Yen Islet Eco-Tourism Guide: Sustainable Adventures in Dak Lak Province

A Poetic Coastal Gem in Phu Yen

Yen Islet, a dreamy island off the coast of Phu Yen, Dak Lak Province, captivates with its conical silhouette and pristine beaches, located 20 km northeast of Tuy Hoa and 465 km northeast of Ho Chi Minh City. Following Vietnam’s 2025 administrative merger, this serene islet, alongside its smaller neighbor Sac Islet, draws over 12,000 visitors annually for its untouched beauty and cinematic connection to films like I See Yellow Flowers on Green Grass. With free beach access and activities costing $2–$10 (50,000–250,000 VND), Yen Islet is a haven for eco-tourists and adventurers seeking Phu Yen’s coastal allure.

Surrounded by the South China Sea and near landmarks like Ganh Yen and Mui Yen, Yen Islet blends Phu Yen’s maritime heritage with sustainable practices, including eco-friendly camping and biodegradable dining. Its tropical climate (dry season: January–August, 22–30°C or 71.6–86°F; rainy season: September–December, 20–28°C or 68–82.4°F) ensures year-round exploration. Legend Travel Group’s eco-tours immerse you in this poetic paradise, supporting local communities and Dak Lak’s green initiatives. Book via links in this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!

Administrative Update

Vietnam’s 2025 restructuring merged Phu Yen into Dak Lak Province, with Phu Yen and Tuy Hoa now wards. Yen Islet, accessible via Phu Yen, is easily navigated using ward-based maps, with Tuy Hoa as a key hub 20 km away.

With over 17 years as Southeast Asia’s leading sustainable tourism operator, Legend Travel Group crafts eco-friendly tours to Yen Islet, blending adventure with cultural immersion. Our low-impact transport (electric boats, bicycles) and English-speaking guides share insights on marine ecosystems, local fishing traditions, and green practices. Supporting Phu Yen’s communities, our tours align with Vietnam’s sustainability goals. Enjoy transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support. Sign up for a Legend Travel Group account to track our guides and book eco-tours via links on this page!

Located off Phu Yen’s coast near Nhon Hoi, Yen Islet is a striking island shaped by wave erosion, paired with the smaller Sac Islet. Emerging as a tourism site in the 2010s, it features rugged cliffs, white sandy beaches, and vibrant coral reefs hosting 120+ marine species. Nearby Ganh Yen’s rocky outcrops and Mui Yen’s spiritual Nam Hai worship site add cultural depth. Sustainable features like solar-powered facilities and local-guided tours preserve its pristine charm, making Yen Islet ideal for travelers seeking Vietnam’s unspoiled coastal beauty.

These sustainable activities, costing $2–$10, blend nature and culture:

1. Snorkel Coral Reefs

Snorkel vibrant reefs, best at 8:00 AM, with gear rentals at $4–$7 (100,000–175,000 VND). Spot tropical fish and corals.

• Cost: $4–$7; beach access free.

• Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Use reef-safe sunscreen; avoid touching corals.

• Tip: Rent gear at the dock; included in Legend Travel Group’s Yen Islet Coastal Eco-Tour ($50–$80).

2. Camp on Yen Islet Beach

Set up an eco-friendly camp on white sands, best at 6:00 PM, with tent rentals at $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND). Enjoy starry skies.

• Cost: $5–$10; beach access free.

• Hours: Daily, 24 hours (guided camping recommended).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Use biodegradable gear; clean up waste.

• Tip: Book via Legend Travel Group for guided camping; included in Yen Islet Overnight Eco-Tour ($100–$150).

3. Explore Ganh Yen Rocks

Trek 1–2 km along Ganh Yen’s rocky cliffs, best at 7:00 AM, with guided tours at $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND). Capture sea views.

• Cost: $2–$4; entry free.

• Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–5:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Stick to paths to protect cliffs; carry reusable bottles.

