Name and Location

Hon Chút Lighthouse, also known as Đèn biển Hòn Chút, is a small coastal aid to navigation situated on the eastern headland of Cam Ranh Bay in Khánh Hòa Province, south-central Vietnam. Its official address is Đường lên hải đăng, Cam Lập ward, Tp. Cam Ranh, Khánh Hòa, Vietnam.

Construction and History

The lighthouse's construction date is unknown, but it was likely erected in the mid-20th century to support growing fishing and coastal traffic. There is no documented French period lighthouse at this site during the colonial era. The lighthouse does not have heritage status listed on national or UNESCO registers.

Architecture and Materials

The tower form is a small cylindrical masonry structure with a white finish, standing 59 meters tall. It is likely constructed from reinforced concrete or brick infill with cement render, typical of regional minor lights. The architectural style is functional and utilitarian, without ornamentation.

Light and Navigation

The lighthouse emits a flashing white light every 4 seconds, visible between bearings 128° and 038°, covering the bay entrance. Its nominal range is 5 nautical miles. It is believed to be fully automated, with no on-site keeper's quarters remaining in use.

Accessibility and Visiting

The site can be reached via a narrow paved road branching off Highway 1A near Cam Lập. There are no visitor facilities, restrooms, or guided tours available. The lighthouse is unstaffed and open only during daylight hours.

Notable Views and Landscape

The surrounding environment features rugged coastal slopes with low shrubs and intermittent casuarina trees. Panoramic views of Cam Ranh Bay, Bãi Dài (Long Beach), and the open South China Sea to the east are available.

Anecdotes and Folklore

Local fishermen believe that the light warns of submerged reefs that once claimed small sampans. There are no documented oral histories or keeper stories from this site.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse is managed by Vietnam Maritime Administration (MARAD) / Vietnam Coast Guard, with chart references available in NGA Pub. 112, Admiralty List of Lights, and Vietnamese coastal charts.

For further reading, refer to US NGA (2009), "Pub. 112 — List of Lights, Radio Aids and Fog Signals: Pacific Coast", Vietnam Maritime Administration official website, Google Maps (satellite imagery and street view), GeoNames, and OpenStreetMap entry (way/243480746).