Nha Trang Diep Son Island Guide: Walk the Ocean Path with Sustainable Tours

A Unique Coastal Wonder with Eco-Conscious Appeal

Nha Trang, located in Nha Trang Ward, Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam, is a coastal gem 440 km northeast of Ho Chi Minh City, attracting over 4 million visitors annually for its 507 km² bay and vibrant beaches. Diep Son Island, a mini-archipelago in Van Phong Bay, 60 km from Nha Trang, captivates with its 800m underwater sandbar connecting three islets—Hon Bip, Hon Giua, and Hon Duoc. With activities costing $2–$50 (50,000–1,250,000 VND), this pristine destination, set in a tropical climate (dry season: January–August, 22–30°C or 71.6–86°F; rainy season: September–December, 24–28°C or 75.2–82.4°F), offers eco-friendly adventures like snorkeling and village visits. Legend Travel Group’s sustainable tours, using low-impact transport, ensure a responsible exploration of this natural marvel. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your Diep Son adventure

Administrative Note

Ninh Thuan Province has merged into Khanh Hoa Province, with Nha Trang city reclassified as Nha Trang Ward. For global tourists, “Nha Trang” remains the key term. Use “Nha Trang Ward, Khanh Hoa” or “Diep Son Island, Van Phong Bay” in navigation apps for accuracy.

With over 17 years as Southeast Asia’s leading sustainable tourism operator, Legend Travel Group crafts eco-friendly Diep Son tours for travelers seeking authentic coastal experiences. Our tours use electric boats and hybrid vehicles, guided by English-speaking experts sharing marine conservation and local cultural insights. Supporting Diep Son’s fishing communities, we align with Khanh Hoa’s “Blue Tourism” initiative. Enjoy transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support. Book our eco-tours via links throughout this guide for a responsible island escape

Diep Son Island, nestled in Van Phong Bay, is a cluster of three islets known for its 800m sandbar, which emerges at low tide, allowing visitors to walk between islands in shallow water (0.5–1m deep). This “floating path,” surrounded by turquoise seas and small fish, offers a thrilling yet serene experience. The island’s 100-household fishing village, shaded by ancient coconut palms, maintains a rustic charm with minimal infrastructure, emphasizing sustainable tourism through local-guided activities and waste-free practices. Its clear waters (10–20m visibility) and coral reefs make it ideal for snorkeling, while its unspoiled beaches attract photographers and nature lovers, just a 1.5-hour journey from Nha Trang.

These sustainable activities, costing $2–$50, offer nature and cultural immersion:

1. Walk the Underwater Sandbar

Stroll the 800m sandbar connecting Diep Son’s islets, best at 6:00–8:00 AM during low tide, included in tour costs ($20–$50 or 500,000–1,250,000 VND), with stunning ocean views.

• Cost: Included in tours; no separate fee.

• Hours: Daily, 6:00–9:00 AM (low tide varies).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Avoid touching marine life; stay on path to protect ecosystem.

• Tip: Wear water shoes; included in Legend Travel Group’s Diep Son Eco-Tour ($50–$80).

2. Snorkeling at Hon Bip

Explore coral reefs and tropical fish, best at 9:00 AM, for $20–$35 (500,000–875,000 VND), in crystal-clear waters.

• Cost: $20–$35; includes gear, boat.

• Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–3:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Use reef-safe sunscreen; no-touch reef policy.

• Tip: Book early for small groups; included in Legend Travel Group’s Snorkel Eco-Tour ($60–$90).

3. Visit Diep Son Fishing Village

Interact with locals and explore coconut-shaded hamlets, best at 10:00 AM, included in tour costs ($20–$50), learning about fishing traditions.

• Cost: Included in tours.

• Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Support local vendors; avoid plastic waste.

• Tip: Try coracle rides ($2–$5); included in Legend Travel Group’s Cultural Eco-Tour ($50–$80).

4. Photography at Ngoc Trai Bridge

Capture the 300m pier’s scenic views, best at 4:00 PM, included in tour costs ($20–$50), ideal for Instagram shots.

• Cost: Included in tours.

• Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–6:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Use digital photography; respect local couples.

• Tip: Visit at sunset; included in Legend Travel Group’s Photography Eco-Tour ($50–$80).

5. Seafood Lunch at Diep Son Market

Enjoy fresh shrimp or squid, best at 12:00 PM, for $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND), prepared by local vendors.

• Cost: $5–$10/person.

• Hours: Daily, 11:00 AM–2:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Sustainable seafood; biodegradable utensils.

• Tip: Try grilled fish; included in Legend Travel Group’s Seafood Eco-Tour ($60–$90).

• Dry Season (January–August, 22–30°C or 71.6–86°F): Ideal for sandbar walks and snorkeling with calm seas and clear skies (10–50 mm/month rainfall). Early mornings (6:00–9:00 AM) offer visible sandbars; afternoons (2:00–5:00 PM) suit photography. Weekdays see fewer crowds (100–300 daily visitors) than weekends (500–1,000).

• Rainy Season (September–December, 24–28°C or 75.2–82.4°F): Rougher seas may limit sandbar access; opt for village visits. Midday (11:00 AM–2:00 PM) avoids showers. Quieter post-Tet (50–200 daily visitors).

• Tip: Visit March–June for optimal sandbar visibility; check tide schedules and AccuWeather for storm alerts.

Diep Son is 60 km from Nha Trang Ward, reachable in 1.5–2 hours:

• By Electric Taxi (Xanh SM) + Boat: From Cam Ranh Airport to Van Gia Port (45 min), $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND); from Nha Trang Ward to port (1 hour), $15–$20 (375,000–500,000 VND). Then, 30-min boat ride, $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND) one-way. Total: $27–$45 round-trip. Book taxi via Xanh SM app.

• By Private Car + Boat: From Nha Trang Ward to Van Gia Port, 1 hour, $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND) round-trip for 4 people, then boat ($2–$5). Book via Legend Travel Group.

• By Motorcycle + Boat: Rent in Nha Trang Ward ($5–$10/day or 125,000–250,000 VND), 1–1.5 hours to port, $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND) fuel, then boat ($2–$5). Helmets mandatory (fines up to $40 or 1,000,000 VND).

• By Public Bus + Boat: From Nha Trang Bus Station to Van Gia Town (1 hour, $1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND), then xe ôm to port (10 min, $1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND), then boat ($2–$5). Total: $7–$16 round-trip.

• By Legend Travel Group Tour: Hybrid bus to Van Gia Port, then electric boat to Diep Son, $20–$50 (500,000–1,250,000 VND)/person, including guide and activities.

• From Ho Chi Minh City: Fly to Cam Ranh Airport (45 min, $30–$60 or 750,000–1,500,000 VND), then taxi/boat ($14–$25); or sleeper train (7–9 hours, $15–$30), then bus/boat ($7–$16). Navigation Tip: Save “Van Gia Port, Van Gia Town, Khanh Hoa” or “Diep Son Island” in offline maps (Maps.me). Parking: $0.80–$1.20 (20,000–30,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Electric boats and buses reduce emissions; avoid littering on boats.

• Safety: Secure valuables; confirm boat schedules. Check tide times for sandbar access.

Pack these essentials for a sustainable visit:

• Clothing: Swimsuit, light layers, water shoes for sandbar; waterproof jacket ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) for rainy season.

• Sun Protection: Reef-safe SPF 50+ sunscreen, hat, sunglasses.

• Travel Essentials: Reusable water bottle, compact umbrella ($2–$5), mosquito repellent ($0.50 or 12,500 VND), hand sanitizer ($0.50).

• Tech Gear: Smartphone with Xanh SM apps, offline maps, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($5–$10).

• Other Gear: Waterproof bag, snorkel (optional; rentals $5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND), camera for sandbar shots.

• Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).

• Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for snacks ($1–$2); biodegradable wipes.

• Extras: Snacks for boat trips; cash for vendors.
  Tip: Carry small VND notes for boats ($2–$5), activities ($5–$35), or snacks ($0.50–$2); secure valuables on boats.

Diep Son Island Costs

Activity and Dining Costs

• Sandbar Walk: Included in tours ($20–$50 or 500,000–1,250,000 VND).

• Snorkeling: $20–$35 (500,000–875,000 VND).

• Village Visit: Included in tours.

