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Cam Ranh Bay

Cam Ranh Bay: The ultimate guide for first-time travelers

17/04/2025 1.030 views

Cam Ranh Bay in Vietnam is renowned for its strategic importance and breathtaking beauty. This coastal gem, nestled along the South China Sea, has evolved from a historic military outpost into a thriving hub for tourism and maritime activities.

1. Where is Cam Ranh Bay?

Cam Ranh Bay lies in Cam Ranh Town, Khanh Hoa Province, roughly 60 kilometers away from Nha Trang. Spanning approximately 185 square kilometers, this bay is almost encircled by Cam Ranh Peninsula and framed by lofty mountains. Its protected setting forms a natural barrier against winds, keeping the waters consistently tranquil. 

Cam Ranh Bay in Vietnam

Cam Ranh Bay, a treasure of Vietnam’s coastline (Source: Collected)

Situated along the South China Sea, Cam Ranh Bay intersects crucial international shipping lanes, serving as a perfect haven for vessels during stormy weather. With depths varying from 5 to 40 meters, it can support ships of up to 100,000 tons. This feature gives the bay a distinct edge over other prominent Vietnamese harbors. 

In the past, Cam Ranh Bay was a military stronghold for countries such as the United States, France, and the Soviet Union, particularly as a vital naval base during French rule in Indochina. Since its return to civilian control in 2004, Vietnam has repurposed the bay, turning it into an increasingly popular tourist site. Forbes has distinguished it as one of Southeast Asia’s most picturesque bays.

Get a quick insight into the 13 Vietnam bays!

2. Top attractions on the map of Cam Ranh Bay in Vietnam

2.1. Binh Lap

Binh Lap is a peninsula that remains relatively undiscovered due to its secluded location in Vietnam’s Cam Ranh Bay. It is part of the renowned Four Binh-s, alongside Binh Ba, Binh Hung, and Binh Tien. As one of the popular things to do in Cam Ranh, exploring Binh Lap’s natural beauty rewards tourists with an untouched gem that offers pristine beaches without the crowds. Here, you can discover the beautiful beaches of Binh Chau, Bai Ngang, Bai Lao, Bai Ran, and Bai Con, along with colorful coral reefs and quaint fishing villages that dot the shoreline.

Binh Lap in Cam Ranh Bay

Binh Lap appeals to tourists with pristine shores (Source: Collected)

2.2. Binh Tien

Situated where Khanh Hoa Province and Ninh Thuan Province meet, Binh Tien offers one of the most stunning natural landscapes in Cam Ranh Bay. This area features sandy beaches embraced by pine forests and limestone formations rising from the turquoise waters. Its untouched beauty stems from minimal tourism development. 

Here, tourists can snorkel among vibrant coral reefs, camping on secluded shores, catching seafood with the local fishermen, or exploring freshwater streams flowing from Nui Chua National Park to the sea. The journey to Binh Ba itself is part of the experience, with winding coastal roads offering breathtaking views before revealing this hidden gem’s serene shore.

2.3. Bai Dai Beach

Located just 12 km away from Cam Ranh Airport on the map of Cam Ranh Bay in Vietnam, Bai Dai Beach offers a kilometer of stunning coastal beauty. Recognized by National Geographic as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, it features powdery white sand and crystal-clear water. The journey to Bai Dai Beach is full of scenic roads lined with vegetation and free from high-rises, providing unobstructed sea views. Enjoying the peaceful vibe here is one of the top things to do in Cam Ranh Bay. Along the shore, there is a lively seafood market where vendors cook fresh catches for hungry beachgoers.

Bai Dai Beach in Cam Ranh

Golden sands and turquoise waters await at Bai Dai Beach (Source: Collected)

2.4. Thuy Trieu Lagoon

Thuy Trieu Lagoon is a shallow body of water connected to Vietnam’s Cam Ranh Bay. This narrow lagoon covers about 12,000 hectares with an average depth of only 1-3 meters. Here, there is a unique activity which is harvesting blood cockles during low tides. Thuy Trieu Lagoon also offers fishing opportunities, canoe rentals, and other experiences aboard fishing boats, providing a glimpse into traditional Vietnamese coastal life.

