Hon Tam Island, a hidden gem just off the coast of Nha Trang, offers beautiful beaches, resorts, and attractions that captivate both local and international tourists. What activities to expect on Hon Tam Island? Is it worth a visit? How can you plan a self-guided trip to Hon Tam? Here’s everything you need to know to have a perfect trip to this tropical paradise.

Highlights:

  • Hon Tam Island is located in Nha Trang, Vietnam, just a 10-minute speedboat ride from the port.
  • There are two major tourist destinations on the island: MerPerle Hon Tam Resort and Dong Tam, Yen Island.
  • There are three ways to reach Hon Tam Island: purchasing tickets online or booking a hotel room and using the speedboats provided by resorts on Hon Tam, going on an island tour, or chartering a speedboat.
  • Popular activities at Hon Tam Resort include swimming, mud bathing, visiting the traditional Craft Village, taking photos, and enjoying flashmob and Hawaiian dance performances.

1. About Hon Tam Island 

Hon Tam Island, also known as Kim Thuy Son, is one of the largest islands in Nha Trang Bay, with a total area of about 110 hectares. The island is quite close to the mainland, taking only 10 minutes by speedboat from Nha Trang Port.

The name “Hon Tam” comes from the island’s shape, which resembles a silkworm facing east from a bird’s eye view. It is surrounded by equally charming islands like Hon Tre and Hon Mieu, which are just a 5-minute boat ride away.

The best time to explore this haven? From March to September, when the skies are clear and sunny, the sea is calm, and the weather is perfect for exhilarating island tours and thrilling beach activities. Hon Tam Island is currently home to two large tourist areas: MerPerle Hon Tam Resort and Dong Tam, Yen Island Tourist Area.

2. MerPerle Hon Tam Resort: Where luxury meets serenity

Does Hon Tam Island have any luxurious accommodations? Step into a world of lavishness and relaxation at MerPerle Hon Tam Resort. Operating since 2006, this stunning resort, currently managed by Vingroup, features three distinct areas that cater to every traveler’s whim. 

2.1 Resort and Accommodation Area

Dreaming of waking up to the sound of the ocean? Located secludedly in the southwest of the island, the resort’s 200 bungalows and 100 private villas offer a serene retreat, accommodating up to 1,000 guests.

Each room is a sanctuary that is designed with the perfect blend of comfort and tropical charm, providing a sense of tranquility and connection to nature. 

When you’re not lying back in your comfortable room, indulge in the many activities on offer: unwind at the luxurious spa, perfect your swing at the golf course, dive into the infinity pool, or challenge your friends to a game of tennis. Whatever your desire, MerPerle Hon Tam Resort has it all.

As part of the Vinpearl system, you can expect high-quality service, with friendly staff, a modern check-in system, and full five-star amenities.

bungalow garden view at hòn tằm

Bungalow garden view

From 1.900.000 VND/night

Suite Executive Seaview

From 2.600.000 VND/night

3-bedroom Villa

From 6.000.000 VND/night

2.2 Area B – Sparkling Waves: The Beach Playground

Looking for a beach that leaves a lasting impression? Hon Tam Island’s stunning 2-kilometer shoreline, with its white sand and gentle slopes, is the perfect spot for soaking up the sun, diving into the crystal-clear water, or enjoying some invigorating beach sports.

Hon Tam Resort has taken full advantage of this pristine paradise by creating a massive beach entertainment zone in Area B, featuring numerous activities both on land and in the water! Are you an adrenaline junkie? Then parasailing, water motorbiking, or hopping on a jet ski will be right up your alley. For corporate groups or teams, beach volleyball and beach soccer are fantastic for team-building, bringing out everyone’s competitive spirit! And for families, the giant floating playground is a must-try, with its endless series of thrilling and laugh-out-loud inflatable games guaranteed to create unforgettable memories.

a tourist lay in infinity pool at hon tam resort

2.3 Area A – Mud Bath 

Craving a little indulgence? Hon Tam Island’s luxurious mud bath zone, opened in 2020, is the newest and hottest spot for relaxation in Nha Trang! What truly makes this mud bath experience stand out is its exceptional service and top-quality natural mud. Sourced straight from nature, this mineral-rich mud is packed with health-boosting properties, leaving you feeling revitalized and glowing from head to toe.

