Hon Tai Beach, also known as Hon Rua, is situated in Vinh Hai Commune, Ninh Hai District, Ninh Thuan Province in the central coast. The beach was granted National Monument status in April 2022.
Hon Tai is surrounded by one of Vietnam's most beautiful bays Vinh Hy and offers unspoiled views. Its white sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and clear blue waters create a mysterious allure.
Inspired by pictures shared by a local friend, 28-year-old travel blogger Tai Pham decided to visit Hon Tai in late June.
He traveled from Saigon to Vinh Hy via the Phan Thiet - Vinh Hao expressway, a journey that took about 5.5 hours. Once there, he rented a speedboat to reach Hon Tai, a 15-minute ride costing VND200,000 ($8.45).
For scuba diving enthusiasts, certified instructors and diving equipment rentals are available.
Upon setting foot on Hon Tai, Pham noticed that the beach was enclosed by cliffs, creating an isolated and distinct area. In addition to the inviting blue sea and pristine sands, a natural turquoise swimming pool with clear, refreshing water offered a relaxing spot for him.
To experience the best of Hon Tai, he recommended visiting around 9 a.m. on sunny days. At this time, the sun is gentle, the winds are mild, the water level is optimal, and the turquoise hue is most vivid.
Ninh Thuan experiences a typical tropical monsoon climate, remaining hot and dry throughout the year. The sea can become rough from October to December, while the most ideal time to enjoy its beauty is from February to May. During the summer, there may be brief periods of strong waves lasting around 5- 10 days. Hence, visitors are advised to check the weather forecast before planning their trip, as suggested by Chau Tin, a tourism worker in Hon Tai.
Untouched by urbanization, Hon Tai retains its wild allure, devoid of electricity, phone signal, or Wi-Fi access.
Viewed from above, Hon Tai is a dance of yellow-brown cliffs encircled by clear waters, all framed by white sands. Despite the limited greenery, the air remains fresh, and the sea and sky emanate the deep blue charm of Ninh Thuan.
On Hon Tai, Pham said he indulged in two primary experiences: swimming and scuba diving.
"The beauty of the sea here rivals Gili, the Indonesian sea I visited last year. Finding such clear waters in Vietnam seemed improbable, but Hon Tai proved me wrong," he said.
For his beach trips, Tai carries swimming and diving gear like goggles, snorkels, and flippers. If not available, visitors have the option to rent diving gear for VND200,000.
The water at Hon Tai is remarkably clear, providing visibility up to 4 meters underwater. The calm waves, absence of strong currents far from the shore, and staff supervision ensure safety. However, Tai admitted that the scuba diving experience fell short of his elevated expectations.
The seabed of Hon Tai consists mainly of rocks with few live coral reefs. The sunlight filtering through from above illuminates the seabed, revealing schools of small fish navigating the waters.
When comparing Hon Tai to diving spots like Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, and Phu Quy, Pham found that the underwater scenery here wasn't as breathtaking.
Visitors can prolong their stay on Hon Tai Island to explore the cliffs, bathe in cool and clear natural pools, and enjoy a beach party beneath temporary shelters. However, overnight camping is prohibited due to the rising tides, making the beach unsafe.
For camping enthusiasts, inshore beaches such as Bai Thung and Bai Chuoi are viable alternatives. "At night, the sky dazzles with stars, and witnessing the sunrise from the sea at dawn brings immense satisfaction," Pham said.
