Остров Бич Дам

Bich Dam is the furthest island in Nha Trang bay, fifteen to twenty kilometres out. The boat from Vinh Truong pier takes thirty to thirty-five minutes and costs around 119,000₫ each way. That distance is the point: further means emptier, and most shared tours do not come this far.

There is a working fishing village of 228 households and a lighthouse about 120 years old on the high ground. The climb to it is the main thing to do and takes half a day. This is not an island built for visitors. People live here year round, so getting about and eating follow the village's rhythm rather than a tourist one.

The swimming and the facilities are at Ray Beach: hammocks slung over the water, deck chairs, kayaks, paddleboards, floating houses and a few small bars. The photographs here were taken there. The water is clear, and with few visitors there is still space at midday.

The trade is time and the weather. Thirty minutes each way means Bich Dam takes a whole day, and when the sea is rough the boats stop. Do not put it on the day before a flight. To stay for the sunrise there are overnight tours and camping, but book before you go rather than deciding on arrival.

Other islands in the bay: Hòn Mun, Hòn Tằm and Bãi Tranh. Further north, Điệp Sơn has the sandbar you can walk along.