Unspoilt Ninh Van Bay is perfect holiday hideaway

Visitors who want to escape from city life when they visit the coastal city of Nha Trang in Khanh Hoa Province often go to Ninh Van Bay on Hon Heo Peninsula.
Ninh Van Bay is remote and untouched, yet easily accessible by boat from Nha Trang in about 20 minutes. Its known for its fabulous coral reefs, white sand beach and impressive mountain backdrop.
The natural setting is not disrupted by any large resort structures. Only a few small bungalows covered by leafy roofs are observable from the bay. The sea, mountains, streams and forest all combine to create picturesque landscape. From a distance, Hon Heo Mountain looks like a dragon lying in a pine forest, with its head directed out towards the ocean.
The facilities strive to protect the environment, with tree branches salvaged to cover structures, and organic rubbish composted for trees. Electric cars and bicycles are the primary transportation on the peninsula.
Visitors can enjoy the setting by trekking in the forests and up the mountain, with vendors along the way serving drinks and snacks. Jungle fowl, squirrels, dormouse, monkeys and other wildlife are abundant.
Investors in the Six Senses Hideaway Resort have received many awards for environmental protection. The bungalows are built in traditional Vietnamese style, close to nature, with wood and stone than blends with the environment, making it an ideal hideaway from the noises of modern life. A short walk from the bungalows, tourists can touch to the water or view the coral reef.
Alyssa Landon from California spent her honeymoon at Ninh Van Bay, saying that she and her husband had an amazing experience that they didn't want to end and will never forget.
"From the spectacular lush green mountains to the sparkling blue bay waters, the natural setting and views from our rustic yet luxurious poolside villa and from the dining on the bay were absolutely breathtaking," Landon said. "Ninh Van Bay gave us a sense of peace and total relaxation. It let us really unwind and just have a great time with each other."
Ninh Van Bay not only offers the perfect location for relaxation, but its proximity to the popular destination of Nha Trang and its prime position in a calm and sheltered bay means that visitors can enjoy a multitude of activities and excursions, including windsurfing, hobiecat sailing, kayaking, snorkelling, waterskiing, fishing trips and boat charters, as well as scuba diving lessons.
Sheltered from winds, Ninh Van Bay area is usually calm from March to October. The rainy season sets in in November and December, when diving is not always possible. Most local diving takes place on the coral reefs, so the majority of dives are between 12-16m in depth.
Just a short boat ride from the resort, the surrounding islands and coral reef offer the chance to explore different and interesting sites. An inviting water temperature averaging 26-30oC throughout the year adds to the pleasure of diving in the bay.
After a relaxing day, tourists can visit Ninh Hoa District's centre to enjoy nem chua (fermented pork roll), the speciality of the region. It's grilled, served with vegetables and pineapple, wrapped in rice paper and eaten with sauce.
The road connecting Ninh Van to the land is still rough and under construction, so the bay remains only accessible by boat, said Tra Thai Lam, chairman of Ninh Van Commune's People's Committee. He expected that the road would be completed soon to bring more tourists to the site.