Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Vietnam's best beaches


VIETNAM MIGHT HAVE BEEN LATE TO SOUTHEAST ASIA’S BEACH PARTY, BUT IT WAS WORTH THE WAIT. THE COUNTRY BOASTS MORE THAN 3400KM OF COASTLINE, WITH INFINITE STRETCHES OF POWDERY SAND, HIDDEN COVES, LOVELY LAGOONS, IMPOSSIBLE BOULDER FORMATIONS AND TROPICAL ISLANDS RINGED WITH YET MORE BEACHES. HELP! TOO MANY CHOICES!




Mui Ne

Image by Mark Broadhead
Set on a seductive swathe of sand, Mui Ne is an absolute charmer with swaying palms and towering dunes. Get pummelled on the beach by a masseur or pummelled by the waves with some water sports – this place blends action and inertia to perfection.



Nha Trang

Image by Mark Broadhead
The heavyweight champion of Vietnam, Nha Trang has been knocking out visitors for years. True, the town is brazen and brash, but the beach is bold and beautiful and a gateway to a cluster of quieter islands.

China Beach

Image by @Saigon
OK, so we are using artistic licence with the name, but whether you call it My Khe to the north or Cua Dai to the south, it’s all just one long, luscious stretch of sand. Try surfing off the shores of Danang or just pamper yourself at the resorts near Hoi An.

Con Dao Island

Image by Emilyvin
The Con Dao Island have been protected from over-exposure by their isolated location off the coast. Enjoy it while it lasts, with their smattering of resort  and an overdose of idyllic beaches, as this is sure to be the next big thing in Vietnamese beaches.

Doc Let

Image by Cmic Blog
While the rest of the world is sunning itself in Nha Trang, slip up the coast to this little teaser, home to some atmospheric resorts and some squeaky white sand; a place to get away from it all.

Phu Quoc

Image by Mark Broadhead
Simply the most beautiful island in Vietnam, Phu Quoc is liberally sprinkled with picture-perfect white-sand beaches and cloaked in dense, impenetrable jungle. Long Beach is sophisticated, Ong Lan Beach romantic, and Bai Sao simply irresistible.

Ho Coc

 Vung Tau to Phan Thiet is almost one long beach, but much of it remains mercifully inaccessible to the masses. Sample its potential with a retreat to Ho Coc, a glorious sandbar about midway along this stretch.

Monday, October 8, 2012

Welcome to Mui Ne - Vietnam


Mui Ne, meaning “sheltered peninsula”, is an idyllic, laid-back beach town featuring all that you need to help recharge those batteries. Palm trees, white sand beaches, great seafood and a range of hotel options make it a great weekend away. However, Mui Ne isn’t just about lazing by the beach and reading a book, there are also some exciting water based activities, including kite-surfing and windsurfing, that are guaranteed to get your blood pumping. You can also hire a motorbike and cruise off to the photogenic red or white sand dunes, or get your feet wet at the fairy stream, or simply wake up early to take in a beautiful sunrise and watch last night’s catch unloaded on shore. With such a variety of options all within easy access to the town it is easy to see why Mui Ne is such a popular southern destination.

Vietnam Mui Ne, the beautiful white sand beaches of Vietnam
Mui Ne, the beautiful white sand beaches of Vietnam 
Photo by aidanxuyen
When you talk to someone who’s visited Mui Ne you often hear; “it was just so relaxing, with all those great little beach bungalows, stacks of different restaurants, beautiful dunes and white sand beaches.” However you could just as easily hear, “Mui Ne was unreal! We tried our hand at dune sledding, kite-surfing, windsurfing and even snuck in a round of golf. And we partied by bonfires every night on the beach. What a wicked weekend away!” Whichever Mui Ne you experience, you are bound to have a great time.

