Whale Island & Van Phong Bay · Vietnam · Pinnacle · Cave & cavern
Hon Trau Nam
Rays resting in the caves under three island peaks
Hon Trau Nam, also called Three King Island, is a cluster of three rocky peaks that climb from the seabed and break the surface off Whale Island. Its underwater caves and swim-throughs draw manta rays, eagle rays and stingrays, which often rest there, and soft corals and sea snails grow deeper on the site.
Also known as Ho Trau Nam, Three King Island.
Where it is and how deep
No published position for this site — the map shows Whale Island & Van Phong Bay and its other sites; operators know the mooring.
The dive
The three peaks rise from the seabed to the surface, and the dive works the rock between 20 and 35 m. Caves and swim-throughs cut into the base, and rays settle in them to rest, so the openings are where manta rays, eagle rays and stingrays are most often met. Soft corals and sea snails grow on the deeper parts of the site.
Marine life and season
- Manta rays
- Eagle rays
- Stingrays
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fair | Fair | Good | Prime | Prime | Prime | Prime | Prime | Prime | Fair | Fair | Fair |
Season follows Whale Island & Van Phong Bay: Whale Island's dive season runs from mid-February to mid-October, and April to September are the best months for diving.
Questions divers ask
What certification does Hon Trau Nam need?+
Most of the dive runs between 20 and 35 m, so Advanced Open Water with deep training is the level for it.
Sources
- Whale Island – Travel guide & 5 things to do — Local Vietnam
- Top 5 diving destinations in Vietnam — Local Vietnam
- 20 Best Dive Sites in Vietnam — DiveIn
More dive sites in Whale Island & Van Phong Bay
Cave & cavern
Night dives through a set of caves at 15 m
Reef
Clownfish in anemones among big boulders
Similar dives elsewhere
Granite arches at the exposed north end of the chain
Granite tunnels and arches between islands 6 and 7
Caves and swim-throughs in a rock pinnacle off Ao Takian
Tunnels through a pinnacle in 20 m-plus visibility