• Tip: Wear sturdy shoes; included in Legend Travel Group’s Yen Islet Nature Eco-Tour ($50–$80).

4. Visit Mui Yen Worship Site

Explore the Nam Hai worship site at Mui Yen, best at 9:00 AM, with guided visits at $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND). Learn local spiritual traditions.

• Cost: $2–$4; entry free.

• Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Respect sacred areas; avoid littering.

• Tip: Dress modestly; included in Legend Travel Group’s Phu Yen Cultural Eco-Tour ($100–$150).

5. Kayak Around the Islet

Paddle along Yen Islet’s coastline, best at 10:00 AM, with kayak rentals at $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND). Discover hidden coves.

• Cost: $3–$5; beach access free.

• Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Use hand-powered kayaks; avoid disturbing wildlife.

• Tip: Book kayaks at Nhon Hoi dock; carry a waterproof bag.

Visit from January to August for dry, warm weather (22–30°C or 71.6–86°F), ideal for snorkeling and camping. The rainy season (September–December) enhances greenery but brings rough seas, requiring caution. Weekdays (Monday–Thursday) see 30–70 visitors daily, compared to 150–400 on weekends, especially during Lunar New Year (January/February). Early mornings (6:00–9:00 AM) offer calm waters and soft light for photography, while afternoons (2:00–5:00 PM) suit relaxed kayaking.

Yen Islet, off Phu Yen’s coast in Dak Lak Province, is 20 km from Tuy Hoa (30–45 min by road, plus a 15-min boat ride) and 465 km from Ho Chi Minh City (7–8 hours):

• By Private Car + Boat: Drive 30–45 min from Tuy Hoa to Nhon Hoi via National Highway 1A, costing $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND) round-trip for 4 people, then take a local boat (15 min, $4–$6 or 100,000–150,000 VND per person). Book via Legend Travel Group.

• By Electric Taxi (Xanh SM) + Boat: Eco-friendly VinFast taxis, 30–45 min from Tuy Hoa to Nhon Hoi, $6–$10 (150,000–250,000 VND) one-way, then boat ($4–$6). Use Xanh SM app.

• By Motorcycle + Boat: Ride via National Highway 1A from Tuy Hoa, 30–45 min, $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND) fuel; rental $7–$12/day (175,000–300,000 VND), then boat ($4–$6). Helmets mandatory (fines up to $40 or 1,000,000 VND).

• By Public Bus + Xe Om + Boat: Bus from Tuy Hoa to Nhon Hoi (30 min, $0.50–$1 or 12,500–25,000 VND), then xe om to the dock (10 min, $1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND), and boat ($4–$6). Total: $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND) round-trip.

• By Flight + Taxi + Boat: Fly to Tuy Hoa Airport (VTS) from Ho Chi Minh City (1 hour, $30–$60 or 750,000–1,500,000 VND), then Xanh SM taxi to Nhon Hoi (40 min, $8–$12 or 200,000–300,000 VND), and boat ($4–$6).

• Navigation Tip: Save “Yen Islet, Phu Yen, Dak Lak Province” in offline maps (Maps.me); follow signs to Nhon Hoi dock. Boat dock parking: $0.80–$1.20 (20,000–30,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Xanh SM taxis or group boats reduce emissions; bicycles to the dock minimize impact.

• Safety: Secure valuables; confirm boat/taxi fares; wear life jackets on boats.

Pack these essentials for a sustainable trip:

• Clothing: Light layers, sturdy shoes for rocky trails; waterproof jacket ($3–$7 or 75,000–175,000 VND) for rainy season; swimwear for beaches.

• Sun Protection: SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen, 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 Grab/Xanh SM apps, offline maps, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($5–$10).

• Outdoor Gear: Small backpack, snorkel mask, eco-friendly camping gear, camera for island views.

• 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 camping; cash for vendors.
  Tip: Carry small VND notes for rentals ($3–$10) or snacks ($0.50–$2).

