Yen Island: Escape to tropical bliss

Discover Yen Island, a hidden gem near Nha Trang, Vietnam. Explore must-try experiences, plan your trip, and learn why Lily’s Travel is your perfect travel partner.

Located in the middle of Nha Trang Bay, Yen Island is a slice of pictorial perfection, calling for travelers through the beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters fringed with greenery. It’s an ideal getaway from hustling on the mainland to letting the world go slow while you are relaxing and rejuvenating yourself in its magnificent scenic beauty. Be it adventure, leisure, or a slice of heaven; the island promises an experience that comes priceless.

Where is Yen Island? The best time to visit this place

Yen Island, part of Hon Noi, is a stunning island cluster within Nha Trang Bay. Located approximately 25km (around 13 nautical miles) from Cau Da Port, it takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes by boat to reach the island. Alternatively, a speedboat ride can cut the travel time by two-thirds.

A thousand swiftlets are living in Hon Noi and this island is considered one of the biggest resources for Vietnam to harvest bird’s nests. For its high economic value, the Vietnamese government has given all rights for conservation, investment, and exploitation to Khanh Hoa Salanganes Nest Company (Sanest). Therefore, traveling independently is not allowed and visitors can only come to the island on a tour organized by the company or an agency authorized by the company in Nha Trang.

Interestingly, there is not an official island named “Yen Island”. Most islands in Nha Trang Bay start with “Hon” for example, Hon Tre, Hon Tam, and Hon Mieu. However, because of the great population of swiftlets, Hon Noi was widely known as Yen Island, and locally and among tourists, the name became more popular.

Top 5 experiences in Yen Island that you should try on your trip

Here are five experiences you shouldn’t miss when visiting Yen Island:

1. Witness swallows and their nests

One of the most interesting excursions is the bird-watching on Yen Island, where you can visualize thousands of swallows flying graciously in the sky. Climbing up to the island reveals steep cliffs and wooden bridges unveiling hidden nesting caves. Such a natural habitat forms great scenes for shooting: swallows flying closely by or sitting on rocky ledges or nested inside their nests. The scene of such agile, swift birds darting here and there out of their houses is really exhilarating for the lovers of nature and also for the photographers.

2. Discover Hon Sam and Hon Ngoai

Stop before reaching Yen Island at the photogenic Hon Sam, which is literally filled with traditional swallow nesting houses. In this place, interesting information about swallows, such as their nest-building habits and their importance to the ecosystem, is provided by local guides. Further ahead lies Hon Ngoai with Vietnam’s biggest swallow cave. Direct access to the interior of the cave is not allowed so as not to destroy this very sensitive ecosystem, but a visitor can take a look from afar at its grandeur and enjoy the stunning seascape view while understanding conservation measures for such a wonder.

3. Snap photos at the unique double beach

One of the most incredible features of Yen Island is its very rare double beach – a natural phenomenon that hypnotizes visitors with surreal beauty. Viewed from above, the beach takes the form of a strip of soft white sand dividing two waters. But the interesting thing that makes this place different is the water temperature, which is quite different from one side to the other, one being refreshingly cool and the other definitely warm. This creates a fantastical effect in colors shifting between blue and green, painting one of the most spectacular coastal landscapes. This is an ideal site for those who enjoy photography, beaches, and unparalleled seashore experiences.

4. Explore vibrant coral reefs

Beneath the crystal-clear waters surrounding Yen Island, there is an underwater paradise. The coral reefs around the island are teeming with marine life, making it a perfect place for snorkeling and diving. Plunging into the waves opens up a whole world of multi-colored coral, exotic fish, and other sea creatures. For experienced divers to first-time snorkelers, this underwater adventure will be a blast of memories for the diversity in Nha Trang’s coastal waters.

5. Visit the temple of the nest craftsman

Beyond the twin beaches, its grounds shaded by palm trees leaning gently in the breeze, sits the Temple of the Nest Craftsman, a cultural landmark to that skillful set of artisans linked to Khanh Hoa’s proud bird’s nest industry. Sacred grounds, visitors leave with far greater insight than perhaps they ever knew existed concerning this centuries-old tradition, an ongoing and essential part of the local heritage. A trip to the temple will afford you an appreciation for the spirituality of Yen Island, including the craftsmanship and dedication that it takes to protect such a treasure of a trade.

What to prepare for an excursion to Yen Island

Planning your trip to Yen Island requires a little thoughtful preparation to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Besides the essentials like swimwear, sunscreen, and a hat, here are some practical tips:

Pack for the weather: The weather in Vietnam is unpredictable. While the dry season, which generally runs from March to September, offers the best conditions, pack layers to accommodate potential rain showers or cooler evenings.
Footwear: A pair of comfortable walking shoes is essential, especially if you plan on getting around the island on foot. If you are planning to hike to the summit, invest in sturdy hiking boots with good grip. Flip-flops are great to laze around in on the beach but aren’t ideal for longer walks.
Motion sickness remedies: If you’re prone to seasickness, be sure to bring along motion sickness medication or ginger candies for the boat ride to the island.
Insect repellent: Mosquitoes can be present, especially during the evenings. Pack insect repellent with DEET to protect yourself from bites.
First-aid kit: It is always useful to carry a small first-aid kit with you for minor cuts, scrapes, or any sudden sickness. You should include pain relievers, band-aids, and any personal medications in it.
Respect the local culture: Dress appropriately when visiting temples or religious places. Learn some simple Vietnamese phrases that will add weight to your interaction with the locals.
Book your accommodations in advance, especially if you plan to spend more than a night on the island.
Consider a local guide: For a more significant outcome in the knowledge about the culture and history of the island, consider seeking the services of a local guide, as they can offer substantial insight and personal interaction.

Why choose Lily’s Travel for your trips in Vietnam?

Lily’s Travel, a leading tour operator in Vietnam since 2007, has garnered an impressive reputation, boasting over 2000 5-star reviews on Tripadvisor. Consistently ranked among the top travel agencies in Hanoi and throughout Northern Vietnam, Lily’s Travel is dedicated to showcasing the diverse beauty of Vietnam to the world. For 15 continuous years, we have been committed to their mission of cultural exchange and the promotion of the captivating landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Vietnam to international travelers.

In addition to standard sightseeing tours, Lily’s Travel specializes in in-depth journeys into the multi-religious, multi-ethnic, and regional varied cultures of the country. The company does this through its commitment to cultural explorations, with an emphasis on personal services and profound knowledge of the local culture, which have won them a fair share of repeat and satisfied clients. Realizing the need for its perpetuation, Lily’s Travel participates in community-oriented ventures while striving to ensure tourism is developed responsibly and in harmony with the environment.

With a forward-thinking approach, we have embraced technology to enhance the travel experience by offering 3D virtual tours that enable customers to preview their destinations before booking. This dedication to innovation, along with a commitment to personalized service and fostering meaningful travel experiences, cements Lily’s Travel’s position as a premier choice for those seeking authentic and unforgettable journeys through Vietnam.

Yen Island is one of the secrets of Nha Trang Bay, featuring a nice combination of nature and adventure. The island offers an opportunity to move away from the hustle and bustle on the mainland with pristine beaches, emerald waters, and lush greenery. From pristine beaches, great hiking to the summit, and panoramic views, to diving in and experiencing a whole different vibrant underwater world with marine life, Yen Island promises knowledge and memories of a lifetime. Remember to pack accordingly, respect the local environment, and get into the spirit of adventure to fully enjoy your visit to this enchanting island paradise.