Getting to the Island

Located in Vung Ro Bay, Hon Nua sits on the border between the Khanh Hoa and Phu Yen provinces. To reach the island, you’ll need to join a tour organized by local tourism operators on the mainland. During my visit, a local friend arranged a boat and tour through Ruby Gold (search on Facebook to find them). Alternatively, you can head to Vung Ro Bay, where numerous tour agents are eager to offer Hon Nua excursions. From there, you’ll hop onto motorized canoes at the floating docks. The journey takes around 15 minutes, and life jackets are provided for your safety.

The canoes glide smoothly, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenery. As we neared Hon Nua, I spotted a giant stone turtle adorned with lush green moss perched upon the deep blue sea, a sight to behold. However, the canoe’s speed made capturing a photo of the majestic turtle challenging.

Activities on Hon Nua Island

Camping on the Island

As part of the Hon Nua tour, you’ll have the opportunity to spend a night on this pristine island with camping gear provided by the tour company. However, due to an impending tropical depression, our group decided not to stay overnight but instead enjoyed a full day of activities on the island. You can prepare barbecue and fresh seafood; they’ll provide a small tent. Additionally, you can rent cooking utensils like stoves and charcoal for food preparation (not included in the tour price). If cooking seems too hassle, you can purchase food directly on the island, although options are limited and not as fresh. The tour costs around 500-700 thousand dong per person, and group discounts may apply if you’re traveling with friends or family.

Strolling Along the Endless Beach

Nature has bestowed upon Hon Nua a silky smooth stretch of sand and pristine azure waters. Near my beach spot lies a layer of dead corals piled on the sand, which evokes a sense of sadness. Further away, near the Coast Guard station, moss-covered rocks protrude from the water’s surface, a stark reminder of the adverse effects of uncontrolled tourism. I witnessed some tourists carelessly leaving trash behind after departing the island, which is genuinely disheartening considering the widespread appeal of Hon Nua. I wonder if this place’s raw beauty will remain untarnished in a few years.

Venturing a bit farther, I stumbled upon an incredibly captivating cave. While taking photos here, I felt like I was in Bali or Phuket due to its unique beauty. Golden rays of sunlight gently illuminated the two rock walls, below which lay the deep blue sea, while above stretched the azure sky. No words can fully capture the beauty of this scene; you have to experience it yourself.

Beach Swimming Combined with Coral Diving

You must bring your swimsuit to immerse yourself in Hon Nua’s refreshing waters. Besides beach swimming, another beloved activity among sea enthusiasts is coral diving. Going to the beach without marveling at the coral reefs is like not going there. The highlight of my day is the sensation of dipping into the cool, clear water and glimpsing the multi-layered coral reefs beneath. The best part is seeing schools of small fish frolicking around the coral reefs. To view the coral reefs, they’ll take you farther out since there’s a lot of dead coral near the shore. You can enjoy diving for about an hour to marvel at the magical beauty of the ocean world.

In addition to these activities, if you’re traveling with a large group, you can participate in various fun water sports provided on the tour, such as jet skiing and banana boating. I got so caught up in the excitement that I even lost my swimming goggles.

Conquering Hon Nua Lighthouse

Like many islands, Hon Nua boasts its lighthouse. The lighthouse sits atop a high hill on the island. The pathway up is relatively easy as it’s paved with concrete, stone, and sturdy handrails. Unfortunately, sudden rain prevented me from climbing the lighthouse, so I could only admire it from afar. With its striking red color, the lighthouse stands tall amidst the surrounding lush greenery.

Some Tips to Keep in Mind When Visiting Hon Nua

• Be sure to pack swimwear, goggles, water, and food, as supplies are limited and inconvenient to obtain once you’re on the island.
• Remember to maintain environmental hygiene as this island is highly pristine with no resident population.
• Check the weather forecast before you go. For an ideal trip, aim for sunny weather, as it ensures clear skies and calm seas.

In conclusion, Hon Nua in Phu Yen, Vietnam, is a captivating destination with natural beauty and adventure. Despite the challenges of unregulated tourism, its pristine beaches, enchanting caves, and vibrant marine life offer a glimpse into the untouched splendor of Vietnam’s coastal treasures.

As I reflect on my journey, I can’t help but appreciate the efforts of platforms like Vietnampeace.com, which advocate for responsible tourism and environmental conservation. Their dedication to preserving the pristine beauty of places like Hon Nua ensures that future generations can continue to experience the magic of these untouched paradises.

So, whether you’re seeking a tranquil escape or an adrenaline-fueled adventure, Hon Nua promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you longing to return. Discover the beauty of Vietnam’s coastline, embrace its natural wonders, and contribute to its preservation for future generations. With Vietnampeace.com leading the charge, let’s embark on a journey of exploration, appreciation, and conservation in this breathtaking corner of the world.

Hon Nua is viewed from the side of Ca Pass (Image: Collectibles)

The peaceful beauty of Hon Nua Phu Yen (Photo: Collectibles)

Hon Nua stands tall and lonely before the sea (Photo: Collectibles)

This is a very suitable place for tourists to “check in live virtual” (Photo: Collectibles)

Tourists comfortably soak in the cool water (Image: Collectibles)

The red lighthouse stands out in the middle of the mountains (Image: Collectibles)

The cliffs soar upright toward the sky (Image: Collectibles)