Vietnam has the best snorkeling in Asia. What is the best snorkeling in Vietnam? Vietnam has miles of coastline, countless beaches and hundreds of tropical islands. I will have lived here for five years, and I can tell you, the snorkeling is some of the world’s best! Here is my list of the best snorkeling in Vietnam.
Vietnam’s best snorkeling spots include Cham Island, Hoi An, Son Tra, Ho Long, Cat Ba, Phu Quoc, An Thoi, Con Dao, Thom, Nha Trang and Hom Mun Islands are my personal favorites. Below are the details of each and why I like them, plus my tips and the best times to visit.
Vietnam is surrounded by Thailand, Singapore and The Philippines. Vietnam is close to Singapore, has more islands than Thailand and better food than The Philippines. Fortunately, it’s also less expensive to visit.
Best Spots for Snorkeling in Vietnam
The Best Spots for Snorkeling, based on my personal experience:
- Cham Island
- Hoi An
- Son Tra
- Ha Long Bay
- Cat Ba Island
- Phu Quoc Island
- An Thoi Islands
- Con Dao Islands
- Thom Island
- Nha Trang
- Hon Mun Island
The Best Snorkeling Spots in Vietnam
Vietnam is a beautiful Southeast Asian country, burgeoning with culture, views and history. Vietnam is close to Singapore, has more tropical islands than Thailand, easier to reach than The Philippines and a better exchange rate than all of them.
"frogfish, paper fish, cowfish and a rich selection of both soft and hard corals"
In this list of off-the-beaten-path spots, you may find some rare species such as frogfish, paper fish, cowfish and a rich selection of both soft and hard corals. These are some of the best snorkeling spots in Vietnam.
The rest of this article will discuss the best spots for snorkeling in Vietnam in greater detail. I will also discuss some other frequently asked questions at the end. Here are the best snorkeling spots I have found in Vietnam.
Vietnam is justifiably famous for its sandy beaches. It is only natural that this South-East Asian wonder has more to offer than just the picturesque nature of its beaches – it is a popular snorkeling destination! The deep turquoise Vietnamese waters and the untouched beaches are the perfect location to dive into the sea and swim amidst the diverse marine life.
Cham Island – Home of Cu Lao Cham Marine Park
Cham Island (there are several islands but only one is inhabited) is just off the coast of the Ancient City, Hoi An. This beautiful tropical island is host to a large variety of marine wonders and snorkeling in this region and strikes a fine balance between land-based comforts and exploring the depths of this very affordable tropical paradise.
The Cham Island group of eight islets are a UNESCO-recognized biosphere. Among the many fishing villages are the rich coral reefs that support the best snorkeling. Would you be surprised if I said this was my favorite place? In addition, this is close enough to Danang that I can get away from the city.
These islands are also home to the Cu Lao Cham Marine Park, a haven for corals. Try to get here early so you can spend all day snorkeling. Cham island has homestays for all the comforts of home, including fresh seafood meals. I recommend Island Smiles homestay and Hanh Ly homestay.
Both are in the small village of Bai Huong, on the south end of the island, away from the crowds. Island Smiles Homestay, https://islandsmilesretreat.com/, which is homey and relaxed with great food. Hanh Ly Homestay, https://www.cham-islands.com/, is more modern, has several floors and balcony views of the ocean. Both homestays offer delicious home cooked meals.
Even tho I live in Danang, I travel to Cham Island for snorkeling and scuba. The island people are more relaxed and friendlier (which is saying a lot considering how warmly I am welcomed in Danang.) The coral and marine life are brighter, the water is clearer and the island life is more relaxed. It’s a short boat ride from Hoi An, which is also a nice place to visit, and it’s worth the trip.
You can rent tents and set up camp on one of the pristine beaches as you take breaks between dips in the warm water. Hiking, fishing, yoga, coffee, and more are also available.
Hoi An – Ancient Town
If you can’t get to Cham Island itself, there are snorkeling beaches in Hoi An. Hoi An is rustic, old-fashioned and romantic. But, that’s not the best thing about it – it is also one of the best snorkeling destinations in Vietnam. Snorkeling in Hoi An often includes a free authentic meal at a local seafood restaurant and costs relatively little with the current exchange rate.
The best beaches for snorkeling in Hoi An are Cua Dai Beach and An Bang Beach. Some say that Cua Dai is slightly better, tho I cannot say for sure. Hoi An is an amazing place for Snorkeling in Vietnam. However, it also sees a lot more tourists. Besides, Cham Island is so close.
