Hon Mun Marine Protected Area

Hon Mun was designated in 2001 as the first marine protected area in Vietnam, a set of islands and reefs off Nha Trang with a coral fauna that surveys put among the richest in the country. What has happened since is the honest story: a survey reported in 2022 that coral cover in parts of the area had fallen catastrophically, from majority cover to a small fraction, attributed to a combination of storm damage, tourism pressure, anchoring, fishing and coastal construction. Diving was suspended in the worst sectors and a recovery plan put in place, with restrictions on where boats may go and what may be done.

What you actually see

• Vietnam's first marine protected area - designated in 2001.
• A coral collapse reported in 2022 - cover down to a fraction.
• Storms, tourism, anchoring and construction - the causes identified.
• A recovery plan with restrictions - on diving and boat access.

When to go

February to September, outside the monsoon. A full day.

Honest expectations

Some sectors are closed and what is open changes with the recovery plan. Reef condition is much reduced from the reputation. Operators vary greatly in how they handle anchoring and briefing. Visibility depends on the season.

Nearby

Nha Trang is on the mainland; Hon Tam and Hon Mieu are between.