In 1995, while kayaking in Van Phong Bay, Canadian Sylvio Lamarche discovered a beautiful beach in a secluded part of the Hon Heo Peninsula. He established Jungle Beach in 2001, and today it’s more a family-run homestay than resort. You’ve got crystal clear water off your own private stretch of white sand, and the Hon Heo mountains rising behind you. A collection of bamboo huts comprise the complex, and there’s even an elaborate shaded playground for kids. This is where you go when you want to play castaway, with simple furnishings, home cooked meals, and absolute peace and solitude. There are even some air-conditioned cabins available.
Wildlife has recently put this area in the spotlight, with the discovery of over 100 black-shanked douc langur monkeys in the mountains above the beach. These primates had previously only been seen in the Central Highlands, and with the assistance of Germany’s Frankfurt Zoological Society and the resort’s owner, Sylvio, Vietnam’s Natural Resources and Forestry Environment Center hope to protect the animal’s habitat. With jungle trekking part of this area’s charm, you can also try to do some animal spotting on your own or with the help of Syvio’s telescope.
A car can pick you up from Nha Trang, and prices start at a very reasonable $22 per person. It also makes for a fun day trip if you truly want to get away from it all. On highway 1, after passing through Ninh Hoa town turn right at the big sign for the Hyundai-Vinashin shipyard (about 100 meters before the sign for Doc Let Beach), and when you get to the massive ship-building complex you’ll be directed to a rough road running directly behind its walls towards Ninh Phuoc village. Pass through this tranquil hamlet and you’ll eventually see the bamboo fence surrounding Jungle Beach’s compound, right before a stunning line of tall mango trees running along a creek bed.
For secluded luxury there’s the 5-star Evason Hideaway Resort, tucked in its own private bay on the south side of the peninsula. Right next to Jungle Beach is the new Wild Beach Resort & Spa.
Jungle Beach Resort
Address: Ninh Phuoc, Ninh Hoa
Phone: (84 58) 3622384
and (84) 0913-429144
Email:
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Evason Hideaway
Address: Ninh Van Bay
Tel: (84 58) 352 4268
Fax: (84 58) 352 4704
E-mail:
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Wild Beach Resort
Address: Ninh Phuoc, Ninh Hoa
Phone: (84 58) 3622 694
Fax: (84 58) 3622 691
Email:
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