Day Tour to Hon Tam

MUDBATH & BEACH ACTIVITIES

  • Full access to the whole Hon Tam island.
  • Mudbath included
  • Beach and infinity pool access
  • Enjoy buffet lunch
  • Free pickup & drop off at your hotel
  • Speedboat included
tour vip tắm bùn nha trang

3. Explore the unique Dong Tam, Yen Island

Tucked away in the southeast, Dong Tam, Yen Island (the Island of Swiftlets) offers a more down-to-earth escape, managed by Sanest Khanh Hoa Travel. While it may not have the luxurious flair of MerPerle Hon Tam, its charm lies in its simplicity and rustic beauty.

Here, you can enjoy classic beach activities like swimming and unwinding, but what really sets this place apart is the option to camp overnight under the stars. Imagine gathering around a campfire with your friends, the crackling flames lighting up the night, as the gentle sound of the ocean provides the perfect background to your seafood feast. It’s a unique experience you won’t want to miss!

4. How to get to Hon Tam Island

Located in proximity to the mainland, Hon Tam Island is easily accessible by boat or cable car. Here are three easy way for you to get to the island:

4.1 Join an island day tour for a hassle-free experience

Want a no-stress, time-saving way to explore Hon Tam? Joining an island day tour is your best bet. Not only will you visit Hon Tam, but you’ll also get the chance to hop over to other nearby islands. The best part? It’s an all-inclusive experience – transportation, meals, and activities are all covered. Just sit back, relax, and let us handle everything from start to finish. One call, and we’ll take care of your adventure from A to Z!

tắm bùn trong tour 3 đảo

Evertrip is currently rolling out several amazing VIP 3-island tour packages with promotional prices starting from just 700,000 VND per person! Here’s everything you get in this all-inclusive experience:

  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • Seafood lunch
  • Speedboat transportation to the islands
  • Mud bath ticket/beach access ticket at Hon Tam
  • Snorkeling to see vibrant coral reefs
  • A friendly and knowledgeable tour guide to ensure you have a blast

A friendly and knowledgeable tour guide to ensure you have a blast

4.2 Self-guided travel

If you’re a fan of flexibility and want to plan your own adventure, you can easily visit Hon Tam Island independently by buying tickets online or booking a resort room at Evertrip. The resort provides complimentary speedboat transfers, so getting to the island is a breeze! Here’s how to do it:

  • Make your way to the Hon Tam Port (same location as Vinpearl Port, at 1 Tran Phu Street, Vinh Nguyen Ward, Nha Trang) and head to the check-in counter.
  • Show the staff your MerPerle Hon Tam resort booking code or Hon Tam entrance ticket code.
  • Sit back and relax in the waiting area until it’s time for your speedboat ride! The speedboats leave every hour, starting at 8:00 AM and running until 5:00 PM.
  • When it’s time to return, simply follow the instructions to the island’s port, and catch the next speedboat back. Easy as that!

4.3 Charter a speedboat for an exclusive ride

For larger groups or families who love flexibility and freedom, chartering a speedboat to Hon Tam is the perfect option since you get to set your own schedule. Make sure to book ahead with Evertrip to avoid any last-minute hassle or low-quality boats.

Just keep in mind that the speedboat charter doesn’t include transportation from your hotel to the port, or the entrance fee to Hon Tam Island (the lowest ticket price is 250,000 VND/ ticket). Factor these in to make sure your trip stays within budget!

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5. Must-try experiences at Hon Tam Resort

5.1 Snap breathtaking Instagram pics

At Hon Tam, you’ll find endless picture-perfect spots to take your “Instagram game” to the next level! Whether you’re going for a bold, adventurous look or a soft, romantic aesthetic, Hon Tam Island features stunning scenery and breathtaking backdrops, letting you create those jaw-dropping shots that’ll have your followers double-tapping in no time!

hon tam island nha trang

5.2 Dive into thrilling water sports

Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or just up for some fun in the sun, the island’s beach sports such as parasailing and jet skiing are sure to excite you. And don’t worry about a thing – Hon Tam’s fully equipped, with top-notch gear and a team of pros to guide you safely every step of the way.

