Fodor's Expert Review Whale Island Resort

This tranquil beachfront eco-lodge in Van Phong Bay, about two hours north of Nha Trang, has basic but comfortable fan-cooled bamboo bungalows set among coconut palms. Whale Island offers diving from January to October and from April to July, when whales and sharks converge in the bay to feed. Since opening in 1997, Alexandre and his French and Vietnamese staff have worked hard at preserving the local flora, fauna, and marine life. Room prices include breakfast and boat transfer.