Hidden Paradise of Ninh Van Bay an Lam Retreat Review: Vietnam’s Best-Kept Secret

Ninh Vinh Bay An Lam Retreats Vietnam Coco Tran

After three transformative days at An Lam Retreats in Ninh Van Bay, I’m letting you in on Vietnam’s best-kept coastal secret—a place where the water clarity rivals Phu Quoc but the crowds are nonexistent. This isn’t your typical tourist trap; it’s an intimate paradise that made me completely rethink what luxury in Vietnam can be.

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an lam retreats review

ninh vinh bay travel guide

Hidden Paradise of Ninh Van Bay an Lam Retreat Review: Vietnam’s Best-Kept Secret

I discovered Ninh Van Bay during my journey to Nha Trang, and those three days changed everything I thought I knew about Vietnamese coastal retreats. Here’s the intel you need—from someone who’s lived it, breathed it, and honestly didn’t want to leave.

Where is Ninh Van Bay Located?

I found this gem tucked away on Vietnam’s south-central coast, about 60 kilometers from the bustle of Nha Trang. What makes it special? You can only reach it by boat—and trust me, that’s exactly what keeps it pristine. After experiencing both sides of Vietnamese coastal tourism, I can tell you this isolation is pure gold.

Ninh Vinh Bay An Lam Retreats Vietnam Coco Tran

Why Visit Ninh Van Bay? Is Ninh Van Bay Worth It?

I’m going to be direct—yes. Here’s why I’m convinced:

  • I’ve never seen water this clear in Vietnam outside of Phu Quoc
  • The limited development preserves its natural beauty (a rarity in modern Vietnam)
  • You get Five-star service without the pretension
  • The seclusion creates an atmosphere that’s impossible to find in more accessible locations

My tip? Book at least three nights. I stayed that long and wished I’d planned for more.

What’s the Nearest Airport Ninh Van Bay Vietnam?

Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR) serves as the gateway to Ninh Van Bay. It’s well-connected with major Vietnamese cities and receives international flights from various Asian hubs.

How To Get To Ninh Van Bay

The nearest gateway is Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR). From my experience, the journey becomes part of the story:

  1. Land at Cam Ranh
  2. Take a scenic 60-minute drive to the mainland jetty
  3. Hop on a 15-minute boat ride to your slice of paradise

How to Get to an lam retreat in Ninh Van Bay?

The journey is part of the experience:

  1. From Cam Ranh Airport to Ninh Van Bay :
    • 60-minute car transfer to the mainland jetty
    • 15-minute scenic boat ride to your resort
  2. From Nha Trang City to  Ninh Van Bay:
    • 20-minute car ride to the jetty
    • 15-minute boat transfer

From Da Nang to Ninh Van Bay: my Route

I’ve taken this route myself, and here’s what you need to know—it’s a trek, but the destination makes it worthwhile. You’ve got three solid options:

Option 1: The Quick Hop (My Recommendation)

  • Catch a direct flight from Da Nang (DAD) to Cam Ranh (CXR) ( Direct flights are available again)
  • Flight time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Airlines: Vietnam Airlines — avoid Vietjet (delays are common)
  • Cost: $50-120 depending on season
  • Helpful Tip: Book the earliest morning flight—I found these tend to have fewer delays and better prices
  • [ Check Flights Here ] 

Option 2: The Scenic Train Journey

  • Take the Reunification Express from Da Nang to Nha Trang
  • Duration: 10-11 hours
  • Cost: $25-45 (soft sleeper recommended)
  • Insider Secret: Book cabin TT5 or TT6—these are in the middle of the train where the ride is smoothest
  • [ Reserve Train Here ] 

Option 3: Private Car Transfer

  • Duration: 12-13 hours
  • Cost: $150-200
  • Pro Tip: If you’re taking this route, I recommend breaking up the journey with an overnight stay in Quy Nhon—a severely underrated coastal city
  • [ Reserve Car Transfer Here 

From either Cam Ranh Airport or Nha Trang, your journey continues as follows:

  1. Land at Cam Ranh
  2. Take a scenic 60-minute drive to the mainland jetty
  3. Hop on a 15-minute boat ride to your slice of paradise

Insider Tip: An Lam Retreats includes complimentary transfers—take advantage of this because the alternative options are limited and often overpriced.

