Tri Nguyen Aquarium's Unique Charm
Tri Nguyen Aquarium, a signature marine attraction in Nha Trang, is an aquarium with distinctive boat-shaped architecture and hundreds of species of marine life. Located on Hon Mieu Island, it is approximately 8 km from Nha Trang city center. The aquarium was built in 1971 by a local fisherman.
The interior of the aquarium spans multiple floors and features diverse marine life including sharks, rays, sea turtles, and vibrant coral reefs. The admission fee includes aquarium viewing, sea turtle feeding, giant arapaima fishing experience, photo sessions on the boat, dragon park exploration, bougainvillea flower path walk, peacock dance show, and basket boat ride.
Admission & Operating Hours
Operating hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Standard admission is 150,000 VND for adults, 85,000 VND for children (1m–1.4m tall), and free for infants under 1m.
Please note that price information varies by source, so we recommend checking official channels or contacting local vendors for the latest rates before your visit.
| Category | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (1.4m and above) | 150,000 VND range | Subject to change |
| Child (1m–1.4m) | 85,000–100,000 VND | Based on height |
| Infant (under 1m) | Free | Unlimited |
| Combo ticket (marine life show included) | 280,000 VND range | Additional activity option |
Some services such as boat rides, water sports, and special games incur additional fees beyond admission, so it's helpful to check in advance.
Transportation to the Island
Departure Point: Cau Da Port
The aquarium is located on Hon Mieu Island, approximately 10–20 minutes by boat or canoe from Cau Da Port. From Nha Trang city center to Cau Da Port takes about 10–15 minutes by taxi or motorbike.
Round-Trip Transportation Cost
From Nha Trang city center, travel to Cau Da Port (Vinh Truong Port), then rent a canoe or wooden boat to Hon Mieu Island. Shared canoe round-trip tickets cost approximately 150,000 VND.
Private or group boat rentals are also available. Dedicated boat or canoe rentals typically cost 500,000–800,000 VND depending on group size and cruising time.
| Transportation | Capacity | One-Way Approx. | Round-Trip | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shared canoe | Unlimited | 75,000 VND | 150,000 VND | Shared with locals and other tourists |
| Small canoe (8-person) | Up to 8 | 103,000 VND | ~ | Half-day rental basis |
| Medium canoe (12-person) | Up to 12 | 124,000 VND | ~ | Half-day rental basis |
| Large canoe (20-person) | Up to 20 | 155,000 VND | ~ | Half-day rental basis |
| Private boat/speedboat | Varies | 250,000–400,000 VND | 500,000–800,000 VND | Varies by size and duration |
Tip: For small groups or individuals, you can save on transportation costs by sharing a public canoe with other visitors departing from Cau Da Port.
Tour Package Options
Beyond individual visits, travel agencies in Nha Trang offer multi-island tour packages that include the aquarium.
The Nha Trang 3-Island Tour (Ceu Ceu Beach, fishing village, and Tri Nguyen Aquarium) costs approximately 700,000–850,000 VND and includes canoe, admission, lunch, guide, and hotel pickup. The tour operates from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, approximately a full day.
For a more immersive experience, scuba diving tours are available. The Scuba Diving & Tri Nguyen Aquarium Tour costs approximately 1,050,000 VND and includes canoe/speedboat, guide, diving equipment, coral planting activity, aquarium admission, and seafood barbecue lunch.
What to Bring & Important Notes
- Choose the right season: October–December (lunar calendar) is the rainy season with heavy downpours, so it's best to avoid this period. The dry season (January–August) is more pleasant.
- Travel time: Round-trip boat travel takes approximately 30–40 minutes, so consider the condition of any children traveling with you.
- Cash preparation: Additional activities within the aquarium (feeding, games, water sports) may require separate cash payment.
- Sun exposure: Spend considerable time exposed to sun on the boat, so bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water.
- Motion sickness prevention: On rough sea days, taking motion sickness medication in advance can help.
Final Checklist
Before visiting, confirm the following:
- Check with local travel agencies or ports for daily operations and current rates
- Monitor weather and sea conditions (avoid the rainy season)
- Prepare necessary cash (many facilities don't accept cards)
- Wear comfortable clothing, bring a waterproof bag, and apply sunscreen
- Plan for hydration during a full day under intense sun
Tri Nguyen Aquarium is an iconic Nha Trang attraction where you can enjoy both distinctive boat-shaped architecture and marine life observation. Familiarizing yourself with transportation information and fees in advance will ensure a more rewarding Nha Trang visit.
Verify Latest Information
Admission prices, operating hours, transportation options, and tour inclusions may vary by season and operator, so please recheck official channels before booking.