Explore 8 Stunningly Pristine Nha Trang Islands

For many travelers, a Nha Trang Island exploration tour is a convenient choice to visit several destinations in one journey. Some islands are ideal for diving and coral viewing, while others are known for mineral mud bathing, seafood, kayaking, trekking or peaceful nature retreats. 

Below is a detailed guide to the best Nha Trang Island experiences, including highlights, suitable travelers and reference prices for each activity.

1. Hon Mun: An ideal destination for diving and coral viewing

Hon Mun is one of the most famous destinations for ocean exploration in Nha Trang. With rich marine life and colorful coral reefs, it is often considered an essential stop on many Nha Trang Island tours.

Scuba Diving

Scuba diving is the most outstanding experience on Hon Mun. Travelers are guided by professional instructors to explore coral reefs, tropical fish and the colorful underwater world.

This activity is suitable for both beginners who want to try discovery diving and travelers with previous diving experience.

Reference price: Around 600,000 VND – 800,000 VND per session, depending on the basic discovery diving or professional diving package.

Snorkeling

If you do not want to dive deep, snorkeling is a lighter and easier option. Travelers can float on the surface and observe coral reefs in shallow waters, usually around 1–2 meters deep.

This activity is suitable for families, groups of friends and travelers who want to see coral without complex diving skills.

Reference price: Around 300,000 VND – 400,000 VND per person.

Glass-Bottom boat ride

A glass-bottom boat is a comfortable option for children, older travelers or anyone who does not want to enter the water. Travelers can sit on the boat and observe coral through the transparent glass bottom.

This experience is not as direct as diving, but it still offers a relaxing and safe way to explore the underwater world.

Reference price: Around 60,000 VND per ride.

Travel notes

Hon Mun is a protected marine area, so travelers should avoid touching coral, stepping on reefs or feeding fish. The best time to visit is usually during calm sea months, when underwater visibility is clearer.

2. Hon Tam: Suitable for mud bathing, relaxation and water sports

Hon Tam offers a softer and more resort-style Nha Trang Island experience. The island combines beaches, green landscapes, wellness services and water activities. It is suitable for couples, families and travelers who want both relaxation and entertainment.

Hot mineral mud bath and hydrotherapy

The mud bath area on Hon Tam is one of the island’s signature experiences. Travelers can soak in warm mineral mud, relax in hydrotherapy pools, use the swimming pool and enjoy views of Nha Trang Bay.

This is a suitable choice for travelers who want an island trip combined with relaxation and body care.

Reference price:
• Standard mud bath packages, usually including round-trip canoe transfer, mud bath and swimming pool access, cost around 490,000 VND – 540,000 VND per person.
• Packages with lunch buffet usually cost around 810,000 VND – 860,000 VND per person.

Water sports at sparkling waves beach

Hon Tam is also known for water sports such as jet skiing, parasailing and surfing. This is a suitable option for travelers who want more excitement after relaxing at the mud bath area.

Reference price:
• Jet ski: Around 500,000 VND for 10 minutes.
• Parasailing: Around 600,000 VND per round.

Travel notes

Travelers should bring dark-colored swimwear or swimwear that is not too new, as mineral mud may slightly stain light-colored fabrics. Hon Tam is suitable for those who prefer well-organized services, comfort and easy transfer from central Nha Trang.

3. Hon Mieu: Suitable for local fishing village experiences

Hon Mieu is one of the closest islands to central Nha Trang. It often appears in Nha Trang Island tours thanks to its combination of fishing village life, seafood rafts, basket boats and Tri Nguyen Aquarium.

Visit Tri Nguyen Aquarium

Tri Nguyen Aquarium is designed like a giant fossil ship and displays many marine species inside. It is a suitable stop for families, especially travelers visiting with children.

This experience is simple but memorable, helping travelers get closer to the marine world before exploring the fishing village atmosphere on the island.

Reference price: Around 170,000 VND per adult and 85,000 VND per child.

Basket boat ride at the fishing village

A basket boat ride is a local experience on Hon Mieu. Travelers can sit in a traditional round boat to move across calm water, visit seafood rafts or explore the fishing village.

This is a gentle way to experience the coastal life of local people in Nha Trang.

Reference price: Around 50,000 VND per person.

If travelers eat seafood at the rafts, the cost is charged separately based on seafood type and market price.

Travel notes

When eating at seafood rafts, travelers should ask clearly about prices per kilogram and cooking methods before ordering. This helps avoid misunderstandings when paying.

