Nha Trang Bay is counted among the most beautiful bays in the world, known for its turquoise water, white sand and the coral ecosystems around the islands inside it.
The bay holds close to twenty islands. Hon Tre is the largest, sitting across the view from the shore to the open sea and carrying most of the island tourism infrastructure. Hon Mun to the south is the core of the marine protected area and has the finest reef. Hon Tam, Hon Mot and Hon Noi are scattered between them.
It is the sheltering arc of those islands that keeps the water inside the bay so much calmer than the open coast — which is why in-water activity here works through almost the whole dry season.
The usual way to see it is a day boat from Cau Da port, typically taking in two or three islands. For the wide view without getting wet there are two options: the over-sea cable car to Hon Tre, or the high ground on shore — Hon Chong, and Trai Thuy hill where Long Son Pagoda stands.
The dry season, roughly January to August, is the time to come: calm water and good visibility below it. From September the swell builds and island boats start being cancelled — if your trip depends on getting out onto the bay, weigh that when picking dates.
