Buzz
To tread the unique and breathtaking sea-crossing walkway in Vietnam, you must prepare quite a few things.
March is the ideal time to visit Diep Son, the island has become a must-visit destination this summer for many young travelers. There are plenty of reasons why Diep Son captures the attention of adventurous souls. Diep Son boasts Vietnam's only sea-crossing walkway, its untouched beauty promises unforgettable experiences, it's picturesque beyond words, seafood here is both affordable and delicious, locals are friendly and hospitable, and the expenses for a trip to Diep Son are reasonable. Convinced yet?
Diep Son has only recently gained popularity, so the number of visitors, check-ins, and detailed reviews is still relatively low. Hence, the review album by a guy named Truong Khoa at Diep Son, featuring sparkling images and detailed descriptions from transportation to accommodation and dining, has garnered significant attention. Let's see how his trip with his friends unfolds! Surely, there will be plenty of handy tips for those planning to visit Diep Son:
- Duration: 2 days 1 night
- Group of 7 people, traveling from Saigon
- Total expenses: 1.1 million VND per person (600k for transportation and 500k for living expenses)
Things to Prepare Before You Go
Diep Son is still undeveloped, electricity is only available for 3 hours per day via a generator (from 6 PM to 9 PM), there are no guesthouses or toilets, so it's essential to prepare adequately beforehand. Bring plenty of provisions (there are eateries on the island so snacks are fine), power banks, flashlights, essential personal items, and a jacket (it gets cold at night due to dew).
Setting Off
Khoa's group of friends started their journey from Ho Chi Minh City, heading to Van Gia, then from Van Gia to Diep Son. Upon arrival at Diep Son, remember to contact the village chief and local police chief to request permission to stay on the island, then enjoy exploring and having fun to your heart's content.
From Ho Chi Minh City to Van Gia, there are 2 options:
- Purchase tickets at Mien Dong Bus Station for a direct trip to Van Gia (195k per person)
- Buy tickets for a tourist bus to Nha Trang, then take a bus or motorbike to Van Gia (180k per person)
From Van Gia to Diep Son:
After reaching Van Gia, ask for directions and head to Van Gia Fish Market (motorbike taxi costs 10k per person). From here, there are 2 ways to get to Diep Son:
- Take the market boat to Diep Son. Departure times vary from 9 AM to 11 AM daily, returning to the mainland at 5 AM or 6 AM. Travel time ranges from 40 to 50 minutes (ticket price is 20k per person).
- You can rent a boat (around 50k per person one way). Travel time takes from 15 to 20 minutes.
Dining, Accommodation
In Diep Son, there are no tourist services available, so you can ask to stay at locals' houses, or the police chief's house, or you may need to rent a tent for camping. While traveling, remember to ask the locals for camping spots, seafood markets, drinking water, bathing areas, restroom locations... Rest assured, the locals here are extremely hospitable and helpful, they will assist you greatly!
Seafood remains the main food, with outdoor BBQ feasts, and delicious fish cake soup for breakfast. Shrimp, squid, fish, clams... spending around 150k per person is more than enough for a satisfying and filling meal.
Experience
Camping by the sea, there are plenty of activities for you to try on this pristine Diep Son island. Swimming, walking on the ocean-crossing pathway, admiring romantic sunsets, stargazing on a chilly night after a fantastic BBQ feast at Hon Bip.
The next morning, Khoa's group wakes up at 5 AM, heading back to the port to watch the sunrise. A very refreshing morning with boats, mountains, and the sea. This feeling is nowhere to be found in the cramped city.
At 8 AM, the group returned to dismantle the tents in preparation for departure. After breakfast, everyone took a stroll around the island to listen to the guide's introduction about Diep Son and admire the scenery that many people yearn to visit. For just 50k per person, you can have a tour around the island to learn more and see more.
Things to Note When Visiting Diep Son
Concluding his review, Khoa summarized a few pointers to ensure that future travelers have a delightful and memorable trip. The best time to visit Diep Son is from January to April. When using facilities at locals' houses, it's customary to leave them some money as they have to purchase drinking water from the mainland. If you wish to use the restroom at the camping area, it's best to go around 3 or 4 AM when it's less crowded.
The scenery on the island is stunning, but beware of the intense sun at noon, especially for the ladies.
Diep Son is undoubtedly the hottest island destination this summer. So if you're planning to visit, check out this review by Mr. Truong Khoa! Depending on the number of people and the quality of services, the expenses may vary slightly, but essentially, the itinerary and experiences he described above cover everything you need to know.
If you get the chance to visit, remember to take lots of photos, enjoy the views, and indulge in plenty of delicious and affordable seafood at Diep Son!
