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Introduction to Hon Tam - The Green Island of Nha Trang
Hon Tam, also known as Thuy Kim Island, is a small island in Nha Trang Bay with an area of approximately 110ha. Nestled amidst the azure sky, surrounded by tropical forests, and adorned with a stretch of white sand over 1km long. 'Clear sky, blue sea, white sand, golden sunshine' – this island seamlessly combines the mysterious wilderness with its own captivating charm.
The sea surrounding the island is remarkably calm, with gentle and soothing waves. Consequently, this is an ideal location for cultivating pearls and also the most enticing spot for coral diving. Bringing together these elements, Hon Tam is the perfect destination when traveling to Nha Trang, especially for those who appreciate resort-style vacations or eco-friendly tourism.
Hon Tam - The Green Island of Nha Trang (@merperle_resorts_hotels)
Best Time to Visit Hon Tam
Blessed by nature, the weather in Nha Trang in general, and Hon Tam in particular, is relatively mild. Winter is not too cold, and the weather is not as harsh as in the North. However, there is an extended dry season, with an average temperature of around 27°C. Specifically, the highest temperature occurs in August (28 – 31°C), and the lowest temperature is in March (23.7°C).
Overall, this is an ideal climate for a retreat. Therefore, you can visit Hon Tam for tourism at any time of the year. However, coming to Hon Tam between March and September will ensure a more fulfilling travel experience.
During this period, the climate here is not excessively hot, and the seawater is clear and cool. Additionally, there are many events and festivals in Nha Trang organized during this time.
Getting to Hon Tam
Typically, there are 2 ways to get to Hon Tam. Most tourists from distant provinces will travel by plane to Cam Ranh Airport. From there, they will move from Cam Ranh Airport to Nha Trang and then to Hon Tam. Alternatively, a large number of tourists will travel directly from Nha Trang to Hon Tam.
Transportation from Cam Ranh Airport to Nha Trang Center
Taxi
At Cam Ranh Airport, most tourists opt for taxis (Mai Linh, Nha Trang, Emasco, V20, etc.). With fares ranging from 200,000 VND to 350,000 VND/way. This mode of transportation is both comfortable and time-saving.
Bus
On average, bus number 18 transports around 48 round-trip passengers to Nha Trang daily, taking approximately 1 hour. The bus operates from 05:30 to 21:50. The fare for the entire route is 50,000 VND/way.
Additionally, travelers can reach Nha Trang by airport bus. This service provided by Cam Ranh Airport aims to transfer passengers to the city center of Nha Trang. Buses typically run about 30 minutes after each landing. The fare for the entire route is 65,000 VND/way.
>> Explore more about transportation when traveling to Nha Trang.
Transportation from Cam Ranh Airport to Nha Trang city center by bus
Traveling from Nha Trang to Hon Tam
To travel to Hon Tam from Nha Trang, you can consider the following 2 methods:
- Join organized island tours, the most popular being the 4-island tour. During this tour, you will visit Hon Tam, where you can explore, enjoy activities, dine, and relax on the island before moving on to other islands. This mode of transportation ensures both safety and the opportunity to explore various attractions in Nha Trang.
- Purchase a canoe ticket for island transfer. On average, there are about 20 round-trip journeys per day, each taking 20 minutes. Note: Canoe services cease operation after 22:00.
Traveling to Hon Tam by canoe (@sunhuyn)
What to prepare when exploring Hon Tam independently?
While the climate on Hon Tam is generally mild, the summer sun can be intense, especially on the open sea, making sunburn a risk. Therefore, like any other journey, you should bring essential personal items when heading to the island, such as:
- Opt for clothing made of breathable and lightweight materials.
- Sun protection items: sunscreen, jacket, wide-brimmed hat, and a visor.
- Personal belongings: swimwear, towels, toiletries for changing, etc.
- A small amount of food and beverages will help replenish your energy after the enjoyable activities here.
>> Remember to pack everything you need for your trip to Nha Trang.
What to explore on Hon Tam Island?
Hoang Hoa Village
Currently, Hoang Hoa Village boasts 05 ancient houses over 100 years old. Visiting this ancient village, you will immerse yourself in the sounds of traditional musical instruments, such as the zither and stone xylophone. Additionally, you can learn more about the art of traditional weaving, and the craft of artistic ceramics. Moreover, Hoang Hoa Village organizes annual festivals like the Cherry Blossom Festival, Cau Ngu Festival, and the offering ceremony to King Hung.
