Nha Trang (VNA) - Boasting more than 60 islands, the central coastal city of Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa province, has become an attractive destination for domestic and foreign visitors, especially since the Nha Trang Bay was named a member of the World's Most Beautiful Beaches Club in June 2003.

Islands in Nha Trang are divided into northern and southern areas, with each having its own attraction. The most famous islands include Hon Tre, Hon Yen and Hon Rua. Many of the islands such as Tri Nguyen, Dam Bay and Hon Mot are inhabited by fishermen.

A five-star resort town on the sea, called "Hon Ngoc Viet" (Viet gem), has been built on Hon Tre (Bamboo Island). It has a 5,700 sq.m lake, a quiet beach, and an artificial 20m-high waterfall. Visitors can go to Hon Ngoc Viet by high-speed boats and will be provided with high-quality services of international standards.

Another marine paradise, the Tri Nguyen Aquarium, is only 10 minutes by boats from Cau Da port in Nha Trang. An aquarium in the shape of a ship houses many kinds of rare and precious marine creatures.

Meanwhile, tours to Dao Yen (Swallow Island)-Hon Noi, although only available since last year, have attracted a large number of tourists. Khanh Hoa is home to the country's largest flock of about 800,000 swallows, living on 12 islands and islets in the Dao Yen-Hon Noi area. Tourists can visit caves where the swallows create their nets on the rocks and enjoy a delicious and nutritious food prepared from swallows' nets and sugar candy which in the past was reserved only for kings.

On Con Se Tre (Bamboo Sparrow) island, the unique houses which are all built of bamboo, and local grilled dishes, eaten under torchlight on the beach, are sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors.

Another deserted island, Hon Tam (Silkworm) has turned into a paradise for tourists thanks to over 10 years' work by local people. In addition to swimming and relaxing on its beautiful beach, holiday makers can enjoy diving, parachuting, water motor ride, fishing and hiking.

Located not far from Hon Tam is Hon Mot (Mot Island), with poetic beaches hidden among mountains and a lively fishing village.

Scuba diving tours at Hon Mun (Black Island) and Hon Rom (Straw Island) provide an excellent opportunity for diving-lovers to slip into the clear water and admire colourful coral reefs about 5-7m under water. At present, the water around Hon Mun is home to about 350 species of coral and thousands of species of fish. Visitors can also view the beautiful marine world from specially-designed ships./.