Vietnam Mui Ne
I liked the contrast between the young boys practising kite surf and the old fisherman in his traditional half-nut boat. They’re all pulling or hanging on ropes…
Photo by mtchm

WHY NOT GO TO MUI NE

Mui Ne is a little out of the way. With no easy airport access, if you don’t like long bus trips, you’d be better off flying into Nha Trang or heading down to Phu Quoc Island for a beach getaway. Also if you are looking for scuba diving or snorkelling then head elsewhere.
Mui Ne, like many other coastal tourist destinations in Vietnam, has undergone a building and development boom over the last few years. What was once a romantic and quiet local beach town is now almost entirely fronted by big hotels and bungalows and shows very little resemblance to the quiet fishing town that it used to be.

WHY GO TO MUI NE


Vietnam Mui Ne
Photo by art-ko
Mui Ne is gorgeous and really relaxing. If you make the effort to get there then you will be rewarded with postcard like palm fringed, white sand beaches and a lovely place to watch the world go by. Add to that, the easily accessible attractions around Mui Ne, you will see why the area has slowly turned into the port-of-call for most ex-pats out of Saigon and for backpackers from all over South East Asia seeking a beach break.

BEST TIME TO GO TO MUI NE

As always on the south coast of Vietnam it is best to visit during the dry season which runs from October/November through to April/May. However, Mui Ne has a unique climate that means it sees very little rain in comparison to nearby Nha Trang,  Hoi An and even Phan Thiet (just 30kms south) thus making it a great choice year round.

WHERE TO STAY IN MUI NE

Unlike many destination  in Vietnam it pays to make a reservation in this little town. There is an abundance of accommodation choices but due to Mui Ne’s popularity and proximity to Saigon it is a popular destination particularly over weekends and national holidays. With over 100 hotels to choose from there are as you would expect a wide variety of options from beautiful romantic resorts right down to little beach side bungalows. The Cham Villas (32 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, (062) 741-234) are my pick as one of the best priced luxury options in town. However, if you are looking for something a little lighter on the wallet then consider checking out Hiep Hoa Resort – Beachside Bungalows (80 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, (062) 847-262.)

WHERE TO EAT / DINE IN MUI NE

Mui Ne, as you would expect, is all about seafood. There are some great restaurants that will cook up the catch of the day right as you watch, including; Guava (53 Nguyen Dinh Chieu) or if you are looking for a more romantic option then consider the restaurant inside the Sailing Club – Sandals (24 Nguyen Dinh Chieu.) An extensive menu and a beautiful setting make Sandals a great choice. A popular local option with plenty of fresh seafood to choose from is Lam Tong (92 Nguyen Dinh Chieu.)

Vietnam Mui Ne fisherman
Mui Ne fisherman
Photo by jonasphoto
Mui Ne and Binh Thuan province is also home to the famous dragon fruit. Aptly named, because of its appearance, it is a roadside favorite, and makes a great breakfast snack.

NIGHTLIFE IN MUI NE

Jibes, Pogo and Java are great options for passing the nigh away in town. Jibes is a popular kite-surfing hangout and often has bonfires down on the beach. However trends change, so have a walk along the beach and see where the night will take you!

MY TO DO LIST IN AND AROUND MUI NE

• The red sand dunes – these sand dunes are at the northern end of town. The dunes are incredibly photogenic but because of their proximity to Phan Thiet and Mui Ne, they are incredibly popular as well. They are best visited very early in the morning or late at night to avoid the crowds and intense heat.

Vietnam Mui Ne sand Dunes
Following my friends steps
Photo by Lulugaia
• The white sand dunes – more picturesque but a bit more effort to reach than the Red Sand dunes, their grandeur are however, well worth the journey. Fantastic photo opportunities abound.

