The rich history, culture, and beauty of Vietnam drive a lot of people to this destination for their holiday. It is one of the best and the cheapest countries to visit in South East Asia. The country is surrounded by the South China Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. There are umpteen places that are the best spots for snorkeling in Vietnam. The places in South and Central Vietnam are the best suited for snorkeling. The delta region of Mekong River is home to a wide range of fishes and it paves the way for a home to a variety of fishes and marine life. Take a look at this list of top spots that we have curated for you to try snorkeling in Vietnam!
Best Time For Snorkeling In Vietnam
Depending on what you wish to explore while snorkeling in the seas of Vietnam, the time can be fixed. If you wish to spot more whales during your snorkeling expedition, then February to October is the best time. If you wish to go around snorkeling in the shallow waters, then the time duration between September and April is the best time. One can spot a variety of turtles, octopuses, sea horses while snorkeling. The best part about Snorkeling in Vietnam is the presence of colorful coral reefs.
11 Best Spots For Snorkeling In Vietnam
Vietnam is a beautiful country that boosted its tourism potential right after the end of the Cold War. The following are some of the best spots for Snorkeling in Vietnam.
1. Hon Mun Island
Image Courtesy: daytripvietnam
The Hon Mun Island is located off the coast of Nha Trang. The entire island is dotted with such amazing beaches and other rocky locales. This is one of the best islands for Snorkeling in Vietnam as there are many shallow glasses of water in the vicinity. The shallow waters are the best suited for snorkeling. There are not many fast boats around the waters in Hon Mun Island as the place is entirely dedicated to snorkeling and other similar water sports. One can avail of water sports safety equipment and costumes near the island itself. Even the beginners and amateurs can enjoy snorkeling.
Cost: Starts at INR 2500 per person
Location: Khanh Hoa Province
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2. Phu Quoc Island
Image Courtesy- PHUQUOCISLANDGUIDE.COM
When you look for places for snorkeling in Vietnam, then Phu Quoc Islands certainly comes to mind. The entire island is filled with romantic beaches and there are many evergreen forests. The national parks inside Phu Quoc are listed as UNESCO sites. One can reach the Phu Quoc Islands by renting a motorcycle. There are a lot of restaurants in and around the Phu Quoc Islands that serve delicious kinds of seafood. The best part about these islands is that the waters are crystal clear and bluish. The entire island is filled with a variety of sea life and the islands are preserved very well, which makes it best suited for snorkeling.
Cost: Starts at INR 4000 per person
Location: Kien Giang Province
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3. Halong Bay
Halong Bay is a group of many tiny islands. They are scattered all along with the place. This makes it not suitable for fast boat rides. If you are a person who prefers to snorkel without any disturbance or looking for secluded places, then Halong Bay is the best option. There are many caves in Halong Bay, which serve as a natural habitat for a wide variety of fish and other sea life. One can look all around to spot fresh greenery. The place is easily accessible from the capital city. A single ticket can be purchased and used to tour all over the place.
Cost: Starts at INR 9000 per person
Location: Quảng Ninh province
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4. Thom Island
If you are looking for neat and clean beaches in Vietnam that are perfect for a family holiday, then Thom island is the best choice. The entire stretch is occupied by a variety of private owners who run the business there. There is a lot of staff to make sure that the kayakers do not hinder the other water sports activity players. There are a lot of fish in the sea that makes it super fit for snorkeling in Vietnam. The cable cars drop the visitors right at this island. It is suggested to carry sunscreen and good swimsuits while visiting this island.
Cost: Starts at INR 4000 per person
Location: Kien Giang Province
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5. Kho Island
Image Courtesy: english.vietnamnet.vn
If you are looking for great islands with sun-kissed sands that are yellow and the waters are pristinely clean, then Kho Island should be the top choice. There are many kingfishers around the island. One can find an excellent number of coral reefs alongside the amazing fish found in the waters. One can hire a boat that would take one to a certain distance and drop them off to jump into the sea to enjoy a great time snorkeling. There are many areas designated for swimming and other water sports.
Cost: Starts at INR 3000 per person
Location: Quy Nhon, Vietnam.
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6. Cham Island
Hoi An, a UNESCO recognized biosphere site holds the Cham island which is a group of eight islands. There are many beaches and fishing villages that are best suited for water sports. One can also buy tents for rent at these Cham islands. The Cu Lao Cham Marine Park consists of beautiful coral reefs. It is not recommended to snorkel or engage in any water sports during the monsoon season ie., between October and February. There are many tour operators who guide you through the entire visit of the marine park. It is recommended to reach the Marine Park during the early morning hours to make sure to spend an entire day snorkelling. It takes quite some time to set up the tents and get used to the waters.
Cost: Starts at INR 3500 per person
Location: Quang Nam Province
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7. An Thoi Islands
An Thoi is an archipelago of 15 islands. It is located near Phu Quoc. One can hire a charter boat to reach these islands for snorkeling. The commercial tour operator boats do not venture beyond the first level of waters. The waters in the middle region and towards the far end of the sea is where the real magic lies. One can even book rooms in the guest houses near the An Thoi islands. These rooms offer the facility to cook. It is a great pleasure to gorge on the freshly cooked seafood after having a great dip in the waters snorkeling. As these islands are located far off the main city, the waters are very pristine and clean.
