Hon Mieu Island
Vinh Nguyen, Nha Trang, Khánh Hòa
Even though it's just a short boat ride from the resort city of Nha Trang, Hon Mieu Island feels a million miles away. Along with its white-sand beaches and seafood restaurants, its biggest claim to fame is Tri Nguyen Aquarium, a unique boat-shaped building that houses giant shrimp, sharks, and turtles.
The basics
Other highlights of Hon Mieu Island include Tranh Beach, a mix of gravel and white sand, where the clear waters are ideal for snorkeling, and Hon Mieu Fishing Village, where you can try a variety of Vietnamese seafood specialties. Island-hopping day trips from Nha Trang typically combine Hon Mieu with time on Hon Tam, the neighboring island home to a mud bath resort with alleged healing properties.
Things to know before you go
On Tranh Beach, you can enjoy watersports like paragliding, jet skiing, and scuba diving.
If you want to stay overnight, there are some accommodation options on the island—most are 3-star and ideal for those on a budget.
Tri Nguyen Aquarium is an excellent choice for families and marine life lovers—it’s home to eight floors of exhibits and outdoor fish lakes.
How to get there
Hon Mieu Island is a 20-minute boat ride from Nha Trang on the mainland. Boats and canoes depart for the island from Cau Da Port; if you’re in a small group, you’ll likely have to wait for the boat to fill up before you set sail. Most tours arrange boat rides for you, saving you the hassle of sorting out transport yourself.
When to get there
The best time to visit Hon Mieu Island is during the dry season from January through September, when the skies are generally clear and sunny, and the humidity is much lower. Famous festivals include the Nha Trang Fisherman’s Festival in February, when parades commemorate the sea god.
Seafood dishes to try on Hon Mieu
Hon Mieu is famous for its seafood dishes, which combine fiery Vietnamese flavors with freshly caught fish and seafood. Must-try dishes include bun sua (vermicelli with jellyfish) and banh can, a rice flour pancake stuffed with prawns, squid, beansprouts, and fragrant herbs, plus fried squid served with morning glory, a green Asian vegetable.
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