Hon Chua: A Stunning Destination to See Sea Urchins and Colorful Coral Reefs

When people talk about the beautiful province of Phu Yen, they often think of the charming land of Xu Nau with its crystal-clear beaches and long stretches of fine white sand. Among its many captivating destinations, Hon Chua stands out for its pristine and alluring beauty, attracting countless visitors. To make your trip to Hon Chua, Phu Yen truly unforgettable, let Vietjet help you note down some useful tips, including how to get there, the best time to visit, and exciting activities you shouldn’t miss. These suggestions will surely help you enjoy a memorable journey to Hon Chua!

1. Where is Hon Chua?

Hon Chua Island is located 7 km offshore from the mainland, part of a group of islands including Hon Than and Hon Dua in the Long Thuy Sea, An Hai Commune, Tuy An District, Phu Yen Province. About 10 km northeast of Tuy Hoa City, Hon Chua captivates visitors with its untouched beauty, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and those seeking peace and tranquility.

From afar, Hon Chua appears like a jade-green gem floating in the vast ocean. The island is covered in lush vegetation, dotted with tiny wildflowers, creating a stunning natural painting. The harmonious blend of the ocean’s blue, the greenery of the plants, and the whiteness of the sand crafts a romantic setting that leaves visitors in awe.

Hon Chua: A stunning destination to watch sea urchins and coral reefs

Phu Yen is a perfect choice for adventure lovers with many untouched travel spots.

2. The Best Time to Visit Hon Chua

The ideal time to visit Hon Chua is during the dry season, from January to May, when the weather is sunny, with little rain and calm seas. During this time, you can fully enjoy outdoor activities like snorkeling, swimming, and exploring the natural surroundings without worrying about bad weather.

On the other hand, from September to December, the rainy season brings wetter conditions and rougher seas, making it less suitable for sea-related activities. So, if you want to fully experience the beauty and fun of Hon Chua, it’s best to plan your trip during the dry season for the most enjoyable experience.

3. How to Get to Hon Chua: A Detailed Guide

Hon Chua is located about 10 km from the center of Tuy Hoa City, Phu Yen. Below is a detailed guide on how to reach Hon Chua:

3.1 How to Get to Phu Yen

To reach Phu Yen, travelers can choose one of the following transportation options:

Intercity Bus: There are many bus companies operating routes from major cities to Tuy Hoa, offering a variety of departure times to meet travelers' needs. The travel time usually ranges from 10 to 12 hours depending on the departure point, with ticket prices between 300,000 and 500,000 VND, depending on the type of bus and pickup/drop-off location.

Train: Taking the train to Phu Yen is also a great option, especially for those who want to enjoy the natural beauty of Central Vietnam. Along the journey, you’ll witness everything from lush green rice fields to majestic mountain ranges. Ticket prices range from 400,000 to 900,000 VND per trip, depending on seat class and departure location. To save time when traveling to Tuy Hoa, it's recommended to take train SE1 if departing from Hanoi, and train SE2 if departing from Ho Chi Minh City.
Airplane: To save time on your trip to Hon Chua, Phu Yen, flying to Tuy Hoa Airport is the most convenient option. The airport is only about 10 km from the city center. After landing, you can take a taxi or motorbike taxi to downtown Tuy Hoa.

Currently, Vietjet operates many direct flights to Tuy Hoa from various provinces across Vietnam at affordable prices, starting from just 90,000 VND per ticket per person.

In addition, Vietjet frequently offers promotional programs with super attractive fares, sometimes as low as 0 VND. To make your trip to Hon Chua Island, Phu Yen even more budget-friendly, don’t forget to check the 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM daily slot for a chance to grab 0 VND domestic flight tickets on Vietjet.See more details HERE.

Taking the train to Hon Chua, Phu Yen offers unforgettable experiences, as you can admire Vietnam's natural scenery throughout the journey.

3.2 How to Get to Hon Chua

Hon Chua, located in the Long Thuy Sea area of Phu Yen, is just about 10 km from the center of Tuy Hoa City. From the city center, you can ride a motorbike or take a taxi heading north along Doc Lap coastal road to reach Long Thuy fishing village. Once there, you have two main options to get to the island:

By Speed Canoe: Near Long Thuy Beach, you can rent a high-speed canoe for a round-trip fare of approximately 50,000 VND per person. This is a fast and convenient option, taking only 20–30 minutes to reach the island.
By Fishing Boat from My Quang Village: Continue riding toward My Quang Village (in An Chan Commune), where you can hire a local fisherman’s boat to get to Hon Chua Island. Although the trip takes a bit longer, it offers a chance to experience authentic local life.

4. What’s Interesting About Visiting Hon Chua Island, Phu Yen?

A trip to Hon Chua offers not only peace and tranquility but also a deep connection with nature. Here are some must-try activities that will make your island adventure unforgettable:

4.1 Swimming in the Crystal-Clear Waters of Hon Chua

One of the highlights of visiting Hon Chua Island is definitely swimming. With clear turquoise waters and smooth white sands, this place is a true paradise for relaxation. Imagine immersing yourself in the blue ocean, listening to the gentle waves, and breathing in the salty sea breeze—it’s an experience that soothes both body and mind.

4.2 Snorkeling to See Coral Reefs and Sea Urchins

Hon Chua is often compared to a living coral museum, thanks to its stunning variety of shapes and colors. From brain corals and tabletop corals to graceful soft corals, the underwater world here is vibrant and full of life. Don’t miss the chance to go snorkeling to admire the coral and sea urchins. You can also rent snorkeling gear and masks on-site to make the most of this underwater adventure—it’s an experience that promises unforgettable memories.

4.3 Join Local Fishermen for a Seafood Catching Trip

One of the most memorable experiences for Hon Chua is going out to sea with local fishermen. You’ll get to drop nets into the deep blue waters, witness the exciting moment of pulling in a net full of fresh seafood, and even learn traditional fishing and squid-catching techniques from seasoned locals. The best part? Enjoy freshly caught seafood right on the boat—a true taste of the ocean!

Hon Chua: A stunning destination to spot sea urchins and coral reefs

Most locals in Phu Yen make their living through aquaculture and fishing.

4.4 Overnight Camping on Hon Chua

Camping overnight on Hon Chua is a wonderful opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and fully immerse yourself in nature. Picture yourself lying on soft white sand, gazing at a starry sky, lighting a small campfire, and enjoying the fresh ocean breeze—it’s a truly magical and rejuvenating experience.

4.5 On the Cau Ngu Festival

The Cau Ngu Festival is a vibrant and meaningful traditional event held by local fishermen, usually taking place in early June every year. The festival is a way for the community to pray for calm seas and bountiful catches. By participating, you’ll be immersed in a lively atmosphere, taste delicious local specialties, and learn more about the customs and culture of the region. If you visit Hon Chua, Phu Yen, during this time, don’t miss the chance to be part of this unique cultural celebration.

4.6 Experience Local Cuisine on Hon Chua Island

Visiting Hon Chua, Phu Yen also means enjoying a true seafood feast. Here, you’ll get to taste freshly caught seafood such as lobster, crab, snails, and fish—prepared in various ways from steaming and grilling to stir-frying. Each dish offers its own distinct flavor and is guaranteed to make your culinary experience in Hon Chua unforgettable.

5. Where to Stay When Visiting Hon Chua Island, Phu Yen

Most travelers who visit Hon Chua choose to camp overnight on the island and return to the mainland the next day. However, you can also opt to stay in nearby hotels for more comfort and convenience when heading to the island.

Long Beach Hotel Phu Yen: Located at 17 Doc Lap Street, Ward 7, Tuy Hoa City, this is a budget-friendly hotel priced at around 550,000 VND per room per night, depending on room type and booking period.
Sai Gon Phu Yen Hotel: Near the beach at 541 Tran Hung Dao, Phu Yen, this hotel offers cozy accommodations with modern amenities at a reasonable price of 660,000 VND per room per night.
Hung Vuong Hotel Phu Yen: Centrally located at 239 – 241 Hung Vuong, Tuy Hoa City, this is an ideal choice for travelers with rates starting from 530,000 VND per room per night. Its location makes it easy to access local attractions and the pier to Hon Chua.
Nui Thom Ecolodge Resort Phu Yen: Nestled in nature at Nui Thom, An Phu, Phu Yen, this eco-resort offers peaceful surroundings, comfortable rooms, and high-quality service. Perfect for relaxation and recharging, with prices starting from 990,000 VND per room per night.

With all the helpful information above, we hope your trip to Hon Chua Island, Phu Yen will be even more fulfilling.

Don’t forget to check out Vietjet’s daily 0 VND airfare promotion between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to grab the best deals on flights to Phu Yen. See full details HERE.

To save money on your trip to Hon Chua Island, don’t miss the chance to hunt for 0 VND flight tickets from Vietjet.

For personalized support and the best flight booking experience to Phu Yen, be sure to stay updated on the latest promotions and ticket prices through Vietjet’s official communication channels below: