Hon Chong Promontory: An offbeat rocky beach escapade in Nha Trang

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Hon Chong Promontory it renowned for its peculiar rock formations’ exotic beauty (Source: @gtin.99)

1. What makes Hon Chong Promontory special?

Hon Chong Promontory is located on Pham Van Dong Street, about 3 kilometers to the northeast of Nha Trang city center. It features a sizable area of rocks in various intriguing shapes. Majestic mountains encircle it, and a serene beach with a beautiful shade of soft blue enhances its charm.

Particularly interesting is the arrangement of the rocks at Hon Chong Promontory. The stones naturally rest on top of one another, forming layers of boulders that have withstood the ferocity of the sea and climate for many years. Notably, you can see a large boulder wedged between two other rocks, standing upright to resemble a large stone gate.

The highlights of Hon Chong Promontory are the stunning natural landscape and the unique rock arrangement (Source: Collected)

Hon Chong Promontory is composed of two main groups of rocks. One is named Hon Chong, which translates to “husband” in Vietnamese, and the other is Hon Vo, meaning “wife”. The larger cluster, Hon Chong, features an impressive gigantic boulder with a prominent five-fingered hand imprint embedded in granite.

According to a longstanding folktale, a large man was fishing when a giant fish took the bait and pulled him into the sea. He managed to anchor himself by pressing his other hand against a boulder while holding onto his fishing rod, leaving behind the distinct handprint that remains visible today.

The natural rock formations in Hon Chong Promontory make everyone go Wow (Source: @insatiable_travel)

The second tale, which makes up the names of unidentified stones, is more profound. During a stormy day, enormous waves wrecked a couple’s ship, leading to their tragic drowning in the ocean. The husband left his handprint on the largest rock while desperately holding onto his wife. In honor of their profound love, locals named the offshore set of rocks Hon Chong and the adjoining onshore rock Hon Vo.

Read more: Nha Trang islands: 14 dreamy destinations for your getaway

2. Fun things to do in Hon Chong Promontory in Nha Trang

With its tranquil waters and extensive rocky outcroppings reaching into the sea, Hon Chong Promontory annually draws numerous tourists. Activities to enjoy here include:

2.1. Relax at Hon Chong Beach, Nha Trang

Hon Chong Beach is adored for its immaculate coastline, magnificent natural rock formations, and swinging palm tree rows that line the entire beach. It is one of the most peaceful Nha Trang beaches, in contrast to the hustle and bustle at Tran Phu Beach. If visitors want to participate in physical activities, climbing up large boulders or swimming in the clear water are both excellent options.

It is an ideal spot for those seeking tranquility away from hectic schedules. Strolling along the white sand beach, watching the sunset, or relaxing on the rocks can help clear your mind and find solutions to your problems. In addition, a lot of tourists find it entertaining to assist locals in gathering seaweed and sea snails when the tide recedes.

Hon Chong Beach is so peaceful that it can bring you tons of comforts (Source: Collected)

2.2. Explore the beautiful rocky shorelines

Admiring the ocean scenery and the beautiful rocky shorelines are must-do activities for tourists visiting the Hon Chong Promontory in Nha Trang. Also, by finding a high and flat rock to stand on, you can contemplate the vibrant city of Nha Trang, which is accentuated by well-designed architectural works, behind the coconut and casuarina trees. This view is especially stunning and will surely amaze you.

Exploring Hon Chong in Nha Trang unveils adjacent attractions such as Hon Yen, Cau Da Port, Hon Tre Island, Hon Do Island, and Co Tien Mountain, alongside its natural beauty and unique rock formations, including the enigmatic large rock with five handprints. Feel free to strike any posture for the ideal Instagram image or unforgettable selfie to show off to your friends and family when you are back home.

Many tourists are excited in taking photos with the rocks in Hon Chong Promontory (Source: @gtin.99)

2.3. Visit Hon Chong Assembly Hall

You will pass by Hon Chong Nha Trang Assembly Hall, a distinctive building built in the Hue-nha-ruong architectural style, on the road heading to Hon Chong. It houses numerous artifacts and images of the promontory and other Nha Trang attractions, which makes it a worthwhile visit.

Surprisingly, Hon Chong Assembly Hall offers a venue for the performance of traditional Vietnamese musical instruments including the plucked zither, the Vietnamese two-chord fiddle, and the lithophone. The soothing tones of these instruments can alleviate tension and fatigue, while also showcasing the deep cultural heritage of the Vietnamese people.

You should take a chance to visit Hon Chong Assembly Hall to learn more about Vietnamese culture (Source: Collected)

2.4. Try Hon Chong coffee

For a change of scenery, you might seek refuge in a quiet coffee shop near Hon Chong Promontory in Nha Trang if you’re tired of the hectic pace of the crowded city. Coming there, you can have a relaxing time reading a book, engaging in friendly gossip with your friends, and sipping your favorite coffee while taking in a stunning sea view and listening to the symphony of lapping waves.

Hon Chong Book Coffee Shop is an ideal spot with open spaces, beautiful scenery, and a refreshing sea breeze. At night, this cafe is likened to a pearl in the middle of a rough stone beach. At low tide, the sea recedes to reveal a fine sand beach, where you can come to sit down, enjoy coffee, and play in the sand.

Hon Chong book coffee shop is a must-visit place for book lovers (Source: Collected)

2.5. Visit Hai Son Pagoda (Cave Pagoda) in Hon Chong Promontory

Hai Son Pagoda, or Cave Pagoda, is a religious tourism destination located inside a magnificent grotto, at the base of a craggy promontory. To get inside, you must pass past the market at the far end of Duong Beach. Before entering the cool grotto, which has an entrance behind the altar, visitors should light incense and make prayers here.

