Hon Tam Island in Nha Trang is a destination that consistently ranks among the most beautiful and famous islands in the coastal city of Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province. With its prime location, pristine and romantic beauty, along with a chain of 5-star international resorts, Hon Tam Island Nha Trang is one of the captivating and must-not-miss spots for travelers who enjoy exploration and relaxation.
In this self-guided travel experience article about Hon Tam Island Nha Trang, I will share information about the location, the best time to visit, the port, transportation options, attractions, accommodations, and dining. Additionally, I will also discuss affordable Hon Tam Island tours that I had the opportunity to experience. Hopefully, after reading this article, everyone will be motivated and equipped to explore this beautiful island in the most complete and reasonable way.
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WHERE IS HON TAM ISLAND NHA TRANG LOCATED?
Hon Tam Island Nha Trang (also known as Thuy Kim Son Island) is an island situated in Nha Trang Bay, belonging to one of the 29 most beautiful bays in the world today. The island is approximately 7km southeast of Nha Trang city, covering an area of over 110 hectares. In essence, it consists of four main areas, which I will detail below for you.
IDEAL TIME TO VISIT HON TAM ISLAND NHA TRANG.
As an island enthusiast, along with the knowledge gathered from multiple visits to the beautiful Nha Trang coastline, I’ve come to realize that the ideal period to explore Hon Tam Island can be relatively extended. This is due to the average annual temperature hovering around 26.3 degrees Celsius, coupled with an extremely gentle climate featuring mild winters and a prolonged dry season.
Nevertheless, the most splendid and suitable time remains from February to the end of September. During this period, the weather is warm, rainfall is minimal, making it convenient for leisure and island exploration.
You should consider avoiding island travel from October to the end of January. This is partly due to the likelihood of high rainfall and turbulent seas, as well as a drop in temperatures, rendering it challenging for swimming and snorkeling. The sea water might not be as clear and vibrant as in other months due to the colder weather.
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HOW TO GET TO HON TAM ISLAND NHA TRANG.
Hon Tam Island Nha Trang is an island, so to reach it from the city center of Nha Trang, you need to go through two stages: traveling by road to the port and then taking a waterway to Hon Tam Island.
Traveling from the city center to the port:
The port to Hon Tam Island is Hon Tam Merperle Resort Port, located about 6-7km from the city center. The distance is short, so there are various transportation options available, specifically:
Travel to Hon Tam port by motorbike:
This type of vehicle provides you with flexibility in terms of time and schedule. It’s suitable for young explorers who wish to enjoy the freedom of sightseeing and stopping at any point without being restricted. If you’re riding a motorbike, you can also combine breakfast and an afternoon stroll after returning from Hon Tam Island to the city center.
Travel to Hon Tam port by bus:
You can take bus route number 4 to reach Cau Da Port, then walk about 100m to reach Hon Tam Port.
- Ticket price: 4,000 VND per trip.
- Operating hours: From 5:10 AM to 7:10 PM daily.
- Travel time: 45 minutes per trip.
Route: Duong Hien Quyen (near the Signal Information Officer Academy) → Pham Van Dong (VHNT College) → Hon Chong → Thap Ba → 2/4 Street → Quang Trung (Provincial Hospital) → Ly Thanh Ton → Intersection → Le Thanh Ton → Nguyen Thien Thuat → Tran Quang Khai → 86 Tran Phu → 96 Tran Phu (Queen Hotel Alley) → Cau Da (Oceanography Institute) → Vinpearl Port and vice versa.
Travel to Hon Tam port by DanangPrivateCar.com’s private vehicle:
Travel to Hon Tam port by DanangPrivateCar.com’s private car. This is perhaps the simplest, most convenient, and cost-effective option as the distance from the city center to the port is quite short. You just need to make a call or book in advance with us. No need to spend time looking at maps or worrying about parking; our driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the port for Hon Tam Island. While you explore the island, the driver will wait for you.
DanangPrivateCar.com’s is a leading private car service provider in Nha Trang, with a professional team of drivers who have years of experience in international tourist transportation. They will ensure your journey to Hon Tam Island is comfortable and cost-effective.