Vietnam Mui Ne Dune at the ocean
Dunes at the ocean:
Photo by alexlichtenberger
• Fairy Springs – Located about halfway along the main road at the back of Mui Ne beach. Head up river to the source of the spring and see how a small little river has carved out a huge niche in the local countryside.
• The early morning fish market – at the northern end of Mui Ne town, this is a must. Aim to get there sometime between 5.30-7am to catch the best of the action. You’ll see hundreds of locals furiously unloading, cleaning and trading all types of fish from boats anchored just off shore. A great 30 minute visit and easy to tie in with a trip to the nearby Red Sand dunes.
• The Po Shanu Cham tower – is located just east of the road linking Mui Ne and Phan Thiet. A vestige of the incredible culture of the Cham people who used to inhabit this area. It is beautifully located on a rise overlooking Phan Thiet city and the Phan Thiet river.

STAY AWAY FROM

If you are going to hire a motorbike be sure to be cautious of all the tourist buses that fly in and out of the town. If you have never been on a bike before this is a great place to learn, but beware. Not long ago a new road was built behind the beach which has alleviated a lot of the traffic problems yet still many cars, buses and bikes continue to drive down the beach road at breakneck speeds!

GETTING THERE

Mui Ne is about 30kms north of Phan Thiet  Just off highway 1a near the Phan Thiet turnoff is a side road to Muong Man which has north-south train connections. Ask about timetables in advance or prepare for a possible lengthy wait!
Most tourists reach Mui Ne on a bus, either a 4 hour journey north of Sai Gon or a 5 hour trip south of Nha Trang.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Information for your Danang tour

While most tourists neglect Vietnam’s fourth-largest city in favour of nearby Hue and Hoi An, Da Nang has considerable charm in its own right. The economic powerhouse of central Vietnam, it combines the buzz of a bigger city with beautiful beaches and great restaurants, hotel, resort . A lot of money has recently been poured into tree-lined boulevards, bridges and beachside resorts.


Back in the heady days of the American War, Da Nang was referred to as the ‘Sai Gon of the North’. This held a note of both praise and condemnation: like its big southern sister, Danang was notable for its booming economy, fine restaurants, busy traffic and glittering shops. Entertaining the soldiers from the nearby American base was a profitable business – bars and prostitution were major industries, and that sleazy legacy lingers. Men travelling together or alone may find themselves (or more accurately, their wallets) subjected to unwanted attention in even the ritziest of bars.
Danang marks the northern limits of Viet­nam’s tropical zone and boasts a pleasant climate all year round.


Lies in the central path of Vietnam. Da Nang was the landing point of both the French and the Americans during their stints in Vietnam. When the French established a garrison in Da Nang (then called Tourane), more soldiers died from disease than the associated fighting in establishing the garrison.
There is now a small cemetery dedicated to them.During the Vietnam War,Da Nang was the home to one fifth of all US servicemen based in Vietnam. This made Da Nang on of the heaviest defended cities in South Vietnam, yet it eventually fell to the North Vietnamese in 1975 with hardly a bullet fired.

Da Nang marks the halfway point between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and was the first place to organize its own local communist party committee. The city is fairly featureless, and if you are coming from the tranquil setting of Lang Co, Hoi An, or anywhere for that matter, Da Nang is an extreme disappointment. It is a busy, dusty, colorless city, the fourth largest in Vietnam, and one of the largest business centers. Unless you are in Da Nang for business, chances are you will pass straight through. Da Nang does have a fascinating Cham Museum that contains an excellent collection of Cham art. However, the main reason for staying in Da Nang is in the surrounding region. China Beach, the Marble Mountains,Hoi An and My Son are all within striking distance of Da mange, though it is more pleasant to stay in Hoi An and visit these sights.

