Buzz
Issues regarding transportation, dining, accommodation, sightseeing spots, etc., are frequently asked questions for first-time backpackers to Bình Ba Island.
10 common inquiries tourists have when visiting Bình Ba Island
What is the ideal time to visit Bình Ba Island?
You can visit Bình Ba Island anytime you want, but the optimal time is from March to September. Additionally, try to visit Bình Ba on weekdays, as holidays and festivals attract a large crowd here, making it difficult for you to fully appreciate the island's beauty.
How to travel to Bình Ba Island?
Travelers can easily reach Bình Ba via 3 modes of transportation: Plane, train, car, and motorcycle.
Plane: From Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, numerous flights to Nha Trang are available daily, landing at Cam Ranh Airport, which is 17km away from Ba Ngòi port (the port to Bình Ba). You can take a taxi from here.
Car: Currently, at Miền Đông bus station – Ho Chi Minh City, many bus companies operate routes from Ho Chi Minh City to Cam Ranh. Reputable bus companies include Phương Trang, Phương Nam, Mai Linh, Hòa Thuận Anh, Huỳnh Gia, Cúc Tùng… One-way ticket prices range from 170,000 to 200,000 VND per person.
Train: From Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, you can take a train to Nha Trang station, then catch a bus to Cam Ranh bus station. From there, you can take a taxi or motorbike taxi to Ba Ngòi port (about 3km away). From Hanoi to Nha Trang takes about 27 hours by train, with ticket prices ranging from 660,000 to 2 million VND. From Ho Chi Minh City, it takes about 9 hours to reach Nha Trang station by train, with ticket prices ranging from 200,000 to 400,000 VND.
Motorcycle: Due to the relatively long distance, you should carefully consider your health condition, weather, and the condition of your “steed” to avoid unfortunate incidents on the road. From Ho Chi Minh City, ride along National Highway 1A (heading north). Along the way, you will pass through Phan Thiết (Bình Thuận), Phan Rang – Tháp Chàm (Ninh Thuận)…
Essential items to bring to the island?
Travelers should remember to bring sunscreen, hats, motion sickness medication, swimsuits… And don't forget a camera to capture those wonderful moments on the island.
What are the ferry schedules from Ba Ngòi port to Bình Ba?
The only means of transportation from Ba Ngòi port to Bình Ba island is by ferry.
Ferry schedules:
– Ba Ngòi – Bình Ba: 7:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 1:30 PM, 4:00 PM.
– Bình Ba – Ba Ngòi: 5:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 12:30 PM, 4:30 PM.
Travelers should pay attention to ferry schedules as they may vary depending on passenger volume. The ferry ticket price from Cam Ranh to Bình Ba is 30,000 VND per person, while the canoe is 100,000 VND. The ferry ride usually takes 45-60 minutes, while the canoe only takes about 20 minutes to reach the island.
Where to stay on Bình Ba Island?
There are plenty of guesthouses, homestays, and hotels on Bình Ba, with room prices ranging from 50,000 to 400,000 VND per night. Those accustomed to luxury hotels may find it hard to be satisfied with the services here. Additionally, camping on the beach is an interesting option for large groups of travelers.
Transportation options on the island?
On the island, travelers can choose electric cars for around 250,000 VND per trip around the island (maximum 10 people) or rent a motorbike for 100,000 – 150,000 VND per day. Moreover, for those with good physical fitness, walking is also a safe and leisurely way to explore Bình Ba.
Are there any famous attractions on Bình Ba?
Bình Ba offers countless stops for travelers to explore such as Quan Âm Temple, Địa Tạng Temple, Ngọc Gia Hương Monastery, Nam Hải Tomb… Some famous beaches on the island include Nom Beach, Chướng Beach, Old House Beach. You should sign up for a diving tour combined with swimming. Tour prices here are quite affordable, around 100,000 - 150,000 VND per person.
What are the famous specialties of Bình Ba?
Bình Ba is famous for lobster and fresh seafood, so you definitely can't miss out on these specialties. You can rent a boat to go to the beaches and enjoy dining on the boat. The prices of lobster and seafood here vary depending on the day and season but are definitely cheaper than elsewhere, from 30% to 50%. Moreover, Bình Ba also offers many delicious snacks such as noodle soup, grilled shrimp and squid cakes, egg cakes, snails, fermented shrimp paste with rice paper, spring rolls…, with prices ranging from 3,000 to 20,000 VND.
What fun activities are there in the evening in Bình Ba?
The first interesting activity you should try is crab hunting. The beaches around Bình Ba Island have plenty of crabs, so you can take a flashlight and go crab hunting in the evening, which is a lot of fun. Especially, you can enjoy delicious fried crab meat afterward. Additionally, another fun activity is to contact boat owners to go shrimping or squid fishing on the boat. Some tour companies also organize these activities, or you can simply ask any local on the island, it won't be hard to find the right place.
What gifts should I bring when traveling to Bình Ba?
Just like other island regions of Vietnam, in Bình Ba, you can buy fresh seafood and lobster right in the morning as you return. Fishermen on the island often bring newly caught seafood to sell at the dock for the convenience of tourists. The sellers will also pack the seafood in boxes and ice for you to take home without worrying about spoilage. Additionally, Bình Ba also offers many impressive souvenir items made from shells of various species such as clams, snails, and mussels,… you can completely choose these items as gifts for yourself.
For the ultimate experience when traveling to Bình Ba, don't forget to select one of the attractive tour packages below!
Bình Ba 2 Days 2 Nights Tour: Exploring Cam Ranh Bay
Bình Ba 2 Days 2 Nights Tour: Bình Ba – Hot Spring Bath – Resort Stay
Five Peaks 3 Days 3 Nights Tour: Bình Hưng – Bình Lập – Bình Châu – Bình Tiên – Bình Ba
By Tiểu Lam (Compiled)
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Reference: Travel guide by Mytour
MytourFebruary 17, 2016
