Vietnam is steadily making its way to the list of best scuba diving spots in Southeast Asia. This country has a centuries-old history, large cities, and mouth-watering food. It has much to offer tourists, including incredible opportunities to dive into Vietnam's incredibly biodiverse marine paradise. From beautiful coral reefs and tropical fish to historic wrecks, all divers can find a place to enjoy the clear waters in the country. In this article, let’s look into the list of the best 10 locations for scuba diving in Vietnam for your next dive trip.
1. Nha Trang: The Diving Capital of Vietnam
Nha Trang is known as the leading spot for diving in Vietnam. It is attributed to its clear and rich seas. The offshore Hon Mun Marine Protected Area has attracted many visitors due to its colourful corals, typical rock pinnacles, caves and prolific marine life. While snorkelling and Scuba diving, a diver may come across nudibranchs, moray eels, lionfish and turtles sometimes.
Best Diving Spots in Nha Trang:
- Hon Mun Island: It harbours as many as 350 species of coronated coral.
- Moray Beach: Renowned for its rich population of moray eels or other macro forms of life.
- Diving Type: Suitable for those looking for internships, beginners, intermediates, and professional ones.
2. Con Dao Islands: Untouched Marine Beauty
Con Dao includes destinations such as the Dau Ng, Con Dao archipelago, which is relatively isolated from the South of Vietnam and provides untouched sea space and comparatively healthy coral gardens. As 80% of the island's area is protected lands of the National Marine Park, this is one of the best places for novice and advanced scuba divers interested in new locations.
Best Diving Spots in Con Dao:
- Bay Canh Island: Famous for turtle protection and breeding You can visualise small coral reefs.
- Hon Tai: Macro photography paradise, and there are many nudibranchs and reef fish.
- Diving Type: Intermediate to advanced.
3. Phu Quoc Island: A Tropical Paradise
New on the tourism map, Phu Quoc, Vietnam's largest island, is home to a great variety of diving. Starting with house reef and going as far as shipwrecks. The island is surrounded by brilliant blue water and has turned into a diving spot because of its excellent access and attractive shoreline.
Best Diving Spots in Phu Quoc:
- Turtle Island: It is famous for the soft corals and the numbers and variety of fish.
- Dry Island (An Thoi Archipelago): Famous for its extended stay with abundant coral formations and large rocks.
- Diving Type: Beginner to intermediate.
4. Cham Islands: A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
The Cham Islands are an archipelago south of Hoi An and part of the UNESCO site, the Biosphere Reserve. This area is a perfect place for diving enthusiasts. The surrounding waters have vast marine life, such as sharks, turtles and rays. Here, the coral reefs are some of the most preserved in Vietnam.
Best Diving Spots in Cham Islands:
- Hon Lao Island: Famous for the large coral formation and variety of species of marine.
- Hon Tai South: The island is also believed to harbour a sizable community of cuttlefish, lionfish, and some rare bamboo sharks.
- Diving Type: Beginner to advanced.
5. Vinh Hy Bay: Vietnam's Hidden Gem
Vinh Hy Bay is not a very popular diving site in Vietnam and thus is a perfect location for divers who enjoy a lot of privacy when they dive. It has incredibly steep shores with limestone structures. The water is ideal for divers because it offers high light penetration depths. This gem has some of the heaviest growth of corals in the country, and it is off the tourist’s radar.
Best Diving Spots in Vinh Hy Bay:
- Rai Cave: Famous for the underwater cave systems.
- Hon Do Reef: A marvellous reef with small marine species.
- Diving Type: Intermediate to advanced.
6. Whale Island: Best for Beginners
Whale Island in Van Phong Bay is perfect for first-timers because of its deep and crystal-clear water. The coral around the island is in shallow waters, and all the aquatic life is within reach of a first-time diver.
Best Diving Spots in Whale Island:
- Madonna Rock: A typical divers’ locale to perform swim-throughs and observe numerous coral-covered rocks.
- White Rock: The coral reef fish, including the butterflyfish and angelfish.
- Diving Type: Beginner.
7. Son Tra Peninsula: For the Adventurous Diver
Son Tra Peninsula, or Monkey Mountain, is an interesting dive site for those who prefer less travelled trails. The peninsula is located near Da Nang City and houses many species of significant marine life and rock formations.
Best Diving Spots in Son Tra Peninsula:
- Bai But Bay: Famous for large stones that comprise its geographical area and other water creatures.
- Bai Nam Beach: Coral reefs are perfect for traversing this type of boat. Look out for eels and octopuses.
- Diving Type: Intermediate to advanced.
8. Ha Long Bay: Natural Landmarks
Ha Long Bay is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracting tourists due to its unique limestone formations and karsts. Though the visibility is not as high as the other diving sites in Vietnam, diving around such landmarks is exceptional.
Best Diving Spots in Ha Long Bay:
- Cong Do Island: Interesting caves and coral-coated walls.
- Tuan Chau Island: It is famous for some underwater caves and grottos.
- Diving Type: Intermediate.
9. Cua Can River: A Unique Freshwater Dive
Divers will find that the Cua Can River in Phu Quoc is worth visiting for a different underwater experience. Of all Vietnam’s diving sites, this voyage is one of a kind since it provides divers a chance to dive in freshwater and a transition zone between marine and freshwater environments.
Best Diving Spot in Cua Can River:
- Cua Can River Mouth: This includes freshwater and marine fish. The mangrove area is famous for its fish and crabs.
- Diving Type: Intermediate.
10. Phan Rang: An Underrated Gem
Phan Rang offers rich reef diving to the south of Nha Trang city and the north of Phan Thiet. The new area presents calm, clear water and virgin coral reefs making it an excellent destination for divers to witness an untouched marine environment.
Best Diving Spots in Phan Rang:
- Hon Do Island: Colourful corals and rocks.
- Hon Lon Reef: Noted for its rich and diverse community of coral and many reef fish.
- Diving Type: Beginner to intermediate.
FAQs
What is the 1/3 rule in scuba diving?
The 1/3 rule in scuba diving is a safety guideline that suggests divers use one-third of their tank for the outward journey, one-third for the return journey, and reserve the remaining third as a safety margin for emergencies or unforeseen delays.
Where to see sharks in Vietnam?
You can see sharks in Vietnam at several popular dive spots, including Hon Mun Marine Park near Nha Trang, Con Dao Archipelago, and Phu Quoc Island. These locations are home to a variety of shark species, such as blacktip reef sharks and leopard sharks.
How much does scuba diving cost in Vietnam?
The cost of scuba diving in Vietnam varies, but on average, a single dive typically costs between $30 to $60 USD. For a full day of diving or a diving course, prices can range from $100 to $300 USD depending on the location and dive center.
Where is the most popular place to scuba dive?
The most popular places to scuba dive globally include the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the Maldives, and the Galápagos Islands. In Vietnam, popular diving destinations are Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, and Con Dao for their rich marine biodiversity.
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