If you are looking for a unique spot near Nha Trang, Diep Son island is a must-visit. It is famous for the incredible underwater walking path that connects small islets. However, because it is located in Van Phong Bay – about 60km from the city center, planning your trip from Nha Trang to Diep Son island requires a bit of preparation.Is it difficult to reach? Not at all. This guide will show you exactly how to get to Diep Son island step-by-step, including travel times, prices and the best transport options for your budget.
Where is Diep Son island located?
Before you learn how to get to Diep Son island, you need to know exactly where it is on the map. Diep Son is a small cluster of three islets located in Van Phong Bay, Khanh Hoa Province. It is about 60 kilometers north of Nha Trang city center.
What makes this place special is the 700 meter sandbar connecting the islands, which appears only when the tide is low. Because it is tucked away in a calm bay, the water here is very still and clear. While it is quite close to the mainland, the trip from Nha Trang to Diep Son island feels like entering a different world – peaceful, quiet, and far away from the noisy crowds of the city.
Distance from Nha Trang to Diep Son island
To plan your trip properly, you should know that the total distance from Nha Trang to Diep Son island is about 60 kilometers (37 miles). This distance is measured from the center of Nha Trang city to Van Gia Port, where you will catch a boat to the island.
The journey is divided into two main parts:
- By land: You will travel approximately 60km north along the coastline. This takes about 1 hour to 1.5 hours depending on your vehicle.
- By sea: Once you reach the port, the boat ride to Diep Son island takes another 15 to 40 minutes.
Overall, it takes about 2 hours to fully get to Diep Son island from Nha Trang. Because it is a bit far, most travelers start their day early, around 7:30 AM or 8:00 AM, to have enough time to explore the sandbar and swim before the tide rises back up.
Step 1 – Travel from Nha Trang to Van Gia Port
To start your journey from Nha Trang to Diep Son Island, your first goal is to reach Van Gia Port (about 60km north of the city). Depending on your budget and travel style, here are the three most reliable ways to get there:
Private car or taxi
This is the best choice for families, couples, or groups who want a stress-free trip with door-to-door service.
- Cost: $30 – $45 (700,000 – 1,000,000 VND) for a round trip (4 to 7-seater car).
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Anywhere in Nha Trang city center directly to Van Gia Port.
- Frequency: Available 24/7. You can book via Grab, local taxi companies, or private travel agencies.
Pros: Air-conditioned and private space.
Cons: Higher cost compared to other options.
Motorbike
Perfect for adventurers who want to enjoy the scenic coastal roads and have total control over their schedule.
- Cost: $5 – $8 (120,000 – 200,000 VND) for daily rental and fuel.
- Route: Follow National Highway 1A (QL1A) heading north. The road is mostly flat and easy to navigate using Google Maps.
- Frequency: Completely up to you. Most rental shops in Nha Trang open at 7:00 AM.
Pros: You can stop for photos, coffee, or local snacks along the way. It’s the ultimate way to feel the local breeze.
Cons: It can be exhausting in the heat. You must be careful with large trucks and containers on the highway.
Local busÂ
The ideal way to reach Diep Son Island on a tiny budget while experiencing how the locals travel.
- Cost: Only $1.50 (around 35,000 VND) per ticket.
- Bus route: Take Bus No. 01 (Nha Trang – Van Gia – Tu Bong). Look for the white and blue buses.
- Pick-up points: Several stops along Quang Trung Street or the North Bus Station (Ben Xe Phia Bac) in Nha Trang.
- Drop-off point: Ask the driver to drop you off at the “Van Gia Port” intersection (Nga ba Van Gia). From there, it’s a short 500m walk or a $1 motorbike taxi (xe om) ride to the pier.
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes from 5:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
Pros: Unbeatable price.
Cons: It takes longer (about 2 hours) because of frequent stops. The buses can be crowded and lack modern air-conditioning.
Step 2 – Take a boat to Diep Son island
After you arrive at Van Gia Port, the final part of your journey from Nha Trang to Diep Son island is a boat ride across the Van Phong Bay. You can choose between two types of boats:
Speedboat (Cano cao toc) – The fastest way
This is the most popular choice for tourists who want to save time and enjoy more hours on the island.
- Cost: Around $8 – $10 (200,000 – 250,000 VND) for a round-trip ticket.
- Travel time: Only 10 – 15 minutes.
- Frequency: Most speedboats depart between 8:30 AM and 11:00 AM. They don’t always follow a rigid hourly schedule; instead, they usually wait until there are 8–10 passengers before heading out.
Pros: Very fast, stable and minimizes the chance of seasickness. If you are traveling in a large group, you can rent a private canoe to depart at any time you like.
