Hon Tam Island, known as the emerald gem of Nha Trang Bay, is a paradise of turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and lush greenery. It’s 7 km from Nha Trang, and is a great choice for relaxation and water sports.
Introduction To Hon Tam Island
Hon Tam Island, situated only 7 kilometers southeast of Nha Trang City, is often touted as the hidden jewel of Khanh Hoa Province. With its azure waters and pristine white beaches, beautiful natural scenery mixes with a variety of modern amenities in an unspoiled area. Tourists are attracted to Hon Tam Island equally because of the beautiful beach and relaxing atmosphere it offers.
What makes Hon Tam Islands special is a unique mingling of eco-style luxury accommodations and authentic local culture. The island offers many different higher-end resorts, relaxing wellness-based activities such as mud baths and spas, and exciting marine experiences, including snorkeling and diving around the stunning coral reefs. Whether you want to kick back in comfort, explore nature, or just luxuriate in the more laid-back pace of life on the island, Hon Tam Island guarantees an unforgettable experience.
History Of Hon Tam Island
Hon Tam, one of many exquisite islands located in Nha Trang Bay, has always been known for its untouched beauty and charm. In the past, before 2006, the island had welcomed visitors to enjoy the scenery whilst offering only minimal services aimed at tourists. Accordingly, the island maintained a level of natural and wild beauty, attracting visitors who enjoyed simplicity and quiet time by the beach.
For the past decade, Hon Tam has continuously drifted toward being one of the leading spaces of tourism in the Khanh Hoa region. It is effective to combine the idyllic backdrop with high-end resorts and services, and to provide ways for vacationing visitors to escape the natural and pure island while simultaneously enjoying the appeal of the island. Hon Tam today is sweetly placed as one of the most inviting and charming destinations in Nha Trang.
Unique Structure Of Hon Tam Island
Hon Tam Island, or Kim Thuy Son, is among the largest islands in Nha Trang with an area of about 110 hectares. This island is about 7 km southeast of Nha Trang City, from the pier. It only takes about 10 minutes by speedboat to get there. The island was named “Hon Tam” by local fishermen because they thought it resembled a green “Silkworm Island” lying across the sea in an eastward direction
Due to its proximity, visitors to Hon Tam are not only on one of the beautiful islands to enjoy pristine nature, but they are also conveniently located near the nearby islands, including Hon Tre and Hon Mieu, all within a few minutes from Hon Tam. Therefore, Hon Tam is not only a beautifully located island to experience pristine nature, but also another absolutely beautiful ‘base’ to explore and enjoy the nearby islands.
8 Unforgettable Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss
Hon Tam Island is more than just a beach getaway and a chance to participate in experiences and activities that can be found nowhere else. Whether you want to enjoy relaxing mud baths or stroll the stunning beaches, each experience is sure to provide you with unforgettable memories.
Mud Bath Complex – The Largest On An Island In Vietnam
Hon Tam Island is home to Vietnam’s largest Mud Bath Complex, stretching out over 16,000 square meters. Located next to the mountains with panoramic views of the sea, the bath complex is designed to resemble terraced fields, coexisting beautifully with its natural surroundings.
Visitors can choose from any options for treatments involving communal pools, family pools, or romantic pools for couples. With mud containing minerals, it is believed the mud itself has therapeutic benefits, which will help refresh skin and increase relaxation. As you enjoy the experience in warm water and mud, you immediately feel stress drift away in harmony with nature. A unique plus to the trip, this is sure to please any traveler wanting experiences in Nha Trang that offer restful wellness or therapeutic benefits.
Enjoy The Wonderful Beach Beauty
Hon Tam has a beautiful and unspoiled beach, with many thinking it is one of the best beaches in Nha Trang. You can swim and lie in the sun along more than a kilometer of fine white sand and clear turquoise waters. Around the beach, the climate is warm year-round, which is perfect for enjoying a range of sporty and leisure water activities.
In the morning, you can nap or float throughout the calm sea, and in the afternoon, you can relax under coconut trees. For the photography enthusiast, the stunning blue sky and deep waters provide the perfect backdrop for praise-worthy shots. Peaceful or playful, you will surely be tickled with this beach.
Take Photos At The Famous Pier
No trip to Hon Tam Island would ever be complete without a stop at the island’s famous pier. It juts out into the sea, and is probably the most romantic place to watch the sunset, with the golden rays reflecting off the water. The pier is also a very popular location for couple photos and even weddings, given the fairy tale vibe in the air.
Many of the islanders lounge at this spot in the late afternoon, enjoying the sea breeze, mixed drinks in hand, while watching boats sail by. At night, the pier is particularly magical with the soft lights glistening off the waves. The pier is a must-see spot at this location for anyone who loves to take photos or relax.
Sea Walking To View Coral Reefs
One of the most thrilling things to do on Hon Tam Island is to walk underwater and see the marine life without any prior diving experience. You will wear a helmet that supplies a continuous supply of air, and, with a professional diver leading the way, you will be guided down to the sea floor. While down below, you can see coral gardens full of brilliant colors and schools of fish swimming all around you. This experience is fun for children as well as adults, so this can be a great family experience.
