Boasting a massive 3260 km coastline of white sandy beaches and turquoise waters set against lush green landscapes, Vietnam is a paradise for scuba diving enthusiasts. The innumerable diving sites provide the perfect opportunity to go scuba diving in Vietnam and explore the enchanting world of underwater life. Nothing can match the thrill of diving straight into the water and witnessing the beautiful marine creatures in this country’s seas. Though Vietnam does not top the list, it is gradually gaining popularity as a scuba diving destination. If you want to plan a trip then this scuba diving guide in Vietnam will surely assist you in finding out the best diving sites and the best time to visit.
Best Time To Go Scuba Diving In Vietnam
Though the dive sites in Vietnam are open throughout the year, the months between March and October are ideal due to calmer currents and better visibility. Furthermore, weather conditions drastically vary in different areas, therefore it is advisable to check the weather conditions of the diving site you plan to visit well in advance.
Equipment Required For Scuba Diving In Vietnam
If you are an experienced diver, you would be aware of the kind of equipment you need to go scuba diving and you can always rent them in Vietnam. However, if you are a beginner, you can enrol for a beginner’s diving course and you will be familiarised with the equipment. For starters, you’d need the following equipment:
1. Dive mask
2. Snorkel
3. Oxygen regulator
4. Scuba fins
5. Dive computer
6. Wetsuit
Price Of Scuba Diving In Vietnam
The starting price of scuba diving here is as follows:
Single dive: INR 2,900 (45 USD)
2 Dives: INR 4,660 (65 USD)
4 dives: INR 8,600 (120 USD)
PADI diving courses: INR 24,300 (340 USD for 4 days)
9 Best Places For Scuba Diving In Vietnam
Are you ready to dive into the azure waters and swim amidst tons of underwater creatures? Here is a list of the most famous places to indulge in scuba diving in Vietnam.
1. Moray Beach
Moray Beach is a part of the mesmerizing South China Sea, and this beach is located in Nha Trang. Diving and admiring the beauty of underwater creatures on this beach will indeed leave you spellbound. Furthermore, you get to see the colorful scorpion fish, nudibranch mollusks, clownfish, and black frogfish swim through the coral reefs. When you float through the caves of Moray, you will discover an exhilarating experience. Moray Beach is approximately 60 feet deep, thus making it an ideal diving spot for beginners as well as experienced divers.
Ideal for: Beginners and experienced divers
Best time for diving: July and August
Highlight: Moray Cave
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2. Ho Trau Nam, Whale Island
If you want to experience the best scuba diving in Vietnam, go to Ho Trau Nam in Whale Island which is just 90 minutes’ drive towards the north of Nha Trang. This destination is also known as Three King Island as it possesses three peaks that rise within the water. The eye-catching seabed of this spot is adorned with white, yellow and purple corals. The presence of whales and sharks besides manta and stingrays indeed adds to your thrilling scuba diving experience. Additionally, the beautiful White Rock is located at a short distance from the main landscape of Whale Island, and it is beautified with stunning rock peaks, black corals and gorgonian. The diving depth of this spot is approximately 40 meters.
Location: Vạn Ninh, Khánh Hòa
Ideal for: Divers of all levels
Best time for diving: April and July
Highlights: Underwater rock formations at White Rock, clownfish at Whale Island Bay, underwater photography at Three King Island
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3. Hon Ko, Phu Quoc
Hon Ko is also known as ‘Dry Island’ due to the absence of vegetation. The fantastic underwater coral reef system makes this destination absolutely worthwhile, as the beautiful seabed underneath the waves is adorned with rocks. You get to admire the beauty of sea creatures such as bamboo sharks, nudibranchs, scorpionfish, miter shells, rays, and catfish. Moreover, you can also see butterflyfish and parrotfish feeding here.
Ideal for: First-time divers
Best time for diving: October to April
Highlights: Underwater coral reefs
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4. Con Dao Islands
Strategically located away from the hustle-bustle of the city, Con Dao Islands is yet another one among the enchanting diving spots in Vietnam. It makes an ideal diving spot for exploring the majestic waters and marine creatures. As you dive into the azure waters of the Con Dao Islands, you will find a variety of exotic marine creatures such as well-camouflaged stonefish, moray eels, barracuda, Moorish idols, turtles, and much more. One needs to avoid this diving spot during extreme weather conditions.
Ideal for: Newbies as well as diving veterans
Best time for diving: March to September
Highlights: 16 islands with a unique ecosystem
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5. Madonna Rock, Nha Trang
As one of the most interesting places for scuba diving in Vietnam, Madonna Rock boasts of incredible underwater architecture and underwater playground housing amazing tunnels and caves. The two large triangular-shaped rocks underneath the waves, and the hard and soft corals add to the beauty of the underwater architecture. While swimming through the rocks, caves, and tunnels, you get to catch glimpses of small glassfish, ornate ghost fish, flatworms, octopus, surgeonfish, lionfish, moray eels, unicornfish, cobia rays hide through the caves.
