The Ultimate 2-3 Day Island Escape from Nha Trang

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. This Hon Tam island getaway guide covers everything for a short escape

If you are still planning your main Nha Trang itinerary, check out my detailed [9-day Nha Trang guide] for the perfect city and island combination.

I have stayed here several times, and I can say with certainty: a day trip to Hon Tam is absolutely not enough. To truly savor this island, you need to stay for at least two nights, ideally three. Let me explain why, and how to plan your perfect retreat.

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 favorite. 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. The best part? 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.

Next, the 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 cozy, 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.

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.

What to Do on Day One: Pool, Beach, and Total Relaxation

First of all, 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

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.

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.

Note: 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.