Whale Island is more often known as Hon Ong (Hon Ong), and it is considered to be one of the most untouched islands in all of Vietnam. The water around Whale Island is incredibly clean, and there are thriving coral reefs and white sand beaches all around the island, making it a breathtaking location. Fewer visitors have contributed to the island’s ability to maintain its pristine natural beauty because of its solitary and isolated resort.
Word is gradually spreading across the world about Whale Island, a hidden gem located off the South Central Coast of Vietnam that is quickly becoming more well-known. Because it has been named one of the “Must-Visit Diving Destinations” by reputable worldwide publications such as Forbes Magazine, the number of visitors to this tranquil sanctuary is certain to increase in the years to come.
The landmass known as Whale Island is rather modest in size, measuring a total of 2.6 square kilometers (0.154 sq mi). The majority of the island is in the shape of a square, and there are just a few spindly branches of land that extend out into the water. In the southeast corner of the island, the water forms a tiny inlet that is surrounded by land on three sides. The majority of Whale Island is very slightly elevated above sea level, and the interior of the island is devoid of any significant mountains.
The largest city that is located the closest to Whale Island in Nha Trang, which is about 100 kilometers (62 miles) away. The island, which is located at the extreme extremity of an archipelago, is officially considered to be a part of Van Phong Bay. There is just one resort on Whale Island, in addition to the commune of Van Thanh, and the remainder of the island is completely deserted. Due to their proximity to one another, the majority of the island has been preserved in its natural state.
The majority of what is known about Whale Island’s history comes from the construction of its resort, despite the fact that the island has been deserted for much of its existence. “Back to Nature” is the guiding principle of Whale Island Resort, which is run by a Vietnamese woman and her French husband. The resort is designed to have a low impact on the island’s natural environment in the hopes of luring visitors away from the turmoil of urbanization and industrialization.
The front of Whale Island Resort is right on the water, and behind it is a wide expanse of unspoiled forest. Guests often use the phrase “wild and fresh” to describe the atmosphere here. Because the sections of the island that go beyond the resort have been designated as a natural reserve, it is highly unlikely that the island would undergo any more development.
Although Whale Island is only a few square miles in size and has seen very little development, the resort on the island offers a wide variety of activities that guests may participate in during their visit. Activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, spending time at the beach, and hiking are among the most popular things to do on the island since they all highlight the island’s natural beauty, forests, and distinct ecosystems.
The employees at the resort are more than delighted to assist guests in making reservations for land-based and underwater excursions of the island during their stay.
Scuba Diving
The unspoiled nature of Whale Island has helped to preserve the health of the coral reefs that are located in its immediate vicinity. The island’s reef ecosystems, which are home to a diverse population of marine life, have earned it a place among the top scuba diving destinations in the world. Those visitors who are interested in diving will be required to make arrangements for a guided tour of the resort.
The Rainbow Diving Center offers clients of all experience levels, from complete novices to seasoned divers, scuba diving tours complete with guides and equipment. The water everywhere surrounding Whale Island is quite shallow, and the majority of the reefs in the area will not go deeper than 15 meters (49 feet). In addition, the seas around the island are clear and tranquil, making it simple to observe the coral reefs.
Divers will have the opportunity to observe a wide range of marine life, including stingrays, shrimp, squid, and seahorses while participating in the tours. Dive locations such as Hon Trau Nam, Napoleon Rock, Raoul’s Reef, Bai Su, Hon Ong, Hon Tai, and Hon Kho Trang are among the most frequented in the area around Whale Island.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling is a sport that may be done as an alternative to scuba diving. Because some of the coral reefs are at a depth at which they may be explored without the need of diving gear, tourists won’t have to don these items in order to observe the aquatic life. The resort is more than delighted to organize snorkeling trips for its guests and will supply them with any necessary equipment. Unlike diving excursions, snorkeling tours do not require visitors to be accompanied by a guide.
Kayaking
Renting a sea kayak from the resort is among the more effective methods available for exploring more of the island. Visitors may complete a full circuit of the island in the span of only a few hours as it is simple and easy to explore. Because it is mostly comprised of two-seaters, passengers are able to travel together, making it an excellent option for couples who are seeking to spend some quality time together.
In light of the fact that sunrise and sunset are two of the most popular times to go kayaking, guests at the resort are strongly encouraged to remain nearby if they intend to go kayaking in the evening.