Lang co beach: If you were not planning on staying in Lang Co, a drive through may change your mind. The main street is lined with palm trees enticing you to go for a swim in the crystal clear waters that lap onto fine white sandy beaches. Lang Co is on a sand spit peninsula with a sparkling lagoon on one side, and a long beach lining the South China Sea on the other. This is one of the most beautiful places in Vietnam, and is yet to be developed extensively for tourists, which is probably a good thing.
Hai Van Pass: Travelling by road between Lang Co and Da Nang. you will have to get over the Hai Van Pass. This pass is created by a spur from the Truong Son Mountain Range that extends to the coast. This extremely mountainous road, with its sensational views, is the cause of many local vehicles breaking down. So if you are on one, allow yourself plenty of time. The view from the top of the pass is extraordinarily beautiful and well worth a stop to take it all in

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Vietnam in my heart

From the vertiginous rice valleys of Sapa in Vietnam's north stretching to the fascinating bustle of the Mekong Delta in the south, Vietnam is home to a wealth of attractions that will seduce both budget and top-range travellers.

Vietnam's war-torn history -- both the French and Americans have left their own unique and not often positive stamps on the nation -- as well as its stunning and varied geography, delicious cuisine, hedonistic beaches and amazing shopping are all reasons to Travel to the fast-paced Communist nation.

Welcoming foreign tourists and their dollars for well over a decade, enterprising Vietnam has rapidly developed a well-trodden trail of tourist attractions. Many travellers kick off their vacation in the former capital of Hanoi in the north, where smokey French-style cafes rub shoulders with traditional stores hawking most anything and internet cafes frequented by well-groomed teenagers who otherwise hang out on the streets on their sharply polished motorbikes.

From here, popular side trips for travellers include Ha Long Bay, where soaring limestone karsts boggle the mind, and the former French hill station of Sapa , where hilltribes in colourful dress who work the terraced rice paddies -- and now the masses of tourists -- combine with cool weather to make a must-see destination.

Travel by train, or bus, to take in the remainder of Vietnam. Remnants of the American War in Vietnam provide sobering viewing around the central region's demilitarised zone (DMZ), an essential stop for the many war veterans returning to this now-vibrant nation.

The nearby imperial capital of Hue offers a glimpse into yesteryear, while incredibly popular Hoi An offers an opportunity to get an entire new wardrobe -- shoes included -- stitched up for a song, as well as some great cafes and cuisine to while away a few days enjoying.
A trip to Vietnam would not be complete without a stop at one of the beach strips for some surf, sun and sand, and perhaps a sipped cocktail or two. Nha Trang and Mui Ne are popular vacation spots, offering backpacker accommodation as well as some remarkable luxury resorts these days.

Adventurous travellers will want to head further south again and inland to the little-touristed Central Highlands region, where ethnic minorities scratch out livings for themselves -- not always in harmony with the central government.




The country's southern capital of Ho Chi Minh city, or Sai Gon, is a throbbing metropolis where some might be as enthralled with the mesmerising traffic as they are with the sights.

Below Sai Gon the Mekong Delta offers particular delights to the independent and intrepid Traveller -- think freshly caught crispy fish, eaten while sitting on a barge cruising the waterways. Be sure to palm off the organised tour s and do this part of the country on your own.

Sublime Phu Quoc Island is another excellent retreat, lapped by turquoise waters and a wealth of sea life.

Backpackers could easily spend a few months taking in Vietnam at a leisurely pace, though Vietnam Airlines and burgeoning regional budget airlines with their cheap flights now make spending say a long weekend in Hanoi or a quick break in Nha Trang a viable prospect for short-term, luxury tour ists -- or those who just want a taste of a fast-developing country that was off limits for so long.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Phu Quoc - the largest island of Vietnam

Phu Quoc, known as Koh Tral by Cambodians, is the largest island of Vietnam. Situated in the Gulf of Thailand, the island is part of Kien Giang province. The district of Phú Quốc includes the island proper and 21 smaller islets. The district seat, Dương Đông, which is located on the west coast, is also the largest town on this island, whose total area is 593.05 km².