Traveling from the port to Hon Tam Island Nha Trang.
To reach Hon Tam Island from the port, the only way is to travel by watercraft from the port to the island by boat or canoe (high-speed boat).
Travel from the port to Hon Tam Island by boat (wooden boat).
Traveling from the port to Hon Tam Island Nha Trang by boat will take about 15-20 minutes. It’s not an overly long duration, but for those who experience seasickness, it can be quite challenging.
Travel from the port to Hon Tam Island by canoe (high-speed boat).
When traveling by canoe (high-speed boat), it will only take you about 5 minutes to reach the island. You’ll arrive before you even start feeling seasick. This is also the most popular choice for many because it’s fast, comfortable, and allows you to enjoy the sensation of gliding on the gentle waves of the sea.
Latest travel time for canoes to and from Hon Tam Island Nha Trang in 2024:
| From the port to Hon Tam Island | From Hon Tam Island back to the port |
| 8:00 | 8:20 |
| 9:00 | 9:20 |
| 10:00 | 10:20 |
| 11:00 | 11:20 |
| 12:00 | 12:20 |
| 13:00 | 13:20 |
| 14:00 | 14:20 |
| 15:00 | 15:20 |
| 16:00 | 16:20 |
And don’t forget to bring sufficient life vests to ensure safety when using both types of transportation!
WHAT DOES HON TAM NHA TRANG HAVE TO OFFER, AND WHAT CAN YOU DO?
You might have come across a few articles about Hon Tam Nha Trang, and you’re probably feeling a bit overwhelmed, not knowing where to start with planning a family outing because there are so many distinct areas here, each completely separate. So, the following analysis is for you.
Currently, Hon Tam Island Nha Trang consists of four main and distinct areas: Eastern Tam Zone – Swallow Island, the MerPerle Hon Tam Hotel and Resort area, the MerPerle Sparkling Waves Amusement Park area (referred to as the amusement park), and the MerPerle Mud Bath Mineral area (referred to as the mud bath area). Each area will have a separate entrance fee, and I’ll provide the price list below for your reference.
Below, I’ll break down each area in detail so you can get an idea of what’s available and what you can do in each of these zones.
Eastern Dong Tam – Swallow Island.
The Eastern Dong Tam is located on the eastern side of Hon Tam Island. Although it’s on the same island, this area is completely separate from Hon Tam, and you will need to depart from the Yen Sao Ferry Terminal (near Cau Da Bridge and MerPerle Hon Tam Resort Port) to reach here.
Currently, this area is being operated and developed by Sanest Tourist Company Limited (Yen Sao Khanh Hoa Company). You cannot visit independently; you need to register through authorized agents to experience this area.
This time, I dedicated a day to the Eastern Dong Tam to see if it truly lives up to the praises and positive reviews I’ve heard. And indeed, this is one of the highlights of the travel experience, and I highly recommend everyone to visit Eastern Tam at least once, especially for families with elderly members and children. The nature of this tour is quite gentle and enjoyable.
It will take you 20-25 minutes by wooden boat to reach Eastern Dong Tam, departing from the Yen Sao Ferry Terminal. The cuisine on the island is also a significant plus for the perfection of this tour. The seafood is very fresh, and although the menu might not have an extensive variety, as a picky eater, I found the food here to be delicious. Additionally, you’ll have the chance to savor Yen Sao Khanh Hoa, a delicacy made from swiftlet’s nest, which has brought fame to the Nha Trang region.
MerPerle Sparkling Waves Amusement Park.
This is a separate zone on Hon Tam Island Nha Trang (distinct from the mud bath area), and you need to purchase a Seaday tour ticket to enter for beach activities and experiences here. I have detailed the ticket prices for this amusement park in the ticket price section below; please scroll down to see the details. In this section, I will share the activities and services you can experience in this amusement park.
The amusement park is divided into main areas as follows:
Hon Tam Nha Trang Beach.
This is renowned as one of the most beautiful beaches in Nha Trang, characterized by its long meandering sandy stretch and clear blue waters. You can freely frolic on the sand and immerse yourself in the water to fully enjoy a wonderful vacation experience.