4. Whale Island (Hon Ong): Suitable for slow travel and nature retreats

Whale Island, also called Hon Ong, offers a very different Nha Trang Island experience. Located in Van Phong Bay, it is peaceful, close to nature and less commercialized than many tourist islands near the city.

The island is suitable for travelers who enjoy slow travel, nature, kayaking, snorkeling and a quiet space away from crowds.

Kayaking and SUP

The water around Whale Island is quite calm and clear, making it suitable for kayaking or SUP. Travelers can paddle along the coast, enjoy natural scenery and feel the peaceful beauty of Dam Mon Peninsula and Van Phong Bay.

This is a suitable experience for travelers who enjoy light movement and quiet surroundings.

Reference price: Around 100,000 VND – 150,000 VND per hour.

This activity is often free or included if travelers stay at Whale Island Resort.

Trekking around the island

Whale Island has natural walking trails that take travelers through vegetation, rocky areas and coastal viewpoints. Because the island is not overly commercialized, trekking here feels close to nature and pleasantly untouched.

Reference price: Free if travelers explore independently.

Snorkeling around rocky areas

Snorkeling at Whale Island feels more private and relaxing than at crowded islands. The areas around the rocks are suitable for light snorkeling, especially for travelers who prefer quiet natural surroundings.

Reference price: Usually free if travelers bring their own equipment or stay at the resort. Equipment rental fees may vary by service provider.

Travel notes: Whale Island is not suitable for travelers seeking nightlife, crowded entertainment or motorized sea sports. It is a destination for those who love peace, nature and a slower rhythm of travel.

5. Diep Son Island: Known for its sand path in the sea

Diep Son Island is famous for its unique sand path appearing in the sea and connecting small islands in Van Phong Bay. It is one of the most loved Nha Trang Island experiences thanks to its unusual scenery and photogenic landscape.

Walk on the sand path in the sea

The main highlight of Diep Son Island is the white sand path lying between shallow blue waters. When the tide is suitable, the path appears clearly and creates the feeling of walking in the middle of the ocean.

This experience is simple but memorable, especially for travelers who enjoy photography and unique natural landscapes.

Reference price:

• Walking on the sand path is free.
• Shared round-trip canoe transfer to the island usually costs around 200,000 VND – 300,000 VND per person.
• Full-day tour packages usually cost around 600,000 VND – 700,000 VND per person.

Kayaking around the island

Kayaking is a gentle way to enjoy the shallow, clear water around Diep Son Island. This activity is suitable for travelers who want to move slowly and enjoy peaceful sea views.

Reference price: Around 100,000 VND per hour.

Travel notes

Travelers should check the tide schedule before visiting. The sand path is most beautiful at low tide. Travel conditions may also change depending on season and sea conditions.

6. Monkey Island / Hon Lao: Suitable for animal experiences

Monkey Island, or Hon Lao, is a lively and family-friendly destination in Nha Phu Bay. The island is known for its large number of naturally living monkeys, animal shows and outdoor entertainment activities.

Interact with monkeys

The island has more than 1,200 monkeys living naturally. Travelers can observe them, feed them with food sold at the tourist site and watch animal performances.

This experience is especially popular with children, but travelers should still be careful with personal belongings.

Reference price: Watching and feeding monkeys is usually included in the entrance ticket, around 150,000 VND – 250,000 VND.
• Shared Monkey Island tours usually cost around 500,000 VND – 600,000 VND per person.
• Monkey food is usually sold separately for around 10,000 VND – 20,000 VND per pack.

Go-Kart Racing

Monkey Island also has a Prokart racing area, suitable for travelers who want to try a fun activity after visiting the island.

Reference price: Around 100,000 VND – 150,000 VND per ticket.

Note: Vinpearl Harbour also currently offers a more premium Go-Kart experience, with reference prices from 330,000 VND – 460,000 VND per person.

Travel notes

Travelers should keep sunglasses, food, phones and small belongings secure. The monkeys on the island are playful and may take loose items.

7. Orchid Island: Suitable for ecological scenery and a light day trip

Orchid Island is often combined with Monkey Island in Nha Phu Bay tours. While Monkey Island feels lively, Orchid Island is gentler and greener, with flower gardens, streams, shaded paths and a relaxing ecological setting.

