Hòn Ông Resort

I stayed in Whale Island on a stopover along a very long railway trip which led me from Shanghai to Saigon by way of Kunming and Hanoi. I staid in all kinds of accomodations along the way, from mountain huts and congenial homestays in the countryside to boutique hotels in historic city districts. Almost all of these places were nice and welcoming, but Whale Island was by far my best and most memorable overnight stay in this whole trip. In fact, in view of the massive development that Vietnam is engaged in to expand their tourism industry, it is almost a miracle that such a place does still exist, a haven of peace and preserved nature amidst a spectacular seascape, where you can sit on a palm-fringed cove, itself enclosed in a bay surrounded by mountains on all sides, from where the high-rises that have sprung up everywhere along the vietnamese coast are nowhere to be seen. The founder who created the resort is now retired, and we have to hope that the new owners will keep it the way it was meant to be, maintaining the spirit of this place as being different and special. Just seeing the mega-resort of Nha Trang further to the south, with its madness of 40-storey buldings and constant trafic noise, makes one understand why a place like Whale Island is infinitely precious, a gem to be preserved for those who look for something more than just a poolside sunlounger with wifi and vodka. Everything is to be commended in Whale Island , from the design of the thatch-roof huts that disappear under the trees, with an interior decor that is tastefully understated, to the common area where you can eat al fresco or have a drink along the sea. The team who work here are all very nice and friendly, and the service and cuisine are perfect in spite of the practical difficulties of working on an isolated island There is in truth nothing I did not like, but there are a few caveats for those who would come here and would expect the same amenities as in a mass-tourism-oriented resort : here there is no AC, nor wifi nor TVs in the rooms, which I think is a very courageous choice not only because it is environmentally-conscious, but also because it deters the kind of people which you would prefer not to meet here, like the russian "nouveaux riches" who patronize the tacky show-offish five-star skyscrapers of Nha Trang...

Our group of friends booked 2 nights at this spectacular resort, and it exceeded all our expectations! The beach view was absolutely breathtaking—especially at sunset, which felt like a private show just for us. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, making us feel welcome from the moment we arrived. Highly recommended for anyone looking to relax and soak in the beauty of nature!

My friend and I booked this resort for a one-night stay on March 3, planning for a short but memorable getaway. From the moment we arrived, we were impressed — the resort is absolutely beautiful, and the staff was incredibly friendly, accommodating, and informative about all the activities available. The private transport service we booked made getting from Nha Trang to the resort easy and comfortable. We had an amazing time swimming in crystal-clear waters, soaking in the breathtaking views, enjoying delicious food, trekking on the island, and kayaking. However, the main reason I'm writing this review is to share how incredibly supportive the resort team was during a critical and vulnerable moment. In the evening, I accidentally stepped on a sea urchin, and since this had never happened to me before, the pain was intense, and I was in complete shock — I needed to get to a hospital as soon as possible. Amidst all the chaos, the resort manager quickly stepped in, arranged a boat and a private car to the nearest hospital, and personally accompanied us at night, helping with the Vietnamese language. He stayed with us until I calmed down and the doctors took care of everything. In an incredibly kind gesture, he also covered the first-aid care expenses while we were still processing what had happened. In such a stressful situation, his support, presence, and understanding meant the world to me, and I’ll always be grateful for his kindness. So, if you’re considering this resort — go for it! It’s a stunning place, and the level of care and hospitality is exceptional. I just wish I hadn’t gotten injured, but even that experience showed me how wonderful the team is. 10/10, absolutely recommend. Writing this review is my small way of saying thank you! 💚

1. 🪷The room. We had a fantastic stay at the new building of this resort. Our room was spacious, stylish, and thoughtfully designed, with well-placed lighting, decorations, furniture, and a very comfortable bed. The linen and towels nice and clean. The bathroom was super large—I counted three showers. Plus, the toilet had a built-in shower feature. 2. 🌱Environmentally friendly. One of the most impressive aspects of this resort is its commitment to sustainability. They use solar energy. There were no plastic bottles or paper napkins. That make genuine effort to keep the bay clean. The water was crystal-clear, and the entire resort was aesthetically stunning and peaceful. 3. 🙏The staff truly stood out. They seemed genuinely happy to be working there and interested about guest wellbeing. 4. 🦋The nature. Snorkeling was another highlight. Just in front of the resort, we saw vibrant fish. I also highly recommend taking the snorkeling trip. Variety of birds and colorful butterflies and lizards. 5. 🍡The food was another standout. Everything was fresh, full of local herbs and flavors. The set menus were well-curated, and we particularly enjoyed the Sunday Grill Fest. On a small island, it makes sense not to carry excessive variety ecologically. It was also actually refreshing not to have to choose for once. 6. 🎣 Boat traffic. The fishermen’s daily grind start early and their boat motors make sound. If you want to sleep in the morning I recommend using the ear plugs provided by the resort.

Unfortunately the weather was a bit cold so could not enjoy the facilities too much. We were here as part of a group tour for two nights. I liked the bungalow huts, some on stilts hidden in the 'jungle' area. Food was good and te bar was reasonably priced but disappointed that it shut at ten. The rooms are big but basic, in style with jungle theme. A nice place wish I had experienced it in it's syn glory.

Very nice bungalows on the beach, great breakfast and food, outstanding staff. You can do snorkeling just there, they can also take you by boat to snorkeling spots, you can go hiking on the island. Be aware that the area is home to intense sea farming, the waters are littered with trash, but the staff continuously cleans the bay and the beach at the resort. It's not spotless clean, but clean enough that we could swim every day. The staff is really heroic in their cleaning effort. We spent a few days with family and kids, it was wonderful, I can only recommend.

I really want to commend the wonderful customer service I received from Duong Thuong! Your resort will definitely be in my future travel plans again, cheers!

Love coming here for scuba diving. The staff is wonderful and the food is phenomenal! Gotta love the sunsets!!