Coral and reef fish near the surface, as seen while snorkelling (illustrative)

Snorkelling in Vietnam: the best spots and when to go

No certificate, no heavy gear: snorkelling is how most visitors see Vietnam's reefs. Three places stand out.

Photo: Michal Strzelecki, Wojtek Strzelecki & Jerzy Strzelecki, CC BY 3.0

By VietnamDiving.com editors · Updated

The three best snorkelling areas in Vietnam are the An Thoi islands off Phu Quoc (best about November to May), the Cham Islands off Hoi An (late March to August) and Nha Trang Bay (about March to October). Most trips are speedboat days with two or more reef stops and lunch.

The spots compared

Spot Season Trip from Good for
Phu Quoc – An Thoi islands Nov–May Phu Quoc Winter trips, island hopping
Cham Islands Late Mar–Aug Hoi An, Da Nang Combining with Hoi An
Nha Trang Bay Mar–Oct Nha Trang Pairing with a try dive

Protect the reef: don’t stand on coral, keep fins up, and use reef-friendly sunscreen or a long-sleeved rash guard.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best snorkelling in Vietnam?

The An Thoi islands off Phu Quoc in the dry season (about November to May), the Cham Islands off Hoi An (late March to August) and Nha Trang Bay (about March to October).

Do snorkel trips provide gear?

Yes, mask, snorkel and life vest are normally included. Bring your own mask if you have one that fits well.

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