Diving in Vietnam: the best places and tips for a beginner

By Alex Last updated May 3, 2022 2,123 0

When the usual places for diving have already been studied and bored, the experienced diver begins to think about exotic distances such as Indonesia, Australia or the islands of Oceania. The road from the post-Soviet space there is long and expensive, as well as the way back. It stops many. And here comes Vietnam that is less popular than Egypt and more affordable than Australia. About diving in this country and will be discussed.

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Why Vietnam?

The main reason: cheap. Vietnam attracts tourists (and not only divers), first of all, affordable prices. In this case, the underwater world near the Vietnamese coast is able to surprise the most sophisticated explorer of the depths. A huge number of rare species of fish and other marine life are abundantly found here: seahorses, sea mice, frogfish, devilfish, and also leisurely turtles and a riotous variety of corals of all possible colors. Some divers are lucky, and they find at the bottom of the shell with real pearls.

Such a diverse flora and fauna developed due to the favorable climate of Vietnam. And here is another reason to choose Vietnam: in almost any season you will pick up an area suitable for diving. Spring, summer and autumn (up to October inclusive) – a good time to dive in the vicinity of Nyachang and in the waters of the island of Hoi An. And, for example, the South China Sea near the island of Phu Quoc can be explored from November to the summer.

Finally, with all its cheapness, diving in vietnam safe. Firms that organize diving tours comply with all international safety standards and have the necessary permits. The beaches of large diving centers offer the most modern equipment for rent.

Where to go diving?

Diving in Vietnam is equally suitable for beginners and experienced divers. The most popular place, especially among beginners, is the city of Nha Trang and its surroundings. Then you can call the islands and archipelagoes near the coast: Kondao, Hoi An, Hon Mun, Phu Quoc.

Hon Moon is quite popular, located within the reserve. The fauna of this marine area has more than 100 species of coral, almost 200 species of rare fish, as well as many species of mollusks and crustaceans. They all inhabit relatively shallow depths. For independent underwater observation they will need a special permit. An easier way is to use the services of numerous dive centers that organize excursions to the island and then dive. The minimum cost of such an excursion is $ 45. It is best to go there early in the morning – at this time there are fewer people and the water is quieter.

Self-expedition to Hong Moon will cost you more, given that the entrance to Mun is paid (about 20 thousand dong). Boats for rent on the southern pier of Nha Trang, in the immediate vicinity of which the island is located. Hon Moon’s main underwater attractions: Madonna Rock with underwater tunnels, Mushroom Reef, where you can watch sharks, Coral Garden reef with a rich variety of hard corals and colossus fish, moray eels, calamari and other interesting inhabitants.

Nha Trang is the starting point of excursion to other nearby islands and dive locations (for example, the water area of Nha Phu Bay). Diving and snorkeling are considered additional options, so you can ride there as an ordinary tourist without the need to dive.

An option for beginners is Phu Quoc Island and its surroundings. The maximum depth of the coastal part in the north of the island is 10 m. The south will be of interest to experienced divers. In the vicinity there are large jellyfish.

Away from Nha Trang, there is a whole diving area located on the island of Wail. At once several equipped places for immersion will be interesting both to professionals, and beginners. The depth of the dive ranges from 9 to 30 m. There is a turtle farm on Whale, and the island itself is located 80 km from the city.

A little bit about snorkeling in Vietnam

What is good about Nha Trang – the easiest way to get to Hon Moon Island (or simply Moon), which is probably the most accessible location for beginners and for those who want to snorkel. Snorkeling (or snorkeling) is a type of diving with a small breathing tube (snorkel), when a person most of the time remains on the surface from which you can observe the entire underwater life. Constantly clear and transparent water in the vicinity of the Moon provides such an opportunity.

Snorkeling classes are included in excursions, which cost varies from 20 to 40 dollars. It is not necessary to have your own equipment – it will be issued before the tour. The equipment is simple: fins, mask and snorkel. Dives are held in the most beautiful places, away from the shore. It is noteworthy that such an excursion includes lunch. So what about the food you can not worry.

If you prefer self-diving, it’s more profitable to rent a boat to cooperate with other visitors. The cost depends on the number of passengers, and the more of them, the cheaper the rent per person. In contrast to the excursion option, all accessories for snorkeling, in the reliability of which there is complete confidence, are advised to have with you. Although a snorkel and flipper mask can also be provided for use by the boat owner. From the rest you need not forget take with you camera and sunscreen.

To summarize Diving in Vietnam is a good alternative to expensive and hard-to-reach places for an experienced diver and just a great option for a beginner. Both deep-sea diving and shallow-water snorkeling created ideal conditions throughout the year. It is important to determine the terrain, and there are plenty of options in Vietnam.