Exploring the secrets beyond the waves of Mai Nha Islet

Amidst the vast expanse of waves and the rustling casuarina groves, Mai Nha Islet (located in An HoaHai Commune, Tuy An District) rises like a giant rooftop nestled in the sea. Setting foot on the island, one is greeted by a world apart - pristine, tranquil, and strikingly unfamiliar, evoking a sense of awe and wonder.

Fishing at Mai Nha Islet
Fishing at Mai Nha Islet

Located about 30 kilometers north of Tuy Hoa city center, Mai Nha Islet is a small island approximately 4 kilometers offshore, lying just beyond the beach of Phước Đồng Hamlet, An Hoa Hai Commune. From the mainland pier, it takes only around 10 minutes by canoe or fishing boat for visitors to reach this untouched and pristine land.

Without bustling crowds, rows of service kiosks, or the thumping beats of portable speakers, Mai Nha Islet feels like a quiet whisper from the ocean - reserved for those who know how to listen. This very stillness is what makes the island especially captivating for explorers seeking untouched, unspoiled destinations yet to be “awakened.”

Blue seas, rugged cliffs, and hidden coral reefs

Not as famous as Da Dia Reef or Xep Beach, Mai Nha Islet possesses a unique, rustic charm and a strikingly untouched beauty. Often referred to as Phu Yen’s own “Robinson Island,” it is an ideal escape to immerse oneself in nature and leave behind the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Setting foot on Mai Nha Islet, the first thing that catches the eye is the clear turquoise sea, blending seamlessly with the sky in a seemingly endless horizon. Surrounding the island are reddish rock formations of various shapes, weathered by wind and waves over millions of years into vivid natural sculptures. Between these rocks, the sea flows in to form small natural infinity pools - perfectly serene and stunning for photography.

During the summer, with clear waters and calm seas, visitors can see vibrant clusters of coral hidden beneath the pristine surface. This area is also home to various marine species, including fish, crabs, and sea cucumbers, creating a rich and diverse marine ecosystem that appeals to those who enjoy snorkeling or trying their hand at fishing right from the rocky shore.

A day at Mai Nha Islet offers visitors the chance to swim to their heart’s content in the cool, refreshing waters without the worry of bumping into crowds; enjoy a picnic on the soft sandy beach while watching the waves gently roll in; capture flawless photos amid untouched natural scenery; and camp overnight under the shimmering sky and sea.

Keeping the islet forever green

Mai Nha Islet, if developed properly, it could truly become a new highlight on Phu Yen’s coastal and island tourism map. But first and foremost, it must be a journey of responsibility - from organizers to every visitor.

Mr. Pham Tan Cuong, Director of Cuong Tour Island Co., Ltd., shared: “Summer is the peak season for island tourism. Currently, many groups of young travelers and families are booking tours to Mai Nha Islet for day trips and overnight camping. The company offers a variety of service packages at the most affordable prices, ranging from 99,000 to 650,000 VND per person. With the highest-tier package, within 24 hours, visitors are not only provided with canoe transfers and guided tours around the island including swimming in the "infinity pools", snorkeling to explore coral reefs, and enjoying local seafood specialties but also receive training in survival skills.”

“Regardless of the service package, Cường Tour Island always prioritizes marine environmental protection,” Mr. Cuong emphasized. “We constantly remind our guests to be mindful of not littering, especially avoiding plastic waste in the sea, and to dispose of trash in designated areas for proper collection back to shore. It’s everyone’s responsibility to join hands in protecting the green lungs of Mai Nha Islet”.

No littering, no cutting down trees, no breaking coral, ect. these are the smallest yet most meaningful actions to help keep Mai Nha Islet forever green - true to the rich symbolism of its name.

The ideal time to explore Mai Nha Islet is from March to August each year. During this period, the weather is sunny, the sea is calm, and the water is crystal clear - perfect for activities such as snorkeling, swimming, beach sports, camping, and island exploration...

Translated by HAI LOAN

Your comment