Hon Tam Beach
Hon Tam is renowned as one of the most beautiful beaches in Nha Trang Bay, boasting a charming landscape. The year-round warm weather makes it an ideal spot for relaxation and rejuvenation. Visitors can leisurely stroll on the long stretch of white sand, extending over 1km. Alternatively, they can immerse themselves in the cool, refreshing water or unwind under the bamboo huts while savoring delicious fresh coconuts.
Hon Tam Beach (@truongxuanng_)
Recreational Activities
- Jet Skiing: A thrilling water sport where you can experience the excitement of controlling a jet ski without wheels, gliding swiftly on the sea surface.
- Parasailing: One of the thrilling activities that attracts a large number of participants. Simply follow the instructions and take off. The parachute below will glide swiftly on the sea, generating wind force for parasailing. This way, you can admire the panoramic view of Hon Tam from above. The price for parasailing ranges from 500,000 VND to 600,000 VND/15 minutes/person.
Parasailing at Hon Tam (@tropical_gardening_vietnam)
- Seawalk: A new form of tourism at Hon Tam, suitable for all ages. In this activity, you will walk underwater with the guidance of a diver. During the experience, you can also observe the nearest coral reefs, touch the small fish beneath the sea. The cost for the journey is approximately 800,000 VND/15 minutes/person.
- Golfing: A distinctive feature of Hon Tam is its expansive 1.2ha golf course. It provides enthusiasts with the space to swing their clubs and express their passion for golf.
>> Explore more about the top 15 must-visit attractions in Nha Trang.
Where to stay when visiting Hon Tam?
When traveling to Hon Tam, you can choose hotels right on the island or opt for some Nha Trang hotels in the city center for convenient access to the island. Here, Mytour recommends some hotels and homestays for your upcoming Hon Tam trip:
- MerPerle Hon Tam Resort
This hotel is situated by the beach, making it one of the hotels with the most beautiful views on Hon Tam. The rooms are spacious, providing ample amenities. MerPerle Hon Tam Resort offers various services, including laundry, a restaurant, spa, meeting rooms, and more. The staff is professionally trained and exceptionally friendly. With luxurious and classy services, MerPerle starts at 3,060,000 VND/night.
MerPerle Hon Tam Resort
- Libra Hotel
Libra Hotel is a 4-star hotel in Nha Trang city, equipped with modern facilities, a fitness room, and an indoor swimming pool. Additionally, it takes just a 5-minute walk to reach the Po Nagar Cham Towers and 2/4 Square. Libra Hotel ranges from 1,770,000 VND to 3,790,000 VND/night (including breakfast).
- Hem Xeo Homestay
A traditional homestay in the heart of Nha Trang city, Hem Xeo is a 2-story wooden house with traditional Vietnamese interior, showcasing the unique cultural spirit of Vietnam. At Hem Xeo Homestay, you'll experience attentive service from the staff and high-quality room accommodations. The price for Hem Xeo Homestay is 990,000 VND/night.
What to eat when in Hon Tam?
Being one of the islands in the coastal city of Nha Trang, Hon Tam offers a delightful array of fresh seafood. Indulge in buffet feasts and grilled seafood at the accommodations or restaurants on the island.
You can also savor some light snacks and refreshing drinks at The Pool Bar's counter. The serving hours here are from 08:00 to 20:00. Enjoying a cocktail on the island at night will provide you with unforgettable experiences.
Furthermore, if you stay overnight here, you can participate in lively and exciting activities at Hon Tam Bar. Immerse yourself in energetic remix music and indulge in tempting cocktails.
>> Read more in the article '15 delicious dishes in Nha Trang that you definitely cannot miss'.
Indulge in seafood at Hon Tam
Some considerations when traveling to Hon Tam independently
Some considerations when traveling to Hon Tam independently that you may need to refer to for preparing an ideal trip are as follows:
- Arrive at the canoe pier at least 20 minutes before the canoe departs.
- After 22:00, the canoe will cease operation, so if you want to return to the city center, you must move to the canoe pier on time.
- It's advisable to prepare motion sickness medication if you are not accustomed to traveling by train, boat, or canoe.
- Avoid traveling during holidays or festivals to save costs.
This article is a comprehensive compilation of the most detailed travel experiences on Hon Tam Island. Hon Tam is also a prominent destination in many current Nha Trang tours. Therefore, if you don't have much time to plan on your own, book services, etc., you can opt for these tours which are very convenient. For those who don't want to be restricted, enjoy exploration, and spend more time relaxing here, combo Nha Trang tours including transportation and hotels will be an excellent choice. Hope this article has provided you with more useful information and a wonderful trip to this island!
>> Stay updated with the latest Nha Trang travel experiences.
Mytour Admin
Image source: Instagram, Internet
