A whale is spot on Vinh Hy Bay on June 24. (Photo by Chau Thanh Tin)
The recent sighting of whales off the coast of Vinh Hy Bay in Khanh Hoa Province has sparked excitement among nature lovers and travellers, prompting many to change their travel plans in hopes of witnessing the rare marine mammals in the wild.
In late June, reports of whale appearances in Vinh Hy quickly spread across travel forums and nature enthusiast groups, generating significant interest.
Touirsts on Vinh Hy Bay
Thu Hong, a tourist from Ho Chi Minh City, told Dantri/Dtinews she had originally planned to visit Phu Quy Island in July but changed her itinerary after seeing images of whales surfacing in Vinh Hy.
"I've planned a four-day trip to Vinh Hy now. Not only does it offer a beautiful coastal route, but I also hope to catch a glimpse of whales, a once-in-a-lifetime experience," she said.
According to Chau Thanh Tin, a local tour guide whose family has been running tourism services in the area since 2016, Vinh Hy has long drawn visitors with its unspoiled landscapes and tranquil atmosphere.
"Here, you can swim, go paddleboarding, snorkel over coral reefs, take a speedboat to explore nearby islets, or simply relax on the rocky outcrops," he said. Tourists can also visit Hang Rai, local vineyards, and the coastal Vinh Hy-Binh Tien route, considered one of the most scenic drives in Vietnam.
Seafood is another highlight. Depending on the season, travellers can enjoy a range of fresh, flavourful local dishes, including tuna, swordfish, shrimp, and shellfish, all prepared in the traditional style of coastal residents.
Compared to other tourist hotspots in Khanh Hoa, such as Nha Trang or Cam Ranh, Vinh Hy is quieter, making it an ideal destination for travellers seeking genuine rest and relaxation.
Truong Yen Yen, another visitor from Ho Chi Minh City, said Vinh Hy left a lasting impression on her thanks to its pristine nature and rare serenity.
"The sea here is crystal clear and calm, with little to no rubbish. The weather was sunny during my visit, perfect for exploring," she shared.
She recommended visiting Hang Rai to see fossilised coral reefs and Hang Yen for panoramic views and photography opportunities.
"Sunrise here is beautiful, so I highly suggest waking up early," she added, noting that food, transport, boat trips and accommodation are all reasonably priced.
How to get to Vinh Hy from Ho Chi Minh City:
By coach: Sleeper buses from Ho Chi Minh City to Phan Rang depart around 9 pm from Mien Dong Bus Station, with tickets ranging from VND 190,000 to VND 560,000 (approximately USD 7.50 to USD 22). Buses arrive in Khanh Hoa Station around 5 am or 6 am the next morning. From there, visitors can rent a motorbike or take a taxi for the 40km journey to Vinh Hy.
By train: Trains from Saigon Railway Station to Thap Cham Station take about seven hours, with fares from VND 253,000 to VND 683,000 (approximately USD 10 to USD 27) per trip.
By plane: Flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Cam Ranh Airport take just over an hour, followed by a 60km drive to Vinh Hy.
By road: For adventure lovers, self-driving a car or motorbike is an ideal way to enjoy the breathtaking coastal route from Ho Chi Minh City via Phan Thiet, Ca Na, and Ninh Chu to Vinh Hy. The 350 to 380km journey takes 7 to 9 hours and offers some of Vietnam's most picturesque seaside landscapes, complete with turquoise seas, white dunes, rocky mountains, and charming fishing villages.