Vietnam has a huge amount to offer to snorkeling fans. This Southeast Asian nation boasts an immense coastline, along with no end of land-based attraction for any downtime you might have. The country has a fully developed tourist industry, and it is well known for the street food in Vietnam. But the country has so much to offer to first time visitors. We’re going to give you a quick rundown of everything you need to know about snorkeling in Vietnam, covering:

  • The major destinations
  • How to get around
  • What you can expect from the average snorkeling trip

The country is generally regarded as divided into three distinct areas: the semi-mountainous North, the Central Highlands, and the South, home to the Mekong Delta. Each area has its own major city within striking distance of the coast. If you’re flying into the country, the odds are that you will be heading straight to Ho Chi Minh City. Formerly known as Saigon, Vietnam’s biggest city is in the heart of the Mekong Delta. Most people will head straight to Nha Trang. This city is a touch North, and East of HCM. It is the ideal location for snorkeling, boasting its own large bay, as well as direct access to a number of other nearby locations.

Nha Trang Boasts Some of the Best Locations

Lao Island is a great spot for those with limited experience of snorkeling. The water only reaches a depth of 3-5 metres, making it an ideal spot for low-stress exploration. The island itself also boasts a large monkey colony, something that draws a number of tourists to it. Lao can be easily accessed from Nha Trang with the help of one of the many tourism organizations there. The city is a hub for Russian tourism, and you’re more likely to find a menu in Cyrillic than English. Tourism here is highly developed, and you can find plenty of options to make use of. Mun Island is another popular choice, though at a depth of 20 metres, you will need a reasonable level of experience to make use of it. However, with over three hundred kinds of coral, it’s well worth the trip. For around $50 you can grab a complete day trip, including two different dives, all the equipment and travel you need. Well worth a look.

Danang Provides Access from the Central Coast

For those looking for something around the central coast, Danang is the main city in the area and has an airport taking flights from within Vietnam as well as some other locations. Travelers coming in from abroad can either change flights at Ho Chi Minh, or take the train. The city provides access to Cham Island, a protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. You will have the chance to view some truly amazing marine life. But ensure that you take care not to touch or damage any of the coral or wildlife. Danang itself has a limited number of options for tourists and is more popular among domestic Vietnamese holidaymakers. However, it offers access to nearby Hoi An and Hue, both key spots for tourists looking to enjoy some quintessential Vietnamese architecture, plus the Imperial Citadel and tombs of the Vietnamese kings.

The Southern Islands Offer the Best Wildlife

To the South, not far from the Cambodian border and islands, lie the islands of Phu Quoc and Con Dao. These islands both offer some truly fantastic snorkeling, with some of the best marine wildlife the country has to offer. They are also both big favorites for domestic tourists and have efficient ferry services that can deliver you there from the nearby Mekong Delta. The Delta itself has limited offerings for most tourists, though there are a few gems such as Vung Tau. Tourism is well developed, and you should have no problems locating snorkeling trips.

Make Sure to Do Your Research

Travelers looking to get the most out of their snorkeling experiences in Vietnam should ensure that they use a trusted tour company. Independent snorkeling is definitely not recommended, as unfamiliar surroundings can easily lead to accidents and dangerous situations. You should also double check the reviews for the tour you choose, and ensure that they are safe.

Transport around Vietnam is generally fairly reliable, though it may not always be of the standards you may find in other parts of the world. A train network runs from Ho Chi Minh City in the South, all the way to Sapa in the far North. It also links Danang and Nha Trang, two major spots for snorkeling tours. Travelers looking to access Phu Quoc and Con Dao can reach them via some of the towns on the South coast. Do your research, check the reviews, and you should have no problems guaranteeing you get the most out of your Vietnam snorkeling experience.