Nha Trang swimming spots: Hon Tam island vs Doc Let beach vs hot springs — which has the best water?

At the mineral spring complex there are mud baths and a small water park in addition to the pools of different temperatures; it's not crowded, no queues, plenty of space for everyone.

At Bai Dai beach (near Cam Ranh) the water is generally fine but noticeably colder than in Nha Trang, with a lot of plankton; there can also be low tide.

Near Svandor the water is noticeably colder, greenish close to shore, and has an unpleasant smell — almost no one is swimming there, everyone moved to the pools instead.

Doc Let and Hon Tam feel different: Doc Let has turquoise, warm water and white sand. Hon Tam is cozier, water is good too, and there are activities on site.

At Hon Tam island the sea is noticeably saltier and stronger than, say, near Costabella beach — it's easy to swim, the water almost holds you up on its own.

At hot mineral spring pool complexes the water is warmer than the sea, with both regular and hot pools available, but all of them are shallow.