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Explore Diep Son Island, feel the thrill of walking on a floating path amidst the ocean, indulge in seafood at the Vạn Giã fishing village... for a refreshing and exciting experience.
Exploring the Diep Son Archipelago in a day
Located nearly 500 km from Ho Chi Minh City, Diep Son Island is situated in the Vân Phong Gulf, Khanh Hoa province, and is becoming a captivating destination, attracting numerous tourists. The place is alluring with its pristine beauty, especially the unique floating path amidst the vast ocean, the most distinctive in Vietnam.
Transportation
To reach Diep Son, head to Vạn Giã town, Khanh Hoa, to catch a boat to the island. From Ho Chi Minh City, take a bus to Nha Trang, and rent a motorbike to travel about 60 km north to reach the destination.
In addition, you can take a bus to Phu Yen and then rent a motorbike in Tuy Hoa city, heading south for about 60 km to reach Van Gia. If traveling from Tuy Hoa, it's recommended to ride along the coastal road, passing through beautiful tourist spots in Phu Yen such as Dien Cape, Vung Ro Bay. Riding a motorbike along the less crowded coastal mountainous roads gives you a sense of adventure and freedom.
From Van Gia town, follow Tran Hung Dao street to reach the boat dock. Usually, the boats operate early in the morning, with the last trip around 3 pm. If taking a boat from the ferry to Diep Son, you have to depend on other local passengers.
If renting an entire boat from local fishermen to go to the island, follow Tran Hung Dao street, and look for Uncle Hai's house, about 300 m from the dock. The cost for exploring the entire archipelago is 500,000 VND, and the boat can accommodate 7 - 8 people. Due to the strong waves in Van Phong Bay and the considerable distance to the island (takes about 1 hour to reach), boats usually depart in the morning and return in the afternoon.
Points of Interest, Experiences
The first experience will be the unique sea path. From Van Gia, after about 1 hour swaying on the sea, the Diep Son archipelago with its 3 small islands will become clear on the horizon. Don't let the boat go straight to Diep Son; instead, stop at the middle island. From here, you can see the sea path lying beneath the water surface, extending about 800 m, connecting to the large Diep Son island.
After experiencing this path, visit Diep Son island, consisting of around 80 households, mainly engaged in fishing. The islanders' evening activities rely on the generator, with each family having only 3 hours of electricity usage daily. The islanders face many challenges in their daily lives, and tourists can combine tourism with charity.
After exploring Diep Son island, venture into the surrounding small islands, with the most prominent being Hon Mot, about a 15-minute boat ride away. Here, the most fascinating aspect is the untouched, serene beauty, the azure beach, and a vast field of swaying grass. This is an ideal place for capturing photos and creating dazzling memories of Van Phong Bay.
Dining
There are very few eateries on Diep Son island, only one refreshment stall at the entrance of the village. The surrounding islands are uninhabited, so if you plan to camp, it's advisable to prepare food and drinks in advance.
Additionally, spend an evening experiencing Van Gia town. Here, you can indulge in delicious and affordable seafood. Along Tran Hung Dao street, following the bay's edge, you'll find seafood restaurants. A plate of fresh and tasty mussels or crunchy snails can cost as little as 50,000 VND...
Suggested Itinerary
Typically, you can explore Diep Son within 2 days and one night. There are two suitable options as follows:
After reaching Nha Trang or Tuy Hoa in the early morning, rent a motorbike and head directly to Van Gia. Then, take a boat to the island, and you can either bring a camping tent for an overnight stay on the island or return to Van Gia for an adventurous night.
Upon arriving in Nha Trang or Tuy Hoa in the early morning, leisurely explore Nha Trang or Tuy Hoa. Around noon, approximately at 2 pm, head to Van Gia town. Stay overnight to explore this small town, then set off for the island early the next morning.
Important Note
The island is very primitive, with limited services. So, if you plan to stay, ensure you have all the necessary gear, food, and drinks.
Additionally, on the island or on the floating sea path, there are no waste disposal facilities. Be environmentally conscious and preserve the cleanliness and beauty of the surroundings.
Source: Vnexpress
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Reference: Travel Handbook by Mytour
MytourFebruary 17, 2016