Son Tra Peninsula – Snorkelling in Da Nang
Son Tra Peninsula is a Natural Wonder, with a dense vegetation and a diverse set of flora and fauna. Owing to its remote nature, the marine life here are obscurely shaped and rather rare. The coral here offers one of the best experiences of snorkeling in Vietnam.
Son Tra Peninsula is located just 13 kilometers from the major city, Da Nang. A speedboat takes you to Son Tra City via the Bai But, Bai Rang and Bat Cave. A canoe takes you to the South Beach. The Coral Reefs are so large here that you can see them directly from the Canoe.
The tour also includes a visit to Son Tra Linh Ung Pagoda. So large, that it can be seen from Da Nang. From here, you can see the entire Son Tra Peninsula. The entire tour includes transport, snorkeling gear and a visit to the Pagoda.
Some of the best beaches to go snorkeling in the Son Tra Peninsula include Bac My An Beach, Bai Nom Beach, and Bai Nam Beach. These beaches have excellent facilities with respect to snorkeling trainers and equipment.
Ha Long Bay – Great Number of Caves
If you are looking for that secluded snorkeling spot, this group of islets that make up Ha Long bay offers just that. The bay itself has a great number of caves, making it an opportune habitat for a wide variety of tropical marine life.
With a single ticket, you’ll be able to snorkel all around these islands. The bay is readily accessible from the Vietnamese capital city, Hanoi.
Cat Ba Island – UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Cat Ba archipelago includes hundreds of small islands, one of which is Cat Ba island, situated in the South of Ha Long Bay, not far from Hai Phong city and Quang Ninh province, about 30 km (18.64 miles) from Haiphong city and 25 km (15.5 miles) from Ha Long province. This special place was recognized by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve in 2003.
"abalone, pearl, spiny lobsters and fishes of all colors in bright, dazzling coral reefs"
While snorkeling at Cat Ba Island, you will find popular sea animals such as abalone, pearl, spiny lobsters and fishes of all colors in bright, dazzling coral reefs. These coral reefs are not only beautiful to look at but also compliment the growth of fish and other marine life.
Cat Ba island is considered a romantic place located 70 meters (230 feet) high from sea level and ideal for diving. Under the reefs is valuable marine life such as red swamp crawfish, abalone, pearl and multi-color shoals displaying their radiant beauty.
These islands are very accessible, seeing as they’re located close to Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city. There are many snorkeling centers around the Cat Ba islands, surrounded by unusually clear water. The Cat Ba Islands are linked to Hanoi by a bus service, although the islands can get crowded between August and November.
Phu Quoc Pearl Island – Explore Vietnam’s Marine Beauty
Phu Quoc is one of the most popular diving and snorkeling locations in Vietnam, owing to its clear waters, white sands and 30 meter clear water. The seawater has great visibility and is very calm. The diving area is also quite large and includes an area from the northwestern part of the island to the small archipelago in the south.
"the best beaches for snorkeling include Ong Lang Beach, Long Beach and Bai Sao Beach"
Diving is said to be best in the northwestern part. Snorkeling is encouraged in the archipelago area. There aren’t many large fish to be seen, but you will find numerous schools of small fish along with large coral reefs. The best beaches for snorkeling include Ong Lang Beach, Long Beach and Bai Sao Beach.
Phu Quoc and snorkeling are synonymous as the entire island is full of secluded beaches with aquamarine crystal clear waters. This area has tropical rainforests, national parks and UNESCO conservation sites. Therefore, this is a special location.
"full of tropical fish species and rare aquatic critters"
The waters around the island are full of tropical fish species and rare aquatic critters. Phu Quoc Island is well preserved, displaying nature at its best just beneath the water surface. Similarly, you will have the best views clase at hand.
An Thoi Islands – Rich with Marine Life
This archipelago consists of 15 islets located near Phu Quoc, where you can hire a charter boat for snorkeling in the waters around the islands. For the most magical snorkeling, get to the far end of the sea, away from the crowds. Besides, in this way, you won’t disturb the kayakers. either.
Relax in one of the guesthouses after snorkeling on An Thoi Island, where you can cook your own fresh seafood. Therefore, the islands are far from the densely populated areas, and are rich with marine life and their water stays unusually clear.
Con Dao Islands – Snorkeling Destination for Green Turtles
There is a group of 16 islets in Vietnam called the Con Dao islands. Their histories include being home to the revolutionaries that fought off the French occupation of the country. This area features pristine beaches surrounded by evergreen tropical rainforests, which supports a wide variety of tropical marine life.
