Hon Chao Island: mysterious deserted island north of Da Nang

Hon Chao (also known as Ngoc Island) is located 15km off the coast of Son Tra, under the management of Lien Chieu district. The island covers an area of only 1.2 km², has no permanent residents, and lacks official tour services. Before 2015, it was a military restricted zone—it has now been opened for permitted civilian activities.

Features: turquoise seawater so clear you can see coral at a depth of 5m, a small white sand beach (only 200m), and primeval forest on the island (still home to wild monkeys). No restaurants, no running water, no phone signal — a true deserted island experience.

You can only reach it by renting a fishing boat from Tho Quang port, costing 3-5 million VND per boat/day (capacity 6-8 people). Please book with fishermen at least 2 days in advance. Remember to bring enough water, food, and snorkeling gear. Staying overnight on the island requires permission from the Border Guard. The best time to visit is during the summer months of April to August, when the sea is calm.

🏝️ 15km off the coast of Son Tra · Boat rentals 3-5 million VND/day · No official tours available · Best season: April to August · Please register with the Border Guard if staying overnight on the island.