Hon Nua (Nua Island)

Hon Nua (meaning Nua Island in Vietnamese) is a hidden gem located in south-central Vietnam. Nestled within Vung Ro Bay, this tranquil island is the perfect escape for those seeking peaceful yet “raw” travel destinations in Vietnam, away from the crowds of popular tourist spots.

About Hon Nua

An Untouched Haven

Often called “the sleeping paradise”, Hon Nua remains largely untouched by human development. On top of that, this little island has it all: white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters that reveal the seabed, vibrant coral reefs, and dramatic rock formations.

Hon Nua is a hidden gem off Vietnam’s south-central coast, perfect for Central Vietnam tour packages

There are no permanent residents on Hon Nua, only a small military post and a few bird nests in seaside caves. Tourism here is still rather underdeveloped and nature-focused, so most services revolve mainly around swimming and diving.

Location Guide

Hon Nua is located in Hoa Xuan Commune of Dak Lak Province. The nearest international airport to here is Cam Ranh International Airport in Khanh Hoa Province, making it easy to combine a trip to Nha Trang’s beaches with a visit to this secluded island.

To reach Hon Nua, you’ll need to hire a local boat near Dai Lanh Bridge to cross to the island. The drive from downtown Nha Trang to Dai Lanh Bridge would take roughly an hour and a half heading north along the coast.

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Alternatively, if you’re traveling from Ho Chi Minh City, you can take a train to Dak Lak Province. A one-way ticket from Saigon Station to Tuy Hoa Station costs around 15 USD, depending on the day of the week.

The boat trip from mainland Dak Lak to Hon Nua takes roughly 30 minutes and costs around 19 USD per trip (if you’re traveling in a group). Alternatively, you can take a shared canoe ride for about 5.70 USD per person, which departs once there are enough passengers. Hiring a local fishing boat is another option, typically costing about 3.80 USD per person.

Best Time To Visit Hon Nua

Phu Yen’s weather is divided into two main seasons: the dry season, which lasts from February to August, and the rainy season, from September to January. To enjoy calm seas and plenty of sunshine, it’s best to visit Hon Nua during the dry season.

A Vietnam snorkeling tour would be more exciting if it included a stop at Hon Nua

In particular, March and April are the most ideal months to go. During this time, the sea is rich with marine life after the spring breeding season, the sun is gentle rather than harsh, and the coastal winds are cool and refreshing, perfect conditions for exploring this peaceful island.

What To See And Do At Hon Nua

Exploring The Beaches

On the southern side of Hon Nua, there are rocky headlands that resemble the bows of ships pointing toward the open horizon. There is also the fascinating so-called “giant footprints,” natural rock formations shaped over centuries by waves and erosion. Scattered across the island, these formations create a truly distinctive landscape for Hon Nua.

Hon Nua has clear white sand and beautiful rock formations

The northern part of Hon Nua, however, is home to large flocks of swiftlets. They nest among the cliffs, just like the Vietnamese saying goes, “where the land is good, birds settle”.

Snorkeling And Kayaking

Hon Nua is known for its crystal-clear waters and moderate depth, making it one of the ideal travel destinations in Vietnam for snorkeling and coral viewing. The area is usually quiet and uncrowded, which is an atmosphere that’s perfect for relaxation and exploration.

A Vietnam snorkeling tour is a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure

Another nice thing to do on the island is kayaking. Small and easy to maneuver, kayaks are perfect for exploring in small groups. As you paddle across the waves, you will be able to enjoy the serene sea and (sometimes) even observe marine life up close.

Overnight Camping

To fully experience Hon Nua’s beauty, try spending a night camping on the island. Just make sure to bring your own tent, sleeping bag, flashlight, personal essentials, mosquito repellent, and plenty of food and water, as the island remains largely undeveloped with few available services. Alternatively, you can rent a full set of camping gear from a local provider before going to the island.

Choose Central Vietnam tour packages with a night on Hon Nua to fully immerse yourself in nature

When night falls, you can set up a BBQ dinner and a campfire by the coast. Far from the city’s haze and bright lights, the night sky over Hon Nua becomes a breathtaking sight, one that’s truly worth spending the night under.

Visiting The Hon Nua Lighthouse

Reaching the Hon Nua Lighthouse requires a steep uphill hike, but the effort is definitely well worth it. From the summit, you can take in the entire beauty of Hon Nua and Vung Ro Bay: soft white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and dramatic cliffs rising from the sea.

Hon Nua Lighthouse amid the rocky shore

Tips For Visiting Hon Nua

There are a couple of things you’d need to keep in mind for your visit here.

• Bring your own supplies: The island is uninhabited, with no shops or services available, so make sure to prepare enough food, water, and essentials before your visit.
• Notify local authorities if staying overnight: If you plan to camp or spend the night, you’ll need to inform the stationed military personnel on the island.
• Protect yourself from the sun: The weather on this island can be quite harsh, so bring adequate sun protection such as sunscreen, hats, and light clothing.
• Try the local seafood: Freshly caught seafood from nearby fishermen is cheap and very fresh. If you’re into seafood, you might as well buy some and bring them to a market or homestay on the mainland to have them cooked for you.

Conclusion

Does this quiet little island sound like your kind of place? If so, Hon Nua is the hidden gem you shouldn’t miss among the best travel destinations in Vietnam. Want to check out some Central Vietnam tour packages? Just reach out to our team at Asia King Travel, and we’ll help you plan the trip of your dreams.

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