Get to the right Nha Trang tourist port and catch your island boat on time

Before booking a ride to the port, check your tour confirmation for the exact meeting point and departure time. Most island-hopping tours around Nha Trang Bay now leave from Nha Trang Tourist Port at 388 Vo Thi Sau Street, Nam Nha Trang Ward, Khanh Hoa Province, in the area formerly known as Vinh Truong. Don't head to the old Cau Da Port or the Vinpearl cable car terminal simply because both are also in southern Nha Trang.

Where is Nha Trang Tourist Port?

Nha Trang Tourist Port is located on Vo Thi Sau Street, near the Cai Be River mouth and Vinh Truong fishing port. Passenger boats, speedboats, and organized sightseeing trips around Nha Trang Bay all depart from here.

Photo: MIA.vn

Here are the details you'll need when arranging transportation.

The current tourist port officially began operating on May 16, 2020, replacing the old Cau Da Port as the main departure point for sightseeing boats around the bay. Facilities include passenger waiting areas, boarding piers, ticket and check-in services, and parking areas.

Some older tickets and maps may list Vinh Truong Ward, while the current administrative address is Nam Nha Trang Ward. Both refer to the same port area.

When using a navigation app, enter the full name of the tourist port rather than searching only for "Nha Trang Port." The more general term may direct you to a commercial harbor, an older pier, or another location near the southern end of Tran Phu Street.

Vinh Truong Pier, old Cau Da Port, and the Vinpearl cable car terminal: what's the difference?

This is the most important distinction to understand before taking an island tour in Nha Trang. All three locations are in the southern part of the city, but they serve different routes and operators.

Do island tours still depart from the old Cau Da Port?

Cau Da was once the main departure point for sightseeing trips around Nha Trang Bay. Older travel guides often directed visitors to the end of Tran Phu Street, near the Institute of Oceanography, to board boats for the surrounding islands.

Since the new tourist port opened at Vinh Truong in 2020, most passenger boats and speedboats serving sightseeing tours have moved to the new location.

Photo: Ilya Plekhanov

Some tour operators still use the name "Cau Da Port" out of habit, so a confirmation that mentions Cau Da needs a call before you travel. Ask them to send the exact address or a map location.

Don't change the meeting point on your own. The operator's latest instructions should determine where you go.

Is the Vinpearl cable car terminal the same as Vinh Truong Pier?

No. The Vinpearl cable car terminal is located along Tran Phu Street and serves visitors traveling to Hon Tre Island for VinWonders, Vinpearl Harbour, or accommodation at Vinpearl resorts.

Photo: Quân Chu Hoàng

It is not the standard departure point for most three-island sightseeing tours. A regular VinWonders ticket won't get you a cable car at 388 Vo Thi Sau either. The two transport systems have separate passenger check-in procedures and departure points.

How long does it take to reach the port from Tran Phu Street?

From Tram Huong Tower or 2/4 Square in central Nha Trang, the tourist port is approximately 6-7 km away. A taxi or private car normally takes around 15-20 minutes when traffic is light.

That estimate covers driving time only. You'll also need time to get out of the vehicle, find your meeting point, check in, and reach the boarding area.

Taking a taxi or ride-hailing car

A taxi or ride-hailing car is the most practical option for families, small groups, and travelers carrying bags.

From a hotel on Tran Phu Street, book a ride directly to Nha Trang Tourist Port at 388 Vo Thi Sau. Local drivers may also recognize the name Vinh Truong Pier.

One common approach is to travel from Tran Phu toward To Hieu Street, then continue to Vo Thi Sau. The exact route will depend on your hotel location and traffic conditions.

Before confirming the ride, check the destination pin on the app. Simply telling the driver that you want to "go to the island port" may cause confusion because several departure points are located in southern Nha Trang.

A tour meeting at 8:30 AM means leaving the 2/4 Square area between 7:45 and 8:00 AM in normal traffic. Treat that as a suggested travel buffer rather than an official pickup schedule.

Riding a motorbike

A motorbike suits travelers staying in central Nha Trang who pack light and want to control their own schedule. You can generally follow Tran Phu, To Hieu, and Vo Thi Sau toward the tourist port.