Many people who have sea walked before have said it feels like they are in another world where life is bright and colorful – a world full of peace and tranquility. If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind experience, sea walking at Hon Tam is highly recommended.
Try Cuisine On Hon Tam Island
Any trip to Hon Tam would not be complete without tasting the local seafood and specialties of the region. Many travelers will stop at Cau Da Port, where several small restaurants and street vendors prepare traditional meals, such as grilled squid, steamed clams, or fish hotpot. For something more upscale, enjoy seafood buffets and barbecues prepared at one of the luxurious resorts on the island.
If you are interested in local popular dishes from the Nha Trang area, be sure to look for items such as Nem Nuong (grilled pork rolls), Bun Cha Ca (fishcake noodles), Banh Can (mini rice pancakes), and more. Hon Tam has exceptional dining experiences throughout the island – rich in fresh seafood and traditional coastal flavors – that are as memorable as the beautiful scenery of Hon Tam Island itself.
Visit The Traditional Craft Village
Nestled on Hon Tam Island is a traditional craft village where time moves a little slower. During a visit, you can observe local craftspeople weaving brocade, making ceramics, distilling rice wine, and weaving conical hats. Every inch of the village has a connection to the cultural identity of Vietnam that has transcended generations. Visitors have the opportunity to make a small article of their own, and the smiles from the craftspeople, on top of the new experiences, make the experience even more inviting.
Take A Night Stroll Around The Island
Spending the night on Hon Tam offers a chance to take in the quietness of the island. As the moon rises in the sky, the winding coastal pathways cast a soft glow of silver light in your surroundings, leading you along deserted stretches of sand.
Couples often find this escape especially romantic, while solo travelers soak in the stillness of the surroundings. The cool night breeze offers a reprieve from the steamy heat of the day, and in the evenings, it can be used for deeper thoughts.
Entrance Fee
To enter Hon Tam Island, you will have to pay for an entrance ticket, which allows you to visit the island and its attractions. The ticket prices vary based on age and type of access, and children under 1 meter in height can enter for free. Here’s the most up-to-date ticket price list:
| Ticket Type | Adults | Children 1m – 1.3m | Children under 1m |
| Entrance Ticket | 360,000 VND | 250,000 VND | Free |
| Entrance + Buffet Ticket | 580,000 VND | 410,000 VND | Free |
Best Time To Visit Hon Tam Island
Hon Tam has a gentle and moist temperate climate with the average temperature of about 26°C, so it is suitable for tourists all year round. Even so, the best time to discover the island is still between March and September. The weather in these months is all sunny and pleasant, with a calm sea that makes the waves gentle; this is the best time for swimming, sunbathing, and other outdoor sports. This is also when the island presents its most alive-looking scenery, making it the prettiest background for photos and memorable travel snaps.
How To Get To Hon Tam Island
You can opt for a wooden boat or a speedboat (canoe) as your mode of travel. Upon leaving the city center of Nha Trang, you can use a taxi or a motorbike to get to Cau Da Port.
A 4-seater taxi is around 60,000 – 70,000 VND, while a 7-seater is about 70,000 – 85,000 VND. If you’d like more flexibility, renting a motorbike might be a good choice. This will typically cost between 70,000 – 100,000 VND per day, and the process is very simple.
When you get dropped off at Cau Da Port, it is about 20 minutes to ride by speedboat to reach Hon Tam. If you use a wooden boat, it may take you over an hour to reach Hon Tam. Most people take the speedboat, as it is easier and more comfortable.
| Transport Option | Ticket Price | Travel Time |
| Speedboat (Cano) | 200,000 VND/way | ~20 minutes |
| Wooden Boat | 20,000 VND/way | ~1 hour+ |
Things To Know Before Traveling To Hon Tam Island
Before embarking on the trip to Hon Tam Island, it’s advisable to prepare adequately so that you can make the most of your trip. Here are some suggestions that may be helpful.
- Prepare 2-3 sets of clothes for swimming, lounging, or taking check-in photos.
- Bring sunscreen, moisturizer, and your skin-care products to protect your skin from the sun and wind.
- Bring any personal documents, cash, seasickness medicine, and hygiene items because these may not be available on the island.
- Reserve your boat ticket ahead of time so you can avoid waiting and have a convenient slotted time.
- Organize your luggage or belongings in order to make your travel around the island easier.
Final Thoughts: Is Hon Tam Island Worth Visiting?
Hon Tam Island is a tropical getaway with a mix of spectacular scenery, culture, and activities all in one destination. With pristine waters, white sand beaches, mud baths, coral reef excursions, and a stunning sunset, there’s something unforgettable for everyone on Hon Tam Island. Whether you want to relax, adventure, or have a romantic getaway, Hon Tam Island should be on your Vietnam travel list. Let Seni World help you get the most out of your experience on this magical island.
