Vinh Hy Bay Snorkeling, Hidden Waterfall Discovery from Mui Ne

This full-day adventure from Mui Ne offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural insights, and exciting activities like snorkeling and fishing. As someone who loves combining scenic landscapes with authentic local experiences, I found this tour to be a well-rounded way to see a different side of Vietnam—away from the busy beaches and tourist hubs.

What makes this experience especially appealing is its balance of adventure and culture, all wrapped into a comfortable, private tour package. The opportunity to learn about Cham pottery, visit a grape garden, and swim in pristine natural pools makes it stand out. One thing to keep in mind is the long travel time—about 12 hours—including stops—so it’s best suited for those ready for a full day of exploration. If you prefer a relaxed pace or are traveling with very young children, it’s worth considering. This tour appeals most to those craving an active, diverse day with plenty of authentic sights.

Key Points

• Rich cultural stops: Visit a grape garden and see Cham pottery making firsthand.
• Natural wonders: Discover a hidden waterfall and enjoy swimming in natural pools.
• Scenic drive: Enjoy beautiful landscapes along beach, jungle, and rice field roads.
• Snorkeling & fishing: Explore vibrant coral reefs and fishing spots in Vinh Hy Bay.
• All-in-one experience: Combines natural beauty, cultural visits, and water activities.
• Private tour: Only your group participates, ensuring personalized attention.

Starting from Mui Ne: A Scenic Drive with Prime Views

The tour kicks off early at 7:00 AM, with a hotel pickup in Mui Ne or Phan Thiet. The ride lasts approximately three hours, giving you plenty of time to soak in the changing scenery. Expect a visual treat as you pass through lush beach roads, where waves gently crash onto sandy shores, and then transition to jungle-lined pathways and rice paddies.

Reviewers mention that the drive is “beautiful,” with some noting that the varied landscape offers a relaxing prelude to the day’s activities. The route covers about 150 kilometers, with a mix of seaside and inland vistas, making it an ideal way to start your day with calming natural sights.

First Stop: Grape Garden & Cham Pottery Village

The first official stop is at a local grape garden in Phan Rang-Thap Cham. Here, you can learn how farmers tend to their vines, and if you’re lucky, sample some fresh grapes. It’s a perfect opportunity to see rural Vietnamese agriculture up close, which many travelers find charming and informative.

Next, you’ll visit Cham villages, where artisans craft pottery by hand using traditional techniques. What’s really special about this part of the tour is the chance to observe authentic craftsmanship and even try your hand at shaping clay. According to reviews, guides are quite knowledgeable about the process and happy to explain the cultural significance behind the pottery. Afterward, there’s a short coffee break—a nice moment to relax and reflect on the craftsmanship you’ve just seen.

Discovering the Hidden Waterfall

After the pottery visit, the tour heads to a hidden waterfall, roughly a 20-minute drive away. This is a true highlight for nature lovers. The waterfall is tucked away in a relatively untouched part of the landscape, and the walk to reach it is straightforward enough for most travelers. Once there, you’ll have the chance to swim in natural rock pools surrounded by greenery, providing a refreshing break.

One reviewer describes this as “an unexpected gem,” noting that the water is refreshingly cool and the setting’s serenity offers a peaceful retreat from the busy city. It’s an authentic experience that feels like discovering a secret spot, far from the crowds.

Vinh Hy Bay: The Main Event

After the waterfall, it’s time to head to Vinh Hy Bay, about an hour away. Known as one of Vietnam’s best snorkeling destinations, this bay boasts crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and a variety of marine life. Once there, a private glass-bottom boat takes you to the most scenic snorkel and fishing areas.

The boat ride itself is enjoyable, offering fantastic views of limestone cliffs and the bay’s rugged coastline. Travelers mention that the water visibility is excellent, making snorkeling a highlight, especially in the morning when marine life is more active. Expect to see colorful fish, coral formations, and possibly even some small reef sharks or turtles.

For those who prefer fishing, the boat’s equipment is good quality, and the guides are happy to help. The experience is flexible: you can choose to snorkel, fish, or just relax and enjoy the scenery.

Returning and Reflection

After a good few hours in the bay, the tour concludes with a transfer back to your hotel, arriving approximately at 4:00 PM. The drive back offers more chances to take in the landscape and reflect on the day’s highlights.

While the entire experience costs $194 per person, the value stems from the combination of cultural insight, scenic drives, water activities, and a delicious local lunch. From the guides’ attentiveness to the authentic food served, many guests feel the price is justified for a full, diverse day.

Transportation & Group Size

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a hassle-free start and end to your day. It’s a private experience, meaning only your group participates, allowing for personalized attention and flexibility. The ride is comfortable, with enough space to relax during the long drive, and the total duration is about 12 hours.

Activities & Accessibility

The activities—snorkeling, fishing, swimming—are suited for most travelers, though some may find the walk to the waterfall slightly uphill. The guide is quite knowledgeable and happy to accommodate different levels of activity.

Food & Dietary Options

A highlight is the delicious local lunch, which includes regional specialties. The tour operator is flexible with dietary restrictions like vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free, but it’s best to specify these when booking.

Cost & Value

At $194 per person, this tour offers comprehensive value—covering transportation, entry fees, activities, guides, and meals. The inclusion of a private boat and cultural stops adds to its appeal, especially for travelers who prefer a curated experience over group tours.

Timing & Best Suitability

The early start is ideal for maximizing daylight. Given the long travel time, it’s best for those who don’t mind a full day on the move. It’s perfect for travelers seeking diverse experiences—from cultural insights and scenic drives to water-based adventures.

This tour is perfect for curious travelers wanting a mix of authentic cultural experiences and stunning natural scenery. If you enjoy active days with options to snorkel, swim, or simply relax on a boat, you’ll love the variety it offers. The knowledgeable guides and well-organized itinerary mean you’ll get a lot of value for your money, especially considering the comprehensive inclusions.

It’s a fantastic choice for those interested in learning about local traditions like pottery, exploring lesser-known waterfalls, and enjoying the marine biodiversity of Vinh Hy Bay. However, if you prefer a more relaxed, less time-intensive experience, or are traveling with very young children, this might be a bit demanding.

This tour provides a genuine taste of Vietnam’s natural beauty and cultural richness, making it an enriching addition to any travel plans in the area.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off at your hotel lobby in Mui Ne and Phan Thiet areas, making logistics simple.

How long is the total tour?
The entire experience is about 12 hours, from early morning pickup to late afternoon return.

Are all activities suitable for children?
Most activities are suitable for most travelers, but the waterfall walk is straightforward. Check with the guide if you have young children or mobility concerns.

Can I customize the activities?
The tour offers some flexibility, especially in the bay where snorkeling and fishing are optional.

Is there a vegetarian menu?
Yes, the lunch can accommodate dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free—just specify this when booking.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and a towel. Water shoes are recommended for the waterfall area.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, all entrance fees for the pottery, waterfall, and boat rides are included in the price.

What is the best time of year for this tour?
While the information doesn’t specify seasons, generally, clear weather is best for snorkeling and outdoor activities—check local conditions before booking.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, the boat provides snorkeling gear, and guides assist if needed.

How do I book this tour?
You can reserve through the provided link or contact the supplier directly via phone or email for further inquiries.

This full-day tour from Mui Ne to Vinh Hy Bay combines scenic drives, cultural stops, and water adventures, creating an enriching and enjoyable experience for travelers eager to see a different side of Vietnam.