Buzz
Nam Du, Phu Quy, Tho Chu, and Diep Son are predicted to be the 4 islands young travel enthusiasts will seek out in 2016. Each island area brings its own unique mysterious charm, stimulating curiosity and a desire for exploration upon arrival.
1. Phu Quy Island
Phu Quy is a small island located about 120km from Phan Thiet city. The first impression upon arrival is the raw, untouched scenery, with minimal signs of professional tourism services. Perhaps this is why Phu Quy is increasingly becoming a hotspot for travel-loving youth.
Not only attractive to tourists with its numerous beaches such as Trieu Duong Bay, Doi Dua Beach, and Nho – Ganh Hang Beach, Phu Quy also boasts many scenic spots for exploration. Despite its small size of only 16 km², the island is home to numerous ancient architectural structures such as Linh Quang Pagoda, Van An Thanh Pagoda in Tam Thanh commune; Thay Nai tomb, Bang Tranh goddess temple in Long Hai commune; the ancient Linh Son Pagoda on Cao Cat mountain…
The seafood specialties of Phu Quy are fresh, delicious, and reasonably priced. In the early morning, you can visit the fish markets or take a canoe to visit the fishing boats returning to shore, learn about the traditional shark fishing or lobster diving professions, and then return to the fishing villages for breakfast. While chatting with fishermen, you can also take the opportunity to buy fresh seafood just brought ashore, have it prepared according to your preferences by the locals, which is not only cheap but also incredibly delicious.
2. Nam Du Island
Nam Du is an archipelago consisting of 21 small and large islands, located in the southwest of the beloved S-shaped map. It is a small archipelago belonging to two communes, An Son and Nam Du, in Kien Hai district, Kien Giang province, about 65 nautical miles from the coast of Rach Gia, known as another Phu Quoc of Kien Giang.
Nam Du has numerous beautiful spots that delight tourists. During the first few days, you should spend time exploring places like Ma Thien Lanh Hill, Nom Island, Hon Hai Bo Dap, and the lighthouse... After completing a round of exploration, head to Mau Island, Oil Island, and Cay Men Beach to camp and enjoy the fresh atmosphere of the sea.
The cuisine in Nam Du mainly consists of fresh seafood, so you can indulge in dishes like grilled fish with banana flower, grilled scallops with spring onions, steamed squid with ginger, sour soup with grouper, dried fish... This archipelago only has electricity from about 8:30 AM to 1 PM and 3:30 PM to 11 PM daily. Therefore, you should remember to charge your phone, camera, and other electronic devices. There are not many entertainment activities in the evening here, so prepare some fun plans to avoid feeling bored.
3. Diep Son Island
As one of the most challenging island communes in Khanh Hoa province, the Diep Son island village with 83 households is still living in conditions lacking electricity and clean water for daily use. Diep Son consists of 3 small islands, floating in the sea of Van Phong Bay. The journey to explore the islands starts from Van Gia town, after about an hour of sailing on the sea, the beautiful Diep Son archipelago gradually appears, clearly outlined on the horizon.
The unique feature of Diep Son Island is the incredibly fascinating and unique underwater pathway, stretching nearly 700 meters, connecting the small island with the larger Diep Son Island. The winding pathway, about 1 meter wide, lies deep under the clear blue sea, less than half a meter below the surface. Walking on this pathway brings an immensely thrilling sensation, mingled with excitement and a hint of fear as you step amidst the vast ocean. You can enjoy watching schools of small fish swimming playfully on both sides, occasionally witnessing them leap out of the water, or waving to passing boats.
4. Tho Chu Island
With the beauty of pristine beaches, shady coconut trees casting reflections, and the friendly smiles of fishermen, Tho Chu Island exists only in the context of backpacking tourism. The Tho Chu archipelago belongs to Phu Quoc district, Kien Giang province, consisting of numerous large and small sunken islands. Notable among them are 8 prominent islands with different shapes and sizes, namely Hon Cao Cat, Hon Mo, Hon Cao, Hon Tu, Hon Nuoc, Hon Keo Ngua, Hon Nhan, and Tho Chau, referred to as Tho Chu by the locals. This archipelago is located at the southwesternmost point of Vietnam, about 160 km from Cape Ca Mau to the northwest and about 220 km from Rach Gia town (Kien Giang) to the west.
When visiting Tho Chu Island, you can indulge in swimming in the sea, diving to admire the 99 identified coral species here, sunbathing, observing the lively life when boats return, or the beachside bonfire groups, embracing the salty sea breeze, savoring delicious fresh seafood, and listening to the legendary tales of the island narrated by elderly fishermen. Travelers will also be warmed by the friendly smiles of the locals, the polite embraces of school children unexpectedly encountered on the way, feeling incredibly familiar and peaceful.
Don't forget to visit the island's lighthouse. Although not tall, with a light range of only about 12 nautical miles, this lighthouse is situated at one of the highest points on the island (167m). Therefore, standing there, you can observe almost the entire Tho Chu Island with its mountains, hidden houses under coconut groves, gentle beaches, and the long-tailed wooden boats. Or if you look out to sea, the tiny dots will emerge as large ships swaying amidst the sea.
By Nhu Y (Compilation)
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Reference: Travel Handbook by Mytour
MytourJanuary 13, 2016