Where to Stay in Ninh Van Bay: Ninh Van Bay vietnam resorts

From my experience at An Lam Retreats, the Bay View Pool Villa offers an ideal balance of views and accessibility. Each accommodation type has its charm:

best resorts in vietnam for couples

An Lam Retreat ninh van bay

  • Intimate 37-villa property
  • Adult only 
  • Pet friendly resort
  • Exceptional butler service
  • Outstanding breakfast spread
  • Infinity pool with panoramic views
  • Complimentary activities (yoga, kayaking)
  • private beach with large bolders

Luxury Resorts in Ninh van bay:

Six Senses Ninh Van Bay

  • Iconic luxury brand
  • Family friendly
  • Focuses on wellness
  • Spectacular villa designs
  • private beach with large bolders
  • large pool

L’Alya Ninh Van Bay

  • Boutique atmosphere
  • Private beach access
  • Vietnamese architectural elements

How Many Days in Ninh Van Bay is Enough?

Based on my recent three-day stay, I’d recommend 2-3 days minimum. Here’s why: because it’s a journey to get to the resort it’s best to spend at least two nights to relax and take it all in. here’s a suggested Ninh Vinh Bay Itinerary

Ninh Vinh Bay Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrival and resort orientation, evening relaxation
  • Day 2: Water activities and spa treatments
  • Day 3: Nature exploration and sunset experiences
Ninh Vinh Bay An Lam Retreats Vietnam Coco Tran

What to Do in Ninh Van Bay?

During my stay, I discovered the perfect mix of relaxation and activity:

Water Activities:

  • Kayaking around the bay (complimentary at most resorts)
  • Snorkeling in crystal-clear waters
  • Private boat tours
  • Sunset cruises

Wellness:

  • Morning yoga sessions
  • Spa treatments
  • Meditation in nature
  • Private pool time

Nature Experiences:

  • Hiking trails
  • Bird watching
  • Photography walks
  • Beach exploration
Coco Tran • Curated Travel Journal • Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/ninh-van-bay-an-lam-retreat-review-vietnam/

An Lam Retreats Ninh Van Bay Review: My Personal Experience

I spent two nights in a Bay View Pool Villa, and here’s my honest review. Picture waking up to panoramic views of the bay, with your private infinity pool merging seamlessly with the horizon. The villa itself? Spectacular.

What I Loved about An Lam Retreats:

  • The private pool—perfectly positioned for sunrise swims
  • Daily breakfast that went beyond typical resort offerings
  • My personal butler who anticipated needs I didn’t know I had
  • The phin coffee and condensed milk setup in the room (a touch of authentic Vietnam in a luxury setting)

The Room An Lam Retreat :

My Bay View Pool Villa offered the perfect balance of luxury and authenticity. The space was generous, with a design that brought the outside in. The bathroom? More like a spa sanctuary. And that private pool—I spent countless hours there, alternating between swimming and stargazing.

The Food An Lam Retreat:

Yes, it’s pricier than mainland restaurants, but the quality justifies the cost. I found myself gravitating toward:

  • The breakfast spread was exceptional and had a large variety each day a freshly cooked station ranging from pho to banh xeo (included in the rate)
  • welcome drink and fruit platter
  • Fresh seafood dinners and traditional Vietnamese dishes
  • In-villa dining for those lazy afternoons
  • a fully stocked mini fridge with non alcoholic drinks and light snacks
  • The dinner menu was limited and could be improved

Activities I Tried at An Lam Retreat:

  • Morning yoga sessions (complimentary)
  • Kayaking around the bay (fantastic for photography)
  • Swimming in the main infinity pool
  • Nature walks around the property

An lam retreats Ninh van bay prices

I visited in November 2024 so it was during the down season, the room was booked on Booking.com about 3 months prior and it cost $625 per night including breakfast.

