Nha Trang is wonderful in many ways, except for one — its noise and bustle can sometimes feel overwhelming. The perfect escape lies just a 15‑minute speedboat ride from the central pier: Hon Tam Resort. Indeed, this is an island where time flows differently — slowly, lazily, and with a view of the turquoise sea.
I have stayed here several times, and I can say with certainty: a day trip to Hon Tam is absolutely not enough. To truly savour this island, you need to stay for at least two nights, ideally three. Let me explain why, and how to plan your perfect retreat.
If you are still piecing together your wider Nha Trang plan, my 9‑day Nha Trang itinerary shows exactly how Hon Tam fits into a longer trip. And if you want to lock in the cheapest route before anything else, I usually start by scanning flight deals to Cam Ranh – the airport is barely an hour from the pier, making the whole journey surprisingly smooth. Once you land, you can pre‑book a private transfer straight to the boat, skipping the taxi scrum entirely.
First, the Booking: Which Room to Choose
Hon Tam offers three main types of accommodation, depending on your budget and travel companions.
- A Room in a Villa — my personal favourite. These are four‑bedroom villas where individual rooms are rented out. Each villa has its own private pool with sun loungers and views of the sea or mountains. Even if you book just one room, you usually share the pool with only a few other guests from the same villa. In my experience, the villa was often empty, giving us a huge pool all to ourselves. The rooms are spacious, modern, and fully equipped.
- Bungalows — standalone houses on the hillside or near the water. Designed for two, though larger family options exist. The main highlight is the outdoor shower. Waking up and showering under palm trees while gazing at the sea is a unique pleasure. The bungalows are cosy, clean, and offer a true sense of seclusion.
- Entire Villa — perfect for a group of up to six people. Three bedrooms, private grounds, a pool, and complete privacy. Ideal for celebrating a birthday or a family gathering.
Whichever you choose, the rate already includes round‑trip speedboat transfers for the duration of your stay, plus breakfast. This flexibility makes any Hon Tam island getaway stress‑free from the start. If you want to compare this with a different kind of resort day pass, I’ve also reviewed Mia Resort and Diamond Bay – both offer a similar “escape without overnight” concept, though neither has Hon Tam’s private‑island atmosphere.
Arrive by 12:00 PM — This Is the Key Tip
Official check‑in is from 2:00 PM. However, I strongly recommend arriving at the reception by noon. Why? First, you will have time to complete biometric registration, wait for the boat, and reach the island without rushing. Second, you will arrive before the main wave of guests who show up strictly at two. This means a better chance of getting the specific room or villa location you prefer. If your room is ready, you will be checked in early. If not, you can leave your luggage and go for a swim while others wait in line.
Speedboats run every two hours, are spacious and comfortable. The ride takes 10–15 minutes, and you are on the island. While you are on the boat, you will probably notice that mobile data flickers on and off – the signal around the pier is patchy. I always activate an eSIM for Vietnam before leaving the mainland; it spares me the hunt for a SIM card and keeps the connection stable even when the resort’s WiFi drops.
What to Do on Day One: Pool, Beach, and Total Relaxation
First of all, if you chose a villa room, your day is set. Check in, change, and head to your private pool. It overlooks the sea, surrounded by palms and sun loungers. Almost no one else is around. Swim, sunbathe, read a book, or simply stare at the water. This is exactly the kind of rest that makes Hon Tam worth the trip.
For Bungalow Guests
If you are in a bungalow, there is a shared pool for resort guests. It is huge, beautiful, with loungers in both shade and sun. There is a perfect spot under a sprawling tree where you can lie all day without getting sunburned. The poolside bar serves drinks and food from the restaurant, delivered right to your lounger.
The Beach and a Useful Drink Tip
The beach on the island is also excellent. The sand is light, the water entry is gentle, and the water is clear. Towels are provided free of charge — you can take them to both the beach and the pool.
Drink Tip: There are no shops on the island. Restaurant and bar prices are, well, restaurant prices. I always bring my own supply of water, beer, or wine. It is best packed discreetly in a suitcase or backpack. The staff are relaxed, but openly carrying bags of alcohol is not advisable.
Evening: The Seafood Buffet
Dinner at the resort restaurant is an event. A buffet with a huge selection of seafood: shrimp, mussels, squid, grilled fish. There is also European cuisine, Vietnamese dishes, and a kids’ menu. I tried their onion soup here for the first time and have ordered it every visit since. The restaurant is large with plenty of seating, so even at full capacity you will always find a table.
Morning of Day Two: A Breakfast Worth Waking Up For
Breakfast is included for all guests and it is magnificent. A buffet for every taste: fresh fruits, pastries, eggs cooked in various ways, Vietnamese soups, European cheeses and cold cuts. Every time I discover something new, and everything is always delicious. Excellent coffee, fresh juices, desserts — you could easily spend an hour just sampling everything.
Day Two: Explore the Day Zone and Mud Baths
Hon Tam has an area where day‑trippers are brought. It is separate from the guest area, but you can visit it — either on foot or by buggy called from reception. There are several large pools, music, plenty of loungers, and its own vibe. It is worth a walk for a change of scenery.
However, the main reason to visit the day zone is the mud baths and mineral pools at the top. This is the largest spa complex on any island in the country. After the mud treatment, your skin feels velvety smooth, and the feeling of total relaxation lasts for a couple of days.
In the evening, you can return to your secluded pool or stroll along the island’s promenade. The entire grounds are filled with palms and mango trees — we even managed to pick a ripe mango straight from the branch a couple of times.
Departure Day: How to Enjoy the Island for a Full Extra Day
Finally, check‑out is at 12:00 PM. But that does not mean you have to rush off the island. Leave your luggage at reception — you are welcome to stay on the grounds until evening. Head to the shared guest pool, grab a beach lounger, or just wander around. Return boats run every two hours, with the last one around 8:00 PM. We always do this: pay for one night, but get almost two full days of relaxation. It is the perfect way to end a short Hon Tam island getaway.
What Else Is on the Island
For active recreation, there are paid activities: parasailing, jet skis, SUP boards, snorkeling. For kids, there are free life rings and inflatable toys on the beach. If you are traveling with family, no one will be bored. And if you are craving even more adrenaline after Hon Tam, the rides at VinWonders Nha Trang are only a short boat ride away – you can easily combine a quiet island stay with a theme‑park day.
Is It Worth the Money?
Absolutely yes. The room rates are very reasonable for this level of service and seclusion. Essentially, the only extra costs are food and drinks beyond breakfast. The staff is consistently polite and attentive, the grounds are well‑maintained, and the beach is clean. We return to Hon Tam again and again, and each time we leave wanting to come back.
If you are wondering where to spend a couple of quiet days surrounded by palms and sea views, Hon Tam Resort is the place. For a quick Hon Tam island getaway, nothing else comes close. Before any island trip, I also make sure I’m covered – a good travel insurance policy gives me peace of mind, especially with water sports on the itinerary. And if you haven’t decided where to sleep before or after the island, my full area guide to Nha Trang’s neighbourhoods will help you find the perfect base on the mainland.
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.