I couldn’t help but exclaim with delight upon reaching Hon Tam’s beach; it is stunning from the moment you set foot on the island. Even from a distance, the beach appeared more beautiful than I had imagined based on other online reviews.
Floating Play Area on the Sea.
The Hon Tam Floating Play Area on the sea is also one of the major attractions of this Emerald Green Island, drawing a large number of visitors. The expansive and well-equipped floating play structures provide you and your friends and family with delightful moments of play and entertainment. I’ve visited Bai Dai, Vinpearland, and experienced larger floating play areas, but I must admit that the games here are truly captivating and perfect, embodying the essence of “floating playground.”
Furthermore, various music concerts and lively pool parties are organized here, creating an atmosphere of joy and excitement. Even the most discerning visitors can’t help but feel thoroughly entertained.
Jet Skiing on Hon Tam Island.
One of the daring and essential activities at Hon Tam is jet skiing. The sensation of personally controlling a jet ski gliding over the emerald-colored waves and experiencing that exhilarating thrill is truly fantastic. It’s a daring activity, so it might not suit everyone, but if you’re seeking an unforgettable experience, don’t miss out on this one.
A note for those with vision problems like myself: Make sure to wear an additional strap for your glasses to prevent them from falling off while playing. Last time I went, I almost lost my glasses while operating the jet ski.
Kayaking Experience on Hon Tam.
Kayaking has become an indispensable activity in recent years for beach tourism in general and Hon Tam in particular. This sport offers a unique sensation as well as an opportunity to develop problem-solving skills, persistence, and teamwork. It’s an experience you should try at least once when visiting Hon Tam.
Thrilling Flyboard Experience (Water Hoverboarding).
Ranked among the top 5 daring and most beloved activities in Nha Trang, the Flyboard experience is something you can’t ignore – water hoverboarding. This personal flying device utilizes water propulsion to lift you into the air and allow you to stand on the water, a seemingly impossible feat.
While the cost is relatively high, ranging from 800k to 1.2 million VND for a 20-minute session, and it’s suitable only for thrill-seekers, the incredible emotions it evokes are truly fantastic and memorable. Both I and my friend who went with me were eager to try Flyboard and wholeheartedly agreed that it is one of the best water-based activities.
Parasailing Experience on Hon Tam.
I’ve previously experienced parasailing in Da Nang, and while observing others partake in the fun at Sparkling Waves, I could still feel the excitement of this activity. With careful protection through life jackets, the support of parasailing equipment, canoes, and professional divers, you’ll be lifted into the air, soaring and gazing at the panoramic view of Nha Trang Bay – one of the 29 most beautiful bays in the world. Just hearing about it sparks enthusiasm, doesn’t it? Believe me, when you’re on Hon Tam, you must definitely try parasailing at least once to understand why this sport consistently ranks in the top 5 favorite daring activities in Nha Trang!
(Note: The term “parasailing” is referred to as “du keo” in Vietnamese, which involves being lifted into the air while attached to a parachute-like sail.)
Hon Tam Nha Trang Mud Bath Area.
I have previously experienced mineral mud baths in Nha Trang at Thap Ba, Galina, and I-resort. However, when Hon Tam introduced this service for external guests, I made a mental note to try it out on my next visit to Nha Trang, as I had heard many praises from friends who had tried it. Personally, I’ve visited this mud bath area a total of 3 times during my two trips to Nha Trang in the past year because I enjoyed it so much. After two visits to Hon Tam during a VIP 3-island tour and an independent visit to Hon Tam, my friend and I decided to stay overnight on Hon Tam to experience the additional accommodation services and immerse ourselves in the mud bath to fully appreciate this wonderful experience.
I will temporarily divide this area into 5 sections for easier understanding:
Hon Tam Nha Trang Mud Bath.
Mud baths have always been one of the top services in Nha Trang in general and Hon Tam in particular. With meticulously invested, modern, and professionally-served facilities, boasting the largest scale in Vietnam, I can affirm that the mud bath service on Hon Tam is truly fantastic and well worth the price!
