Hon Tre Island
Nha Trang's Paradise Island
Hòn Tre Island (pronounced Hawn Trey), Vietnam, is a jewel in the crown of Nha Trang Bay, offering a sublime blend of pristine natural beauty and world-class, family-friendly entertainment. Often referred to as "Bamboo Island" due to its original lush vegetation, this largest island in Nha Trang Bay is the perfect escape for luxury seekers, adventure enthusiasts, and families alike.
Located just 5 kilometers off the coast of the bustling city of Nha Trang, Hòn Tre Island covers approximately 32.5 square kilometers of mountainous terrain, beautiful beaches, and dense greenery. Its unique geographical position acts as a natural shield, keeping the bay's waters calm and clear year-round, making it an ideal location for swimming and water sports.
The island’s dual identity is its greatest strength: it is home to VinWonders Nha Trang, a massive entertainment complex, while simultaneously harboring serene, untouched natural beaches and quiet fishing villages. No guide to Hòn Tre Island is complete without mentioning its most famous resident: VinWonders Nha Trang. This massive, world-class amusement and water park complex is an entire destination in itself, drawing millions of visitors each year.
Adventure Land: Home to thrilling roller coasters, drop towers, and other extreme rides guaranteed to get your heart racing.
Water World: The island's impressive water park features thrilling slides, a wave pool, and the first and only freshwater park on the sea in Vietnam. A perfect escape from the tropical heat.
King's Garden: A wildlife sanctuary and zoo, showcasing rare and exotic animal species from around the world.
Sea World: Explore a mysterious underwater ecosystem with thousands of marine creatures, including a large aquarium and captivating dolphin and seal shows.
World Garden: Stroll through meticulously curated gardens, including Japanese gardens and the colorful Rose Kingdom.
Discovering Hòn Tre's Best Beaches
Beyond the amusement park, the island offers stunning stretches of coastline, each with its own character.
Bai Trũ Beach: The Sunset Paradise: located on the northern side, facing the mainland, Bai Trũ Beach is famous for its exceptionally calm, clear, turquoise waters and soft white sand. It’s the perfect place for a relaxed swim, sunbathing, and enjoying spectacular sunset views over Nha Trang Bay. Beachside resorts offer amenities for a full day of relaxation.
Bãi Sỏi Beach: The Natural Foot Massage: for a truly unique experience, visit Bãi Sỏi (Pebble) Beach. Instead of sand, this cove is covered in countless smooth, water-worn stones. Walking on the pebbles offers a therapeutic, natural foot massage, and the clear waters are ideal for a peaceful dip away from the main crowds.
Bãi Rạn Beach: Hidden Coral Cove: located on the less-developed northeastern side, Bãi Rạn Beach offers a more rustic and untouched charm. Its most compelling feature is the vibrant coral reef system situated just meters from the shore, making it an excellent spot for snorkeling and light scuba diving.
Vinpearl Golf Club Nha Trang
Golf enthusiasts can tee off at the prestigious Vinpearl Golf Club Nha Trang, the first international-standard golf course in Vietnam. The 18-hole, par-71 course is situated in a picturesque valley, winding along a pristine beach and offering breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean from every hole, including the signature par-3 13th hole.
Truc Lam Pagoda: Spiritual Tranquility
For a moment of quiet reflection, visit the serene Trúc Lâm Pagoda. This large temple complex offers a peaceful spiritual retreat amidst the island's lush hills. Its highlight is the massive Quan Am Nam Hai statue, weighing 10 tons, which stands overlooking the sea. Fishermen often visit here to pray for safe journeys and good fortune.
Vinpearl Harbour
Vinpearl Harbour, a newer complex on the island, offers a vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment experience. Open 24/7, it features bustling commercial streets, upscale restaurants, and regularly hosts international festivals and performances, adding a metropolitan flair to the island escape.
Culinary Delights: What to Eat on Hòn Tre
Like all coastal destinations in Vietnam, Hòn Tre Island is a haven for seafood lovers. While the resorts offer diverse international cuisine, don't miss the chance to savor the local Nha Trang specialties, often found in smaller dining spots and seafood restaurants.
Fresh Seafood: Indulge in grilled shrimp, steamed crab, fish, and squid, often prepared simply to highlight their natural freshness.
Vu Nang Breast Snail: A local Nha Trang delicacy, these snails are prized for their unique, delicious texture and flavor.
Bánh Căn: Small, savory Vietnamese pancakes, usually served hot and crispy with fresh seafood fillings and a rich dipping sauce.
Jellyfish Noodles (Bún Sứa): A signature dish of the region, this noodle soup features succulent, crunchy jellyfish and fish fillets in a light, flavorful broth.
Where to Stay: Hòn Tre Island Accommodation
Accommodation on the island is predominantly luxury-focused, offering world-class services and direct access to private beaches and the attractions.
Nha Trang Marriott Resort & Spa, Hòn Tre Island: A sophisticated, expansive resort nestled on a 2km stretch of beach, offering rooms, suites, and private pool villas, along with multiple restaurants, a spa, and extensive family activities.
Vinpearl Luxury Nha Trang: Designed for the ultimate indulgence, this resort offers private villas with stunning ocean views, catering to travelers seeking exclusivity and a high level of personalized service.
Vinpearl Resort & Spa Nha Trang Bay: Featuring a distinctive crescent-shaped design, this resort provides stylish rooms and villas, focusing on both relaxation at the beach and easy access to VinWonders.
Vinpearl Resort Nha Trang: A top choice for families, offering extensive facilities, beautiful pools, and excellent service, making it a comfortable and fun base for exploring the island.
Getting to Nha Trang
First, you must travel to Nha Trang City. The nearest airport is Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR), which has direct flights from major Vietnamese cities (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City) and several international destinations. From the airport, a taxi or shuttle will take you approximately 40 minutes to the mainland departure point (Cau Da Port).
Once in Nha Trang, you have three primary options for the 5 km crossing:
Cable Car (Most Popular): Take the iconic Vinpearl Cable Car, one of the longest over-water cable car systems in the world. The ride takes about 10-12 minutes and offers spectacular, panoramic views of Nha Trang Bay and the surrounding islands. The cable car is the direct route to VinWonders.
Speedboat: A fast and frequent option, speedboats take approximately 12–15 minutes and often operate 24/7. This is the best choice if you are staying at a non-Vinpearl resort or arriving outside of cable car operating hours.
Canoe: The fastest option, taking only 7–10 minutes, but generally more expensive and less frequent than the speedboat.
Best Time to Visit Hòn Tre Island
Hòn Tre Island benefits from a tropical climate with two main seasons:
Dry Season (January to August): This is the best time to visit. The weather is mild, sunny, and windy, creating ideal conditions for relaxing on the beach, swimming, and enjoying all the water-based activities. The peak months are typically June, July, and August.
Rainy Season (September to December): While the area is generally protected from severe storms, you can expect short, heavy bursts of rain, particularly in October and November. Travel is still possible, but check the forecast and plan for occasional indoor activities.