Geography: Verdant and topographically varied, the island offers the visitor an array for landscapes, ranging from sandy beaches and coves to forested mountains, river plains and smaller islets which together make up an archipelago of 26 islands. The island's variety extends to its maritime heritage, Phu Quoc having both an active fishing industry and good quality coral reefs, most notably to the south and northwest of the island.
The population, numbering around 85,000, has traditionally beeb associated with the sea, and the island's most the striking cultural traits remain the fishing communities of the two main towns, Duong Dong and An Thoi as well as host of smaller and very distinctive fishing villages dotted around the island. The island has also however attracted considerable migration from to respond to growing opportunities in the service industries spurred on by tourism.
In the centre and south much of the original lowland tropical evergreen forest cover has been cleared leaving behind a mix of agricultural and secondary forest landscapes and a variety of rural, settlements. These areas contrast with denser and more extensive rainforest areas in the north which national conservation laws protect and whose scenery is particularly striking when combined with the natural coasting and rivers.

Phu Quoc Island is geographically familiar to Vietnamese people, particularly in the south of the country where its tropical island status and mountainous character contrasts sharply with the flatlands of the Mekong Delta. Internationally it is an almost unknown destination, with only specialist features of the island, notably the Phu Quoc fish sauce "nuoc mam", Phu Quoc pepper, "ho tieu" and Phu Quoc dog (unique ridgeback breed) having and international recognition.
Strategic Location: Located 10-degree North latitude, Phu Quoc is a tropical island whose closest landing point in Vietnam by sea is the town of Ha Tien, also in Kien Giang province and is 46 km away. Rach Gia city, the capital of the province is 120 km away and be reached by sea and by air (25 minute fly). Ho Chi Minh City is some 500 km away and is accessible by air (60 minutes fly).
Economy: Phu Quoc Island is famous for its two traditional products: fish sauce and black pepper. The rich fishing grounds offshore provides the anchovy catch from which the prized sauce is made. Pepper cultivation is located inland in the center of the island. More recently a pearl farm was established.
Tourism plays an important part of the economy with the beaches being the main attraction. Phu Quoc is served by Phu Quoc Airport which air links to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)'s Tan Son Nhat Airport and Rach Gia's Rach Gia Airport. A new international airport is going to be built here. Phu Quoc is also linked with Rach Gia and Hà Tiên by fast ferry hydrofoils.
Strategic LocationBrief history of the island: In the early 17th century, Phu Quoc was a desolate area, where Vietnamese and Chinese immigrants earned their living from sea cucumbers. From 1782 to 1786, Phu Quoc became a stronghold of Lord Nguyen Anh, later Emperor Gia Long, in his confrontation with Tay Son forces. Between 1841 and 1847, 12 villages were recorded on the island, including Duong Dong, Gach Dau and Cua Can.
In 1869, the French occupied it and set up rubber and coconut plantations in the island. From 1967 to 1972, a P.O.W detention camp of 40,000 inmates during the war covering on 400 hectares was built at An Thoi by the Saigon regime.
Population records suggest a very small population on the island: in the late 19th and early 20th Century less than 1,000 people resided on Phu Quoc, mostly distributed among small fishing communities. By the end of Second World War the population was still less than 5,000. Architectural evidence suggest the some concentration of population occurred in Duong Dong , where some trading activities were started under the French occupation. During the American war the resident population had risen only to between 12,000 and 17,000, although during this more sinister phase of the island's history a large prisoner population, made up of captured resistance fighters, had emerged. The Cay Dua former prison remains one of the most visible historical records of the island from where some 40,000 prisoners were repatriated to the mainland at the end of the American War in 1975.
After being liberated on 30 April 1975, Phu Quoc has been converted into an ideal tourist destination for nature and sea lovers.
Strategic Location Climate: The island's monsoonal sub-equatorial climate is characterized by distinct rainy (June to October) and dry seasons (November to May). The annual rainfall is high averaging 2,879 mm. In the northern mountains up to 4,000 mm have been recorded. April and May are the hottest months with temperature reaching 35 °C. Trips to Phu Quoc can be made all year round, but the best time is dry season when the sky is always sunny, clear and blue.

