Hon Mun Marine Protected Area

Hon Mun ("Black Island") is the centrepiece of the archipelago in Nha Trang Bay and gives its name to the marine protected area that encompasses the surrounding reefs. The diving and snorkelling here are the best in Vietnam — the water clarity is generally good, the coral diverse and often in good condition, and the fish life abundant by Vietnamese standards.

Most dive operators in Nha Trang run day trips to the bay's dive sites, rotating between Hon Mun, Madonna Rock, Moray Beach, and several other spots. Prices are competitive — a full day of diving with two or three dives costs a fraction of equivalent diving in Thailand or the Philippines. Snorkelling is possible from the boat on almost all these trips. Several dive schools in town offer PADI certification courses for beginners.

things to do sight snorkelling diving wildlife
A story
Hon Mun was established as Vietnam's first marine protected area in 2001, covering an area of around 160 square kilometres including six islands and their surrounding reefs. Over 350 species of hard and soft coral have been recorded here, along with 200 species of fish — a biodiversity that ranks it among the most significant marine ecosystems in Southeast Asia. The protection has had a measurable positive effect; reef health is generally better here than in unprotected areas of Vietnamese coastal waters.