My group had a wonderful experience bathing in the double tubs and soaking in herbal baths. However, there are actually three areas here. Hopefully, next time I’ll be able to experience the VIP mud bath bungalows to provide a more specific review for everyone.
This area is divided into three sections:
- Mud Bath Area: Designed in the shape of terraced fields, full of Vietnamese charm, and equipped with a system of 36 family tubs, 27 double tubs, 20 group tubs, and one large tub with a capacity of nearly 400 people, Hon Tam is capable of serving groups, companies, or any organization with up to 500 members. It might seem crowded, but with thoughtful organization, I found that there is still a sense of privacy to chat and relax without any concerns.
- Herbal Soaking Tubs: With 10 herbal soaking tubs arranged beneath the shade of trees, this experience provides you with an incredibly relaxing and comfortable retreat after a tiring day of sightseeing.
- VIP Mud Bath Bungalows: If you desire a private and secluded space while still experiencing mineral baths, herbal baths, and mud baths, you can definitely register for these bungalows. It is known that Hon Tam has invested in 15 specially designed bungalow tubs and a professional team to meet the needs of customers.
Hot Mineral Bath and Mineral Waterfall.
These are also my favorite areas when visiting Hon Tam due to their beauty.
- Hot Mineral Pool: This is the largest hot mineral pool in Vietnam, with an area of approximately 650m2. Immersing yourself in the warm water and chilling amidst the stunning scenery at Hon Tam is a delightful experience that is hard to beat. After a tiring day, soaking in the hot mineral pool is an absolute must-do.
- Mineral Waterfall: True to its reputation as the largest Mud Bath complex in Vietnam, everything here is incredibly wonderful. The giant Mineral Waterfall is the most impressive landscape, with a height of up to 11m and an area of 1380m2. In addition to the mineral bath experience, this spot is a “must-not-miss” photo opportunity when visiting Hon Tam. Remember to fully charge your phone and bring a power bank, or you’ll regret it later, haha!
Infinity Pool.
The Infinity Pool covers an area of over 2000m2 within the lush and cool scenery of the resort and the long sandy beach. It’s a wonderful space for recreation and serves as a fantastic backdrop for fabulous photos. While I only took a few pictures for the review, my friend couldn’t stop taking photos. Even after returning, she continued to praise this area non-stop.
On Tu Yen Hydrotherapy.
Designed in the style of the famous Phong Nha Cave in Quang Binh, this area is constructed with natural stones and features water jets that cleanse the body and offer relaxation before the mud bath. It’s quite an interesting experience that everyone should try upon entering the mud bath area. At first, I found the water jets to be a bit uncomfortable due to their strong force, but I gradually got used to it and ended up finding it extremely enjoyable and addictive; I didn’t want to leave.
MerPerle Hotel and Resort on Hon Tam Island.
This is a separate area that offers accommodation and dining services on Hon Tam Island. If you stay here, you can utilize the available services on the island without having to incur any additional costs.
In terms of landscape and resort services, it still embodies the characteristics similar to other upscale resorts. However, on Hon Tam Island, there is a greater emphasis on garden design, spacious grounds, and the use of materials such as wood and bamboo, which create a friendly and inviting atmosphere. The space is always fresh, filled with light, truly embodying the essence of a “retreat.” I will provide a more detailed analysis of this area in the section “Where to Stay on Hon Tam Nha Trang” below, for those who are interested, feel free to read.
HON TAM NHA TRANG TICKET PRICES.
Hon Tam is an extremely suitable destination if you prefer resort-style tourism, especially for families with elderly members and young children.
Here, there is a diverse range of services and reasonably priced packages for entertainment, ensuring that your family has a complete and enjoyable trip.
Let’s take a look at the services and ticket prices at Hon Tam Nha Trang 2024 here:
Basic Seaday – 560,000 VND.
Included:
- Bottled water, wet towels.
- Round-trip high-speed boat transfer.
- Entrance ticket to Hon Tam tourist area.
- Beach bathing on Hon Tam.
- Set Menu or Buffet lunch on Hon Tam.
- Free Kayak paddling.
Premium Seaday – 800,000 VND.
Included:
- Bottled water, wet towels.
- Round-trip high-speed boat transfer.