Use live navigation to reach the current port rather than selecting old Cau Da Port as your destination.

The roads approaching the port carry tour vehicles, private cars, motorbikes, and service traffic. On weekends, public holidays, and busy summer mornings, the area can become crowded with passengers arriving for island tours.

Allow a little extra time to find parking and walk to the waiting area. There's little benefit in arriving at the last minute just because the port looks close on the map.

Can you take a public bus?

Public buses may be cheaper, but they're not the most reliable choice when you have a fixed tour meeting time.

You'll need to check the current route, stops, and waiting times. Depending on the service, you may also need to walk or transfer to another vehicle before reaching the port entrance.

A morning group tour is usually simpler by taxi or with the tour operator's hotel pickup service.

How early should you arrive at Nha Trang Tourist Port?

Aim to arrive 30-45 minutes before your boat's scheduled departure. That works for most island day trips, though each operator sets its own check-in deadline.

An earlier meeting time on your booking confirmation takes priority. The meeting time, check-in time, and actual boat departure time may all be different.

For example, if your boat is expected to depart at 9:00 AM, you could plan your morning as follows.

1. 7:45 AM

   Leave the hotel

   Leave your hotel in central Nha Trang.

2. 8:05-8:15 AM

   Reach the port

   Arrive at the port and park or get dropped off.

3. 8:15-8:30 AM

   Find your group

   Contact your tour guide and locate your group.

4. 8:30-8:45 AM

   Check in

   Complete check-in and follow boarding instructions.

5. 9:00 AM

   Boat departs

   Expected boat departure, subject to the operator's schedule.

These times are an example, not a published departure timetable.

What should you do if you've already booked a tour?

Your first task is to find the person responsible for your group. Before leaving the hotel, save the tour company's name, your booking reference, and the guide's phone number.

Several tour companies can operate from the port at the same time, with boats heading to Hon Mieu, Hon Tam, and other destinations. Just because a speedboat is preparing to depart doesn't mean it's your boat.

Photo: MIA.vn

Once you've located the correct group, the guide or staff member will usually check the passenger list, confirm your booking, and tell you where to wait.

Follow their instructions when it's time to board, and don't walk onto a pier or board a vessel without permission.

Traveling with children or older passengers

Families with young children should consider arriving around 45 minutes early. That gives you time to organize sunscreen, spare clothing, drinking water, and suitable life jackets.

For older travelers, ask the operator what type of boat will be used. Speedboats can bounce in choppy conditions, and stepping from a pier onto a boat may require assistance.

If someone in your group has difficulty stepping across a gap between the dock and the vessel, tell the crew before boarding. Don't attempt to carry or support another passenger onto a moving boat without staff assistance.

Which islands can you visit from Nha Trang Tourist Port?

Vinh Truong Pier serves many sightseeing routes around Nha Trang Bay, but not every island has a scheduled public boat service selling individual tickets throughout the day.

Common destinations on organized tours include Hon Mieu, Bai Tranh, Hon Tam, Hon Mot, Hon Mun, and other permitted sightseeing areas within the bay.

01

Hon Mieu, Bai Tranh, and Tri Nguyen

Among the most visited on day tours

Photo: Liftold at Vietnamese Wikipedia

Hon Mieu is one of the most frequently visited islands on Nha Trang day tours. The island is home to tourist attractions such as Bai Tranh and the Tri Nguyen area, which is also associated with local coastal communities.

Many tours combine a beach stop with lunch or optional water activities. The exact program depends on the package you choose.

Bai Tranh is a reasonable choice for time on a beach, relaxing, and organized water activities. Before booking, check whether your package includes admission to the tourist area, beach seating, freshwater showers, and any advertised activities. Some services may be charged separately.

02

Hon Tam

Beach, resort, mineral mud baths

Photo: MerPerle

Hon Tam is known for its beach, resort facilities, and mineral mud-bathing services. There are two common ways to visit: you can join a multi-island tour departing from Vinh Truong Pier, or take a dedicated speedboat transfer included in certain Hon Tam Resort packages.

