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Unique Vietnamese bay is a must
.
50 kilometres from the central
city of Nha Trang lay the gorgeous area surrounding Van Phong
Bay, one of the world's deepest bays and an ideal spot for
scuba diving and eco-tourism.
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The bay is formed by Hon Gom Island, and is home to a diverse ecological
system replete with rain and mangrove forests, islets, peninsulas,
beaches and sand dunes-almost anything a tourist could ask for in
a bay.
The bay is one of the most beautiful eco-tourism sites in Vietnam
thanks to a rare and diverse ecosystem.
Boasting picturesque mountains, virgin forests and lovely beaches,
the bay is home to an array of rare fauna and flora.
The weather is warm throughout the year and the site's natural
beauty is very much intact, uncontaminated by industrialization.
Clean and untouched white sand beaches still impose themselves against
the blue seawater.
United Nations tourism experts have recognised Van Phong as one
of Asia's nearly perfect eco-tourism sites, and an ideal place for
scuba diving.
Its blue crystal-like water and coral reefs are enough to humble
the most experienced divers.
Excursions
While visiting the bay, it's hard to resist visiting the surrounding
sites like Hon Ong, Dam Mon and Bai Nhau. These places remain relatively
unscathed by the outside world save a few small fishing villages.
Nearby, indulge in a trip to Hon Ong (Whale Island) for more rest
and relaxation amidst quiet and beautiful scenery.
You can talk to local fisherman and learn about their lifestyle
and customs there or sail catamarans, go windsurfing, scuba diving,
snorkelling, or take part in one of the island's many other activities.
If you grow weary of the ocean, you can walk along the beach and
climb up into the mountains to observe natural wildlife in the hills.
As night falls, you can stay in bungalows along the beach or enjoy
seafood with the locals.
Dam Mon Peninsula is also worth a visit as it boasts casuarina
forests and the primitive Tuan Le wetland forest.
You can rest in hammocks under shady coconut trees along the beach
or talk with children from fishing villages.
Scuba diving, exploring coral reefs, rowing boats and fishing for
squid or cuttle-fish are popular activities at Dam Mon. From Dam
Mon, you can hire a motorboat to take you all around the surrounding
area.
If you have more time, you can visit all the other islands as well
as fishing villages, lobster farms and farms where oysters are raised
for pearls.
In 1999, the Vietnamese government allowed local authorities to
draw up a plan to develop the bay into an international deep-sea
port and tourism venue.
Previously, the bay had been called Port Dayot by the French.
Compiled by Hoang Bao
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