Hon Kho and Nhon Hai in Quy Nhon
Part of the Quy Nhon travel guide — see every topic in All Quy Nhon Guides.
Hon Kho is a small rocky island just off Nhon Hai fishing village, on the Phuong Mai peninsula across the bay from Quy Nhon. It is quieter than Ky Co and has clear water, coral and a wooden walkway around the rocks. Nhon Hai is a friendly fishing village with a calm beach and simple seafood places. Together they make an easy half-day or full-day trip. This guide covers how to get there, the boat ride, snorkelling and the low-tide path.
Nhon Hai fishing village
Nhon Hai is a fishing village on the peninsula, about 30 to 40 minutes from the city by car or motorbike. The road crosses the Thi Nai bridge. The village has a long beach, colourful fishing boats and many round coracle boats. In the morning you can watch the boats come in and see people sorting fish on the sand. Small family places near the beach cook fresh seafood. The village is not a resort, and life here follows the sea. It is a good place to see daily life on the coast, away from the city.
The boat to Hon Kho
Hon Kho sits just off the Nhon Hai shore. From the village, you can take a small canoe or speedboat to the island in about 10 to 20 minutes. Some boats are round bamboo coracles, which are slow but fun. Local boat owners and tour counters offer the trip, often with snorkel gear and a stop at the reef. Agree on the price, the time on the island and the return time before you leave. Boats run only when the sea is calm. In the wet season, from about September to December, trips are often cancelled because of wind and waves.
The walkway and the low-tide path
The name Hon Kho means "dry island", but the island is green and surrounded by clear water. A wooden walkway runs along the rocks on one side of the island. It is a popular place for photos, with blue water below and the coast behind. At some low tides, a path of rocks and sand appears between the village and the island. It is a few hundred metres long. The path does not appear every day, and it depends on the tide and the season. Do not try to walk it without local advice, because the water comes back quickly.
Snorkelling over the coral
The water around Hon Kho has coral and many small, colourful fish. On calm days the water is clear, and you can see the reef from the surface. You can rent a mask and fins from vendors in Nhon Hai, or join a short guided snorkel trip. Beginners should stay close to the boat and wear a life jacket. Do not stand on or touch the coral, because it breaks easily and grows very slowly. Use reef-safe sun cream if you can. The best snorkelling is in the dry months, about March to August, in the morning before the wind picks up.
Hon Kho and Nhon Hai at a glance
| Getting there | Car or motorbike to Nhon Hai, about 30 to 40 minutes; then a short boat ride |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daytime trips; mornings are calmer |
| Cost | Boat trips and snorkel gear are paid separately; agree the price first |
| Best time | About March to August for calm sea and clear water |
| Bring | Sun cream, water, cash and reef shoes |