Inside, you will find small cabinets containing green glass Buddhas and sculptures of Sakyamuni and Avalokitesvara, illuminated by neon displays. Be careful when standing on the cave’s low-hanging rock roof that leads to the beach. Both 15 days before and one month after Tet, the pagoda is overrun with pilgrims, and in March and April, there is yet another flood of worshipers.

The impressive design of the entrance of Cave Pagoda in Hon Chong Promontory (Source: Collected)

Explore: TOP things to do in Nha Trang to add to your bucket list

3. What to eat: Tasty Hon Chong food

Skipping the seafood would be a grave mistake when you come to Hon Chong Beach. Local fishermen will check on fish and other types of seafood stuck in fishing nets in the early hours of the morning. Visitors are welcome to join them and purchase affordable seafood as soon as it is unloaded from the boats.

Once you have your seafood, nearby restaurants can prepare dishes to your liking. Highly recommended options include oysters, snails, clams, jellyfish, squid, shrimp, lobster, and various fish. Grilling, steaming, hot pot, and salads are popular ways to enjoy seafood in Hon Chong, Nha Trang.

Hon Chong Beach food, with many dishes made from fresh seafood, will surely wake up your taste buds (Source: Collected)

4. Essential guides for visitors to Hon Chong Promontory in Vietnam

To be well-prepared for your upcoming Nha Trang travel, you should not ignore the essential information below:

4.1. Best time to visit

Hon Chong in Nha Trang is the perfect location for those looking for a short getaway from the daily grind. Many experienced tourists said that it is at its most beautiful in December and May. Everyone will find Hon Chong to be a destination of their dreams during these months thanks to the wonderful weather, along with the resonance of a lovely stretch of golden sand, unusual rocks, placid waters, and heavily mountained edges.

December and May are the two ideal months to explore Hon Chong Promontory (Source: Collected)

4.2. How to get there

The distance to Hon Chong from Nha Trang’s city center is roughly 3 kilometers, thus you can easily get there by many means of transportation. Since the area has been expanded for tourists, driving to Hon Chong is actually more simple than climbing high hills.

You will view Hon Chong Promontory in Khanh Hoa on your right after passing Tran Phu Street and Pham Van Dong Street. If you choose to go by taxi, it will take you about 5 minutes to drive from Po Nagar Cham Towers. Also, you can ride a motorcycle to Hon Chong Promontory. However, it is not advised if you are taking little children or the elderly because it will take longer.

Taxi is considered the best choice of transportation for your excursion to Hon Chong Promontory (Source: Collected)

For convenience, you should look for a suitable accommodation to get around and go to Hon Chong Promontory, and the hotel and resort system of Vinpearl Nha Trang is strongly recommended. Vinpearl Beachfront Nha Trang – its hotel in the city center, located just 6 kilometers from Hon Chong, offers a range of high-end services and modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable and satisfying stay.

Choosing a place to stay near the city center will optimize your travel time to Hon Chong Promontory

Book rooms at Vinpearl Nha Trang

4.3. Opening hours and entrance fees

Tourists can visit Hon Chong Promontory in Nha Trang daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. It welcomes many people each day as a must-see tourist attraction in Nha Trang, often busiest from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. To escape the crowds and fully experience Hon Chong Promontory’s allure, it is advised to arrange your transportation in advance.

Hon Chong Beach is free to enter. However, if you want to climb the rock, the cost is currently VND 30,000 per person. With such a reasonably priced ticket, you can enjoy the stunning and romantic surroundings of Hon Chong Beach in Nha Trang, which will undoubtedly surpass your expectations.

Hon Chong Promontory offers free admission to everyone (Source: Collected)

4.4. Other tips to notice before you go

To have a safe and enjoyable visit, you may notice the following points:

• Wear athletic shoes: Hon Chong has varied terrains of hills and rocks, so it is best to choose athletic or hiking shoes for easy movement and exploration.
• Be cautious when climbing Hon Chong Peak: Pay attention to safety and exercise caution, especially if you lack climbing experience or local staff assistance.
• Respect local regulations: To protect the environment and ensure tourist safety, follow local rules, do not litter, avoid damaging the environment, and respect local religious practices.
• Use sun protection: Bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun, especially during midday visits.
• Capture memories responsibly: Photography is encouraged, but ensure you do not disturb the natural surroundings or other visitors while taking pictures.
• Combine visits with nearby attractions: Do not forget to explore nearby sites such as Po Nagar Cham Towers (1.2 km away), Long Son Pagoda (4.3 – 5.5 km away), and Tram Huong Tower (6.1 km away) for a more comprehensive experience.

Moreover, to add excitement to your trip to Nha Trang, be sure to visit VinWonders Nha Trang on Hon Tre Island. This destination promises an unforgettable island-hopping experience with a variety of engaging activities. Spanning 50 hectares, it features 6 distinct zones, each offering unique highlights and even setting records.

VinWonders Nha Trang offers numerous entertainment and recreational activities

Specifically, VinWonders Nha Trang features a vast aquarium displaying over 30,000 sea creatures, including rare species. It also boasts Vietnam’s first freshwater park on the sea and the world’s largest floating bay. Adventure Land at the park offers a multitude of thrilling games for both adults and kids, making it an irresistible destination for thrill-seekers.

Explore the marine life with a visit to Sea World

As the park of records, VinWonders Nha Trang will bring you many one-of-a-kind experiences

Book VinWonders Nha Trang ticket online, skip the line

Hon Chong Promontory‘s romantic beauty, sculpted by Mother Nature and enriched by local legends, offers a unique charm that appeals to all tourists visiting Nha Trang. For your upcoming holiday, this article provides essential details to plan your visit effectively. However, nothing compares to experiencing Hon Chong firsthand—come and explore it yourself!