Water Sports
In addition to scuba diving and snorkeling, the resort is able to help visitors in scheduling other activities like windsurfing and catamaran trips while they are staying on Whale Island. In spite of the fact that the waves in the area are not suitable for surfing, tourists who are searching for an active way to spend their time can participate in a game of beach volleyball.
Beach Time
The Whale Island Resort may be found directly on the primary beach. The water is able to keep its brilliant blue hue because to the short depths and the soft, white sand that fills this area. The water is suitable for snorkeling, swimming, and wading, and the resort provides couches for guests, although they may also simply park themselves underneath one of the property’s coconut palms.
Despite its small size, the beach is a wonderful area to take a stroll and take in the scenery. Because it is shielded from the open ocean by the island and has a gentle curvature, the water is excellent for swimming.
Hiking
The photograph shows tourists enjoying the outdoors on Vietnam’s Whale Island.
Going for a hike on Whale Island. The picture was taken at the Whale Island Resort in Vietnam
A big natural area that is ideal for trekking may be found just behind the resort. Due to the fact that the island has a low height, the majority of the paths are straightforward and do not contain any significant gradients. Both a hiking map and the services of a local guide are available to guests staying at the Whale Island Resort.
The Yellow Trail, the Blue Trail, the Red Trail, and the White Trail are among the most well-known walks that can be found on the island. The Yellow Trail is the one that takes the least amount of time to finish, lasting only around 15 minutes, while the Blue Trail takes about 20 minutes. Visitors looking for lengthier adventures might check out the Red or White Trails, either of which can be finished in around 1.5 to 2 hours.
The island’s primeval woodlands provide visitors with an opportunity to view uncommon bird species such as the white-legged stork, pink-necked parrot, white eagle, and Indian pewit. Keep an eye out for these birds as you explore the island.
Accommodations
On Whale Island, there is only one resort, and it is appropriately called the Whale Island Resort. On the island, there are no other hotels or resorts; yet, if a tourist stays in one of the island’s 32 coastal bungalows, they won’t want to go anywhere else. Each unit is constructed with a thatched roof and features a private bathroom in addition to some simple furnishings made from bamboo.
The resort is a bit on the rustic side and does not have air conditioning, but it does provide mosquito netting. A handful of the bigger bungalows include two double beds that may each accommodate two people, making them suitable for a total of four guests. A handful of the rooms that are arranged in a row along the beachfront have a view of the garden and none of the ocean. The only other structures in the resort are the reception area, the restaurant, and the dive center, therefore these are your only alternatives for overnight stays.
The Whale Island Resort is particularly well-liked by couples who are searching for an exciting vacation, but the hotel is also able to accommodate families that are going on vacation. The resort does not charge additional fees for children younger than 5 years old, and free use of a crib is available upon request.
Dining
The resort’s restaurant is the only site on Whale Island where one may purchase food because there are no other villages there. It is strongly advised that vacationers pay for the meal package that is provided by the resort for an extra price. There is nothing else nearby where people can purchase food, and bringing snacks with them might attract pests.
Those who want to purchase the resort’s meal package will be provided with a predetermined menu from which to select their breakfast, lunch, and dinner courses. The majority of the items on the menu at the restaurant are traditional Vietnamese meals; this does not include the beverages.
Transportation
Even though there are no roads on Whale Island, the resort is nonetheless quite easy to get there thanks to its compact size. You won’t have to travel very far in order to get to everything you require because there are other methods to move about, like paddling a kayak, strolling, or taking a boat. Anyone who is planning on venturing into the forest will be delighted to learn that there are designated trails throughout the woodland that enable safe travel.
Weather
The climate on Whale Island is generally pleasant during the entirety of the year. Even though there is a rainy season that runs from October to January, people are still able to plan trips despite this fact. The rainy season runs from October to January. The majority of tourists will go to the island between the middle of February and the end of October when whale migrations and scuba diving are at their peak. The months of April through September provide the finest diving conditions.
Travelers to the island should go there during the dry season, especially between the months of April and June, to have the highest opportunity of seeing whales. As they swim through the region in search of schools of plankton and krill to consume, it is possible to view a wide variety of whale species and even whale sharks during these months.
Whale Island is a beautiful sanctuary located close to Nha Trang that is ideal for vacationers who want to spend time lounging on the beach or swimming in the ocean. A vacation to this Vietnamese island resort, which features scenery that is for the most part unspoiled and fantastic coral reefs for diving, is recommended for people who are looking to find some respite from the hustle and bustle of their everyday lives.
Details
Address: Thon Dam Mon, Van Thanh, Van Ninh, Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam
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