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Diving at Hon Mun

Rating: 4.6

Guided scuba inside a protected reserve — from 500,000₫ for 20 minutes

Islands in the bay

Illustrative photo · Nguyen Hung Vu · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Address
Hon Mun island, Nha Trang bay — boats from Cau Da pier
Opening hours
On boat schedules, usually departing around 8:00
Price range
from 500,000₫/person
Best time to go
March to August, in the morning before the wind picks up
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Overview

Hon Mun is Vietnam's first marine protected area and Nha Trang's main dive site. The reef sits close to the surface, so a snorkel already shows you plenty; but for depth there are guided scuba dives, from around 500,000₫ for 20 minutes.

No certification is needed for guided try-dives — an instructor stays with you throughout. What matters more than price is the day: the water is clearest in the morning before the wind rises, and rough seas mean cancellation.

There are two ways into the water and they cost very different amounts: snorkelling is usually already inside an island tour, while a guided scuba dive is charged separately from around 500,000₫ for twenty minutes. Because the reef at Hon Mun sits fairly close to the surface, a mask and snorkel already show you a lot — so on a tight budget, do not assume you need the tank.

One question to ask before paying: when do the twenty minutes start — when you enter the water, or when you leave the boat? The two readings differ materially. This is also Vietnam's first marine protected area, so use reef-safe sunscreen, and do not touch, stand on or take coral. The water is clearest in the morning before the wind gets up; rough seas mean cancellation, so book early in your trip and keep a spare day.

What's included

  • Reef inside Vietnam's first marine protected area
  • Guided try-dives, no certification required
  • From about 500,000₫ for 20 minutes
  • Snorkelling already shows a lot, since the reef is shallow

Practical tips

  • Book it early in your trip so a rough-sea cancellation still leaves a spare day
  • Use reef-safe sunscreen — this is a protected area
  • Don't touch, stand on, or take coral
  • Ask exactly when the 20 minutes starts — underwater, or from boarding

Frequently asked

Do I need a diving licence?

No, not for a guided try-dive: an instructor stays with you the whole time underwater.

Is snorkelling enough?

For most people, yes. The reef at Hon Mun is close to the surface, so a snorkel shows a lot, and it is usually already included in an island tour.

Which months are best?

March to August, and in the morning before the wind rises. October to December brings rough water and frequent cancellations.

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