Costs for Visiting Yen Islet

Entry and Activity Fees

• Beach Access: Free.

• Snorkeling: $4–$7 (100,000–175,000 VND).

• Camping (Tent Rental): $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).

• Ganh Yen Trek: $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND).

• Mui Yen Worship Site Visit: $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND).

• Kayaking: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND).

• Local Snacks (e.g., Grilled Fish): $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).

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

• Souvenirs (e.g., Seashell Crafts): $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND).

• Guided Eco-Tour: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).

Transportation (Round-Trip, from Tuy Hoa)

• Private Car + Boat: $18–$27 (450,000–675,000 VND).

• Xanh SM Electric Taxi + Boat: $14–$22 (350,000–550,000 VND).

• Motorcycle + Boat: $9–$14 (225,000–350,000 VND, including fuel and rental).

• Public Bus + Xe Om + Boat: $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND).

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

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

Total Daily Cost (Per Person, from Tuy Hoa)

• Budget: $12–$20 (bus + xe om + boat, snacks).

• Mid-range: $25–$40 (taxi + boat, activities, camping).

• Luxury: $60–$90 (private car + boat, premium tour, camping).
  Tip: Budget for activities ($2–$10) and transport ($9–$27); carry cash for vendors (no cards accepted).

• Timing: Visit at 6:00–9:00 AM for calm seas; January–August for dry conditions. Weekdays for fewer crowds (30–70 vs. 150–400 on weekends). Avoid Lunar New Year for quieter visits.

• Booking: Reserve Legend Travel Group’s tours 24–48 hours ahead for guided visits or camping. Book boats/snorkeling at Nhon Hoi dock.

• Sustainability: Stay on paths to protect ecosystems; bring reusable bottles. Support local vendors for snacks ($0.50–$2) or crafts ($2–$5).

• Navigation: Save “Yen Islet, Phu Yen, Dak Lak Province” in offline maps; ask locals at Nhon Hoi for boat docks. Avoid night boating due to safety risks.

• Safety: Wear sturdy shoes; secure valuables. Confirm fares for boats/taxis; check weather for safe boating.

• Weather: Dry season for safe snorkeling; rainy season needs rain gear ($3–$7) and waterproof bags ($3–$7). Check AccuWeather.

• Cultural Respect: Dress modestly at Mui Yen (cover shoulders/knees); greet with “xin chào.” Respect marine life; avoid loud noises.

• Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50); carry mosquito repellent and sanitizer.

Our eco-friendly tours showcase Yen Islet’s poetic beauty:

• Yen Islet Coastal Eco-Tour ($50–$80/person, 1 day): Electric scooter and boat from Tuy Hoa for snorkeling, Ganh Yen trek, and kayaking, with seafood lunch ($2–$5). Includes guide, transport.

• Yen Islet Overnight Eco-Tour ($100–$150/person, 2 days): Islet camping, Mui Yen visit, and Tuy Hoa market tour. Includes meals, eco-transfers.

• Phu Yen Coastal Explorer ($250–$400/person, 3 days): Yen Islet, Bai Xep Beach, Ganh Da Dia, and homestays. Includes meals, guides. Prices include guides, eco-transfers, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Sign up for an account to track tours and book now via links!

Yen Islet, a coastal gem in Phu Yen, Dak Lak Province, enchants with its conical cliffs, pristine beaches, and cinematic charm, accessible for free. Drawing 12,000+ visitors yearly, this island blends Phu Yen’s maritime heritage with sustainable camping and eco-friendly adventures. Legend Travel Group’s Yen Islet Tours ensure a green, immersive journey, preserving the islet’s natural allure. From snorkeling to exploring Ganh Yen, Yen Islet promises an unforgettable escape. Sign up for a Legend Travel Group account, browse our featured tours, and book your eco-adventure today!
Ready to explore Yen Islet? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on a poetic island journey!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group, 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.

Source: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group