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Hon Rom (meaning "Straw Islet" in Vietnamese) is a small coastal mountain in the Phan Thiet ward of Lam Dong province. It is named so for its straw-like golden hue during the dry season. With crystal-clear turquoise waters, gentle waves, and a seabed free of reefs, Hon Rom is a must-visit stop on your Vietnam vacation.
Getting to Mui Ne from Ho Chi Minh City via the scenic coastal route by motorbike is a popular choice. To get to Phan Thiet, you can take the Cat Lai Ferry, which travels roughly 230 kilometers through Long Thanh and Ba Ria before continuing along the coast past Ho Tram and Loc An.
Travelling via the coastal route by motorbike is a popular option
If you prefer to take public transit, buses to Phan Thiet depart from Mien Dong (Eastern) Bus Station and take approximately five hours. Depending on the carrier, ticket fees start at 4.97 USD. The SPT1 or SPT4 train is also a good option; it leaves Saigon Station early in the morning and costs about 4.21 USD per person.
From Hanoi, visitors have two options: fly into Cam Ranh and take a bus for the last 200 kilometers to Mui Ne, or fly into Ho Chi Minh City and continue from there.
One of the key advantages of Mui Ne in general, and Hon Rom in particular, is its warm, sunny climate year-round. The region is a great place for a beach vacation because of its calm waters and lack of frequent storms or strong winds.
While you can visit Hon Rom at any time of year, May through August are the ideal months to go for most Central Vietnam tours. The weather is hot and dry with little rain during this dry season, making it ideal for beach activities. Nothing compares to cooling off in the cool, refreshing waters of the Hon Rom coastline among the heat of the Central South.
One of the highlights of visiting Hon Rom is exploring the local fishing village. Most residents here make their living from fishing, so it’s no surprise that the village is dotted with stalls offering freshly caught seafood at incredibly reasonable prices. For a more immersive experience, you can even arrange a tour to join fishermen on a trip out to sea, whether it’s casting nets at sunrise or squid fishing under the stars, it’s a unique way to connect with the rhythms of coastal life.
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Watching the sunrise over the sea is a magical experience, and in Mui Ne, Hon Rom is one of the best spots to witness it. If you're staying at a hotel in Mui Ne, just wake up a little early and take a short 3km ride to reach Hon Rom in time for the sunrise.
Watching the sunrise over the sea would be a magical experience
Sand dunes are a must-see on Central Vietnam tours. The Flying Sand Dunes are just five minutes from Hon Rom by motorbike and are a perfect spot to catch the sunset. Soft rays of light sparkle off the sand as the vast dunes are softly covered in shadows, creating an incredibly romantic scene.
Don't pass up the opportunity to try sandboarding while you are there. Just remember to wear a mask and sunglasses to protect your face from the blowing sand. It's an unforgettable experience to slide down the dunes from a high point, pick up speed as you go, and see sand swirling all around you.
When visiting Mui Ne, swimming at Hon Rom is a must. Blessed with clear blue waters, refreshing temperatures, and a peaceful, unspoiled beach. The sea here is calm and safe, making it perfect for a relaxing swim. Likewise, don't pass up the exciting beach sports like surfing and jet skiing.
Hon Rom is blessed with clear blue waters
A hot air balloon ride is among the more exquisite activities you can partake in Hon Rom. Even though it costs more, roughly 4 million VND for a group of 6–8 people, the view would genuinely be remarkable. You can fully appreciate Phan Thiet's splendor from above, as the expansive ocean, undulating terrain, and breathtaking natural landscapes all come to life below.
A beach vacation wouldn’t be complete without a delicious seafood boil. A highlight of the region is the Huynh De crab, known for its sweet, firm, and fragrant meat, as well as its crispy yet tender shell that you can crack with your teeth.
Although available year-round, Huynh De crab is at its best during the twelfth lunar month. It’s also commonly grilled or steamed and served with salt, pepper, and lime, but many agree it tastes best when cooked into a hearty rice porridge.
Mui Ne is well-known for its refreshing seafood salads, particularly the giant snail salad (goi oc giac) and fish salad (goi ca). Fresh local fish is used to make the dish, which is usually served with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce.
The giant snail salad, on the other hand, consists of thinly sliced snail meat combined with crispy fried shallots, roasted peanuts, herbs, and pork. The ideal harmony of flavors and textures that embodies coastal Vietnamese cuisine is achieved when this mixture is eaten with a sweet and tangy fish sauce.
A unique specialty of the Mui Ne dunes is the dong cat, or sand lizard. Its meat is described as chicken-like but sweeter, richer, and more tender. This local delicacy can be prepared in a variety of ways, including grilled, roasted, steamed, made into patties, salads, porridge, or cooked with pickled melon.
Among these, the most popular method is grilling with chili and salt. The lizard would be marinated in a mixture of salt and chili, then grilled over hot charcoal until golden and fragrant. It’s typically served with a dipping sauce made of salt, pepper, and lime, accompanied by Vietnamese coriander, and best enjoyed with a sip of rice wine or a cold beer.
When visiting Hon Rom, there are a few important things to keep in mind for a safe and enjoyable trip. The waves in the area can be quite strong, especially at night. It's best to choose beaches with calm waters and proper safety measures in place if you plan to swim.
Make sure to bring sunscreen to protect yourself from the tropical sun
The climate in Hon Rom is hot and dry with strong sunlight, so be sure to bring sunscreen and moisturizing skincare products while outdoors.
When you want to travel to the sand dunes, consider renting a jeep. It's a convenient and affordable way to catch the stunning sunrise or sunset over the landscape in your way there.
Beyond its stunning sand dunes, Hon Rom has so much more to offer. Make sure to include this hidden gem in your travel plans, and let Asia King Travel guide you on an unforgettable Vietnam vacation.
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