How to Get Around in Ninh Van Bay?

The bay’s intimate size makes getting around surprisingly straightforward:

  • Resorts provide bicycles (I used mine daily)
  • Walking paths connect major points of interest
  • Boat services for water transfers
  • Butler service for transport arrangements

Important Note: There’s limited access to mainland Nha Trang—An Lam offers one complimentary shuttle daily (9 AM-3 PM), so plan accordingly.

Best Time to Visit an lam ninh van bay

I visited during peak season, and even then, it felt private and exclusive. Here’s my seasonal breakdown based on local intel and personal experience:

Peak Season (March-September):

  • Clearest water conditions
  • Perfect for water activities
  • Higher rates but worth it for the optimal conditions

Shoulder Season (October-November):

  • More variable weather but still beautiful
  • Better rates
  • Fewer guests

Low Season (December-February):

  • Some rain but still plenty of clear days
  • Lowest rates
  • More intimate atmosphere
Coco Tran • Curated Travel Journal • Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/ninh-van-bay-an-lam-retreat-review-vietnam/

Getting from An Lam Retreat to Nha Trang

Here’s what I discovered about navigation:

  • Boat service to the mainland runs once daily (9 AM-3 PM)

Important Note from My Experience: That single daily boat shuttle to the mainland is the only real limitation. Plan your off-resort activities accordingly.

Coco Tran • Curated Travel Journal • Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/ninh-van-bay-an-lam-retreat-review-vietnam/

Costs and prices of Vietnam luxury resorts

My breakdown of daily expenses:

  • Villa rates: Started at $250/night (including breakfast)
  • Meals: $30-50 per person
  • Activities: Many included, specialty experiences extra
  • Spa treatments: $80-150
Coco Tran • Curated Travel Journal • Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/ninh-van-bay-an-lam-retreat-review-vietnam/

Travel Tips from My Stay

  1. Book Direct: I got better perks booking through the resort
  2. Room Choice: Bay View Pool Villas offer the best value-to-view ratio
  3. Timing: Early morning activities offer the best photography opportunities
  4. Packing: Bring reef-safe sunscreen—the water is too beautiful to pollute
  5. Mosquiotos: because it’s set in the jungle there are mosquiotos. bring repelant 

Travel Tips from My Experience

  1. Resort Selection: Choose based on your primary interest (wellness, romance, or adventure)
  2. Transportation: Book resorts with included transfers
  3. Activities: Pre-book special experiences (they fill up quickly)
  4. Dining: Factor in limited outside dining options
  5. Weather: Pack for both sun and sudden showers

Is Ninh Van Bay Right for You?

You’ll love Ninh Van Bay if:

  • You value privacy over nightlife
  • You’re looking for a genuine escape
  • You appreciate luxury that doesn’t feel artificial
  • You’re comfortable with being somewhat isolated

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Ninh Van Bay suitable for families? A: Yes, but it’s better suited for couples or solo travelers seeking tranquility.

Q: Can you visit for just a day? A: Not recommended—the transfer logistics and exclusive resort setup make it impractical.

Q: How does it compare to Nha Trang? A: Much more exclusive and peaceful, but with fewer urban amenities and entertainment options.

Q: Are there budget accommodations? A: No—Ninh Van Bay caters exclusively to the luxury market.

After my time here, I can confidently say Ninh Van Bay offers something increasingly rare in Vietnam—an authentic luxury experience that hasn’t been overdeveloped or commercialized. While the pricing reflects its exclusivity, the experience delivers value that exceeds the cost. It’s not just another beach destination; it’s a retreat that reminds you why you travel in the first place.

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