Binh Ba island (Nha Trang) Travel Guide from A to Z

Binh Ba is a small island with the area of 3km² in Cam Binh, Cam Ranh, Khanh Hoa which is 60km from Nha Trang and 390km from Saigon. We have to travel to Ba Ngoi harbor which is 15km from Cam Ranh airport to take boats to Binh Ba island.

Binh Ba was an island used by army and restricted to the visitors. Now the rules are more loosen. Due to being controlled by the army, Binh Ba still remains its pristine and simple features.

BEST TIME TO VISIT BINH BA

You can travel to this island any time, but the most ideal period is from March to September. Besides, you should visit Binh Ba during weekday, because it is quite touristy at weekend which may stop you from enjoying wonderful sites. Furthermore, you also should spend at least 2 days on Binh Ba as well.

HOW TO TRAVEL TO BINH BA?

There are three ways to reach this island: by flight, car or motorbike

By flight: There are many flights from Saigon to Nha Trang. As soon as land, you can find a lot of taxi at Cam Ranh airport which take you to Ba Ngoi harbor. It is about 30 minutes for driving.

You should check carefully the flight and boat time to avoid long waiting at the harbor.

Airlines: Vietnam airlines, Vietjet air and Jetstar

By car: high-quality or tour cars

Phuong Trang: 272 De Tham, Dist 1, Saigon

Ha Linh: 114 Hung Vuong, Ba Ngoi, Cam Ranh, Khanh Hoa

Phuong Nam: 275F Pham Ngu Lao, Dist 1, Saigon

Mai Linh: 64-68 Hai Ba Trung, Ben Nghe, Dist 1, Saigon.

By motorbike

Because of the long distance, you should prepare well before the trip, such as, health, weather, motorbike, to avoid unexpected things on the way. From Saigon, travel along 1A (to North). On the way, you will go past Phan Thiet (Binh Thuan), Phan Rang – Thap Cham (Ninh Thuan)…

You are advised to park your motorbike at Ba Ngoi harbor, other parking lots in the city. If you want to take your motorbike to the island, you have to rent a private boat which costs much. Furthermore, Binh Ba is quite small which is easy to walk around. If you want to explore every corners of this island, you can rent a motorbike here.

TIMETABLE FOR BOAT FROM BA NGOI HARBOR TO BINH BA

Boat is an only mode of transport to Binh Ba. Price is from VND 25,000 – 30,000 (US$ 1 – 1.5) per person depending on the type of boats.

Times:

Ba Ngoi – Binh Ba: 7am, 10am, 1.30pm and 4pm

Binh Ba – Ba Ngoi: 5am, 9am, 12.30pm and 4.30pm.

WHERE TO STAY ON BINH BA

There are enough hostels on the island of which mostly are well-furnished. It costs about VND 100,000 (US$5) per person during weekday and it is twice or three time more expensive at the weekend. Amongst the hostels, Mr Bay’s hostel is the most famous due to its cleanliness, location (near Nom beach) and wonderful view towards to the sea.

The hostel of Ms.Dung costs VND 70,000 (US $3) per person per night with VND 70,000 (US$3) for a lunch or dinner. If you want to save your budget, you can stay at a homestay of which price is just a half as expensive as the hostel price.

You should contact with the hosts in advance so as soon as you step on the island, someone will pick you up. The locals are very welcoming and friendly who allow you to check the rooms before booking.

WHAT TO EAT ON BINH BA

Binh Ba is well-known for fresh lobsters and seafood so you should not miss enjoying this food. You can book a tour for both visiting island and enjoying food on boats.

There are many types of seafood from lobsters, green shrimps, fishes, snails, oysters, octopuses…remember to check prices and choose the best types of food and then ask staff of local restaurants to cook for you.

Moreover, there are many kiosks offering a wide range of cheap food such as, noodle soup, fried and steam fish, fresh noodle with roasted pork…which cost only VND 10,000 to 20,000 (US$ 0.4 to US$ 1)

In the early morning, from 5.30 am to 07am there is a small market operated right on the beach. Many fishing boats will sell their products here mostly fishes and octopuses with very reasonable prices.

WHERE TO VISIT OR WHAT TO PLAY HERE?

During day: swimming and seeing coral reefs

• You cannot miss renting a boat to beaches and snorkeling. Price is about VND 1,000,000 to 1,200,000 (US $45 to 50) for a private boat and depending on the type of boat. You even can see the coral reefs without diving because, the water is very clean which allows you to enjoy right on the surface.
• Even though, you don’t need to step into the water, still see corals when the tide goes down. Sometimes, in Nha Cu beach when the tide is down, strips of colorful coral will be shown under the sunshine which gives you a great chance to see and touch.
• There are many beaches, but there are only three beaches that you can drive on including Nom, Chuong and Nha Cu. You only need to rent a boat to the 4 remaining beaches so you will save money, have more time to swim or see coral at each beach.

Renting a motorbike to explore the island

After swimming and seeing coral reefs, you can rent a motorbike to see around. Price is about VND 100,000 (US$4) per day. You should leave in the early morning to Chuong beach to enjoy the sunrise after that, drive to every corners of this island. There are some sites for your contemplating with the wonderful views, especially from the highest points of three direction including North, South and East which give you a great chance to have a panoramic view of Cam Ranh, Rua island, Vietnam Coast Guard ships or fishing boats…

Blockhouse, pedestal of gun, tunnels along the mountainside…are also worth visiting.