Top 7 Travel Tips for Visiting Diep Son Island

Diep Son Island doesn't have as many food options as the mainland. There are only 2-3 small shops catering to the locals, making food and drinks relatively expensive. However, the island offers an abundant variety of seafood for you to choose from. The local seafood market opens early in the morning right on the island, where you can find affordable seafood and enjoy a simple breakfast of noodle soup, porridge, bread, or seafood pancakes. If you're camping overnight on the island, there's also a chicken farm where you can buy chickens for grilling.

Additionally, when traveling to Diep Son, it's a good idea to bring along some dry snacks such as instant noodles, candies, dried foods, fruits, and drinks to munch on during your trip. You can even share them with the local children, who will greatly appreciate it.

Take stunning photos with the white sand path between the sea, which is a must-see highlight for everyone visiting Diep Son. The beach here is absolutely beautiful, with soft white sand and crystal-clear water so clear you can see the seabed. It's perfect for swimming or taking pictures. The experience of walking through the sea, holding your pants up with one hand and sandals in the other, can be both exhilarating and a bit nerve-wracking. Be sure to check the tide times to experience walking across the sea. The path starts to appear between 6-10 AM, and midday is the best time to cross. The distance between the two islands is about 1 km.

You can also rent a canoe to explore the surrounding islands. Local tour providers will take you around the islands for a beach tour, or you can rent a canoe yourself to explore and snap some photos. Floating on the calm waters of Van Phong Bay, you'll feel like you're cruising through Ha Long Bay. You can stop at a deserted island and relax in the cool, clear waters while enjoying the serene surroundings.

A few things to keep in mind when traveling to Diep Son:

• Diep Son is still lacking in basic amenities, especially electricity, so be sure to bring backup power sources, such as power banks and flashlights.
• There are only 1-2 small shops on the island, so it’s a good idea to bring your own supplies like snacks and drinks.
• The island is very clean, with almost no industrial waste. If you visit, make sure to respect the environment by not littering and cleaning up after yourself.
• You can camp overnight on the beach, but if you plan to camp at the village school, be sure to ask the village head for permission.
• While the locals are friendly and open, it’s important to be respectful and not trouble them too much, as they still face difficult living conditions.

Upon arrival, anchor your boat near the middle island. From here, you can step off and begin your journey along the fascinating 700-meter long path that connects the central island to the larger Diep Son Island. The winding path, about 1 meter wide, lies just below the clear waters, less than half a meter deep.

Walking along this underwater path offers an incredibly thrilling experience, blending excitement with a sense of trepidation as you walk through the vast ocean. You can enjoy the sight of small fish swimming beside you, occasionally leaping out of the water, or wave at a passing boat.

Diep Son Island is home to about 80 families, most of whom make their living through fishing. The island’s evening life depends on a generator, as each household only has access to 3 hours of electricity per day. After a 30-minute walk, you’ll be greeted by Diep Son Island’s lush greenery, red-tiled roofs, and crystal-clear beaches. The peaceful, serene atmosphere is the perfect escape. Standing here, feeling the cool breeze and the gentle waves lapping at your feet, you’ll find all the stresses of life melting away.

Exploring the surrounding islands, visitors will be amazed by the pristine white sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, and beautiful reed fields. You can also hop on a boat to explore the distant smaller islands. Floating on the calm waters of Van Phong Bay gives you the sensation of being in Ha Long Bay. Stop at a secluded island, dive into the cool, clear waters, and enjoy the freedom of the open sea.

Diep Son remains a relatively unknown archipelago, retaining its untouched beauty with clear waters, friendly locals, and welcoming hospitality.

The Central South region of Vietnam enjoys generally pleasant weather year-round, but the best time to visit Diep Son is from December to June. During this period, the sea is calm, the climate is dry and warm, with little rainfall, making it perfect for travel. You won't experience seasickness, and your plans won't be disrupted by weather conditions.

If you’re planning to visit in October or November, it's advisable to reconsider. The travel conditions are not ideal, and you might miss out on fully appreciating the island’s beauty. Also, avoid visiting on the 15th or 30th day of the lunar month, as the full moon brings very low tides, exposing a wide, muddy path that’s not as scenic as on other days.

To reach Diep Son Island, you must first travel to Nha Trang. Depending on your budget and the time available for your trip, you can choose your preferred mode of transport: by plane to Cam Ranh Airport, then take a bus or taxi to Nha Trang city center, or alternatively, you can travel by train, bus, or motorcycle.

Once you're in Nha Trang, there are two ways to reach Diep Son Island:

• Option 1: Travel from Nha Trang city center to Van Gia fishing port. Once there, look across the port for a small alley. Walk about 100 meters to a place where you can leave your vehicle overnight. After parking, return to the port and wait for the boat. Boats typically run between 9:00 and 11:00 AM, taking about 40 minutes to reach the island. The return boats depart between 5:00 and 6:00 AM the next day (depending on the tide). The round-trip ticket costs 200,000 VND per person. However, boat schedules are not fixed, so to avoid missing the boat or getting stuck on the island, it’s best to get the boat owner's phone number for up-to-date information on departure and return times.
• Option 2: Hire a private boat to reach Diep Son Island. From Van Gia port, head about 8 km to Tan Dan. Near the Tan Dan Temple, you will find a small alley that leads to the sea. Walk a few hundred meters to find a man named Chu Tu Nghia who rents boats to the island (phone: 01667982151). The boat ride takes about 15 minutes. Prices for boat rentals range from 200,000-300,000 VND for a group of up to 6 people. Since the boat is small, be sure not to exceed the maximum capacity for safety reasons.

Since Diep Son Island remains largely undeveloped and uncommercialized, there are no hotels or guesthouses here. Most visitors typically spend the day on the island and return to mainland hotels in Van Ninh District (Khánh Hòa), Nha Trang, or Phú Yên for the night.

However, if you're looking for a more immersive experience, you can choose to stay overnight on the island. For those heading to the Sleeping Buddha Island, there are six basic bungalows available for rent. These simple accommodations come with basic amenities like beds and fans, but don't expect luxuries such as air conditioning or refrigerators, as the island still lacks many modern facilities.

If you're staying on Hon Bip Island, homestays with local families are available, as the island is home to a larger number of residents. Alternatively, if you're traveling in a group, camping in tents is also an option. The best place to set up camp is near Beach 1, which offers the best views of both the sunrise and sunset and ensures greater safety. Beaches 2 and 3 are more remote, and are less safe, especially when the tide comes in. Be sure to bring enough supplies, as shopping on the island can be difficult. Whatever you bring to the island, make sure to take back with you when you leave.