Ideal for: Multi-level, deep and peak performance buoyancy dives
Best time for diving: July and August
Highlights: The underwater playground and the two large underwater rocks
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6. Cham Island (Hoi An)
Scuba diving at Cham Island in Vietnam is definitely a dream adventure one can ever experience at the three most famous diving sites, i.e. Hon Island, Long Island, and Tai Island. The fascinating beauty of this ocean can be explored by diving 5 to 7 meters deep into the ocean where you get to see many exotic marine species. Spanning across a whopping area of 5000 hectares of marine area out of which Cham Island features 500 hectares of seagrass beds and 165 hectares of coral reefs. The presence of 200 species of fish adds more value to this diving destination in Vietnam.
Location: Quang Nam Province
Ideal for: Divers of all levels
Best time for diving: January to October
Highlights: Drop-offs, caverns, and rock formations
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7. Nudibranch Gardens, Phu Quoc
The presence of an enormous number of Godiva nudibranchs on the ocean bed makes this diving site absolutely exquisite. The varied sized rocks, dark red gorgonian and coral reefs enhance the beauty of this outstanding underwater landscape. Watch various smaller marine creatures and bamboo sharks swim with you underneath the waves. Though this diving spot features a relatively shallow reef to dive, you will find rock formations into the deeper sections into the waters.
Ideal for: Divers of all levels
Best time for diving: October to April
Highlights: Bright purple colored nudibranchs
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8. Thao Dien, Ho Chi Minh City District
Chi Minh City District draws a majority of tourists during the night, however, Thao Dien is an unmatched scuba diving destination during day time. Though it is not quite popular when compared to the other diving sites, it is definitely worth visiting if you do not find any other option. In this diving destination, you get to dive right off the coastline, and the enchanting sights underneath the sea are absolutely mind-blowing.
Ideal for: Divers of all levels
Best time for diving: March to October
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9. Electric Nose
The massive pinnacle that rises from 50 feet deep right up to the surface sets this site of scuba diving in Vietnam apart from the rest. The seabed is embellished with masses of soft coral that caters to a rich macro life, and the massive diversity of species makes this diving spot a famous one in Nha Trang. In addition, different types of crabs, shrimps, mantis shrimps and flatworms can also be spotted. The rock is adorned with numerous bright yellow sunflower corals, and swimming through this rock will let you explore the sheer beauty of this gorgeous destination.
Ideal for: Experienced divers
Best time for diving: March to October
Highlights: Approximately 50 different species of nudibranch
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We bet you’re already packing for a vacation in Vietnam! Don’t forget to get your underwater camera so that you can click marvelous pictures while you’re scuba diving in Vietnam. And once you’re back, don’t forget to tell us all about your fabulous holiday experience!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Scuba Diving In Vietnam
Is Vietnam good for scuba diving?
Vietnam is indeed a new destination for exploring scuba diving. Marine reserves of Ho Mun and Con Dao are considered to be the best diving spots in Vietnam, other than the beach resort of Nha Trang.
Which is the best month to visit Vietnam?
Spring season (February to April), and the autumn season (August to October) are considered to be the most ideal season to visit Vietnam. During these seasons, Vietnam experiences a pleasant temperature, while March and April have the least rainfall in all the destinations.
Which is the coldest month in Vietnam?
Vietnam experiences extreme cold in the month of January and the temperature may drop below 20 degrees Celsius during winters.
What should you wear in Vietnam?
For a trip to Vietnam, make sure you pack a bathing suit, swim shorts, sarong, a light jacket, loose clothing, etc. Also, in case you are traveling to Northern Vietnam, do not forget to pack your hoodies and warm clothes.
Does Vietnam have nice beaches?
Yes, Vietnam has some of the most beautiful white sandy shores and palm-fringed waters. Some of the beautiful beaches in Vietnam are Star Beach, Long Beach, Nha Trang Beach, Doc Let Beach, Ho Coc Beach, and An Bang Beach.
Which is the cheapest month to travel to Vietnam?
September is the cheapest month to fly to Vietnam. On the other hand, June and July are considered to be the high season.
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A keen observer, an avid reader, a complete foodie, a pet lover and a curious entrepreneur with a vision to empower women. Penning down thoughts and musings come naturally, so, what better way to make a living than do what you love the most. Sujata started off as a content writer and today spearheads a content agency with an all-women team, where each day is about exploring the strength within, overcoming challenges and aiming to scale new heights. Her idea of a holiday well spent is visiting beautiful destinations, experimenting with food and trying out adventure activities.
