Vietnam

Country Name: Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Capital City: Hanoi

Population: Approximately 100 million (2024 est.)

Official Language: Vietnamese

Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)

Time Zone: Indochina Time (ICT), UTC +7

Young child in colorful tribal dress sitting outdoors
Vibrant multi-story building with illuminated shops at night
Scenic mountain pagoda at sunset
Boat floating on blue water near limestone cliffs

Diving Overview

Vietnam offers diverse diving experiences with its extensive coastline along the South China Sea, featuring vibrant coral reefs, shipwrecks, and abundant marine life. The country’s warm waters and rich biodiversity make it an attractive destination for divers of all levels.

  • Number of Dive Sites: Over 100
  • Types of Diving: Reef, wreck, drift, and wall diving.
  • Marine Biodiversity Highlights: Turtles, rays, sharks, various species of tropical fish, and vibrant coral reefs.
  • Average Water Temperatures: 24-30°C (75-86°F)
  • Visibility Range: 10-30 meters (33-98 feet)

Important Information

Optimal Dive Seasons

The best diving conditions are typically from April to October, when the waters are calm and visibility is high.

Major Airports

Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City), Da Nang International Airport (Da Nang)

The Travel Tip

A 3mm wetsuit is usually sufficient for diving in Vietnam’s warm waters, but consider a thicker suit for deeper dives or cooler periods.

Weather Patterns

Vietnam has a tropical climate with a wet season from May to October and a dry season from November to April, with coastal regions experiencing hot and humid conditions year-round.

Internal Transportation

Options include domestic flights, trains, buses, and a network of taxis and ride-sharing services, providing connectivity across the country.

Attractions

Major attractions include Ha Long Bay, the ancient town of Hoi An, the bustling city of Hanoi, the Mekong Delta, and the beaches of Da Nang and Nha Trang.

Top Dive Regions

Vietnam offers some of the most exciting and diverse diving experiences in Southeast Asia, with its extensive coastline along the South China Sea providing unique underwater landscapes and abundant marine life. Nha Trang is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and a plethora of marine species, making it perfect for both novice and experienced divers. Con Dao combines historical shipwrecks with colorful coral reefs, offering a fascinating underwater adventure close to the secluded island. Phu Quoc, located in the Gulf of Thailand, is famous for its calm waters and rich marine biodiversity, providing unforgettable encounters with various marine animals. Lastly, Da Nang offers a mix of reef and wall diving with excellent visibility, ideal for exploring the underwater world. These top dive sites highlight Vietnam’s diverse marine environments and the country’s appeal as a premier diving destination.


Nha Trang

Known for its clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and a variety of marine life, making it ideal for both beginner and advanced divers.

Con Dao

Offers historical shipwrecks and coral reefs, providing a rich underwater experience combined with the allure of a secluded island.

Phu Quoc

Located in the Gulf of Thailand, it is famous for calm waters and rich marine biodiversity, offering unforgettable encounters with various marine animals.

Da Nang

Offers a mix of reef and wall diving with excellent visibility, ideal for exploring the underwater world.

Marine Life

Vietnam’s diverse marine environments, spanning the extensive coastline along the South China Sea, are home to an impressive variety of marine life. The coral reefs of the coast, particularly around Nha Trang and Con Dao, teem with vibrant tropical fish, sea turtles, rays, and various species of sharks. These reefs are also home to colorful corals, sponges, and an array of invertebrates. In areas like Phu Quoc and Da Nang, divers can encounter rich marine biodiversity, including large pelagic species. Phu Quoc is notable for its calm waters and rich biodiversity, providing spectacular diving experiences. Additionally, Vietnam’s waters host diverse species such as moray eels, barracudas, groupers, and a variety of nudibranchs and crustaceans. The unique marine ecosystems are supported by nutrient-rich waters, making Vietnam a prime destination for marine biodiversity and underwater exploration.

Common Species: Sea turtles, rays, whale sharks, manta rays, moray eels, barracudas, groupers, nudibranchs, and various species of tropical fish.

Seasonal Highlights: The best time to encounter whale sharks is typically from May to September, offering spectacular sightings. The waters around Phu Quoc provide excellent diving conditions year-round.