Khanh Hoa: Coast, Islands and Cham Heritage

Khanh Hoa combines a long coastline with a distinctive island landscape and a rich cultural heritage. The province has 200 kilometers of coastline and more than 200 islands and island groups. The bay off Nha Trang is dotted with 19 islands and islets; Nha Phu Lagoon covers about 1,500 hectares, including about 40 hectares of mangrove forest. The coast, bay and lagoon offer different points of reference when planning your trip around the landscape and possible experiences.

Coast, Lagoon and Islands

Swimming, snorkeling and jet skiing are possible on Hon Tre. Hon Mun is a protected marine reserve. Hòn Lao, also known as Monkey Island, is a designated tourist site in Nha Phu Lagoon. Each place offers a different focus: activities on Hon Tre, the protected status of Hon Mun, and Hòn Lao’s location in the lagoon.

Diep Son offers a special opportunity that depends on the tides: the island group consists of three connected islets. At low tide, a sandbar allows visitors to walk from one islet to the next. Check local conditions and the tide level before visiting, as the walk depends on low tide.

On Hon Yen, visitors can climb the 220 steps to Du Ha Mountain and enjoy panoramic views from the top. Unlike Diep Son, where the water level determines the route between the islets, the focus here is the climb to a viewpoint. Hon Ong also offers visitors opportunities for swimming, diving and kayaking. Fishing and hunting are not permitted due to environmental protection requirements there.

Historic homes are also part of the region’s appeal: Hoang Hoa Village on Hon Tam features homes of former residents, with period furnishings and artifacts. Alongside nature and water activities, the islands therefore also offer insights into historic ways of life.

Cham Heritage and Regional Traditions

The Cham built Tháp Bà Pô Nagar between the 8th and 13th centuries to worship the goddess Pô Inư Nagar. The Tháp Bà Ponagar Festival was recognized as national intangible cultural heritage in 2012. Its program includes traditional Cham dance, Bóng dance, Chầu Văn, folk games and traditional art performances. The specific program may vary.

Another annual event is the Khanh Hoa Yến Sào Festival, held on the 10th day of the fifth lunar month. If you want to plan your trip around this festival, check the date for the year you intend to travel. Knowledge of harvesting and processing agarwood from Khanh Hoa has also been added to the national inventory of intangible cultural heritage.

For culinary inspiration, bánh căn, bún cá and bún sứa are among the typical dishes of Khanh Hoa’s fishing villages. These three dishes complement the temples, islands and landscapes with a regional food culture explicitly associated with the fishing villages.

Visitor Views and Travel Information

From the upper floors of Tháp Trầm Hương, visitors can look out over April 2 Square, Nha Trang Beach and Trần Phú Street. Check the current access arrangements before planning a visit.

Khanh Hoa also offers several useful points of reference for getting there: Cam Ranh is on Vietnam’s north–south railway line. Cam Ranh International Airport is a major transport hub for Khanh Hoa and the South Central Vietnam region. Check the available connections for your travel date.

Many operators organize day trips for island hopping around Nha Trang. They often include transfers, meals, entertainment and activities. If you include one of these tours in your day’s plans, compare the specific inclusions; operators and tour details may change.

Discover more destinations: Nha Trang, Ninh Hoa, Diên Khánh, Cam Ranh, Phú Thọ, Kon Tum, Tiền Giang Province, Binh Phuoc.

For the broader travel overview: Vietnam.