I almost scrolled past this place too. But then I saw a video of people swimming in a saltwater lagoon with actual tropical fish. No wetsuit, no snorkel, no dive boat – just humans and small striped fish floating together in crystal‑clear water. It looked like a fever dream. I had to check it myself. 🐠
Amiana Resort sits about fifteen minutes north of Nha Trang’s main strip. And yes – the fish thing is absolutely real. There is a massive 2,500 m² natural saltwater pool filled with dozens of small tropical fish that swim right next to you. They are not stuck in a tank or cordoned behind glass. They live in the lagoon, darting between your legs and nibbling at the tiny algae on the walls. It is, hands down, the most unusual pool I have ever waded into.
If you are planning a day here, I always start by checking flight deals to Nha Trang – it locks in the best route. From the city centre, a Grab ride costs around 150,000–200,000 VND. The resort also runs a complimentary shuttle bus – just book your seat at reception a day before. If you want to explore the coastline on your own schedule, you can rent a car online and reach the resort in under twenty minutes.
🐠 The Lagoon: No Snorkel, No Waves, Just Fish
The lagoon is the undisputed star of Amiana. Unlike an infinity pool that tries to mimic the sea, this one literally borrows from it. The water is pumped in from the ocean, filtered just enough to stay crystal clear, and then seeded with small tropical species – mostly black‑striped sergeant majors and silvery mullet. They have no fear of humans. Float on your back and a school will swirl beneath you like you are part of the reef. Sit on the shallow steps and they will inspect your toes. Kids squeal with delight; adults turn into giggling children.
Because the lagoon is protected by a natural rock barrier, there are no waves or currents. The depth varies from ankle‑deep toddler zones to sections deep enough for a proper swim. It is warm all year round and so large that you never feel crowded, even on weekends. I spent two hours just drifting, watching the fish go about their day. No phone. No music. Just water and fins.
For another water‑based escape that feels like a five‑star secret, check out my review of the luxury day pass with crystal clear water – a different resort, same level of peace.
💰 Day Pass & What You Get (2026 Prices)
- 🎟️ Adults: 600,000 VND – includes a lounger, towel, and a 100,000 VND food voucher to use at the resort.
- 👶 Children: 400,000 VND – same inclusions.
- ⏰ Hours: 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM daily.
- 📞 Booking: Call ahead to confirm availability, especially on weekends.
The voucher knocks a small dent in the food bill, but honestly, I recommend using it for a smoothie or a light snack and saving your serious appetite for later. Which brings me to the most important piece of advice in this article…
🍜 The Dinner Trap (and How to Beat It)
Dinner at the resort is expensive and average. I ordered a seafood platter and immediately wished I had ordered Grab instead. A couple sitting next to me received a steaming bag of Vietnamese street food from the app – nearly twice the amount of food for half the price. Do what the insiders do: as sunset approaches, open the Grab app and order delivery from one of the city restaurants. The driver will meet you at the main entrance. I devoured a bún chả and spring‑roll combo on my lounger while the sun melted into the ocean. That was a genuine five‑star moment for a fraction of the cost. 🍜
If you are looking for a resort where in‑house dining is part of the magic, my guide to the private pool villa that gave me total peace of mind covers a property that does food exceptionally well.
🏊 More Than Just a Fish Pool
- 🔥 Heated freshwater pool. Perfect during the cooler months or if you simply want a break from the saltwater. It is spotless, quiet, and overlooks the same ocean view.
- 🏖️ Private beach. A small, clean stretch of sand with calm water and no hawkers. The loungers are free for day‑pass holders.
- 🧖♀️ Open‑air spa. Local herbal therapies in a stunning garden setting. Prices are resort‑level, but the quality of the massage I had was worth every dong.
🦟 Things Nobody Warns You About
- Mosquitoes appear at sunset. The grounds are lush, and after rain the little vampires come out. A quick spray of repellent solves it.
- No nightlife nearby. If your idea of a good evening involves DJ sets and dancing, this is not your place. It is for decompressing, not partying.
- The Grab trick works both ways. If you don’t want to wait for the shuttle back, simply order a Grab to the main entrance. It is fast and costs roughly the same as the taxi you would have taken anyway.
💎 Verdict: My New Fin‑ned Friends
Amiana Resort is not trying to be a trendy beach club or a luxury fortress. It is a quiet, slightly retro coastal retreat with a genuinely one‑of‑a‑kind swimming experience. If you are tired of crowded beaches and want a swimming with fish lagoon that makes you feel like a kid again, this is it. Bring repellent, order Grab for dinner, and let the fish do the rest. 🐠
For another quiet coastal escape that rewards those who slow down, check out the beach where I lost track of time (and tourists). Between the lagoon and that beach, you could build a perfect, unhurried week.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend experiences I have personally tested and loved.