White-sand beaches stretch along this small Vietnamese island in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province. Local fishermen catch fresh lobster daily, while clear waters make ideal spots for diving and snorkeling.
Bình Ba Island lies 15 kilometers from Cam Ranh Bay in southern Vietnam, covering 3 square kilometers. Military restrictions limited access for years, but it now welcomes domestic travelers. The island’s clear waters, coral reefs, and white-sand beaches such as Nom and Chuong attract visitors looking for quiet coastal trips. Simple guesthouses, seafood markets selling morning catches, and roads edged with tall pampas grass define the landscape. Foreign travelers still need special permits, but Vietnamese tourists arrive between March and September to snorkel, ride motorbikes along dirt paths, and eat grilled lobster at beachside stalls.
When to Visit for Ideal Conditions
Visit between March and September when rain is rare and the sea stays smooth for swimming. Temperatures hover between 28°C and 32°C, making midday heat manageable with shade or dips in the water. October to February brings frequent rain and choppy waves that disrupt boat trips and snorkeling. Weekday visits help avoid crowds, especially during Vietnamese holidays like Reunification Day (April 30) when guesthouses fill quickly. Plan activities early in the day to avoid afternoon sun.
Reaching the Island Step by Step
Fly, take a train, or ride a bus to Cam Ranh City. From Cam Ranh Airport, hire a taxi for the 15-kilometer drive to Da Bac Port. Boats depart for Bình Ba four times daily at 7:30 AM, 10:00 AM, 1:30 PM, and 4:00 PM. Return trips start as early as 5:00 AM, so confirm schedules with your guesthouse. Wooden boats take 45 minutes and cost 30,000 VND, while faster fiberglass canoes cut the trip to 20 minutes for 100,000 VND.
Beaches and Coastal Areas to Explore
Nom Beach has soft sand and shallow water that stays waist-deep up to 50 meters from shore. At Chuong Beach, coral reefs begin just 10 meters offshore, visible through clear water at low tide. Nha Cu Beach sits beneath jagged limestone cliffs, with tide pools forming around rocky outcrops. Walk 20 minutes uphill from the main village to the Hill of Pampas Grass for views of the island’s curved coastline. For isolation, hire a local boat to Turtle Island, a small outcrop with a sheltered swimming area.
What to Do During Your Stay
Rent a motorbike (100,000 VND per day) to explore dirt roads connecting fishing villages and beaches. Join a sunrise boat tour to snorkel above reefs dotted with starfish and sea cucumbers, or fish with crews using traditional nets. Visit Nom Beach at dawn to watch wooden boats unload squid, crabs, and lobsters. After sunset, some guesthouses host seafood dinners on the sand, where you can eat grilled shellfish and sing karaoke with locals.
Eating Fresh Seafood Daily
Grilled lobster seasoned with chili salt is the island’s signature dish, often cooked over charcoal at beachside stalls. Buy clams, abalone, or squid from the morning market and have nearby kitchens prepare them for a small fee. Try bánh canh chả cá, a thick noodle soup with fish cakes, at family-run food stands. Crispy bánh xèo pancakes filled with shrimp and bean sprouts make a filling snack. A meal with lobster, rice, and vegetables typically costs under 200,000 VND.
Where to Sleep on the Island
Basic homestays charge around 50,000 VND per person for shared rooms with fans. For air conditioning, book a room at Co Lan Hotel or Blue Sea Guesthouse, which cost 100,000–300,000 VND per night. Reserve at least a week ahead during peak seasons like summer break (June–August). Most lodgings provide towels and soap, but bring your own toiletries if you prefer specific brands.
Practical Advice for Your Trip
Carry enough Vietnamese dong—no ATMs exist on the island—and keep your passport or ID for boat inspections. Freshwater is limited, so take short showers. Avoid entering marked military zones near the northern hills. Use sunscreen labeled safe for coral reefs to protect snorkeling areas. Dispose of trash in designated bins or take it back to the mainland, as recycling is minimal. Keep noise low after 10:00 PM near residential areas.
