An increasingly huge number of tourists have chosen Diep Son Island in Van Phong Bay off the central coast province of Khanh Hoa as an exotic destination.
A sandbank emerges in low tide on the island
In the middle of Van Phong, there are three islands – Diep Son, Hon Giua and Hon Duoc, with each covering several hectares. The biggest among the three is Diep Son but local residents refer to it as Hon Bip as it is home to a lot of bim bip (Clinacanthus nutans) trees. A sandbank will emerge between Hon Giua and Hon Bip in low tide.
Diep Son is 250 meters long and 50 meters wide. In the center of the island is a mountain which is 130 meters above sea level. There are dozens of families living on the island and fishing is their subsistence livelihood. Since earlier 2016, the islanders have been able to earn extra income as more tourists have come to Diep Son to admire its stunning landscape.
Tourists should travel 60 kilometers from Nha Trang to Van Gia fishing port where they take a speed-boat ride to Diep Son at a price of VND200,000 per group. On Diep Son, they can rest at some cottage homes on the mountainside. There are some free umbrellas on the beach. Travelers can climb a watchtower to have a panoramic view of the island or wander around for some pictures.
Diep Son offers some basic facilities and services such as restrooms, wifi, electricity, seafood and vegetables.