Discover the hidden paradise of Binh Ba island

Located within Cam Ranh City, Khanh Hoa Province, Binh Ba Island sits just 60 kilometers south of Nha Trang and 400 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City. Though small—spanning only about 3 square kilometers—the island charms visitors with its untouched beaches, turquoise waters, welcoming residents, budget-friendly travel costs, and easy connections from the mainland.

Best time to experience Binh Ba’s beauty

Binh Ba shines brightest between March and October, offering tranquil seas, blue skies, and sparkling sunshine—perfect for swimming or island hopping. As weekends and holidays attract large crowds, plan your trip during the week for a more relaxed, authentic escape.

Travel to Binh Ba island

After arriving in downtown Nha Trang or at Cam Ranh International Airport, travelers can take a car or taxi to Ba Ngoi Port, the main gateway to Binh Ba Island. If you’re traveling by motorbike or private car, parking facilities are available near the port.

Ferries to Binh Ba operate on a fixed schedule at 7:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 1:30 PM, and 4:00 PM, while return trips from the island to the mainland depart at 5:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 12:30 PM, and 4:30 PM. The journey takes approximately 30–60 minutes, with ticket prices ranging from 25,000 to 40,000 VND per way, depending on the type of boat.

Binh Ba Island is relatively small, making it easy to explore on foot or by rented motorbike. For snorkeling or coral-viewing activities, visitors can simply head to the pier and join a shared boat tour, which costs around 50,000 VND per person. Alternatively, private boats for fishing trips or beach excursions are available for 800,000–1,000,000 VND per trip.

What to Do on Binh Ba island

Bai Nom Beach

Facing the southern side of the island, isn’t ideal for watching the sunrise or sunset, its charm is undeniable. Sheltered by two mountain ranges forming a graceful arc, the bay enjoys calm waters and fine, velvety sand all year round. Around 4 p.m., when the sunlight softens, both locals and visitors flock here to swim and enjoy the lively seaside vibe. Adventure seekers can try jet-skiing or banana-boat rides at reasonable prices, while seafood lovers will find plenty of ocean-front eateries lining the beach.

Bai Nha Cu 

Boasts some of the clearest waters on the island, though rocky shores make swimming difficult. Instead, it’s a coral lover’s paradise—hop on a fisherman’s basket boat and admire colorful reefs beneath the surface without the need for diving. Remember to avoid touching or stepping on coral and sea stars to help preserve the marine ecosystem.

Bai Chuong

A poetic and peaceful beach where you can observe the simple daily life of local fishermen. Watching the sunrise over Bai Chuong is among the most unforgettable moments on Binh Ba. Early mornings often greet visitors with mirror-calm waters that slowly awaken under golden light.

Bai Sa Huynh

Shaped like a crescent moon, is another gem with soft white sand and crystal-clear water perfect for coral viewing. The gentle slope and protective rock formations on both sides create a serene swimming spot. Although Sa Huynh isn’t located directly on Binh Ba—it lies on the Cam Ranh Peninsula within a restricted military area—you can reach it by boat or canoe from the island.

Nearby, the reed hill near Hon Rua (Turtle Islet) offers one of the island’s most picturesque photo spots. From March onward, the hill bursts into a sea of pale-pink reeds swaying in the coastal breeze. To reach it, follow the circular island road from Binh Ba Port toward the right-hand slope until you reach the hilltop for panoramic views of the turquoise sea.

What to eat on Binh Ba island

Lobster 

Being the most famous specialty. Visitors can savor a variety of lobster dishes such as steamed lobster, grilled lobster, lobster porridge, or even lobster blood wine. Compared with other destinations, Binh Ba’s lobsters are known for their exceptional freshness and more affordable prices, as they are farmed directly by local fishermen.

Goi ca mai

A fresh anchovy-like fish salad. The fish must be freshly caught and carefully deboned by hand due to its small size. Once cleaned and drained, it’s mixed with seasonings and served with rice paper and fresh herbs, offering a delicate and refreshing flavor unique to Binh Ba.

Beyond lobster and fish salad, the island is full of other mouthwatering seafood such as steamed crabs, fried squid, grilled scallops with scallion oil, grilled emperor crabs, sea urchins, and grilled fish.

Bai Nom Beach 

To enjoy freshly grilled seafood by the sea with a cold beer. Restaurants here open from early afternoon until late at night, offering diverse menus of freshly caught dishes prepared on the spot. Prices are transparent, but it’s still a good idea to compare before you order.

At Binh Ba Market, you’ll find an abundance of delicious yet inexpensive local eats such as fish noodle soup (bun cha ca), mini pancakes with shrimp and squid (banh can), grilled rice paper with shrimp paste, and spring rolls, priced from 3,000 to 20,000 VND. Fresh seafood like cobia and lobster is also available here, typically costing 900,000–1,200,000 VND per kilogram. Buying seafood at the market is usually more affordable than purchasing directly at the beaches.

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