A tiny retreat, situated 2.4km off the coast of Nha Trang, Hon Lao Island is graced with beautiful beaches backed by coconut palms and has a fair amount of coral reef and exotic fish for snorkelers to enjoy. This 35ha island offers various entertainment activities to visitors ranging from kayaking, ostrich riding, dog racing, go-karting and paintballing – they will be spoilt for choices.

But the most popular activity in the island, and the reason why so many tourists come, is the large contingent of resident monkeys. Hon Lao is commonly known as the Monkey Island for that. Getting up close with these wild creatures has become a big hit with domestic Vietnamese tourists allowing the monkeys to grow quite accustomed to receiving food handouts, providing ample photo opportunities. Over 1,200 monkeys inhabit the island at present. In fact, half of the island’s entire area is covered with forests that serve as homes to the monkeys, while the rest is maintained for other tourist attractions and services. Tourists who come and visit can stay in tents or beachside bungalows, which is abundant in the island.

In the daytime, they are visited by monkeys who are eager to be fed, or who oftentimes to take food from tourists. Peanuts or dried potatoes sold on the island are said to be among the little creatures’ favorite treats. Several organized tours are available, all packed with many things to do and see in Hon Lao. One-day tours, which usually starts with a 30-minute coach ride to Da Chong Port, takes tourists to a motorboat from the wharf to cruise around the rare mangrove Nha Phu Lagoon, which is dotted with dozens of islets and lobster farms.

Tourist can interact with lobster breeders and learn from them. A sumptuous lunch of seafood and of course, fresh lobsters, is part of the package. Joining tours will also give visitors a chance to visit Orchid Spring sporting a cave with hundreds of species of orchids, and deer, elephants and ostriches roaming the jungle. Tourists can even ride on the back of trained ostriches. Wildlife is simply rich in this island. Day trips to the island can cost around VND380,000 (US$18) per person, definitely not bad for such unique, relaxing experience and a day of getting up close with nature.