- Entrance ticket to Hon Tam tourist area.
- Beach bathing on Hon Tam.
- Visit to the Mudbath area on Hon Tam.
- Jacuzzi bathing, natural therapy, waterfall bathing.
- Lounge chairs, sun umbrellas.
- Set Menu or Buffet lunch on Hon Tam.
- Free Kayak paddling.
Basic Mudbath – 350,000 VND.
Included:
- Bottled water, wet towels.
- Round-trip high-speed boat transfer.
- Entrance ticket to Hon Tam tourist area.
- Visit to the Mudbath area on Hon Tam.
- Jacuzzi bathing, natural therapy, waterfall bathing.
- Lounge chairs, sun umbrellas.
Premium Mudbath – 550,000 VND.
Included:
- Bottled water, wet towels.
- Round-trip high-speed boat transfer.
- Entrance ticket to Hon Tam tourist area.
- Visit to the Mudbath area on Hon Tam.
- Jacuzzi bathing, natural therapy, waterfall bathing.
- Lounge chairs, sun umbrellas.
- Set Menu lunch.
Please note that prices are subject to change, and these packages offer a range of activities and services for visitors to enjoy on Hon Tam Island.
Regulations for children:
- Under 0.9m: Free.
- From 1m to 1.3m: 70% of the adult price.
- Over 1.3m: Full adult price.
The programs on Hon Tam Island include:
- Shuttle service for guests via high-speed canoe from Hon Tam Merperle Resort to Hon Tam Island.
- Complimentary 250ml bottled water per person.
- Free beach access and swimming at Hon Tam Beach.
- Free use of amenities on the beach and within the Hon Tam area, such as sun loungers, umbrellas, cushions, and towels.
- Free swimming and playing at the 2,400m2 swimming pool with available floaties.
- Free water activities like kayaking and canoeing.
- Participation in beach volleyball and fun soccer. Use of the Golf Range (20 balls), Mini Golf, and Tennis.
- Participation in exciting games such as the Floating Park and Nerf Gun (20 minutes).
- Enjoying a buffet lunch with traditional Vietnamese flavors and a rich variety of grilled seafood at the Ocean View Restaurant (11:30 am – 1:30 pm).
- An atmosphere of European music accompanied by enchanting, sexy dance performances with sizzling samba moves (morning 10:30 am – 11:30 am & afternoon 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm).
- Savoring a buffet with fresh fruits (2:00 pm – 3:00 pm).
- Free access to the Kids’ Club with creative games, ensuring safety with child supervisors.
- Exploring traditional Vietnamese craft villages and historical houses: Weaving textiles, Pottery, Conical hat weaving, and Artisanal winemaking.
WHERE TO STAY WHEN VISITING HON TAM ISLAND, NHA TRANG?
Where is the best place to stay when visiting Hon Tam Island? The following insights will help you answer this question and provide you with the most suitable options for your needs and your family’s when looking for accommodation.
Hon Tam Island is situated in Nha Trang Bay, making it easily accessible and conveniently located. You can choose to stay at the following places, which are well-suited for your itinerary and offer easy transportation options.
Staying on Hon Tam Island, Nha Trang.
Hon Tam is not only the name of the island but also the name of the luxurious 5-star resort located on the island – MerPerle Hon Tam Resort, owned by the Hon Tam Bien Nha Trang Joint Stock Company, a subsidiary of the MerPerle Group. This company has successfully developed Hon Tam Island into a renowned tourist destination in Nha Trang, making it the first place I want to introduce to everyone.
On our second visit to Hon Tam Island, we decided to stay here to enjoy the activities and services available for overnight guests.
You can book a Tropical Deluxe Room with a Double Bed. The room features a luxurious design with a refreshing sea view. I must say that the design here is one of my favorites among 4-5 star resorts, as it exudes luxury and sophistication without feeling cramped or suffocating. The amenities are optimized for guests’ comfort, and the professional staff provide a comfortable and highly satisfying experience during this trip.
Room prices vary depending on the timing, and booking in advance can secure better rates than booking directly. Additionally, guests staying here can enjoy a multitude of complimentary amenities within the Hon Tam area. The experience here is truly worth every penny!
