Nha Trang is dotted with numerous pristine islands, which have captured the hearts of countless tourists. One of these is the stunning Hon Tam Island, known for its greenery and charm. In this blog, we will explore the island’s fascinating activities and discover why Hon Tam Island is a top destination in Nha Trang, inviting you to enjoy an unforgettable adventure.
What Makes Hon Tam Island A Top Site In Nha Trang?
Hon Tam Island, also known as Thuy Kim Son Island, is one of the four largest islands in Nha Trang, Vietnam. Known for having the clearest blue waters in Nha Trang, the island is a stunning natural wonder surrounded by tropical forests, golden sandy beaches, and a calm blue sea. It is home to luxurious resorts that attract thousands of tourists annually.
The island’s name comes from its shape, which locals think looks like a green silkworm (“tam” means silkworm in Vietnamese). With its beautiful green forests, fine white beaches, and clear, mirror-like waters, Hon Tam offers a peaceful and quiet getaway for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, making it a must-visit spot in Nha Trang.
Location
Hon Tam island in Nha Trang is situated about 7km southeast of the city, within Nha Trang Bay. It is suitable for those who enjoy eco-tourism and relaxation, as the island still retains much of its pristine beauty. Nestled on the calm sea, the water is clear and the waves are very gentle.
How To Get There
To get to Hon Tam Island, you first need to travel to Nha Trang. There are various transportation options available, including plane, train, bus, or even motorbike. The fastest and most convenient way is by plane, with flights offered by airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Bamboo Airways. Once you land at Cam Ranh Airport, which is about 35 km from Nha Trang city center, you will need to take a bus or taxi to reach the city.
From Nha Trang, Hon Tam Island is an additional 7 km journey, which must be made by boat or canoe. You have the option to either rent a private boat/canoe or join a shared boat with other travelers. The port offers around 20 round-trip boat services per day, with a new boat departing approximately every 20 minutes until 8 PM. If you are traveling with a large group, renting a private canoe is a good idea. Smaller groups can share a boat with others.
Best Time To Visit
Like Nha Trang, Hon Tam Island enjoys a relatively mild and cool climate year-round, with temperatures ranging from 27 to 34 degrees Celsius. This makes it a great destination to visit at any time of the year. However, it is important to be aware of the weather conditions if you plan to visit during November and December, as this period is known for typhoons and heavy rains.
The best time to visit Hon Tam Island is from March to September when the island experiences its most beautiful season. During this time, the weather is perfect with warm sunshine and light winds, ideal for a relaxing and enjoyable trip.
What Experiences To Expect in Hon Tam Island
Treating yourself to a relaxing mud bath
Mud bathing is a healthy activity and a unique experience you should not miss when visiting Hon Tam Island. Most tourists want to try this when they come to this beautiful island. Hon Tam is home to the largest mud bath complex in the country, featuring baths designed to blend seamlessly with nature.
While relaxing in the mud baths, you can enjoy the scenic view of Nha Trang Bay. The complex attracts tourists with its mud baths and beautiful landscaping, including lush green scenery and a gently flowing stream. This creates a feeling of being close to and in harmony with nature.
>> Read more: Nha Trang Mud Bath: The Best Experience for Indians in 2024
Exploring adrenaline-pumping beach sports
Visiting Hon Tam Island in Nha Trang is a great choice for those who love adventurous water activities. Here are some exciting things you can try:
- Flyboarding: Hon Tam Island is perfect for flyboarding in Nha Trang. With a flyboard, you can soar up to 6-10 meters. The device is like a skateboard with thrusters, powered by a jet ski, letting you do amazing tricks and feel like a superhero.
- Parasailing: Parasailing lets you fly high above the sea and enjoy stunning views. Just strap in, remember the safety tips, hold the parachute cord, and enjoy the cool sea breeze as you glide.
- Jet skiing: Riding a jet ski is like handling a motor scooter on water. After some quick instructions, you can steer the watercraft, feel the wind in your hair, and enjoy the thrill of speeding across the water.