2.5. Cam Ranh City

Cam Ranh City sits gracefully along the shores of Cam Ranh Bay in Vietnam. This coastal city is home to diverse attractions that promise unforgettable memories for tourists seeking both relaxation and adventure.

2.5.1. Tu Van Pagoda

Tu Van Pagoda is located in Cam Linh, Cam Ranh, Vietnam. This pagoda’s most striking feature is the 39-meter-tall Bao Tich Tower, which is constructed entirely from seashells and coral. It features eight entrances symbolizing the Noble Eightfold Path in Buddhism. Another highlight of Tu Van Pagoda is the “18 Levels of Hell” structure built from coral and encircled by dragon figures. The pagoda serves not only as a religious site for locals but also as a distinctive attraction that captivates tourists with its peculiarly beautiful design.

Tu Van Pagoda in Cam Ranh

The shell-crafted beauty of Tu Van Pagoda (Source: Collected)

2.5.2. Suoi Tien Sheep Field

Located in Cam Thinh Dong, Cam Ranh, Vietnam, Suoi Tien Sheep Field features nearly 100 friendly white sheep that tourists can interact and take photos with. The site’s centerpiece is a European-style white tower with spiral staircases that offers panoramic views across the pastoral landscape. A scenic stream winds through the site, where tourists can enjoy peaceful boat rides. Decorative bridges, swings, and bird’s nest structures are scattered throughout the field and adjacent rice paddies, creating perfect photo opportunities in this tranquil slice of rural life.

2.5.3. Cam Lam Mango Garden

Located in Cam Lam, the “mango capital,” this garden offers tourists a delightful agricultural experience near Cam Ranh City. It features mango trees of 60-70 years old with lush foliage and branches full of fruits. Here, you can enjoy guided tours, where the owners will share insights about mango varieties and cultivation techniques. The experiences include hands-on fruit picking, tasting sweet Australian mangoes, and purchasing mango products.

Cam Lam Mango Garden in Cam Ranh

Have a sweet escape amidst the fruits in Cam Lam Mango Garden (Source: Collected)

2.6. Hon Ba Nature Reserve

Near Vietnam’s Cam Ranh Bay, Hon Ba Nature Reserve spans several mountain ranges across the districts of Khanh Vinh, Khanh Son, Cam Lam, and Dien Khanh. In 1914, Dr. Alexandre Yersin established in this area a biological laboratory, meteorological station, and an experimental plantation for the Cinchona trees used to treat malaria.

Hon Ba Nature Reserve features diverse ecosystems, from tropical to semi-temperate. It houses 592 plant species and 255 animal species, with 100 endangered ones listed in the Red Book. The winding roads around the reserve offer adventurous travelers breathtaking views of mist-shrouded forests and the sounds of flowing streams.

2.7. Gac Ma Memorial Site

Located in Cam Lam, Gac Ma Memorial Site honors the 64 Vietnamese soldiers who sacrificed their lives defending the country’s maritime sovereignty. Built on a sand hill, this site features the “Immortal Circle” monument, with nine sculptures representing the fallen soldiers raising the Vietnamese flag. The site includes an underground exhibition that displays the personal artifacts of each martyr. It serves as a powerful tribute to those who protect Vietnam’s waters.

Gac Ma Memorial Site

Gac Ma Memorial Site honors defenders of Vietnam’s sovereignty (Source: Collected)

After exploring Cam Ranh Bay, you can consider extending your journey northward to Nha Trang Bay. Just a short drive away, Nha Trang Bay offers many attractions for a complete coastal experience in Vietnam. The highlights include the amusement park of VinWonders Nha Trang on Hon Tre Island, which is accessible via the world’s longest sea-crossing cable car. Nearby, Vinpearl Harbour Nha Trang offers upscale dining, shopping, and entertainment with magnificent views, making it a perfect addition to your trip in Nha Trang.