Explore orchid gardens and ecological landscapes

Travelers can walk under cool tree canopies, see orchids, take photos by streams, small waterfalls and natural-style mini landscapes. This is a gentle experience suitable for families, older travelers and those who enjoy relaxing walks.

Reference price: Self-guided visit packages or shared tours usually cost around 600,000 VND – 730,000 VND per person, often including boat, transfer and lunch.

Elephant and ostrich riding

Some travelers, especially families with young children, choose elephant or ostrich riding on the island. These are extra services outside the main sightseeing program.

Reference price: Elephant or ostrich riding usually costs around 300,000 VND per round.

An Binh Beach and water activities

An Binh Beach has calm water and a gentle slope, suitable for swimming and relaxing. Travelers can also join activities such as jet skiing or kayaking.

Reference price:

• Jet ski: Around 500,000 VND for 10 minutes.
• Kayaking: Around 100,000 VND per hour.

Travel notes

Orchid Island is suitable for travelers who want a light, easy day trip that is not too focused on adventurous activities.

8. Yen Island – Hon Noi: Famous for its twin beach

Yen Island, or Hon Noi, is one of the most special islands near Nha Trang. It is known for its twin beach, swiftlet caves and traditional bird’s nest harvesting activities.

Unlike many other islands, travelers cannot visit Yen Island independently and must join a day tour organized by Sanest Khanh Hoa.

Swim at the twin beach

The twin beach is the main highlight of Yen Island. A white sand strip divides two blue water areas, creating a rare and impressive landscape. Many travelers consider this one of the most unique island experiences in Vietnam.

Reference price: Yen Island does not sell independent entrance tickets. Travelers must book a day tour. Tour prices start from around 500,000 VND by wooden boat, 700,000 VND by speed canoe. Prices usually include transfer, lunch and entrance fees.

Climb Du Ha Peak

Travelers can climb around 220 stone steps to reach Du Ha Peak. From here, the full view of the twin beach, blue sea and surrounding islands appears beautifully.

Reference price: Usually included in the Yen Island day tour package.

Visit Swiftlet Caves

Yen Island is also known for its natural swiftlet caves. During the trip, travelers can learn about the history, techniques and challenges of harvesting bird’s nests on coastal cliffs.

Reference price: Usually included in the Yen Island day tour package.

Travel notes

Yen Island tours are seasonal and the number of visitors is often controlled. Travelers should book in advance, especially during peak season, to secure a suitable schedule.

Suggested platforms for booking Nha Trang island tours

If this is your first trip to Nha Trang, a Nha Trang Island day tour is a convenient choice to experience several highlights without arranging transportation yourself.

A popular itinerary may include Hon Mun for snorkeling, Hon Mieu for a fishing village visit and Hon Tam for mud bathing or beach relaxation. This route is suitable for travelers staying in central Nha Trang or near Panorama Star Beach Nha Trang, as transfer to the main piers is quite convenient.

For travelers who love nature and quiet surroundings, Whale Island or Diep Son Island may be more suitable. These destinations are farther from the city center but offer a slower, more private and nature-focused atmosphere.

For families with young children, Monkey Island and Orchid Island are convenient choices because they combine animals, gardens, beaches and light entertainment in one day.

Below are some platforms and direct operators for booking island tours near Nha Trang:

• GetYourGuide – suitable for international travelers who want to compare tours, read reviews and book travel activities. It is a global marketplace for tours, entrance tickets, activities and excursions.
• Viator / Tripadvisor – suitable for international travelers, especially those who want to read many reviews before booking. Viator has a dedicated “Nha Trang Tours & Excursions” page with tours such as Nha Trang Island Hopping, snorkeling, Hon Mun, Hon Mieu and Hon Tam.

Reference costs for Nha Trang island experiences

The total cost of a Nha Trang Island trip depends on the destination, transportation, activities and whether travelers choose a shared tour or private service.

For budget travelers, simple experiences such as glass-bottom boats, basket boats, kayaking or self-guided trekking usually cost around 150,000 – 300,000 VND per activity.

For mid-range travelers, activities such as snorkeling, mud bathing, Monkey Island tours, Orchid Island tours or Diep Son Island tours usually range from around 300,000 VND – 730,000 VND per person.

For premium or more specialized experiences such as scuba diving, mud bath packages with buffet, private car rental or speed canoe services, costs may start from around 800,000 VND per person or more, depending on the package.

These prices are for reference only and may change depending on travel season, service provider, booking time and inclusions in each package.