- Surfing: Surfing is becoming more popular in Nha Trang, and Hon Tam Island is a great place to catch some waves. You can bring your surfboard or rent one from nearby surf shops.
Enjoying thrilling snorkeling fun
You can walk beneath the crystal-clear waters to explore vibrant coral reefs and swim with a multitude of small, colorful fish. This safe activity is suitable for people of all ages, even those who are not experienced swimmers. A walk like this will take about 15 minutes. And on each trip, there is a guide accompanying you.
Taking stunning photos at Hon Tam Wharf
Hon Tam Wharf has a simple but elegant wooden bridge, making it a beautiful place to watch both the sunrise and sunset. This spot is popular for photos on Hon Tam Island, especially among young people who love taking pictures with the wharf and the ocean view. The area around the wharf is also great for sightseeing, allowing visitors to walk along the bridge, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, and capture memorable moments.
Discover the historic Hoang Hoa village
In addition to enjoying the beach, make sure to visit Hoang Hoa Village during your trip to Hon Tam Island. This charming village features five ancient houses that are over 100 years old. The antique space, with its strong traditional features, transports you back to ancient times. The most famous structure here is the house with 36 pillars, surrounded by time-worn items such as rice grinders, kerosene lamps, cabinets, and tables. Visitors can also learn about ancient craft villages, including weaving brocades, pottery making, and wine brewing. Additionally, you can enjoy performances of traditional stone guitars and zithers.
Hoang Hoa Village often hosts large cultural and traditional festivals, such as the Fishermen’s Festival, the Hung Kings Temple Festival, and the Cherry Blossom Festival, providing a rich cultural experience.
Savoring the taste of traditional dishes
Hon Tam does not have many restaurants or eateries yet. Instead, you can buy seafood directly from the fishermen’s boats and either ask them to prepare it or borrow their kitchen to cook it yourself. If you prefer a more luxurious and convenient dining experience, head to the Hon Tam tourist area for diverse buffet meals with high-quality preparation and delicious flavors. Alternatively, you can return to Nha Trang to enjoy specialty dishes like pan-fried snails, fish noodle soup, banh can, and many other traditional foods after a day of fun on the island.
Attractions Nearby
- Beaches in Nha Trang: Nha Trang is known for its beautiful beaches like Tran Phu Beach, Bai Dai Beach, and Doc Let Beach. These beaches are great for relaxing, swimming, and enjoying water sports.
- Islands in Nha Trang: In addition to Hon Tam, other amazing islands in Nha Trang include Hon Mun, Hon Tre, and Hon Mieu. Each island has its own unique experiences and stunning views.
- Ba Ho Waterfall: Just a short trip from Nha Trang, Ba Ho Waterfall has three natural pools and waterfalls. It is a great place for hiking, swimming, and enjoying nature.
- Dam Market: This busy market in Nha Trang offers a variety of local goods, including fresh produce, seafood, souvenirs, and handicrafts. It’s a great place to experience local culture and cuisine.
Tips When Visiting Hon Tam Island
- Remember to pack drinking water and food since eateries on the island are scarce.
- Plan your trip to secure better prices for transportation (bus, plane) and accommodations.
- Do not forget to pack sunscreen, sun protection clothing, and a wide-brimmed hat to shield yourself from the island’s sunny weather.
- Aim to arrive at the port 10-15 minutes before your scheduled boat departure time to avoid any rush.
- Given the island’s limited development, it is advisable to bring all necessary personal items with you as purchasing goods can be challenging.
Hon Tam Island is one of the most beautiful attractions in Nha Trang that Indian tourists should not miss when they have the chance to visit here. So, if you are planning your holiday in Nha Trang, include this island in your itinerary for an unforgettable experience. For more information and to plan your trip, visit Vietnamtour.in and take a look at our Vietnam tour packages which are recommended by locals.
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