Con Dao Island has an offshore beach located close to 800 meters from the main city. The currents are quite strong here and you must wade out to the water to get a sight of the reef. However, it’s worth the trip and once you do get there the view is simply spectacular!
"species such as clams, parrot fish, crabs"
The colorful corals are home to a variety of marine species such as clams, parrot fish, crabs, etc. This area is also one of the only places where you can spot green turtles while snorkeling in Vietnam. Lo Voi and Dam Trau are the best beaches for snorkeling in the Con Dao Islands.
Thom Island – Some of Vietnam’s Cleanest Beaches
This island has some of the neatest and cleanest beaches, as well as surrounding waters, making it an excellent destination for a family snorkeling vacation. A community of private business owners welcomes visitors to this superb island. In fact, there are cable cars that take you right to the water.
This way you’ll avoid the fast boats and kayaks. The corals here have vibrancy and color and the ecosystem is rich in tropical marine life. Moreover, you will be able to enjoy it peacefully.
Nha Trang – Snorkeling at Vietnam’s Favorite Beach Town
Vietnam’s Favorite Beach Town
A popular beach town, Nha Trang is a great place for snorkeling in Vietnam. Nha Trang is a moderately sized city in Vietnam and will have resorts, restaurants and services. Nha Trang is a Russian favorite. As a result, it offers the best of land and sea activities.
It’s from here that you’ll start to encounter spots with colorful corals, octopuses, turtles, and seahorses. The entire area is pollution free owing to the fact that it is a Marine Reserve covering 12,000 hectares. The cost of snorkeling here is low, with the best beaches being Bai Dai Beach and Nu Tien Beach. Besides, everyone likes a good deal.
Hon Mun Island – Glass Bottom Boat!
This spot is located on the Nha Trang coast, an island dotted with paradise-like beaches with the best rocky reef for snorkeling. Many places have waters with glass clarity along with shallow beaches, and there are no fast motorboats to worry about as you indulge in underwater exploration.
"more than 300 species of colorful fish that swim all around you"
The Hon Mun Island is the perfect location to go snorkeling in Nha Trang. Marvel at the rich diversity of coral reefs and the more than 300 species of colorful fish that swim all around you through the blue waters.
"view the fish and the reef from the glass bottom boat above"
Hon Mun Island has a glass bottom boat. Any of your party that are not comfortable with snorkeling can view the fish and the reef from inside the glass bottom boat from above. As a result, everyone can enjoy the day.
The Hon Mun Island is perfect area for family snorkeling expeditions. Even the beginners can enjoy a dip here. In other words, snorkeling gear is available for hire right from the island.
Tips for Snorkeling in Vietnam
Swim with a friend or an instructor. Swimming alone is dangerous for anyone.
Make sure that your snorkel, fins and mask fit snugly. Safety is very important.
Use sunscreen and hydrate yourself well before entering the water.
Be aware of your surroundings, such as the currents, the size of waves and swell, and wind speeds, and any other potential hazards.
Do not touch marine life. Many attractive fish are poisonous.Best Time to Scuba Dive in Vietnam
Dive sites in Vietnam are accessible all year round, but the main diving season from March through to October. This is due to calmer currents, which produce better visibility. Weather can vary greatly different parts of Vietnam, so make sure to check the weather conditions of each individual place that you are diving in! Avoid January and February because this is holiday season.
Conclusions
I hope you will check out some of these spots for snorkeling & diving in Vietnam. Vietnam can be an ideal place to challenge yourself. After you experience your first dive, you will want to try the other sites in Vietnam! I have lived all over the world, from Panama to Korea, from Laos to Israel and from Canada to Hong Kong and Vietnam is someplace special. I was surprised to be in Vietnam but it wasn’t an accident.
Vietnam is someplace special. By the time you read this, I will have been here for five years, and let me tell you, the snorkeling in this region is some of the world’s best! Today I have assembled my list of the best areas for snorkeling!
The Best Snorkeling Spots in Vietnam
Vietnam is a beautiful Southeast Asian country overflowing with rich culture, spectacular views, and history. Surrounded by Thailand, Singapore and The Philippines, Vietnam is burgeoning with spots for snorkeling. Fortunately, it’s also one of the least expensive destinations for sailors to visit.
In my opinion, Central Vietnam has the best spots for snorkeling. I recommend you start at Cham Island. Another popular starting point for your snorkeling expedition is Nha Trang, a beach town further south. I hope this has encouraged you to stop on your cruising or sailing journey and visit Vietnam. Send me some feedback on which parts you liked the most and what other ways I can help you. I will do my best.
Sources:
https://www.vietnamvisa-easy.com
https://www.bestpricetravel.com