Cost: Starts at INR 4000 per person
Location: Kien Giang Province
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8. Da Nang Islands
If you are looking for the best snorkeling in Vietnam, then Da Nang Islands which holds a variety of beaches is the right choice. These groups of islands were even marked as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. My Khe Beach which is located very near to Da Nang Islands is frequented by visitors because it is located very near to the Da Nang International Airport. The Bac My An Beach is mostly owned by private holders. This makes sure that the beach is not polluted. This is also a great spot for one to indulge in water sporting activities like snorkelling. The best part about the beaches in Vietnam is the soft sand, unpolluted waters, and a great vibe.
Cost: Starts at INR 8000 per person
Location: Near Ho Chi Minh City
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9. Cat Ba Islands
Cat Ba Islands are located very close to the capital city of Hanoi. This makes it very easy to access the Cat Ba Islands. The beaches in Cat Ba Islands are dotted with many hotels. Many centers provide lifeguards. It is advisable to take a bicycle for rent to reach remote places like national parks. Though the beaches of Cat Ba Islands are heavily crowded, it is never polluted. There is a wide range of water sports activities one can indulge in and enjoy these islands. The beautiful hillocks amid bluish waters provide an amazing view. Between April and November, there are a lot of beaches that get heavily crowded as it is the peak season. Many boat rides take one to the different beaches which are best suited for snorkeling. There are even buses that operate from Hanoi to Cat Ba Islands.
Cost: Starts at INR 6000 per person
Location: Halong Bay
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10. Con Dao Islands
Con Dao Islands are a group of 16 islets that have a rich history. The revolutionaries who fought against the French occupation were mostly from this region. There are a lot of beaches in the Con Dao islands which are surrounded by evergreen trees. Apart from the beautiful beaches, one can enjoy a glorious view of the tiger caves and go back in time by taking a look at the prison cells. The Con Dao islands hold a wide range of animal life near the seas. These are some of the animals that form the list of endangered species in the world. These islands are known for the turtle breeding grounds. The Con Dao Islands are mostly crowded because there is an airport in the Con Dao Islands. There are hotels and other places that provide life jackets to visitors.
Cost: Starts at INR 4000 per person
Location: Ba Ria – Vung Tau province
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11. Saigon
The cost of snorkeling in Vietnam is way too less when one prefers to enjoy these activities in the capital city of Vietnam, Saigon which is otherwise known as Ho Chi Minh city. There are many beautiful beaches in the capital city. Long Hai beach located at a distance of about 99 km from the main city of Saigon is much suited for activities like snorkeling as it is way less crowded. The Ho Tram beach and the Ho Coc beach are known for the beautiful setup. These beaches have white sands and are very secluded from the main centers. There are many bamboo huts where you can retire after having a great time snorkeling. There are many places which provide snorkeling suits along with lifeguards and trainers. Many good restaurants in the vicinity serve lip-smacking seafood.
Cost: Starts at INR 5000 per person
Location: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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If you have decided to have a great time snorkeling in Vietnam, then you should book your tickets to Vietnam well in advance. Some flights ply from major cities across different parts of the world to the international airport in Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam though not very rich in marine life like that of other countries in SouthEast Asia, sure offers splendid experience unforgettable for life. So what are you waiting for? Plan your holiday to Vietnam and take a dive in those crystal clear waters of the town!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Snorkelling In Vietnam
How safe are the seas for snorkeling in Vietnam?
The seas for snorkeling in Vietnam are perfectly designated. There are many divisions in the seas which are earmarked for different sports activities.
Are there any sharks in the seas in Vietnam?
There are very few sharks in the seas in Vietnam. But when someone approaches the seas near Singapore, then there are high chances of shark attacks.
Are the seas in Vietnam too deep?
As one goes farther into the seas, then the sea levels get too deep. Otherwise, near the shores, the sea levels are way shallower. There are many rocky beaches in Vietnam, which the snorkeler should be aware of.
Where should one book tickets for snorkeling in Vietnam?
It is not required to book tickets well in advance for snorkeling in Vietnam. One can book the tickets at the counters on the beaches.
Does every snorkeling site sell snorkeling suits?
Almost every snorkeling site sell snorkeling suite. There are many options to rent snorkeling suites.
Are the seas for snorkeling in Vietnam safe for children?
The seas for snorkeling in Vietnam are very much safe for children as very good safety measures are followed. Many trainers around the place stay beside the children as they snorkel.
Do the seas in Vietnam freeze during winters?
The seas in Vietnam don’t freeze as Vietnam is located in a tropical region. Only the sea levels keep changing.
Does one need to vaccinate oneself before snorkeling in the seas in Vietnam?
If the person has very low levels of immunity, then it is a must to vaccinate oneself before snorkeling in the sea in Vietnam. If you are traveling from a place that is too cold to a tropical place like Vietnam, then some vaccination can be done.
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