Looking for something a little more peaceful? Kayaking is the perfect way to explore the hidden gems of Nha Trang Bay. Paddle your way through pristine waters, you’ll be mesmerized by the island’s natural beauty as you go.

Boasting a rich and diverse marine ecosystem, Hon Tam is also a perfect spot for visitors to enjoy water sports like snorkeling and scuba diving. Dive deep into a magical world of vibrant coral reefs and colorful schools of fish, a mysterious “underwater paradise” is waiting to be discovered.

5.3 Indulge in relaxing hot mud baths & massages

Treat yourself to luxurious hot mineral mud baths and massages. Hon Tam offers various packages to suit your needs, from standard packages, which include soothing mud baths and Jacuzzi hydrotherapy sessions, to signature spa treatments designed to help you relax and improve health. Nestled in pristine nature, with professional and attentive service, tourists relaxing at the spa can find a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

5.4 Enjoy a mouth-watering seafood buffet for lunch

Depending on your ticket package, you’ll dine at either the Hon Viet restaurant or Ocean View restaurant. Whether you’re craving Vietnamese classics, Asian delicacies, or Western favorites, with the freshest ingredients prepared by master chefs, you’re in for a treat!

5.5 Be amazed by vibrant musical performances

Every day, Hon Tam turns up the energy with live performances that will get you grooving! Grab a refreshing drink, immerse yourself in the music, and enjoy the dazzling shows – it’s the perfect way to take in the island vibes!

  • 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM: DJ Beats
  • 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Hawaiian Dance
  • 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Flashmob Show

5.6 Get a glimpse into traditional culture at the Craft Village

Another hidden gem on the island is the Craft Village, where you can watch artisans weave brocade, shape pottery, distill rice wine, and make conical hats. This is your chance to experience local culture up close and personal – an experience you’ll never forget.

5.7 Bask in breathtaking sunsets

As the day winds down, there’s no better place to catch a stunning sunset than Hon Tam. As the sun slowly sinks behind the coconut trees, the sky is painted in brilliant hues of gold, orange, and purple, casting a warm glow across the sea. Whether you’re watching from the beach or the pier, it’s a scene straight out of a dream – one of the most mesmerizing moments that tourists can’t miss when exploring the island’s natural beauty.

hon tam beach nha trang

5.8 Take romantic nighttime walks

For visitors who long for an experience of peace and tranquility, staying overnight at Hon Tam unlocks a truly magical experience – moonlit strolls around the island. Under the peaceful moonlight, the winding path around the island resembles a soft silk ribbon embracing the coastline. The peaceful hum of nature, from the gentle sound of the waves to the subtle songs of insects, creates the ultimate serene soundtrack to melt away your worries. 

As you look up, the night sky is a blanket of twinkling stars, painting a scene so enchanting it feels like a dream. The refreshing coolness of the evening breeze washes over you, replacing the heat of the day with a sense of pure relaxation. 

6. FAQs about Hon Tam

6.1 Where is Hon Tam Port?

efore Hon Tam was taken over by Vinpearl, travelers used to head to Merperle Hon Tam Port to get access to the island. However, since 2023, Hon Tam Resort has been managed by Vinpearl, and tourists visiting Hon Tam Island will now check-in and board the speedboat at Vinpearl Port, conveniently located at No. 1 Tran Phu Street (See map).

6.2 Can I bring food to Hon Tam Island?

Absolutely! Feel free to bring along your favorite snacks, fruit, and treats. But don’t worry if you didn’t pack a picnic – Hon Tam’s two restaurants offer a delicious selection of dishes, from Vietnamese specialties to international delights. No need to fret about dining options while you’re soaking up the island vibes!

That’s a wrap on all the must-know tips before you visit this gorgeous island. With its spectacular scenery and fun-filled activities, Hon Tam is an unmissable spot on your Nha Trang adventure. Stay tuned to Evertrip for even more exciting travel destinations and insider tips on exploring Nha Trang!

About author

Khánh Touristguide

Khanh Touristguide is not only a professional tour guide with over six years of experience in Nha Trang, but also a native and a passionate traveler of this beautiful coastal city. Khanh has a deep love and connection to Nha Trang, as well as a wealth of knowledge about its culture, history and attractions..