Strategic Location Traditional products:
Phu Quoc Island has worldwide been famous for its two traditional products: the pepper and fish sauce. The numbers are quite surprising: hundreds of fish sauce workshops (annual output: 10 million liters) and countless pepper gardens (total area: 500 ha). Visitors to pepper gardens will be captivated by word of "itsy-bitsy teeny-weeny coins" of patient growers while at fish sauce workshops, they will be amazed at the sight of dozens of bulky barrels being lined up and waiting to be jammed with fresh fish. You will be tempted to try a few pungent green pepper coins and half a spoonful of the tasty salty sauce.

Strategic Location Traditional Customs & Festivals: Like special events everywhere, the local festival days based on the lunar calender falling on Oct.,16 (Dinh Cau Temple); Nov., 20 (Thuy Long Thanh Mau Temple); July 15 (Temple consecration ); July 30 (Sung Hung Ancient Pagoda consecration); Ham Ninh Lady's spirits memory; Oct.7 & 8 (Su Muon Pagoda); Sep. 25 & 26 (Suoi Da Pagoda; Sep. 26 & 27 (Ganh Gio Pagoda); August 27 (Nguyen Trung Truc monument's day) ; July 27 (Phu Quoc jail martyr Vietnamese monument's day); Jan. 15 (Gia King's Temple day); From Oct.3, 1997 (Many local people died in the Storm no. 5 ); May 16 (Bon Canh Temple day).

Tam Dao - fairy place for your tour

Tam Dao Tourist Area is located in Tam Duong District, 86km from Ha Noi, between Ban Thach, Thien Nhi, and Phu Nghia Mountains. This area is a wonderful place with fresh, pure and cooling air, beautiful scenery.
Lying at the attitude of 900m above sea level, Tam Dao Tourist Area with an area of 235ha is considered the ideal destination for vacations in the North. It has been known since the Ly and Tran dynasties for its wonderful scenic spots. However, it was not transformed into a tourist area by the French until the 20th century (1904 - 1906). In Tam Dao, there are villas, hotels, restaurants, sports fields, swimming pools, and dancing halls.
The weather is cool all year round with an average temperature of 20 to 22 degree celsius. In summer, tens of thousands of Tourists visit Tam Dao to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.



Sharing the cool climate and the mountain-based locations, many people consider Tam Dao as a miniature of Sapa. But actually, the two sides are intrinsically different.
Tam Dao means three islands - a mountain range located about 75 km north of Ha Noi. The significant shorter distance from Hanoi to Tam Dao compared to Sapa gives this area many advantages. One can easily combine the visit to the mountain retreat area with a road trip from Hanoi. The cool climate and extensive green is another advantage, especially in the summer where Hanoi always seems overheated.
Tam Dao is more suitable for a relaxing retreat than an intensive adventure. Accommodation facility as well as restaurants is readily available. The road that leads from lowland to highland is breath-taking; those who are into physical activities can never afford to muss a biking tour.
Tam Dao has numerous specialties and one should not leave the mountain area without trying Lon Man – a special kind of pork and Su Su – delicious in both fruits and its leafy vegetables. In winter time, be prepared with warmer clothes since it can get quite cold. Suring the summer, it is pleasantly sunny but avoid sun burn by applying plenty of sun block before hitting road.

Truc Lam Tay Thien Zen Monastery is considered as one of the most impressive and peaceful monasteries in Viet Nam. This Zen sanctuary is located in Dai Dinh Commune, Tam Dao District, on Tay Thien Mountain, which belongs to the Tam Dao Mountain Range in Vinh Phuc Province.
Built in 2005 on the ruins of an ancient pagoda named Thien An Thien Tu, and using remains of its floor, Truc Lam Tay Thien Zen Monastery sits majestically on the apex of the mountain, where from below the red tips of its tile covered roof can be seen peaking through the pine trees. Truc Lam Tay Thien Zen Monastery is very ornate, from carved pictures on the doors to embossed works on the wall, ceiling, and pillars, very detail was considered.
Besides the monastery, there are supporting buildings constructed in the ancient architectural style that house a library, a museum, a meditation house for monks and the Tam To Truc Lam Temple.
Walking around these buildings, visitors can almost taste the tranquility and calm in the air. Truc Lam Zen Monastery along with the province's Tam Dao tourism site will help create a place renowned for its scenic beauty both in the province in particular and the country.

