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Hon Mun Island

Rating: 4.7

Vietnam's first marine protected area, with water you can see straight through

Islands in the bay14.2 km from the centre

Nguyen Hung Vu · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Illustrative photo · Tony24986 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Address
Nha Trang Bay — boats leave from Cau Da pier at the south end of Tran Phu street
Opening hours
Boat schedules, typically 8:00 – 16:00
Price range
22,000 – 500,000₫/person
Best time to go
March to August. The water is clearest in the morning, before the wind picks up
Open in Google Maps

On the map

Map © OpenStreetMap contributors · 12.1667, 109.3049

Overview

Hon Mun is the reason people call Nha Trang bay a beautiful bay. The seabed around the island stays shallow and the reef sits close to the surface, so a snorkel and mask are enough to see a whole layer of marine life — no diving certificate needed.

The island is designated a marine protected area, which means the coral here is properly looked after. Beyond snorkelling you can walk the island's edge, swim off the small beach and try the water sports. Most visitors come on a shared three- or four-island tour leaving from Cau Da pier.

Two different charges here, easily confused: 22,000₫ is the marine-reserve entrance fee, while around 500,000₫ buys a guided scuba dive. Snorkelling is normally already inside the island-tour price. Because the reef sits close to the surface, snorkelling is enough for most people — so do not assume the larger sum is required.

The day matters more than the price: the water is clearest in the morning before the wind gets up, and March to August is the calm season. October to December brings rough water and frequent cancellations — so if Hon Mun is the thing you most want, book it early in the trip and keep a spare day. This is a protected area: use reef-safe sunscreen, and do not touch, stand on or take coral.

Don't miss

  • Snorkel a reef that sits just below the surface
  • Guided scuba dives from around 500,000₫ for 20 minutes
  • A small sandy-bottomed swimming cove
  • Water sports: banana boat, jet ski, kayak

Practical tips

  • A shared three- or four-island tour is far cheaper than a private boat, and Hon Mun is always the main stop
  • Use reef-safe sunscreen — this is a protected area
  • Don't touch, stand on, or take coral
  • Rough seas cancel boats. Book the tour early in your trip so you have a spare day

Frequently asked

Do I need a diving certificate at Hon Mun?

No. Guided try-dives have an instructor with you throughout, from around 500,000₫ for 20 minutes. If you only want to see the coral, a snorkel is enough — the reef sits close to the surface.

How do I get to Hon Mun?

Boats leave from Cau Da pier at the south end of Tran Phu, usually around 8:00. Most visitors join a shared three- or four-island tour, which is far cheaper than chartering.

When is the best time to visit Hon Mun?

March to August. The water is clearest in the morning before the wind rises. October to December is the rough-sea season, when boats get cancelled.

Closest to here