Located on Vietnam's south-central coast, this deep-water bay has been an important naval base since the 1800s. White sand beaches and clear waters make it popular for swimming and snorkeling.
Cam Ranh, a coastal city in southern Vietnam, sits along one of Southeast Asia's deepest natural harbors. You can swim at Long Beach, take boat trips to nearby islands like Binh Ba and Binh Hung, or browse through fresh seafood at Cam Duc Market. The city's location makes it convenient for visiting Nha Trang's hot springs or exploring the marine life at Vinh Hy Bay.
Getting to Cam Ranh
Cam Ranh International Airport connects the region with major Asian cities, while Ba Ngoi Port handles maritime traffic. The city lies 290 kilometers northeast of Ho Chi Minh City, with good road and rail connections. National Highway 1A runs just 1.5 kilometers from the center, and the national railway passes within 3 kilometers.
Cam Duc Market
Local vendors fill this 5,000-square-meter market in the Cam Lam district with fresh seafood, live poultry, kitchen ingredients, clothing, and household items. You'll find traditional Vietnamese breakfast dishes as you walk through the market's narrow pathways. The market lies a 15-minute drive from central Cam Ranh.
Vinh Hy Bay
Vinh Hy Bay, 55 kilometers south of Cam Ranh, sits surrounded by the mountains of Nui Chua National Park. The clear, calm waters make it ideal for snorkeling and diving, where you can see coral reefs and tropical fish. You can take glass-bottom boat tours, hike in the national park, or try local seafood at waterfront restaurants.
Marine Research Legacy
The Institute of Oceanography, established in 1923, maintains Vietnam's primary marine research facilities. The National Oceanography Museum within the institute holds 20,000 marine specimens and runs a large aquarium with thousands of sea creatures. Scientists here study ocean environments and conduct research on Vietnam's underwater resources.
Military History
Cam Ranh Bay served as an entry point for 80% of US forces between 1965 and 1972 during the Vietnam War. North Vietnamese forces captured the bay in April 1975. The area reopened to US military vessels in 2016 when the USS John S. McCain and USS Frank Cable made the first American port visit in over 40 years.
