Islands · Nha Trang Bay
Original name: Hòn Mun — Khu bảo tồn biển vịnh Nha Trang
The core of Vietnam's first marine protected area and the bay's main address for mask and scuba. The reef has been through a hard time and is recovering, so the rules matter more than the route here.
Hòn Mun lies on the outer edge of the bay; according to the provincial portal, it is named after its rocks, black as ebony. The protected area was created in 2001; the portal speaks of about 350 coral species and more than 1500 marine species. In June 2022 the bay management board suspended swimming, diving and glass-bottom boats here: the reef had suffered badly from typhoons and people. A survey in May 2026 showed growth in live coral.
In June 2026 the bay management board reported groups snorkelling with a guide in the buoyed zone set aside for swimmers — so visits are happening, but in limited places and under supervision. Book with an operator who names the dive spot explicitly and works with a guide. The trip out from the city takes a while, so allow at least half a day. The best sea conditions are in the dry season; in autumn visibility and waves let you down.
Ask the operator whether the chosen spot is permitted on your date and whether the protected-area visitor fee is included: a regulation on the fee exists, but we have not confirmed its amount from the primary document. Touch nothing underwater; keep your distance from turtles, don't follow or surround them — this is a direct requirement of the board.
Access, opening hours and prices can change. Confirm the conditions right before you pay or leave.
Islands and sea →snorkelling · diving · nature
Editorial navigation, not a paid recommendation.
21 September 2026
Before your visit
The core of Vietnam's first marine protected area and the bay's main address for mask and scuba. The reef has been through a hard time and is recovering, so the rules matter more than the route here.
Plan for roughly “half a day or a full day”. Add time for the road, weather, queues and an unhurried break.
It belongs to the “Nha Trang Bay” area. Open the map before leaving and check the actual entrance or meeting point.
Choose an early-morning departure: the water is calmer and there are fewer groups in the buoyed zone. Opening hours, prices, access and weather can change, so confirm them right before you leave or pay.