Buzz
Famously referred to as the Maldives of Vietnam, Hon Kho is undeniably a stunning destination you should not miss when traveling to Quy Nhon, Binh Dinh. Join Vntrip in unraveling the secrets of this exquisite ocean paradise!
How to Reach Hon Kho?
Discover Your Own Maldives Right Here in Quy Nhon
Hòn Khô, also known as Cù lao Hòn Khô, is nestled among the cluster of 32 islands off the coast of Bình Định province, approximately 19km from Quy Nhơn city. Hòn Khô captivates with its beauty, tranquility, and softness, contrary to its name.
Hòn Khô charms visitors with a 500-meter 'sea-crossing path'
Getting there is also quite straightforward. From Ho Chi Minh City, you can take a plane, bus, or train to Quy Nhơn directly. Then, rent a vehicle to cross Thị Nại bridge, go through the Nhơn Hội Economic Zone, along Mai Hương bay to reach the fishing village of Nhơn Hãi. From there, you can easily hire a boat to reach this beautiful island. There are plenty of boats with different services and prices for you to choose from. The fare for a trip from the mainland to the island fluctuates between 100K – 1200K.
Various boats from the mainland will take you to the island. Photo: Trịnh Kim Điền
What makes Hòn Khô special?
Traveling in Quy Nhơn – The most prominent feature of this island is perhaps its beautifully preserved pristine nature, almost untouched by human intervention. Moreover, the island is adorned with numerous rocks scattered throughout, displaying various shapes and sizes.
Enormous scattered rocks across the island. Photo @tuogviiy
Hòn Kho is peaceful and untouched, with minimal human intervention. This allows you to feel a sense of freedom, expansiveness, and simplicity when visiting. The island is surrounded by not many tall, shady trees but rather green grass and unique rock formations, creating a remarkably wild scenery.
Hòn Khô enjoys a gentle sun, thanks to the refreshing sea breezes. Photo: @phuonghoe90
The most impressive aspect of Hòn Khô is its stunning sea pathway. As the tide recedes, a rocky shore mixed with sandy beaches emerges, creating a sea route over 500m long from the fishing village of Nhơn Hãi to the extraordinary island. This unique sea route seems like it's straight out of a fairy tale and cannot be found anywhere else. However, the mysterious sea pathway isn't always visible as the water level varies with each season.
The extraordinary sea pathway at Hòn Khô
The wooden bridge winding along the coastal path is also a favorite spot for many young people. Standing on the bridge, you can witness the sparkling blue sea on one side and the majestic rocky mountains on the other, creating an unforgettable scenic beauty of land and water.
With the sea on one side and me on the other. Photo: ST
What to do at Hòn Khô
Hòn Khô boasts a turquoise sea along its white sandy beach, much like any other beach in Quy Nhơn. However, what delights travelers is the sense of freedom and expansiveness, being separated from the city and immersed in the nature that this island offers. It's considered an ideal day trip destination for adventurous souls or those seeking a relaxing break after the fatigue of work.
Hòn Khô is a favorite destination for many young enthusiasts. Photo @instagram _thuyen
An ideal destination for avid explorers. Photo @hoangnh110281
Moreover, you can also rent a fishing boat from the local fishermen here to explore the surroundings of the island or visit places with affordable coral reef viewing. For those renting boats from the mainland to the island for this service, the prices will fluctuate around 200,000 – 300,000 VND, depending on the boat owner, suitable for groups of about 5 – 10 people. The travel time from Quy Nhơn to Hòn Khô is also quite fast, approximately 15-20 minutes.
Plenty of boat options for you to choose from. Photo @instagram breeze196
Mysterious sea creatures found beneath the ocean surface. Photo ST
Exploring Hòn Khô Independently
If you choose to travel to Hòn Khô independently, you can comfortably take a taxi from the city center of Quy Nhơn. If you want to join a boat to Hòn Khô, it's advisable to go early between 8 – 10 am as this is the busiest time, making it easier to find others to share the boat with. Taking a shared wooden boat costs about 100k/round trip ticket, renting a private boat (10 seats) is around 500k/boat/round trip, shared canoe is approximately 200k/round trip, and renting a private canoe (15 seats) is about 1200k/canoe/round trip.
Hòn Khô has few trees and almost no tall ones, making it extremely sunny. So, if you don't want to return with a sunburn, make sure to bring hats, caps, and sunscreen! The beverage stalls here are small makeshift shelters, so it's a good idea to proactively bring some water and light snacks with you.
Notably, there are currently no hotels or homestays on Hòn Khô. If you wish to stay and enjoy the seaside at night, you can return to Nhơn Hải fishing village to rent a hotel. Currently, the fishing village has only two small hotels, Nhon Hai Beach Hostel and Cá Home. The rooms here are limited, so it's best to book early to avoid disrupting your itinerary.
Explore more about Nhon Hai Beach Hostel
Book a room at Hòn Khô hotel on Vntrip
Quy Nhơn boasts numerous beaches with captivating beauty that attracts tourists. But if you desire a peaceful and untouched destination to indulge in a serene soulful experience, don't forget to visit Hòn Khô.
Learn more:
- Explore Ghềnh Ráng Tiên Sa Tourist Area
- Discover Trung Lương Outdoor Area – A new stop in Bình Định
- Travel Experience to Cù Lao Xanh for 2 days and 1 night
The cost of visiting Hòn Khô varies depending on the mode of transportation, number of people, and the type of services chosen. You can also book a tour to Hòn Khô for full support from A to Z, and the cost is reasonable.
Visiting Hòn Khô from the 2nd to the 9th lunar month is the most beautiful and offers the chance to see the unique sea route. The weather during this time is also quite favorable. Other months may experience strong sea waves and potential rain, affecting your trip.
The sea at Hòn Khô is relatively gentle, with mild waves (except during the rainy season when the sea can be more turbulent), making it safe for recreation. However, it's advisable to wear a life jacket for added safety.
There are not many eateries on Hòn Khô, usually only open in the evening. If you want to enjoy a variety of dishes, you can return to the Nhơn Hải fishing village area.
