How to get to the islands from Nha Trang and how much does the boat cost?

Ferry ticket to Hon Tam can be bought via Trip.com — option without mud baths or lunch, just transfer pass, cost about 1100 RUB. Mud baths aren't worth it, lunch can be bought beforehand at a shop (nobody checks). You go to the southern Hon Tam Port, show the QR code from Trip.com at the ticket counter and wait in line. Ferries run from 10:00 to 16:30 (last departure), the crossing itself takes about 10 minutes. Cafes on the island are reasonably priced, food costs 200-300 RUB, coconuts are tasty.

Ticket to the island (bought via Trip.com) also came with free towels. Tip: after getting off the ferry, go left — it's scenic, uncrowded, and good for spotting fish while swimming; going right means crowds and noise with nothing special. There are local shuttle buses on the island.

A southern islands day tour booked through a local agency went smoothly — watermelon and bananas served on board. Snorkeling and diving were underwhelming with little to see underwater. Hon Tam island was a highlight. Lunch on the island was varied and tasty. The Vietnamese guide surprisingly brought bottles of rum — an unusual touch. The return boat ride turned into a sing-along.

An overnight island trip involved multiple transfers: mainland reception check-in, then a boat with luggage, then a tuk-tuk to the hotel, and another check-in. The boat fare for 4 people was 1.7 million VND. A quick meal at the hotel café cost around 1,500 RUB for two. The sea water was surprisingly cold.