Whale Island

Whale Island is located 80 km North of Nha Trang at the tip of an archipelago. It is an absolute paradise – an ideal place for resting and enjoying many beautiful sights and relics of Whale Island.  With an average water temperature hovering around a beautiful 28 degree Celsius, Whale Island is particularly known for its hidden gems in the lush soft corals. This brings a lot of excitement to diving here. 

Because there are no inhabitants, the island has remained virtually untouched. Its beauty is so stunning that it is also known as the Maldives of Vietnam. The landscape beneath the water is just as beautiful as the landscape above it. The waters are deep, calm, and clear, allowing you to clearly see the underwater sea life, including everything from beautiful coral reefs to various sea animals such as fish and seahorses.

Whale Island

9. Bich Dam Island

Bich Dam, a flawless and tranquil island, is the furthest island of Nha Trang city. Tourists will be impressed by the island's peaceful atmosphere as soon as they set foot on it. The harmonious combination of the blue sea, soft sunshine, and endless stretches of white smooth dunes provide tourists with unforgettable experiences.

The floating village, quietly located next to the limestone mountain, adds to the spectacle of Bich Dam Island. Tourists can stroll around the fishing village and get a glimpse of the fishermen's daily lives. The locals are friendly and always willing to point you in the direction of beautiful check-in spots on the islands.

Bich Dam island

10. Coconut Island

Dam Bay, also known as Coconut Island by locals, is Nha Trang Bay's most beautiful beaches. Admire the views of beaches lined with coconut trees as you approach the island on your yacht. Relax on the golden beaches, swim in the clear waters, or participate in various water sports such as swimming, snorkelling, and surfing. A day on Coconut Island is the ideal opportunity to relax and recharge in the shade of the swaying coconut trees while also taking advantage of the warm water. This Coconut Island is a real heaven to discover.

Coconut Island

11. Salanganes Island (Hon Noi)

The Salanganes islands, which are part of Cam Ranh Bay, are also known as Hon Noi Island and can be seen from Long Beach. They are the largest home to thousands of salangane, a native bird, and the islands are covered in evergreen colours where the salangane have made their nests for many years. Visit the large caves where birds build their nests on the rocks and sample local delicacies made from nests harvested by locals.

It's also worth visiting Salanganes Island's unique double beach, which has hot water on one side and cold water on the other. This area is also home to stunning coral reefs with breathtaking underwater scenery, so don't forget to dive.

Salanganes Island (Hon Noi)

12. Binh Ba Island

Binh Ba is a small island of over 3 km² located in Cam Binh Commune, Cam Ranh City, Khanh Hoa Province. It’s about 60 km south of Nha Trang, 15 km east of Ba Ngoi port (Cam Ranh). Binh Ba is actually a military island of Khanh Hoa province, and that’s why in the past, tourists were not allowed to get on this island. Currently, Binh Ba has many areas for domestic tourists to visit. However, foreigners are still not allowed on the island. Hopefully, shortly, the government will consider that and change the law. This place is too wonderful to keep for some people only.

Binh Ba Island

Make sure you read up on when the best time is to visit Nha Trang to avoid the rain. Then join our Island Tour to discover the best of Nha Trang.

Hue Pham

Image source: Internet