Guests booking directly with the resort may be instructed to use the separate Hon Tam Port along the extended section of Tran Phu Street rather than the main tourist port.

In 2026, example departure times from the mainland to Hon Tam include 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 2:00 PM, with additional scheduled services. Departure times depend on the date and package, so check the schedule stated in your booking confirmation.

04

Hon Mun

Marine protected area, ask which zone is permitted

Photo: Vietnamnomad

Hon Mun is associated with Nha Trang Bay's marine protected areas and coral ecosystems.

A tour mentioning Hon Mun does not automatically mean visitors are permitted to swim or dive in the waters around the island.

Swimming, diving, and glass-bottom boat activities in the Hon Mun area were temporarily suspended from late June 2022 to help the coral and marine ecosystem recover.

Before any snorkeling or diving trip, ask the operator to identify the exact permitted water area where the activity will take place and confirm its current operating status. Don't choose a package solely because the advertisement shows colorful coral or uses the words "Hon Mun diving."

Destinations that use other departure points

VinWonders, Vinpearl Harbour, and resorts on Hon Tre use Vinpearl's own transport arrangements. Trips to Monkey Island or Orchid Stream in Nha Phu Bay normally use a departure point north of Nha Trang rather than Vinh Truong.

Photo: Sea You Travel

Before booking transport to any port, confirm three things: your destination, the company operating the transfer, and the actual boarding location.

Where can you buy boat tickets for Nha Trang's islands?

There are three separate charges that travelers sometimes confuse: the cost of the boat or tour, the sightseeing fee for Nha Trang Bay, and the passenger service fee at the inland waterway port.

Paying a sightseeing fee does not mean you've booked a seat on a speedboat.

Booking an organized island tour

You can book through a travel agency or a company operating tours around Nha Trang Bay. Once you receive your confirmation, check whether boat transportation is included.

A typical organized tour may include a boat or speedboat, a guide, and selected activities at the stops, but the exact inclusions vary by operator. Some companies include sightseeing fees and port charges in their package prices. Others list these fees separately.

Ask for the total amount you'll need to pay per person for the complete trip, from boarding the boat to returning to the mainland.

Booking independently or chartering a private speedboat

An authorized boat operator offering private trips from the port lets you choose your own route and spend more time at particular islands. Before paying a deposit, get written confirmation of the travel date, passenger count, vessel type, itinerary, expected return time, and total price.

For a private charter, ask whether the price is per boat or per passenger. Also check how many hours are included, whether changing the route will cost extra, and whether sightseeing fees are part of the quoted price.

Not every island has a public boat ready to depart whenever you arrive. Some attractions have operator-specific transfer schedules, while many sightseeing trips run as organized group tours or charter services.

Paying sightseeing and port service fees

The Nha Trang Bay Management Board operates an online ticketing system for sightseeing fees and inland waterway port services.

The following charges apply in 2026.

These are administrative sightseeing and port service fees. They are not speedboat fares, organized tour prices, or admission tickets to privately operated attractions.

The sightseeing fee has been collected since September 25, 2025 under Khanh Hoa provincial rules. It is based on the route and passenger visit, not on the number of days someone stays at a destination. Port service charges are listed separately.

Who qualifies for free or discounted sightseeing fees?

Sightseeing fee exemptions cover several groups, including children under six, residents of Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnamese citizens aged 60 and above, and certain other eligible visitors.

Children aged six to under 16, along with other qualifying groups, may receive a 50% reduction.

These policies apply to the official Nha Trang Bay sightseeing fee, not automatically to speedboat tickets, resort admission, or privately operated services.

Anyone claiming an exemption or reduction should bring appropriate supporting documents. For an organized tour, ask the operator how the discount is handled before making payment.

Is there motorbike and car parking at Vinh Truong Pier?

Yes. Parking facilities are available for visitors using Nha Trang Tourist Port. You can ride a motorbike to the port and leave it in the designated parking area while joining an island tour, but available spaces depend on passenger numbers and daily operations.

Weekends, public holidays, and the summer travel season can be particularly busy. Motorbike riders should allow enough time to find parking, collect your parking ticket, and walk to the passenger waiting area.