• Ngoc Trai Bridge Photography: Included in tours.

• Seafood Lunch: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).

• Coracle Ride: $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND).

• Snacks (e.g., Banh Xeo): $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).

• Drinks (Water, Coconut): $0.30–$1 (7,000–25,000 VND).

• Souvenirs (Local Crafts): $2–$10 (50,000–250,000 VND).

Transportation (Round-Trip from Nha Trang Ward)

• Electric Taxi + Boat: $34–$50 (850,000–1,250,000 VND).

• Private Car + Boat: $36–$60 (900,000–1,500,000 VND).

• Motorcycle + Boat: $11–$20 (275,000–500,000 VND) rental + fuel + boat.

• Public Bus + Xe Ôm + Boat: $7–$16 (175,000–400,000 VND).

• Legend Travel Group Tour: $20–$50 (500,000–1,250,000 VND)/person.

• From Cam Ranh Airport: $24–$40 (600,000–1,000,000 VND) taxi + boat.

• Parking: $0.80–$1.20 (20,000–30,000 VND).

• SIM Card: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).

Total Daily Cost (Per Person)

• Budget: $15–$30 (bus, boat, snacks).

• Mid-range: $40–$70 (taxi, snorkeling, tour).

• Luxury: $80–$120 (private car, premium tour, extras).
  Tip: Budget for activities ($2–$50), transport ($7–$60), and extras ($2–$10); carry cash for vendors (no cards on island).

• Timing: Visit 6:00–9:00 AM for sandbar access; January–August for calm seas. Weekdays for fewer crowds (100–300 vs. 500–1,000 on weekends). Avoid Tet for quieter visits.

• Booking: Reserve tours via Legend Travel Group 24–48 hours ahead. Book boats on-site at Van Gia Port; confirm tide schedules.

• Sustainability: Use reef-safe sunscreen; avoid plastic waste. Support local vendors for seafood ($5–$10) or crafts ($2–$10).

• Navigation: Save “Van Gia Port” or “Diep Son Island” in offline maps; follow National Highway 1A north from Nha Trang. Arrive 30 min early for boats.

• Safety: Wear water shoes on sandbar; secure valuables. Avoid high tide (check lunar calendar); carry sunscreen for boat rides.

• Weather: Dry season ideal for snorkeling; rainy season needs rain gear ($2–$5). Check AccuWeather and tide charts.

• Cultural Respect: Say “xin chào” to locals; respect fishing villages. Avoid disturbing marine life or village areas.

• Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50 or 12,500 VND); carry hand sanitizer.

Our eco-friendly tours showcase Diep Son’s natural wonders:

• Diep Son Eco-Tour ($50–$80/person, 1 day): Hybrid bus to Van Gia Port, electric boat, sandbar walk, seafood lunch ($5–$10). Includes guide, transport.

• Khanh Hoa Island Adventure ($120–$180/person, 2 days): Diep Son sandbar, Doc Let Beach, homestay ($15–$30/night). Includes meals, guide.

• Vietnam Coastal Discovery ($300–$450/person, 4 days): Diep Son, Hon Mun, Phu Quoc islands, eco-transfers. Includes meals, guides. Prices include guides, eco-transfers, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book via links!

Diep Son Island, located 60 km from Nha Trang Ward in Khanh Hoa Province, captivates with its 800-meter underwater sandbar and pristine beaches, offering eco-friendly adventures for $2–$50 (50,000–1,250,000 VND). This rustic paradise, accessible by boat from Van Phong Bay, features snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, sustainable seafood dining, and conservation efforts like marine protected zones. Legend Travel Group’s Khanh Hoa Tours ensure a responsible, immersive Khanh Hoa Travel experience, guiding you to this coastal marvel with eco-friendly practices like low-impact boat tours and support for local communities, paired with visits to Po Nagar Cham Towers and Nha Trang Beach. Sign up for our newsletter to follow new guides and book your eco-friendly adventure today!
Ready to explore Diep Son Island in Khanh Hoa? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable coastal adventure!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.

Sources:

• Diep Son Island Information: vietnam.travel, vietnamtourism.org.vn, vinpearl.com, tripadvisor.com, nha-trang-tourism.com