Ho Tram has a reputation problem. People think it’s just a resort strip — a place you go to sit by a pool for three days and never leave the property. And sure, you can do that. But if you’re the kind of person who gets restless by day two, there’s actually a lot around here.
I’ve explored most of this area over the years — sending guests out, checking what’s worth the drive, figuring out what’s overhyped. Here are eight things actually worth getting out of your resort for.
Getting around: you’ll need wheels. Grab is unreliable here. Best to arrange a private driver — someone who knows the area and can wait while you explore.
8 Best Things to Do in Ho Tram
1. Binh Chau Hot Springs (Minera)
About 20 minutes north of Ho Tram. Over 70 natural mineral spring sources, with pools ranging from warm to properly hot. They’ve got mud baths, mineral pools, and a surprisingly nice setup — it’s been rebranded as ‘Minera Hot Springs Binh Chau’ and got a major upgrade recently. Good for a half-day. Go in the morning before it gets crowded with tour buses.
Where: Xuyen Moc District, ~15km from Ho Tram resorts
Time needed: 2-4 hours
Bring: Swimwear, towel, flip-flops. They sell everything there but at a markup.
2. Ho Tram Beach (The Main One)
The obvious one, but worth mentioning because it’s genuinely good. Cleaner than Vung Tau, less developed than Nha Trang. The water is usually calm — good for swimming. Early mornings, you might have the whole thing to yourself. Late afternoons get busier with resort guests and local families.
Where: Stretches from Melia down past The Grand
Best time: 6-8am (empty) or 4-5pm (golden light, cooler)
Watch for: Some stretches have small shells near the waterline — water shoes help.
3. Ho Coc Beach
About 10 minutes south of Ho Tram. Wilder, less developed, more natural. If Ho Tram beach feels too manicured, Ho Coc is your answer. There’s a few simple seafood shacks right on the sand. Not much infrastructure — that’s the point.
Where: ~8km south of Ho Tram center
Best for: A quiet afternoon away from the resort crowd.
4. Binh Chau Fishing Port
Go early — like 6am early. This is where the local fishing boats come in with the morning catch. Squid, shrimp, crabs, fish you’ve never heard of. You can buy straight off the boat and have one of the small restaurants cook it for you. Even if you don’t eat anything, it’s a proper local scene — chaotic, noisy, completely unlike the resort bubble.
Where: Binh Chau, ~15km north
Go at: 5:30-7:00am for the action
Tip: Bring cash. Small bills.
5. Minh Dam Mountain
A historical site from the war period — Minh Dam was a resistance base with caves and tunnels used by Vietnamese forces. There’s a memorial at the top and you can explore some of the old bunkers. The hike up takes about 20-30 minutes, not too strenuous. Good views of the coastline from the top.
Where: ~25km from Ho Tram, near Long Hai
Time needed: 1-2 hours
Tip: Go early — no shade on the hike.
6. The Bluffs Golf Course
Even if you don’t play golf, this is worth knowing about. The Bluffs is a links-style course designed by Greg Norman, built on coastal dunes, with ocean views from nearly every hole. It’s hosted international tournaments and is widely considered one of the best courses in Southeast Asia. Part of The Grand Ho Tram complex.
Where: The Grand Ho Tram Strip
Booking: Through the resort or direct
Green fee: Not cheap — this is a world-class course.
7. Binh Chau – Phuoc Buu Nature Reserve
A protected forest area between the hot springs and the coast. Not heavily touristed — you’ll mostly see researchers and the occasional birdwatcher. The ecosystem here is unique: coastal forest on sand dunes. Over 200 bird species. If you’re into nature photography, bring your zoom lens.
Where: Adjacent to Binh Chau Hot Springs
Best for: Nature walks, birdwatching
Tip: Mosquito repellent is non-negotiable.
8. Local Seafood Restaurants
The resort restaurants are fine but overpriced. The real seafood is at the small family-run places along the coastal road — plastic chairs, open-air kitchens, tanks of live seafood. Point at what you want, they cook it. Grilled squid with chili salt, steamed clams with lemongrass, whole fish with tamarind sauce. A feast for two costs less than one resort main course.
Where: Along QL55, between Ho Tram and Ho Coc
Price: 200,000 – 500,000 VND for two people
Tip: Look for places with motorbikes parked outside — that’s the local endorsement.
The Short Version
Most people come to Ho Tram and never leave the resort. That’s fine — but you’re missing Binh Chau hot springs, fresh seafood at the fishing port, and one of the best golf courses in Southeast Asia. Get a driver for half a day. It’s worth it.
Planning a Ho Tram trip? Start with our complete guide, compare Melia vs Angsana vs Grand, or sort your airport transfer. WhatsApp +84 70 6666 520 or contact us.