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Nha Trang Bay - a pearl from Khanh Hoa

Nha Trang Bay has long been an attractive destination for all tourists to Nha Trang, and it is likely thay
tourists coming here all enjoy a Nha Trang bay tour, diving in beautiful island, discovering the sea bed, and observing the colourful coral reefs.
It takes you only about 20 minutes to get to Mieu Island (or Bồng Nguyên Island) by motor-boat. You can visit the Tri Nguyen Aquarium where many species of marine creatures live or just relax at the unique beach – Bãi Sỏi (Pebble Beach). This aquarium is a fossil ship model from which, tourists can enjoy the collection of multiple types of species taken from many regions of Vietnam.
Situated on the South of Nha Trang Bay is the small Mun Island (Hòn Mun). It is named Mun Island because in the south east of the island, it has high-rise cliffs with dangerous wattles forming caves and grottoes, especially its stones are as black as ebony, which could rarely be found in other areas. In the black-stone caves of Mun Island, every year flocks of swallow migrate to the area and build their nests. Due to its location adjacent to the hot sea-currents from the equator, suitable to the development conditions of corals and various types of tropical sea creatures, the sea bed of Mun Island is home to an abundant and diverse group of marine species, an interesting and useful place for researchers, oceanographers and tourists to observe and explore more of the sea creatures' life.
In Hon Mun, visitors can dive or take grass-bottom boat to admire the colored coral and sea creatures. All the diving centers come and stop near this island: visibility is always excellent there and there is an impressive variety of corals of all colors, with numerous pretty tropical fish. This is the island where all dive sites already mentioned in the Nha Trang section are located. It also has a couple of other sites such as Rainbow Reef and Tiger Wall.
Well-known by the wild tropical evergreen forest, long charming sandy beaches and clear water, Tam Island (Hòn Tằm) has become an attractive ecological tourist site. Around the rock range, thousands kind of fish and colorful corals make tourists exciting and peaceful. Therefore, Hon Tam resort is a wonderful spot of recreation and health improvement. On the back of the mountain is a newly-found attraction – Hang Dơi (Grotto of Bats) where lots of bats inhabit. Coming to this island, tourists will have chance to take part in various forms of sport activities like jets Kayaking, mountain climbing, volleyball on beaches, windsurfing, diving, etc. Especially, from February 2010, tourists can have opportunity to observe Nha Trang Bay from balloons. Nha Trang Bay observed from 150 meters high may have been really different from the one that you see on land.
Tre Island is the largest one in Nha Trang Bay with the area of more than 30 square kilometers. The island is located about 5km to the east of Nha Trang City center, 3,5km to Cau Da Port. Beaches in this island are among the most charming natural beaches in Vietnam. With mild and temperate climate, Tre Island possesses favorable conditions for developing ecological tourism and sea resort. The island is receiving much investment to develop high quality tourism infrastructure.
Far offshore, visible from Nha Trang Beach the Salangane island appears with lush green colors where salangane nests have been harvested for years to make the traditional "bird's nest" tonic and food.
Tourists can visit caves where the swallows create their nets on the rocks and enjoy a delicious and nutritious food prepared from swallows' nets and sugar candy which in the past was reserved only for kings.
Yen Islands is not only well known for its Salanganes nest, but also for its only beautiful twin-beach, and tourists coming here can enjoy swimming, snorkeling in clear, smooth water on the twin-beach.