For a self-drive car, ask port staff where parking is permitted and whether the parking area can accommodate your vehicle for the full duration of your trip.

Not every parking area around the harbor accepts overnight vehicles.

Parking prices: Check the displayed rates, confirm the price with the attendant, and keep your parking ticket.

For a group of four staying in central Nha Trang, taking a taxi is often easier. Everyone can get dropped off near the meeting point without spending time looking for parking.

With a rented motorbike or your own car, you can also ask your hotel whether you may leave the vehicle there during your island tour.

What happens after you arrive at the port?

Nha Trang Tourist Port is an operating passenger terminal, not a beach where visitors can freely enter the water or board any boat they see. Commercial sightseeing vessels must follow applicable operating, passenger management, and safety procedures.

Passengers normally move from the meeting area to the boarding pier under the guidance of their tour operator or boat crew. Passenger details and trip information may be checked according to the procedures in place, so don't arrive at the last minute and expect the boat to wait because you've already paid.

Photo: MIA.vn

What should you bring?

Carry your booking confirmation, a charged phone, any required identification, personal medication, and sun protection.

Keep wallets, documents, and electronics in a waterproof pouch or dry bag. Spray from a speedboat or splashes while boarding can easily soak loose belongings.

Avoid bringing a large suitcase. For an island day trip, a small backpack or waterproof bag is usually enough. Changing hotels with substantial luggage? Ask the boat operator whether storage is available before the departure date.

Life jackets and seating

Environmental rules around Nha Trang Bay

The Nha Trang Bay Management Board has introduced restrictions on single-use plastic products, difficult-to-degrade plastic bags, and small disposable plastic water bottles brought through the tourist port.

Use a reusable water bottle where possible and avoid carrying unnecessary disposable packaging.

During a permitted snorkeling or diving activity, don't touch, stand on, or remove coral. Marine restoration zones may have additional restrictions that must be followed regardless of what a tour advertisement says.

Should you join a three-island tour or charter a private boat?

Both options may depart from Vinh Truong Pier, but they suit different travel styles.

A group tour for first-time visitors

A group tour is the easier way to visit several attractions in one day without arranging your own transportation. You book a tour, arrive at the designated meeting point, and travel with other passengers according to a planned itinerary.

Before booking, compare the actual stops, time spent at each location, and activities that cost extra. A package advertised as a "three-island tour" doesn't necessarily visit the same three islands as another company's tour.

A private speedboat for families or groups

A private speedboat is better suited to travelers who want their own space or prefer visiting just one or two locations.

Photo: MIA.vn

You can discuss your preferred departure time and route with the operator, but any itinerary remains subject to permitted operating areas, weather conditions, and applicable safety requirements.

Families with young children may prefer a shorter journey with fewer transfers between boats and piers.

Travelers who mainly want to swim or relax on the beach may get more enjoyment from spending several hours at one destination rather than trying to visit as many islands as possible.

A private charter doesn't give passengers unrestricted access to protected marine areas. Conservation rules, water activity restrictions, and approved operating zones still apply.

Is advance booking necessary?

Booking a group tour in advance gives you a confirmed departure date, meeting time, and list of included services.

A private charter especially needs advance booking, because the operator must arrange the vessel and itinerary.

On a weekend or public holiday, don't rely on finding a suitable boat only after arriving at the pier.

What should you do if island boats stop running because of rough seas?

Nha Trang can experience strong winds, high waves, and prolonged rain, particularly toward the end of the year. From around October to December, it's sensible to allow for possible changes to boat schedules.

Photo: RG72

Conditions vary from day to day, and traveling during the rainy season doesn't automatically mean that boats will be suspended.

Waterway authorities monitor weather and sea conditions and may restrict routes, operating areas, or sailing times when necessary.

On some days, boats may be permitted to travel only on shorter routes closer to shore, while trips farther into the bay are suspended. On other days, sightseeing boats may not be allowed to operate.

1. First

   Check the status of your trip

   If your operator contacts you about rough sea conditions, ask whether your departure has been canceled, postponed, or changed to a different itinerary.

   Don't go to the port looking for another speedboat if the original trip has been stopped for safety reasons.

