36 miles from Bao Dai Villa
The easiest approach to Hon Ong is via the Lip Channel to the northeast of Hon Lon. The channel is five miles long, very deep and has several secluded anchorages on either side. Whale Island Resort is on the western side of Hon Ong and the anchorage is within a buoyed-off area in front of the beach.
Approach through the gap and anchor outside of a black marker buoy, as there is live coral and a few large submerged rocks within the bay.
This French-run resort is a real jewel in the cruising area, tucked away at the head of this deep-water channel; the collection of islands and beaches close by are worthy of at least two days exploring, using the resort as a base. Started about 20 years ago as a base camp for a trekking company, it is now a well-equipped, inexpensive dive resort, popular with tourists looking to escape from noisy Nha Trang town.
For the energetic, there is a walking trail right around the island and one to the large rock giving 360°outlook around the area.
A short dinghy ride to the north coast will take you to another idyllic snorkelling bay. The internationally used dive site is at the seaward end, ocean side, of the Lip Channel, through which you entered. Rainbow Dive has staff at Whale Island and their own wooden dive boat.
Dam Mon village jetty has water by prior arrangement but use lots of fenders to protect your topsides.
Almost every superyacht that has visited Vietnam stayed in this location in the past because it is deep and the isolation and privacy, let alone the pristine water for on and in-water activities, is spectacular.
Click to view Vietnam photo gallery.
Van Phong Bay is a crowded crab fishing area, so look out for the numerous small polystyrene floats.
There is also a dangerous rock just west of Hon Mai!
