Hon Mun Island

Shallow, warm, and generally calm waters with decent visibility make the Hon Mun marine park one of Vietnam’s best places for beginners to dive. Try your hand at scuba on an intro dive or get certified on an open-water course. There are other ways to enjoy Hon Mun island. Go snorkeling or fishing, ride a glass-bottom boat, or visit the cliffs and caves where swiftlets build edible nests, a prized ingredient in Chinese cuisine.

• Hon Mun island draws divers, snorkelers, and island-hoppers alike.

• The most colorful coral is in the marine protected area, which requires a fee. For the best views, book a tour that enters those waters.

• Boats around Nha Trang are generally not adapted for travelers who use wheelchairs.

Hon Mun sits about 6 miles (10 kilometers) southeast of downtown Nha Trang, just south of Hon Tre, the island that houses Vinpearl Land Nha Trang. There are no ferries, so travelers visit either by private boat or on an island-hopping cruise.

As with the rest of Nha Trang, the best time to enjoy Hon Mun island is between January and August, when the weather is warm but the rainy season has yet to begin, keeping the water clear. Many opt to beat the heat and the high season crowds by visiting in May or June.

Many travelers find an island-hopping trip a must-do. The largest of the Nha Trang islands is Hon Tre, also known as Bamboo Island or Vinpearl Island. A cable car connects Hon Tre to the mainland, and it's home to Vinpearl resort and amusement park. Most Nha Trang island-hopping cruises focus on smaller islands, including Hon Mieu, known for its seafood restaurants and aquarium; Hon Mot, home to fishing villages; and Hon Tam, beloved for is long sandy beach.

To get to Hon Mun Island, you must first get to the city of Nha Trang on the southern coast of Vietnam, about a 3-hour drive from Dalat. From Nha Trang, you can hire a private boat or join other travelers on an island-hopping cruise to Hon Mun Island.

Yes, you can go to Hon Mun Island on your own, provided you have your own boat. If you don’t have a boat, you’ll either need to charter one or join a tour, most of which include stops at other islands. Note that there’s no ferry service to the island.

The best time of year to visit Hon Mun Island is in the dry season, which runs January–August. The lack of rain generally results in clearer waters for snorkeling. Just be prepared to encounter plenty of crowds in summer and over the Chinese New Year holidays.

The amount you spend on a trip to Hon Mun Island depends on whether you charter a private boat or join a group tour. Group tours are the least expensive, starting as low as US$30. More expensive tour options average around US$200, and some include scuba diving or lunch.

The best time of day to visit Hoh Mun Island is first thing in the morning, particularly if you want to beat the crowds. While mornings can be a bit cooler than afternoons, an early departure will get you out among the fish and coral before many other boats arrive.

Yes, visiting Hon Mun Island is worth it. It's a beautiful spot for snorkeling, diving, and glass-bottom boat excursions. The island is surrounded by 30,000 acres (12,000 hectares) of marine protected area, and you’re likely to spot plenty of colorful sea creatures, from coral to tropical fish.