Marvel at the breathtaking wonders of nature in Vân Phong Bay

Often compared to a sleeping princess on the vast sea, Vân Phong Bay captivates travelers with its expansive white sandy beaches, crystal-clear blue waters, and the vibrant colors of the diverse coral reefs and marine life.

Vân Phong Bay stands as one of the world's most beautiful bays, a natural marvel boasting a mild climate, stunning beaches, fine sand, and majestic hills surrounding the area. It is the only place that combines all the elements of a seaside paradise: incredibly beautiful, incredibly pristine, and absolutely serene. Explore the best spots of this Vietnamese seaside paradise with Mytour.

1. Bíp Island (Điệp Sơn Island)

As one of the most challenging island communities in Khánh Hòa province, the Điệp Sơn village with 83 households still faces difficulties in accessing electricity and clean water. Điệp Sơn comprises three small islands, nestled in the Vân Phong Bay. The journey to discover this island starts from Vạn Giã town, and after about an hour on the rolling sea, the beautiful Điệp Sơn archipelago emerges distinctly on the horizon.

What makes Điệp Sơn unique is the extraordinary and fascinating underwater trail, stretching nearly 700 meters, connecting the small island to the large Điệp Sơn Island. The winding path, about one meter wide, lies deep below the crystal-clear sea, at a depth of less than half a meter. Walking on this trail is an incredibly thrilling experience, mingled with excitement and a hint of fear as you step into the vast ocean. You can enjoy watching small schools of fish swimming playfully on both sides, occasionally witnessing them leaping out of the water, or waving to passing boats.

2. Ong Island (Whale Island)

Ong Island distinguishes itself from other tourist islands by its lack of a local population. The island is home to only one resort, the Whale Island Resort, which provides all the necessary services. Environmental conservation is highly prioritized on Ong Island, prohibiting activities such as fishing or bird hunting. Therefore, if you're looking for a place to party, a bustling gathering spot, or noisy nightlife, Ong Island is not the right fit.

Ong Island is exclusively suited for sea enthusiasts who enjoy exploring untouched, serene, and tranquil natural settings. It's an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life, perfect for newlyweds seeking a romantic honeymoon. Most foreign visitors rate Ong Island 9 or 10 for its scenic beauty and location. Many travelers affirm that this is truly a seaside paradise they have set foot on.

3. Dam Mon Peninsula

Dam Mon is a peninsula covering a total area of 128 km², comprising 20 small and large islands along with pristine forests. The Dam Mon Sea is exceptionally calm and notably clear, allowing visibility to the seabed, thanks to the protection from the Hon Gom and Hon Lon peninsulas, creating a natural barrier against large waves and winds throughout the year.

When visiting Dam Mon, you can explore the fishing village to learn about the local way of life and enjoy the stunning scenery, making it an excellent location for amateur or professional photographers. Other activities in Dam Mon that tourists can experience include exploring the ocean with snorkeling services to admire coral reefs, renting boats to explore the various small and large islands, or simply immersing yourself in a pristine beach under the sparkling sunlight.

4. Son Dung Village (Xuan Dung)

Son Dung is a small village with just a dozen thatched houses, home to the Đàng Hạ ethnic group. It is believed that their ancestors, fishermen from Malaysia or Indonesia, drifted to this island in the 18th or 19th century due to storms. The Đàng Hạ people have dark skin, curly hair, protruding eyes, and their way of life and language have been fully Vietnamese-ized, with the only difference being the habit of wearing headgear similar to the Chăm people. Son Dung has no roads, and people move along the sandy beach. When the tide rises, the path disappears.

Son Dung Beach is picturesque and pristine, perhaps due to the few visitors. An intriguing aspect of Son Dung is that you can collect freshwater right on the sandy beach near the sea. Taking a few steps into the sea, digging about 1 meter from the saltwater line, you will see water slowly seeping out, rising in a small hole. Tasting this water, you will perceive it as genuinely freshwater, without any saltiness. Moreover, from the Xuân Dung beach, tourists can also travel by boat to visit Lach Beach, where there are numerous coral reefs and stunning rock formations.

5. Hon Lon

To the northeast of Vân Phong Bay is the Hon Gom Peninsula, consisting of small mountain ranges and elongated sandbars. The Hon Gom Peninsula stretches 27.5 km, resembling an outstretched arm cradling a precious gem: Hon Lon. Formerly known as Dai Du Island, Hon Lon is situated in front of the Vân Phong Bay entrance, serving as a discreet shelter for boats during storms. On the western side of Hon Lon Island is Mount Hon Lon, with its highest peak reaching over 580 meters above sea level. The island also features several lower mountain ranges, still covered with pristine forests to this day.

The geological structure of Hon Lon Island is quite unique. One side is a gentle sandy beach, providing a calm anchorage for boats, while the other three sides are sharp and potentially treacherous cliffs, creating heart-stopping adventures for explorers. Travelers can reach Hon Lon in two ways: first, from Vạn Giã port (Vạn Giã town), chartering a fisherman's boat to the island (approximately 16 km route). The second is through Dam Mon, taking a boat with fishermen from Son Dung beach to reach Hon Lon (7 km).

6. Double Cape

Double Cape, also known as Head Island, is located on the Hon Gom Peninsula of Vân Phong Bay. It earned its name because at a certain spot, two rocky cliffs extend into the East Sea. Double Cape is also known as Mrs. Dau Cape, showcasing a stunning natural landscape with rock formations that have created countless stone masterpieces. Moreover, Double Cape marks the easternmost point and is where the earliest sunrise of a new day graces the S-shaped land.

From Dam Mon, you can choose to reach the Easternmost Point on foot or opt to rent a boat directly. However, most of you will likely choose the overland route. Taking a boat is only advisable in cases where your health is not guaranteed, and during calm sea conditions; otherwise, it's challenging for boats to reach the shore due to the numerous underwater rocks around Double Cape.

By Tiểu Duy

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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide