In the heart of Van Phong Bay (Khanh Hoa Province) - one of the world’s most beautiful coastal areas, as recognized by the UN Tourism - lies Whale Island Resort (Hòn Ông). Here, far from the hum of modern life, travelers find not just a place to unwind, but a space to reconnect - with nature, and with themselves.

Just 100 kilometers north of Nha Trang, Whale Island feels like another world. There are no paved roads, no motorbikes, no city noise - only thatched bungalows tucked beneath trees, sandy footpaths along the shoreline, and the uninterrupted blue of the sea in every direction.

Living Lightly on the Land

Founded over 28 years ago by a French - Vietnamese couple, Whale Island Resort was built on a simple idea: respect nature, and keep things simple.

From the beginning, the commitment was clear: no concrete structures, no industrial-scale infrastructure, and no compromise to the island’s natural beauty. Today, the resort is powered by solar energy, avoids single-use plastics, and encourages guests to adopt a low-impact lifestyle - to conserve water, minimize waste, and slow down.

The resort's approach to tourism is not extractive but regenerative - giving back more than it takes. Everything, from hand-built accommodations to home-cooked meals, reflects this dedication to simplicity and care.

A Slower Rhythm

Time moves differently on Whale Island. Guests might begin their day with a short sunrise hike, paddle a kayak across calm turquoise waters, or explore coral reefs just offshore. Others choose to help collect ocean waste, or simply rest beneath a palm tree, listening to the sea.

Every experience invites a return to presence - to the natural pace of life.

Reviving Biodiversity

Whale Island Resort is not just a quiet observer of its surroundings, it's an active steward of the marine environment. In July, the resort partnered with Rainbow Divers Vietnam and the PADI AWARE Foundation to launch a coral reef restoration initiative - placing eco-friendly blocks on the seabed to encourage new coral growth.

These efforts aim to revive biodiversity in Van Phong Bay, an area impacted by climate change and marine pollution. Guests are welcome to take part: snorkel through the reefs, learn about coral regeneration, and contribute directly to protecting the ocean.

Coastal Cuisine, Rooted in Local Flavour

The resort’s kitchen focuses on simplicity and freshness. Each meal features local ingredients - daily catch from nearby fishermen, herbs from the garden, seasonal vegetables from the island. The result is a coastal cuisine that’s nourishing, unpretentious, and true to place.

Start your day with a beachside breakfast, and end it with a candlelit dinner under the stars - the sound of waves never far away.

Not Just a Resort - A Way of Life

In an age when coastal development often means high-rise buildings and paved-over beaches, Whale Island Resort takes a different approach: preserve, not replace.

Here, guests are not just visitors, but caretakers - invited to live gently, listen closely, and find meaning in the quiet details of nature.

As one of the resort's founders once said: “We never set out to build a lavish retreat. We simply wanted a place where people could rediscover fulfillment in life’s simplest things.”

That’s exactly what Whale Island offers: not just a retreat, but a return to what truly matters.