The beach at Hon Noi (Noi Isle) is one of the clearest and most beautiful beaches of Nha Trang Bay

Nha Trang Bay’s well-known beaches are so popular that it is easy to overlook other attractions that the town offers off its coast.

We were able to make a few discoveries during our last trip there.

From the Cau Da Wharf, a seven-minute boat ride took us to the Tri Nguyen Island. The Tri Nguyen Aquarium dazzles with a myriad of colorful creatures that awe children and adults alike.

Then we walked for another 500 meters to reach the Bai Soi (Pebble Beach), one of the most stunning spots along Nha Trang Bay. As the name implies, it is covered with pebbles. Walking on them is like getting a natural foot massage.

From Bai Soi, a 15-minute journey to the east on boat got us to Mot Isle where the beach stretched out lazily under the shade of coconut palms. Its fresh air and scenery has prompted some travel agencies to organize tours that include swimming, games and parties for groups who end up having a whale of a time.

Also from Bai Soi, 7-10 minutes on a boat going south gets us to the Tam Isle.

The island, which has been transformed into a four-star resort by the Hon Tam-Bien Nha Trang Joint Stock Company, boasts a white sandy beach with many towering Indian oaks, willows, tamarind and many other kinds of trees, each with its own distinct shape and beauty.

Another Nha Trang Bay attraction that is well worth visiting is the Con Se Tre or Tre (Bamboo) Island, around four kilometers from downtown Nha Trang Town. After enjoying themselves in the clear blue waters, tourists can have fun grilling seacooking on brick stoves at the Con Se Tre Tourist Park. The sight of these stoves glowing in the dark and the aroma of fish or other seafood being grilled is an experience that entices people to come back again and again.

The furthest beach in Nha Trang Bay from the downtown area is Hon Noi (Noi Isle). Around 20 kilometers from the town, the island is blessed with clean, crystal blue waters and cliffs that have provided a rich source of swift’s nest. Somewhat fittingly, the Noi Isle is being developed by the Khanh Hoa Bird’s Nest Company.

After swimming and visiting the birds’ nests, we relaxed, sitting and leaning against large rocks in the middle of the sea, enjoying the breeze and listening to the sounds of waves lapping against the rocks.

Of course, one of the most well-known places in the bay is Vinpearl Land, whose white sand beaches and turquoise waters have been made even more famous by the hosting of beauty contests and other similar events. Among those looking for “modern” entertainment, the Vinpearl Water Park and Underwater World are popular options.

The Tre (Bamboo) Island beach, around four kilometers from downtown Nha Trang, is another Nha Trang Bay attraction