Just off the coast of Nha Trang, you will find Hon Tre Island, the largest island in Nha Trang island complex. Housing Vinpearl Amusement Park, Hon Tre Island is best known for its massive aquarium, amphitheater and recreational facilities. However, there are plenty of other draws on this island that you may not know. Read on to find out everything you need to know to plan a wonderful trip to Hon Tre Island.
I. What to See and Do on Hon Tre Island?
Located in Kien Hai District, Hon Tre is 5 kilometers east from Nha Trang’s city center. The island is the largest in Nha Trang Bay complex with an area of 36 km², reaching the highest peak of 460 meters. Boasting a wondrous sandy beach in the north and some small islands in the south, Hon Tre appeals to tourists for its variety of offerings.
Hon Tre means “the island of bamboo” in Vietnamese. You will without doubt find a lot of bamboo naturally inhabiting the island. While Hon Tre has a lot to offer, the most indispensable of all is Vinpearl Land Hon Tre.
1. Vinpearl Land Hon Tre
Entrance fee: VND 800,000 / adult; VND 700,000 / child.
Vinpearl Land Hon Tre (or Vinpearl Amusement Park) refers to the massive amusement park stimulating such world-famous amusement parks in the world as Disneyland and Universal Studios. From Nha Trang, the journey to Vinpearl Land will commence with a spectacular 10-minute cable car ride from Cao Da Port, also known as the longest cab ride in the world.
Within the amusement park, you will find a sizable aquarium, amphitheater, shopping mall and a variety of rides to enjoy. Recreational activities of all sorts will also be found here, ranging from water games in the waterpark, ice-skating in a natural ice rink system, and of course enjoy the thrilling rides in the theme park. Entrance fee includes a roundtrip cable car ride and access to all games (except water sports).
Accompanied with Vinpearl Land is usually Vinpearl Resort & Spa, the paradise of ultra-luxury accommodation services. Vinpearl Resort & Spa hosts a wide range of luxurious rooms, 3 independent villas and an array of fine-dining restaurants, massage parlours, bars and lounges. Nothing compares the experience of waking to the view of the East Sea coast and Nha Trang city.
2. Bai Tru Beach
Bai Tru Beach is another draw in Hon Tre island. Located in the north of the island, the beach boasts one side facing the ocean and the other leaning back the stretching hills. The beach is known as one of the most spectacular among the beaches of Nha Trang, for its crystal clear water, smooth sandy beaches and consistently gentle waves.
There’s an entrance fee of about 1 million VND for return speedboat transfers from Da Nang, buffet lunch and access to the beach and swimming pool. At the foot of the mountain, tourists will find a small fishing village, where they can venture into to discover the idyllic life of fishermen. The freshly-caught seafood is also available for anyone seeking an authentic seaside experience.
3. Bay Lagoon
If you’re seeking some quiet time with nature, Bay Lagoon is surely indispensable. As a newly developed tourist attraction, Bay Lagoon features pristine natural beauty, tranquil oceanic atmosphere and perfectly safe water, thanks to being surrounded by mountains. Colorful coral reefs allow for a fantastic scuba-diving into the primitive nature here.
4. Con Se Tre island
To the south of the island, tourists will find a smaller island named Con Se Tre. Con Se Tre is like a tiny version of Hon Tre itself, featuring seaview hotels, seafood restaurants and beachside activities. The surrounding is said to be exceptionally suitable for a nice stroll on the beach. Swimming, scuba diving, fishing or hiking, all sorts of exotic activities are available in the neighborhood.
5. Bai Chen Beach
This is the most unique site to the complex of Hon Tre Island. “Chen” means bowl in Vietnamese. Along the way to Chen Beach, a number of mango and apple orchards nestle at the foot of the mountains. The most striking feature of the beach is that you won’t find stretches of sand here. Instead, a view of numerous bowl-like stones nest aside each other will attract your attention. Soothing breezes, clear water and calm waves will refresh your soul and mind.
6. Bai Soi
Fancy a free-of-charge massage? Come to Bai Soi! The strange feeling of walking on a bed of pebbles will clear your soul and relax your body. It’s also worth some time just sitting quietly and chilling on the pebbles, while admiring the majestic beauty of land, sea and sky. Nearby Bai Soi, you will find some local enterprises offering diving gears for scuba-diving.
II. Best Time to Visit Hon Tre Island
Located in the south of Vietnam, Hon Tre island boasts two distinct seasons: rainy and dry. The rainy season lasts from September to December, and the rest of the year is when the dry season takes place. Any tourist is advised to visit coastal towns and islands during the dry season, when you don’t have to worry about storms. The best time to go to Hon Tre is from late February to May. If you’re a diving enthusiast, come between April and August to enjoy clear water in coral dive sites.
III. What to Eat on the Island?
You may choose fancy dining restaurants within Vinpearl complex, or restaurants in the Con Se Tre tourist village. The nearby local market will serve you all kinds of street foods and other reasonably-priced cuisines. What to do at night? Don’t worry. An array of hotel bars and lounges are available with exceptional drinks and views to the sea.
IV. How to Get to Hon Tre Island?
From Nha Trang, it’s relatively easy to get to Hon Tre thanks to the daily operation of ferries and speedboats transfers. Ferries depart for the island every 30 minutes between 07:00 and 16:00, while speedboats start as early as 08:00 every day. As mentioned before, tourists coming to Vinpearl Amusement Park will take cable car rides instead of other means of transport.
Hon Tre Island is a unique tourist attraction, offering tourist activities and accommodations of both ends. Either you’re looking for a luxurious experience in top resorts, or just seeking quiet chilling time in nature, Hon Tre stands as an ideal destination for you. Make sure you tick off the island on your next trip to the lovely city of Nha Trang.
