Bình Ba Island, a petite paradise spanning just 3 km², enchants visitors with its breathtaking landscapes. Its pristine white sandy beaches and vibrant green lobsters create an idyllic escape. Nestled within Cam Bình commune, part of the Cam Ranh Bay in Khánh Hòa province, this island seamlessly blends natural beauty with rich cultural heritage.
Imagine a destination where a leisurely sightseeing tour, a serene retreat, and a feast of freshly caught lobsters from the azure waters converge—all in one place. That’s the promise of Bình Ba Island. Join us on a virtual journey to explore the island’s top 10 must-visit attractions.
1 Lang Ông Nam Hải
Lang Ông Nam Hải
Rating: 4.5/5 (Google Reviews)
Location: Khánh Hòa
Hours: Open daily, all day
Entry Fee: Free
Highlights: Vibrant festival activities
Note: A sacred site, so maintain a respectful demeanor
Beyond its stunning beaches, Bình Ba Island is steeped in history, with Lang Ông Nam Hải standing as a testament to its past. This sacred temple, dedicated to whale worship, dates back to the late 18th century and has been honored with five royal decrees from the Nguyễn dynasty. Every two years, the island’s residents pause their maritime activities to host a three-day festival, featuring:
- Rituals: Offerings of local produce, including a pig, to Ông Cá Voi Nam Hải.
- Celebrations: Traditional opera performances, known locally as “hát làng,” giving the festival its alternative name, the Hát Lang Festival.
2 Lầu Ông Hoàng 2
Lầu Ông Hoàng 2
Rating: 4.2/5 (Google Reviews)
Location: Bình Ba Island
Hours: Open daily, all day
Entry Fee: Free
Highlights: Ideal for sunset viewing; renowned local fish sauce from Bé Village
Note: Still relatively undiscovered by many
Over time, several historic residences have been preserved, serving as living monuments for future generations, such as Lầu Ông Hoàng and Tịnh thất Ngọc Gia Hương. A visit to Lầu Ông Hoàng 2 is highly recommended.
Lầu Ông Hoàng 2 is a low watchtower built by the French in the late 19th century atop a mountain. Standing alone against the sky, the tower has weathered the years, now exuding a rustic, ancient charm. From this vantage point, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Bình Ba Island’s beauty.
3 Bình Ba Market
Bình Ba Market
Rating: 4.0/5 (Google Reviews)
Location: Cam Bình, Cam Ranh, Khánh Hòa
Hours: Open daily, all day
Entry Fee: Free
Highlights: Friendly locals, diverse specialties at reasonable prices
Note: Market is quite small
A visit to a local market is essential to truly experience the daily life and cuisine of the locals. Bình Ba Market stands out with its abundance of:
- Fresh and dried seafood: A wide selection including fish, shrimp, lobster, and squid.
- Ready-to-eat dishes: From bánh canh and bún riêu cá to bánh hỏi and cơm tấm, priced between 5,000 and 30,000 VND. Don’t miss these local favorites:
- Seafood bánh xèo: Enjoy with bánh tráng or on its own, dipped in sweet and sour fish sauce, served with herbs and shredded mango.
- Seafood bánh căn: Crispy bánh căn paired with fresh seafood, typically served with shredded mango, herbs, and sweet and sour fish sauce.
- Bún and bánh canh riêu cá: Generously filled with fresh seafood, offering a rich and satisfying flavor.
4 Bãi Nhà Cu
Bãi Nhà Cu
Rating: 4.2/5 (Google Reviews)
Location: Cam Bình, Cam Ranh City, Khánh Hòa
Hours: Open daily, all day
Entry Fee: Approximately 1-2 million VND per boat trip
Highlights: Unique ombre seawater color, coral snorkeling, and glass-bottom boat tours.
Note: Many sea urchins, group visits require military base registration.
Bãi Nhà Cu is one of Bình Ba’s four famous beaches, alongside Bãi Nồm, Bãi Sa Huỳnh, and Bãi Chuẩn. It captivates visitors with its unique, pristine beauty and ombre blue waters, vibrant coral reefs, and exciting activities like snorkeling and glass-bottom boat tours. However, be cautious of the numerous sea urchins scattered around to avoid injuries.
Access to Bãi Nhà Cu is restricted due to its location within a military zone. Visitors must hire a boat from Ba Ngòi Port, with costs ranging from 1 to 2 million VND. To save on expenses, consider sharing the boat with others. Note that foreign nationals and overseas Vietnamese are not permitted on the island, so plan accordingly if traveling with international guests.
5 Hòn Rùa
Hòn Rùa
Rating: 4.3/5 (Google Reviews)
Location: Nha Trang City, Khánh Hòa
Hours: Open daily, all day
Entry Fee: Free
Highlights: Fine sandy beach and clear waters, pristine surroundings.