   A company continuing to advertise departures does not override restrictions imposed by the authorities or decisions made by the vessel's master.

2. Second

   Ask about rescheduling or refunds

   Check the terms and conditions of your booking. Find out whether you can transfer the trip to another day, which charges are refundable, and what happens if the operator changes the itinerary.

   There is no single commercial refund policy that applies to every island tour and package. The result depends on your booking terms, the service purchased, and the circumstances of the cancellation.

   Online bookings should stay on the original booking channel so that changes and agreements remain documented.

3. Third

   Keep a spare day in your itinerary

   On a three-day stay in Nha Trang, schedule your island tour on the first or second day rather than on the final morning before your flight. This is particularly useful during the rainy season: when the sea is too rough on your first planned day, you may still have another opportunity, provided the weather improves and the operator has availability.

   On a day when boats aren't running, consider mainland attractions such as the Institute of Oceanography, Khanh Hoa Museum, or other indoor places suitable for the actual conditions.

   If heavy rain, flooding, or severe weather warnings are in effect, limit unnecessary travel and prioritize safe indoor activities.

Does VinWonders Nha Trang depart from this port?

No. Visitors using regular VinWonders tickets should follow Vinpearl's transfer arrangements on Tran Phu Street, not head to Nha Trang Tourist Port at 388 Vo Thi Sau.

VinWonders is located on Hon Tre Island and includes amusement rides, a water park, an aquarium, and other entertainment areas.

VinWonders Nha Trang ticket prices in 2026

Standard ticket prices for 2026:

The standard ticket includes round-trip transfers by whichever transport is currently operating, under the conditions of the selected VinWonders product, plus admission to the attractions covered by that ticket. Prices may change depending on promotions, purchase dates, and the package selected.

What if the Vinpearl cable car is closed?

The Nha Trang cable car is temporarily suspended for maintenance from October 26 through November 10, 2026, with speedboat services used as an alternative. Visitors should check the boarding location, sailing schedule, and transfer arrangements with VinWonders.

Photo: Martin Lewison

No schedule is confirmed after November 10, 2026, so ask the operator again before your trip. The VinWonders customer support number is 1900 6677.

Don't independently switch from Vinpearl's terminal to Vinh Truong Pier. Although both involve transport across Nha Trang Bay, they operate as separate services.

Three common situations when heading to the port

What to check before your island trip

Once you've chosen a tour, confirm a few important details before departure day.

• Meeting point: Use the exact address provided by your operator. The island's name doesn't necessarily tell you which pier to use.
• Arrival time: Distinguish between your hotel pickup time, the meeting time at the port, and the scheduled boat departure.
• What's included: Check whether the price covers round-trip speedboat transfers, sightseeing fees, attraction admission, lunch, and water activities.
• Return time: Find out when the boat is expected to reach the mainland, especially if you have a flight, train, or hotel checkout later that day.
• Weather conditions: Check for updates from the operator on the afternoon or evening before your trip, then confirm again in the morning if strong winds or rain are expected.

One simple precaution is to save a screenshot of your booking confirmation on your phone. When mobile reception becomes unreliable or your booking message gets buried in a long conversation, a saved image makes it easier to retrieve the company name and meeting address.

For larger groups, designate one person to keep the booking details and guide's contact number. Everyone else should also know the correct port name so the group doesn't accidentally split between two different departure points.

Who should you contact if you need help at the port?

You can contact the management authority for matters involving port management, official sightseeing fees, or services under the Nha Trang Bay Management Board's responsibilities.

This is a government management contact, not a general reservation hotline for every island tour. For hotel pickup changes, missing tour guides, trip rescheduling, or payment questions, contact the company that sold you the service. Visitors to VinWonders or guests on a dedicated Hon Tam Resort transfer should contact the operator responsible for their booking.

For most Nha Trang Bay island tours, your departure point will be Vinh Truong Pier at 388 Vo Thi Sau, while VinWonders and some Hon Tam services use their own terminals. Checking the exact pier, meeting time, and transport operator before leaving your hotel is a habit worth keeping for island trips in Phu Quoc, Cat Ba, and other coastal destinations across Vietnam.