Discover a unique "aquatic passage" connecting three islands, nestled right here in Vietnam. This enchanting spot is often hailed as "the precious jewel" of Southeast Asia.

Walking might seem like a perfectly ordinary activity, but it transforms into something truly extraordinary when the path beneath your feet is Vietnam's one-of-a-kind aqueduct.
When people think of Khánh Hòa province, Vietnam, most immediately picture the country's largest lobster farming region, or Nha Trang – a bustling, vibrant coastal city famous for its lively tourist activities, clear blue beaches, white sands, and golden sunshine.
However, few realize that Khánh Hòa also hides a unique "treasure," arguably "one of a kind" in Vietnam, called Diep Son underwater path.
An underwater path (thủy đạo) means a road directly on the sea. When the tide recedes, visitors can walk along it without needing any boats or assistance. Diep Son underwater path is exactly one such remarkable route.
To experience this unique underwater path, the first thing travelers need to do is reach Diep Son Island. Unlike the bustling scenery of a typical tourist city, Diep Son Island still boasts a wild and unspoiled landscape. Therefore, it's perfect for travelers who cherish peace and quiet, away from the crowds.
Discovering the Untouched Diep Son Island
Diep Son is an island located in Van Phong Bay, in the northern part of Khánh Hòa province, approximately 60km from the center of Nha Trang city. It belongs to Van Khanh commune, Van Ninh district. Although it's a pristine island, travelers often praise the journey there as beautiful and easy to navigate.

Diep Son Island is separate from the mainland
According to previous experienced travelers, the trip to Diep Son is divided into two legs. The first leg is from Nha Trang city to Van Gia Port. This journey covers nearly 60km and takes more than an hour by car. From the port, travelers can choose to go to the island by speedboat or wooden boat, taking approximately 20 minutes and 60 minutes respectively. The earliest departure from the port is at 6 AM, and the latest is 5 PM.
Locals say the best time to visit Diep Son Island is from April to September. During this period, the weather is sunny and dry with little rain, making the water clearer and more blue – ideal conditions for swimming, photography, and recreational activities. From September onwards, the weather tends to be stormy and rainy, so visitors should avoid traveling to the island during this time.

To reach Diep Son Island, travelers will go by speedboat or boat
As mentioned earlier, Diep Son Island is considered quite untouched and retains its pristine beauty, a gift from nature. There's almost no human intervention on the island, and virtually no specific tourist services available.
Reports indicate that currently, about 80 households live on the island, primarily relying on fishing. Many visitors note that the genuine, down-to-earth nature of the local residents makes them feel more comfortable and at home when visiting the island.
The unspoiled scenery and the warm, authentic local life are precisely what make Diep Son so distinct and special in the eyes of its visitors.

Life on the island remains quite wild and deeply authentic
Diep Son Underwater Path – The "Precious Gem" Connecting Three Islands
On Diep Son Island, there's a unique path on the sea called Diep Son underwater path. It connects three nearby islets: Hon Bip, Hon O, and Hon Qua. In reality, this is a natural sandbar, approximately 800m long and 1-2m wide. To truly experience this sea path, travelers need to pay close attention to the timing. Diep Son underwater path only appears when the tide is low and disappears back into the ocean as the tide rises.
Starting from 6 AM, when the tide recedes, the sandbar gradually emerges amidst the clear blue waters of the sea. Visitors can kickstart their day by walking on the sea across this sandbar. The water seems to part on both sides, making way for those exploring.

The underwater path as seen from above


Travelers are delighted by the sand path in the middle of the sea whenever the tide recedes
Cavicu, an international travel blogger, shared his experience after walking on Diep Son underwater path: “Walking on this path gives you an incredibly exciting feeling, mixed with a thrill and a slight fear as you step through the vast ocean. You can freely admire small schools of fish swimming lively on both sides, occasionally spotting fish leaping out of the water, or waving at a passing boat.”
Many other travelers have also remarked that it's rare to find such a unique path as Diep Son's underwater path. It can truly be considered a “precious gem” of Southeast Asia, and has even been compared to the famous path connecting Jindo and Modo islands in South Korea.
Furthermore, beyond just walking on the underwater path, between approximately 3 PM and 6 PM daily, when the tide is out, visitors can also explore the rich coral reefs and diverse tidal flat ecosystem.

The famous path connecting Jindo and Modo islands in South Korea
Other Activities on Diep Son
According to an announcement from the Khánh Hòa Provincial Party Committee's Information Portal, the provincial People's Committee does not encourage tourism development on Diep Son Island. Consequently, there are no guesthouses or hotels, and very few specialized tourist services available. However, for travelers who cherish wild, pristine nature and wish to experience deeply authentic local activities, Diep Son Island is an ideal destination. Below are some suggestions for your trip.
Beach Camping or Experiencing a Homestay with Locals
For travelers looking for accommodation, a place to rest, or to stay overnight, the most common options are self-sufficient camping or kindly asking local households for a stay. Experienced backpackers suggest that if you ask to stay with a local family, engage with them in a friendly and sincere manner, and when you leave, you might offer the host family a small fee or a souvenir as a token of appreciation.
As for travelers who choose camping, suitable spots include the beachfront or within a schoolyard. It's advisable to pack thoroughly and bring all necessary personal items, as conditions on the island are still quite basic, and urgent supplies might not be readily available for purchase. Camping by the sea to witness the serene morning sunrise is also considered a worthwhile experience.

The main forms of accommodation on Diep Son Island are camping or requesting an overnight stay with local residents
Indulge in Delicious Food
When visiting Diep Son Island, travelers definitely shouldn't miss out on the delicious food, especially the fresh seafood, caught and prepared directly by the local residents.
Typically, visitors also choose to dine right in the homes of the local families they are staying with. The diverse cooking methods are sure to satisfy any traveler.
For travelers who opt for camping and self-catering, please ensure to maintain the cleanliness of the surroundings and clear away all trash before departing.

Delicious dishes caught and prepared by the local residents themselves
Other Activities
Entertainment activities on the island are limited, but not non-existent. Two experiences travelers can choose from are kayaking or riding a jet ski driven by a local resident. The cost for this experience is around 400,000 VND for 15 minutes.
Khanh Hoa 5834 view
Update day : 05/07/2023
Source : Tổ quốc .vn Affiliate links
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