Staying in the center of Nha Trang city.
Accommodation services, hotels, and guesthouses in Nha Trang are bustling, offering various options ranging from high to low-end and across different star ratings for your selection. There are so many that I even jokingly tell my friend, “There are more hotels in Nha Trang than tourists!”
However, not all hotels are equally good choices. What matters most is the quality of the room, reasonable pricing for different segments, and a suitable location based on your travel itinerary. For our trip to Hon Tam Island (within the VIP 3-island tour and self-guided visit to Hon Tam), I initially chose a hotel in the Tran Phu area for its convenience with the tour’s transportation.
Additionally, there are several centrally located hotels that I have previously stayed at and recommend for your consideration, such as Agnes (19 Villa, Nha Trang City), Rigel (86/4 Tran Phu, Nha Trang City), Libra (04 Hung Vuong, Nha Trang City), and Virgo (39-41 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Nha Trang City). For more detailed insights, you can read my comprehensive solo travel experience guide to Nha Trang in 2024.
WHAT TO EAT WHEN VISITING HON TAM ISLAND, NHA TRANG?
If you’re traveling independently, you have the option to choose from all three restaurants on Hon Tam Island to experience its culinary delights. Read the reviews below for each restaurant to select the one that suits your taste.
However, if you’re joining a Hon Tam day tour with lunch included, you will enjoy your meal at the Hồn Việt Restaurant, with a set menu or buffet depending on the restaurant’s current offerings.
Sea Breeze Restaurant on Hon Tam Island, Nha Trang.
Located within the premises of Hon Tam Resort, this restaurant can accommodate nearly 200 guests. It serves a diverse range of dishes from both Asian and European cuisines, though the focus leans more toward European flavors. Especially if you’re traveling in a group, you can arrange for a full-package feast or a cozy BBQ dinner prepared by experienced chefs.
With elegant and refined design, the restaurant offers a luxurious ambiance. Facing the sea and a long stretch of sandy beach, having dinner here during your vacation is an unforgettable experience that should not be missed.
Ocean View Restaurant on Hon Tam Island, Nha Trang.
Part of the Sparkling Waves entertainment complex, this restaurant has a large seating capacity, accommodating over 600 guests. It primarily serves exceptional fresh seafood from the beautiful Nha Trang sea, and visiting Nha Trang without indulging in its fresh seafood would be a great loss. This is especially true for an island like Hon Tam, which offers a wide variety of fresh seafood for you to choose from.
Additionally, you can experience a light meal paired with wine at The Pool Bar (serving from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily). Relaxing in the cool water and enjoying a light meal is a wonderful experience that Hon Tam can offer you on a sunset evening.
Hồn Việt Restaurant on Hon Tam Island, Nha Trang.
With an open design, including both indoor and outdoor spaces, the restaurant provides a remarkably spacious atmosphere. When I dined here for the first time, I was delighted and excited by the inviting atmosphere. The ambiance is an essential factor in assessing the quality of a meal, especially when dining as a group. The restaurant primarily serves Vietnamese cuisine, catering to domestic tourists and those who appreciate Vietnamese culinary traditions.
This is also the designated lunch venue for the self-guided Hon Tam day tour that I experienced previously. After a morning of full-fledged fun, my friends and I were quite tired. Hence, enjoying a delicious meal to recharge was a necessary and unparalleled delight.
The restaurant frequently updates its menu and changes its buffet and set menu options according to the season and timing of your visit.
NOTES WHEN VISITING HON TAM ISLAND, NHA TRANG.
- Due to the high influx of tourists during peak season to Hon Tam, it’s advisable to book tickets in advance and travel early in the morning to avoid waiting in lines.
- Bring along 2-3 sets of clothes to anticipate getting wet when taking the canoe or enjoying activities on the island.
- Complimentary towels on Hon Tam will only be provided after you make a deposit, so you don’t need to bring them with you.
Above are my practical experiences and insights about Hon Tam Island, Nha Trang. I sincerely hope they provide you with some useful insights for your upcoming trip to Nha Trang. Thank you for reading this article, and I wish you a joyful and memorable travel experience!
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