It has been regarded as an exotic travel destination or a "paradise on earth."
In the middle of Van Phong Bay, there are three islands: Diep Son, Hon Giua and Hon Duoc, each covering several hectares.
It is this 700-meter long sandbank - which emerges between Hon Giua and Diep Son during low tide - that makes this area exotic.
These sandbars are either partially submerged in the morning during high tide or completely dry and visible during low tide in the afternoon. Tourists can actually walk on this sandbank in the middle of the sea.
Nguyen Thi Hong Loan, a tourist from Phu Yen said the beauty of the natural landscape here is unbelievable. She added that the sandbar is actually this clean and beautiful.
“The sandbar is visible during low tide. We can cross it to reach the island at the end, but in the next morning you have to leave as quick as possible, otherwise the sandbar will be submerged. It's just like discovering an island with buried treasure”, a tourist from HCMC said.
There are dozens of families living on the island and fishing is their livelihood. Since 2016, the islanders have been able to earn extra income as more tourists have been visiting Diep Son to admire its stunning landscape.
According to the locals there are two best times in the month when the sandbar is the most visible - from the 12th to 16th and from 25th to 30th day of the month.
“Although the sandbar is beautiful, it also poses a particular threat to tourists. There are several dark spots in the water just next to the sand bar. Don't step on them.” Nguyen Van Kha, Diep Son island village, Van Thanh commune, Khanh Hoa province said.
The best time to visit Diep Son island if from December to June, during Vietnam's dry season. Thanks to social media sites and local travel agencies, the raw beauty of Diep Son has been widely published and the island is gearing up for tourism.