Note: Rocky terrain with slippery surfaces.
Hòn Rùa, nestled in a valley on Bình Ba Island, is just 7 km from Bàu Trung and 12 km from Mui Né’s sand dunes. Its name derives from its turtle-like shape, and it remains uninhabited, save for a temple dedicated to Ông Nam Hải. The island boasts crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant coral reefs, with rocky outcrops forming mysterious caves that intrigue visitors.
The surrounding area is rugged and potentially hazardous, requiring careful navigation across large rocks. Visitors should hire local fishing boats to reach Hòn Rùa. When exploring, avoid walking along the steep, slippery trails leading to the beach. From the island’s peak, enjoy a breathtaking view of the surrounding turquoise waters, with Mui Né and Hòn Rơm visible in the distance.
6 Đồi cỏ lau thông
Đồi cỏ lau thông
Rating: 4.3/5 (Google Reviews)
Location: Bình Ba Island, Cam Bình, Cam Ranh, Khánh Hòa
Hours: Open daily, all day
Entry Fee: Free
Highlights: Unique and romantic photo spot.
Note: Limited shelter during harsh weather.
Located near Hòn Rùa, this hill is blanketed in soft pink reeds, creating a striking contrast against the deep blue sea and sky of Bình Ba. It’s an ideal spot to capture sunrise or sunset with family and friends, offering vibrant photo opportunities.
7 Vực hàm heo
Vực hàm heo
Location: Bình Ba Island
Hours: Open daily, all day
Entry Fee: Free
Highlights: Stunning sunrise and sunset views, perfect for adventure seekers.
Note: Steep and potentially dangerous mountainous terrain.
Vực hàm heo is a deep ravine formed by two towering cliffs near the sea, approximately 200 meters deep. Historically, it was named for the wild boars that often fell into the ravine due to the steep terrain. Today, it’s a favorite among thrill-seekers and offers a spectacular sunrise viewing experience.
From the ravine’s peak, witness the sunrise over the vast, azure sea, feeling the grandeur of nature. This promises to be an unforgettable experience on Bình Ba Island.
8 Cửa Bé (Mũi Cửa)
Cửa Bé (Mũi Cửa)
Rating: 4.3/5 (Google Reviews)
Location: Cam Nghia, Cam Ranh City, Khánh Hòa
Hours: Open daily, all day
Entry Fee: Free
Highlights: Stunning sunset views, famous local fish sauce.
Note: Still relatively unknown.
Cửa Bé, also known as Bót Cửa, is located in Cam Nghia, Cam Ranh, and is another ideal spot for watching the sunset, especially from Chốt Mountain or Cảnh Long Mountain.
This former military site still retains historical remnants from its strategic past. From its peak, visitors can overlook the sea, with views of nearby islands like Hòn Miễu, Hòn Tằm, Hòn Tre, and Hòn Một, offering a vast and breathtaking panorama.
9 Du hí Bình Ba Travel & Restaurants
Du hí Bình Ba Travel & Restaurants
Restaurant Rating: 5.0/5 (Google Reviews)
Location: Bình Ba, Cam Ranh, Khánh Hòa
Phone: 0966430303
Hours: 07:00 – 22:00, daily
Price Range: 100,000 – 500,000 VND
Highlights: Fresh and delicious seafood.
Note: Slightly hard to find, located at the end of the pier.
After exploring, indulge in local cuisine at Du hí Bình Ba Travel & Restaurants. Here, savor fresh seafood dishes, including lobster, shrimp, squid, and fish. Highlights include:
- Grilled, steamed, or boiled lobster: Sweet and tender, sourced directly from local farms. Prices range from 800,000 to 1,200,000 VND/kg.
- Gỏi cá mai: A specialty of Cam Ranh, made with fresh cá mai, a small, flavorful fish, served as a salad.
10 Quán Cafe Đồi Gió
Quán Cafe Đồi Gió
Cafe Rating: 4.3/5 (Google Reviews)
Location: Bình Ba Island, Khánh Hòa
Phone: 0972914974
Hours: 07:30 – 22:00, daily
Price Range: 25,000 – 40,000 VND
Highlights: Stunning island views.
Note: Steep access road.
For a relaxing break, visit Quán Cafe Đồi Gió, one of the island’s most beautiful cafes.
This cafe offers a panoramic view of Bình Ba Island, especially during sunrise or sunset. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and reasonably priced coffee and fruit drinks. It’s an ideal spot for young travelers seeking both beauty and tranquility.
These are the top 10 attractions on Bình Ba Island. We hope you have a wonderful and memorable trip with your loved ones!
