Van Phong Bay is a place with no honking horns and no skyscrapers. It welcomes you with the absolute tranquility of a wind-shielded bay, white snow-like sand dunes blurring the border with the blue sea, and islands so pristine they will leave you in awe.
🧭 Transportation: How to get there and catch the best views?
The route from central Nha Trang (or Luong Son area) to Van Phong Bay along National Highway 1A is one of the most beautiful coastal roads in Central Vietnam, stretching about 60–80 km from the city center.
For freedom seekers and sightseers: Rent a motorbike. The feeling of riding through white sand dunes with the sea breeze hitting your face, stopping whenever and wherever you want to take photos, is truly exhilarating.
For groups or families: A car or taxi ride is a safe and cool option because the highway here is wide, flat, and extremely easy to drive.
📍 4 "Ultimate" Touchpoints in Van Phong Bay
1. Diep Son Island – Walk proudly in the heart of the ocean
It is no exaggeration to say that Diep Son is the strongest magnet attracting tourists to Van Phong, thanks to its unique white sand path connecting the small islets.
Pier coordinates: From Nha Trang, drive 60km to Van Gia Port (Tran Hung Dao Street). Park your vehicle at the port and take a speedboat to the island (around 100,000 VND – 150,000 VND/round trip, a 15-minute ride).
Photo hunting secret: Depart from Nha Trang at 6:30 AM to reach the port around 8:00 – 9:00 AM. This is the "golden hour" when the tide recedes, revealing the fine white sand path clearly between the turquoise waters on both sides—breathtakingly beautiful!
2. Dam Mon Peninsula & Xuan Dung Beach – A "desert" embracing the blue sea
Provincial Road 651 leading into Dam Mon will overwhelm you with giant sand dunes running right along the water's edge, looking like a deserted wilderness.
How to get there: Ride past Van Gia town. Right after exiting the Co Ma Tunnel, turn right at the large intersection and continue for 18km along the gorgeous coastal asphalt road.
The wonder at Xuan Dung Beach: The sea here is as calm as a giant lake. Try digging a small hole in the sand right by the water's edge; you will be amazed to see a stream of pure fresh water pouring out right in the middle of the salty sea—a truly fascinating natural phenomenon.
3. Mui Doi (Cape Doi) – Catch the first ray of sunshine of the Fatherland
Located at the outermost edge of the Dam Mon Peninsula, this is the Easternmost point on the mainland of Vietnam—the place where you will be one of the first to see the sun rise over the entire country.
The journey to conquer: This place is completely isolated with no roads for vehicles. You have two options:
Challenge yourself (Trekking): Walk through the hot sand desert and climb over rocks for about 11km (takes 4–5 hours). You must hire a local guide for this.
Gentle & relaxed: Rent a motorboat from local fishermen at Dam Mon pier to go straight to the reef area near Mui Doi (prices range from 1,500,000 VND to 2,500,000 VND/round-trip boat depending on the weather).
4. Hon Ong (Whale Island) – A love song of isolation
Whale Island is an uninhabited island, very quiet and pristine, featuring only a single eco-resort—Whale Island Resort—with rustic thatched-roof bungalows nestled under coconut palms.
How to get there: Drive to the end of the Dam Mon pass to reach the Whale Island pier, park your vehicle, and board the resort's shuttle boat to cross over to the island (about 15–20 minutes).
Experiences: Turn off your phone, go kayaking, windsurfing, or put on a snorkel to admire the untouched coral reefs. This place is born to heal your soul and help you find your inner peace.
🦞 What to eat in Van Phong? Authentic "Delicious – Nutritious – Cheap" raft seafood
Because they are raised in an ultra-clean and wind-shielded bay environment, Van Phong's seafood has a sweet and firm texture that few places can match, while the price is much cheaper than in the city center.
Must-try menu: Rich caged lobsters, crunchy steamed jumping snails with lemongrass, sweet steamed squid with ginger, and a bowl of hot, fragrant Dam Mon oyster porridge.
Authentic local style: Don't eat in restaurants. Ask to go directly onto the fishermen's floating seafood rafts around Diep Son Island or Dam Mon. Pick the swimming fish or shrimp from the nets with your own hands, ask them to cook right on the spot, and enjoy your meal amidst the breezy ocean. That is the true joy of traveling!
📝 Notes:
Ideal time: From January to September, the weather is full of golden sunshine, the sea is as smooth as a lullaby, and the water is crystal clear. Avoid the last months of the year as it is the rough sea season with big waves.
What to bring: The sun in Van Phong is beautiful but can easily burn your skin. Don't forget sunscreen, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, swimwear, and a power bank so you won't miss any photo opportunities.
Civilized tourism: Diep Son and Whale Island retain their beauty thanks to being untouched. Please leave nothing but footprints to protect the emerald green color of the bay!
Photos: Collected
