Buzz
Just 15 kilometers away from downtown Quy Nhon (Binh Dinh), Hon Kho Island beckons as an ideal destination for beach lovers, coral enthusiasts, and seafood aficionados.
Explore the Wonders of Quy Nhon While Admiring the Beauty of Hon Kho Island
To reach Hon Kho, besides opting for tours offered by travel agencies, you can organize your own tour. Upon reaching Nhon Hai commune, a short 10-minute boat ride will take you to Hon Kho.
The island is dominated by rocky mountains and scattered patches of shrubs. Interspersed with rocky cliffs jutting into the sea are pristine, small sandy beaches, surrounded by crystal clear waters. There is no resident population on the island, with the largest beach being the focal point for tourists. Surrounding the island are small rocky reefs, perfect for fishing enthusiasts or those seeking solitude amidst the vast sea.
Currently, Hon Kho offers 2 dining and freshwater bathing spots, one managed by Mr. Le Hai's family and the other by the Nhon Hai Youth Union. According to Mr. Hai, during the summer season, the daily influx of tourists to Hon Kho can reach up to 200 people. During rough sea conditions, some days witness no visitors. Each tourist group to Hon Kho consists of around 20 people, renting a boat for island trips, snorkeling, and returning to the mainland at a cost of 350,000 VND per trip. Lunch, along with freshwater bathing, averages at 130,000 VND per person.
For travelers who opt to visit Hon Kho independently, they can rent a small boat from local fishermen for 200,000 VND per trip, and lunch choices are customizable.
'A meal we serve on Hon Kho Island usually consists of 8 or 9 dishes, depending on guests' requests. Fresh seafood available on Hon Kho includes barracuda, red snapper, grouper, flounder, and various shellfish. Guests interested in lobster and other seafood should make reservations in advance. We welcome visitors throughout the year, always ready to serve,' said Mr. Hai.
In recent years, snorkeling and coral viewing services have become highly favored among tourists visiting Hon Kho. The coral reefs near Hon Kho's shores, despite being in shallow waters of 1 - 2 meters, host a diverse marine life. Simply donning a life jacket and goggles allows one to witness the beauty of the coral reefs, teeming with colorful fish. Many snorkelers jokingly refer to Hon Kho as the 'Aquarium of the Dragon King'!
'When visiting Hon Kho, regardless of whether you're a proficient swimmer or not, adult or child, simply wearing a life jacket and goggles grants you the opportunity to marvel at the coral reefs. Guests often enjoy swimming ashore after a satisfying viewing experience. In contrast, in Nha Trang, coral reefs are typically found in deeper waters, requiring assistance while diving. Therefore, snorkeling activities in Nha Trang are somewhat limited, whereas in Hon Kho, they're not,' stated Mr. Nguyen Pham Kien Trung, Director of Central Vietnam Travel Company.
Taking a leisurely stroll around the island, visitors will be captivated by its majestic and unique natural beauty. Notably, Hon Kho is a sea turtle conservation area. If lucky enough to stay on Hon Kho overnight, visitors may witness the spectacle of sea turtles coming ashore. During low tide, visitors can observe a mysterious ancient wall emerging from the water. Many believe this wall to be a coastal defense structure built by the Cham people, though no historical records confirm this. Additionally, the Hương Mai Pagoda on the mainland in Nhon Hai commune, with its numerous Arhat statues, outdoor Buddha statues, and reputed sacredness, is also a noteworthy attraction.
If you desire a seaside getaway, capturing romantic and memorable snapshots while keeping expenses economical, Hon Kho is the place to be.
As per the Youth Magazine
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Reference: Mytour Travel Handbook
MytourJanuary 16, 2015
