To the north is the famous and unbelievable all-year playground of Van Phong Bay. A large, deep inland-sea area protected by two outer islands and the 17-kilometre sand dune, with many channels and inlets to explore.
It is home to hundreds of fish and pearl farms. The fish farms tend to get moved around on a seasonal basis; what might be a nice quiet bay one week can be home to several farms the following week.
It is an excellent area to explore and find your own quiet anchorages. The huge sand dune that forms the northern end of the bay is also accessible by yacht. Although there are a few shallow spots, generally the water right up to the dune is 10-15 metres deep.
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23 miles from Bao Dai Villa
Anchor in 8 metres on sand on the north side of the island. This is a pleasant secluded spot on the island which is just offshore from the mainland shipyard zone.
30 miles from Bao Dai Villa
Anchor in 7-10 metres on sand in the middle of this long powder-sand beach, which dominates the southern end of Van Phong Bay. The population of this peninsula has grown dramatically in recent years along with the nearby Hyundai Shipyards and fishing industries.
Toward the southern end of the beach is the Jungle Beach Resort and to the north of this, near the shallow rocky outcrop, is the large village of Dong Hai. The best landing is close to the long flight of steps, which lead up to the village main street, where there are several small supermarkets and frequent wet markets. The ice factory is easy to locate (follow a fisherman) as is a small Buddhist temple, whose monks seem happy to accept visitors. Leave some small change behind as tribute.
In the afternoons, the wind can blow strongly on shore and it may be prudent to move round to anchorage (P) to avoid being caught on a lee shore.
North of Dong Hai are the Paradise and Doc Let Resorts. Facilities ashore are good but the restaurants tend to close early in the evenings.
32 miles from Bao Dai Villa
Anchor in the middle of the bay off the jetty in 5-7 metres on a muddy bottom. This bay is completely lined with fish farms and the only reason for indicating it as an anchorage is as a refuge from onshore winds in anchorage (O) further south.
36 miles from Bao Dai Villa
The easiest approach to Hon Ong is via the Lip Channel to the northeast of Hon Lon. The channel is five miles long, very deep and has several secluded anchorages on either side. Whale Island Resort is on the western side of Hon Ong and the anchorage is within a buoyed-off area in front of the beach.
Approach through the gap and anchor outside of a black marker buoy, as there is live coral and a few large submerged rocks within the bay.
This French-run resort is a real jewel in the cruising area, tucked away at the head of this deep-water channel; the collection of islands and beaches close by are worthy of at least two days exploring, using the resort as a base. Started about 20 years ago as a base camp for a trekking company, it is now a well-equipped, inexpensive dive resort, popular with tourists looking to escape from noisy Nha Trang town.
For the energetic, there is a walking trail right around the island and one to the large rock giving 360°outlook around the area.
A short dinghy ride to the north coast will take you to another idyllic snorkelling bay. The internationally used dive site is at the seaward end, ocean side, of the Lip Channel, through which you entered. Rainbow Dive has staff at Whale Island and their own wooden dive boat.
Dam Mon village jetty has water by prior arrangement but use lots of fenders to protect your topsides.
Almost every superyacht that has visited Vietnam stayed in this location in the past because it is deep and the isolation and privacy, let alone the pristine water for on and in-water activities, is spectacular.
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Van Phong Bay is a crowded crab fishing area, so look out for the numerous small polystyrene floats.
There is also a dangerous rock just west of Hon Mai!
2 miles from hon ong
The best anchorage (R) is off the fallow land east of the main village. Go north of the west cardinal mark and anchor in 15 metres on sand. This rustic fishing village is nestled on the side of one of the gigantic sand dunes just two miles north of Hon Ong.
Amazingly, the approach is deep all the way up to the village beach. In the village, you will find several supermarkets selling basic provisions, a pool hall/bar/Internet café and a small street market. It’s bustling with activity as fishermen set about repairing nets and boats. You’ll be a source of great curiosity to the village children.
To the west, directly facing Whale Island Resort is the more secluded anchorage (S).
6 miles from Hon Ong
Anchor in 5-6 metres in this well-sheltered anchorage, which is off the main fishing routes. An ideal spot for night dining aboard; ashore and there are several footpaths leading up into the hills.
13 miles from Hon Ong
Anchor in 12 metres on a sandy bottom close to the massive sand dune. Ashore you’ll find a small fishing and farming community. For a great view of the coastline north of the sailing area, scale to the top of the dune; take some water with you.
14 miles from Hon Ong
This deep water anchorage on the northeast of the small islet of Hon Tai provides limited shelter but the water is clear and snorkelling is excellent.
18 miles from Hon Ong
Anchor in the bay on the southwest side of Hon Heo in 5-8 metres. Hon Heo is approximately one mile east of Hon Giang. It’s a lunchtime stop only due to its exposed nature. To the south of the two islands, there are several shallow patches of coral.
