Where is the Best Place to Dive in Vietnam? A Complete Guide for Divers

Vietnam, a country known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich history, holds a secret that seasoned divers are beginning to uncover: a vibrant and diverse underwater world. With over 3,000 kilometers of coastline, the question isn’t if you should dive in Vietnam, but where you can find the absolute best place to do it.

While several destinations offer great diving, one stands out for its pristine conditions, protected biodiversity, and exclusive experiences. This guide will walk you through the top contenders and reveal why Con Dao Archipelago is widely considered the crown jewel of diving in Vietnam.

Popular Diving Hubs in Vietnam

To find the best, let’s first look at the most popular spots that put Vietnam on the diving map

1. Nha Trang: The Vibrant & Accessible Choice

Nha Trang is often the first name that comes up for diving in Vietnam. It’s a bustling coastal city with a lively nightlife, making it a popular choice for tourists who want to combine diving with other activities.

• What to Expect: Easy, accessible dive sites, decent coral reefs, and a variety of macro life. It’s a great place for beginners to get certified.
• Best For: Beginners, budget travelers, and those looking for a mix of diving and city entertainment.
• Best Time to Dive: February to October.

2. Phu Quoc: Gentle Currents and Macro Life

Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc is famous for its beautiful beaches and calm, warm waters. The diving here is relaxed, with gentle currents perfect for those new to the sport or who enjoy macro photography.

• What to Expect: Hard and soft corals, a variety of small reef fish, and interesting macro subjects like nudibranchs and crustaceans.
• Best For: Macro photography enthusiasts, families, and snorkelers.
• Best Time to Dive: October to May.

3. Hoi An (Cham Islands): Culture Above, Corals Below

Just off the coast of the charming ancient town of Hoi An lies the Cham Islands (Cù Lao Chàm), a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. It offers a fantastic opportunity to mix a rich cultural trip with some rewarding underwater exploration.

• What to Expect: Steep underwater topography, healthy corals, and a good chance to see larger schools of fish. Visibility can be variable.
• Best For: Divers who want to combine their trip with the cultural experience of Hoi An.
• Best Time to Dive: March to September.

Con Dao Island: The Unrivaled Crown Jewel of Vietnamese Diving 🏆

While the above locations are excellent, for divers seeking a truly world-class, untouched, and memorable experience, there is no place like the Con Dao Archipelago.

Con Dao is a remote group of 16 islands, protected as a National Park both on land and at sea. This protection has allowed its marine ecosystem to flourish in a way that is simply unmatched elsewhere in Vietnam. This is where you’ll find the healthiest reefs, the most abundant marine life, and the clearest water.

So, what makes Con Dao the best place to dive in Vietnam?

• Pristine, Protected Reefs: As part of the Con Dao National Park, the reefs are shielded from over-tourism and commercial fishing. The result is a thriving, colorful underwater landscape teeming with life.
• Incredible Biodiversity: Con Dao is home to the highest density of sea turtles in Vietnam, and sightings are very common. It’s also the only place in the country where you have a realistic chance of spotting majestic Dugongs. Expect to see large schools of barracuda, giant trevally, turtles, and a stunning variety of reef fish.
• Exclusive, Uncrowded Diving: The remote nature of Con Dao means fewer divers. At Amadive, we take this a step further. We are fully licensed and approved by the Con Dao National Park to access special, limited-access dive sites that are off-limits to most other operators.
• Personalized & Safe Experiences: We believe in quality over quantity. Amadive focuses on small, intimate groups of just 4-6 divers. This ensures your safety, maximizes your dive time, and provides a personal experience tailored to your skill level. For our guests on multi-day trips, we vary the dive sites every day, ensuring you see the very best of what Con Dao has to offer.

Feature	Nha Trang	Phu Quoc	Cham Islands	Con Dao (with Amadive)
Best For	Beginners, Nightlife	Macro, Families	Culture & Diving	Serious Divers, Photographers, Nature Lovers
Highlights	Easy access	Gentle currents	UNESCO Reserve	Pristine Reefs, Turtles, Pelagics, Dugongs
Crowd Level	High	Medium	Medium	Very Low / Exclusive
Marine Park	No	Yes	Yes	Yes (Strictly Protected National Park)

>>>Read More: Discovering Con Dao 10 Most Beautiful Dive Spots

The Verdict: Where Should You Dive?

If you’re looking for a quick dip or to party after your dive, Nha Trang is a fine choice. If gentle waters and tiny critters are your passion, Phu Quoc will delight you.

But if you are a passionate diver asking for the single best place to dive in Vietnam—a place with world-class biodiversity, healthy corals, and an exclusive, respectful approach to nature—the answer is unequivocally Con Dao with Amadive Con Dao Dive Center