Cons: More expensive than the local wooden boat. During peak season, you might have to wait 15 – 20 minutes for the boat to fill up with enough people.
Local wooden boat (Tau go) – The local experience
If you have a flexible schedule and want to see how the island residents commute every day, this is an authentic (and very cheap) alternative.
- Cost: Only $2 – $4 (50,000 – 100,000 VND) for a one-way trip.
- Travel time: About 30 – 45 minutes, depending on the sea conditions.
- Frequency: Limited. These boats primarily serve the locals. They usually leave Van Gia Port at 9:00 AM and return from the island at 1:00 PM (same day) or 5:00 AM (the next morning).
Pros: Extremely budget-friendly. You get a “slow-life” experience, passing by fishing rafts and watching the local fishermen at work.
Cons: Much slower and can be quite shaky if the waves are choppy. Not recommended for travelers who get seasick easily or those who want to spend only a few hours on the island.
Quick note on return trips:
The last boat usually leaves the island to return to the mainland between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM. To make sure you get to Diep Son island and back safely, always double – check the exact return time with your boat captain as soon as you step on the island!
Travel tips for getting to Diep Son island
To make your trip from Nha Trang to Diep Son island smooth and enjoyable, here are some “insider tips” you should keep in mind. Knowing how to get to Diep Son island is one thing, but arriving at the right time will make your experience much better:
Check the tide schedule (Most important!)
The famous underwater path only appears when the tide is low.
- From the 1st to the 15th of the lunar month: The tide usually drops in the afternoon.
- From the 15th to the end of the lunar month: The tide usually drops in the morning.
Before you get to Diep Son island, it is a good idea to ask your boat captain or a local guide about the exact time the sandbar will be visible.
Best time to visit
The best months to visit Diep Son are from December to June. During this time, the sea is calm, water is crystal clear and the weather is sunny – perfect for walking on the sandbar and taking photos. This is the best time to plan how to get to Diep Son island for the best experience. Avoid going from October to November as this is the rainy season in Central Vietnam.
Sun protection is a must
There are very few trees or shaded areas on the sandbar and the islets. To stay safe under the tropical sun when you travel from Nha Trang to Diep Son island, make sure to bring:
- High SPF sunscreen.
- A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
- Plenty of drinking water to stay hydrated.
Electricity and Internet
Diep Son is still quite wild and local. Electricity on the island is limited (usually only available in the evening from generators) and the phone signal can be weak in some spots. Make sure to fully charge your phone and power bank before leaving Nha Trang.
Keep the island clean
Because Diep Son is a small and peaceful community, they don’t have a big waste treatment system. Please take your trash back to the mainland with you. Let’s help keep this hidden gem beautiful for everyone!
FAQ about getting to Diep Son island
To help you feel more confident before starting your trip from Nha Trang to Diep Son island, here are the most common questions from our travelers:
Can I visit Diep Son island and return in one day?
Yes, absolutely! Most people start their journey from Nha Trang around 7:30 AM and are back in the city by 4:00 PM. This gives you enough time to travel, walk on the sandbar, and have a delicious seafood lunch on the island.
Is there an entrance fee to get to Diep Son island?
Currently, there is no official entrance fee for the island itself. However, you will need to pay for your transport (taxi/bus to the port and the boat ticket). Some private areas on the island might charge a small fee (about $1 – $2) for using their freshwater showers or resting huts.
What is the fastest way to get to Diep Son island?
The fastest way is to book a private car from Nha Trang (1 hour 15 mins) and then take a speedboat from Van Gia Port (15 mins). Total travel time is about 1.5 hours, which is much faster than taking the local bus or wooden boat if you are looking for how to get to Diep Son island quickly.
Are there any restaurants on the island?
Diep Son is quite local, so you won’t find fancy restaurants. However, there are small stalls where you can enjoy fresh seafood, instant noodles, or cold coconuts. If you are worried about the food, you can bring some light snacks and water from the mainland.
Is it safe to walk on the underwater sandbar?
Yes, it is very safe! The water around the sandbar is usually quite shallow (around knee-deep or waist-deep depending on the tide). However, the sand can have small pieces of coral or shells, so wearing waterproof sandals or beach shoes is a great idea to protect your feet.
If planning how to get to Diep Son island on your own feels a bit complicated – especially with tide schedules and boat transfers – let Lyli’s Travel take the stress away. We offer daily tours from Nha Trang to Diep Son island with comfortable private cars, high-speed canoes, and delicious local seafood lunches.
Our friendly local guides will make sure you arrive exactly when the sandbar is most beautiful. Simply send us a message and we’ll handle everything for your perfect island adventure!