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3. Best foods to try on your visit to Cam Ranh Bay

Cam Ranh Bay’s cuisine reflects the rich bounty of the sea, with diverse dishes prepared using special recipes developed by the locals. These dishes offer distinctive flavors that showcase the region’s culinary heritage. Here are some must-tries:

  • Banh can (mini pancake): Small rice flour pancakes cooked in clay molds with fillings like shrimp or squid. They’re often wrapped in lettuce with herbs and served hot with sauce.
  • Sa sung (sea worm): A nutritious delicacy with sweet, chewy meat prepared by grilling, frying, or including in porridge.
  • Banh xeo muc (squid pancake): Crispy rice flour pancakes filled with fresh squid and mung beans. They’re often served with herbs and a distinctive shallot-infused dipping sauce.
  • Lobster: Tender white lobsters from Binh Ba, prepared by grilling, steaming, or including in sour soup.
  • Banh hoi long heo: Thin vermicelli cakes topped with scallion oil and served with pork offal. This popular breakfast is often accompanied by a garlic-chili-lime fish sauce.
  • Blood cockles: Nutritious shellfish from Thuy Trieu Lagoon, typically grilled and served with salt, pepper, lime, and Vietnamese coriander.
Binh Ba lobsters

Fresh lobsters from Binh Ba, a renowned food in Cam Ranh Bay (Source: Collected)

Check out the best food in Nha Trang for your culinary tour!

4. Guide for tourists to Cam Ranh Bay in Vietnam

4.1. Best time to visit

Like other parts of Khanh Hoa Province, Cam Ranh Bay has two distinct seasons: the dry season from January to September and the rainy season from October to December. For the optimal experience in Vietnam’s Cam Ranh Bay, plan your visit between March and August. During these months, you can enjoy the mild sunshine and calm sea, which are perfect for outdoor activities throughout the bay.

4.2. Transportation

There are three ways to reach Cam Ranh Bay:

  • By air: Cam Ranh Airport serves as a major gateway to Cam Ranh Bay, Nha Trang Bay, and the whole region, handling millions of passengers annually.
  • By train: The railway that runs across the country will pass by Cam Ranh Bay.
  • By road: There are many coaches that frequently go from nearby cities to Cam Ranh City. Traveling by motorbike along National Roads is also possible but requires caution due to heavy traffic with large vehicles.

4.3. Accommodation

Cam Ranh Bay offers diverse accommodation options, from luxury resorts to budget homestays. The northern area, particularly Bai Dai Beach, has several resorts with private beaches and premium amenities. The nearby islands feature more rustic options with homestays and guesthouses in Binh Lap, Binh Hung, and Binh Tien, where guests can experience the authentic local life. These accommodations typically showcase stunning sea views and provide easy access to the bay’s pristine beaches.

If you choose to journey from Cam Ranh Bay to Nha Trang Bay, Vinpearl Nha Trang presents a variety of lodging choices. The options span Nha Trang’s city center, Hon Tre Island, and Hon Tam Island, allowing guests to select an ideal hub for their explorations. These upscale hotels and resorts feature top-notch facilities, breathtaking ocean vistas, and easy connections to key attractions, making them perfect launchpads for day trips to Cam Ranh Bay’s scenic marvels.

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Cam Ranh Bay blends natural splendor with cultural authenticity to create an unforgettable Vietnamese coastal experience. Its sheltered waters, diverse landscapes, and fresh seafood reward travelers willing to venture off the beaten path. As the infrastructure improves while the region’s character is preserved, Cam Ranh Bay stands poised to become Vietnam’s next must-visit coastal paradise – where memories are made against backdrops of extraordinary beauty.

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