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If you're a sea lover seeking new, tranquil destinations, these 6 pristine and serene islands below will be the perfect choice for you.
Explore 6 Southern Islands for an Unforgettable Tet Vacation
Pirate Island
Pirate Island in Kien Giang is an intriguing destination right from its name. It's actually a group of 16 islands with the largest being Hon Tre (Hon Doc), located in Tien Hai commune, Ha Tien district. This place is about 28 km from the Ha Tien coast and 40 km from Phu Quoc island.
Just from its name, visitors can imagine the historical past of the island. Situated in the Gulf of Ha Tien - Rach Gia leading to the Gulf of Thailand, a major trade route from China to Western countries, this archipelago has been an ideal place for pirates to hide, ambush, and attack merchant ships for centuries. Even in the early 20th century, piracy still prevailed in this sea area.
Pirate Archipelago comprises 16 closely situated islands including: Kèo Ngựa, Golden Ant, Big Bamboo, Vinh Bamboo, Gùi, Urchin, River, Chơ Rơ, Non Duoc, Bô Dập, Hill. Among them, Big Bamboo (Hon Doc) is the central area of Tien Hai island commune where residents concentrate.
On the island, there is a beautiful stretch of white sandy beach extending hundreds of meters, where you can swim comfortably, play beach games, or rent snorkeling gear to admire coral reefs near the shore, hunt for crabs and snails around the rocky cliffs.
Bà Lụa Archipelago
Bà Lụa Archipelago (also known as Bình Trị) with over 40 large and small islands in the sea area of Kiên Lương district, Kiên Giang. Bà Lụa Archipelago is still quite pristine, less visited by tourists, and is located in an area with little wind and big waves, so it has recently become a popular destination for many tourists to explore and experience. Many tourists compare this archipelago to the 'Little Halong Bay' of the South.
Due to the numerous islands in Bà Lụa Archipelago, it's very difficult to visit all of them, so you should only choose a few beautiful islands. Three Hon Đầm islands (including Đàm Dương island, Đước island, and Giếng island) are places that many people visit to explore. Here, there is a beautiful beach and plenty of fresh seafood such as fish, grouper, squid, crab, sea cucumber, snails...
Three Hon Đầm islands attract many visitors to explore because of their location in the middle of three islands not far from each other, creating a 'lagoon' in the vast sea. Tourists can swim from one island to another without needing a boat.
Sunrise and sunset on Bà Lụa Archipelago are nature's most beautiful moments. You'll witness the sun rise and set into the sea with stunning pink rays. Hundreds of fishing boats anchor in island bays seeking shelter from the wind, resting as dusk falls, while some sway in the vast sea.
Nam Du Island
Nam Du is an archipelago with 21 small and large islands, located in the southwest of the beloved S-shaped map. It's a small archipelago belonging to two communes An Sơn and Nam Du, Kiên Hải district, Kiên Giang province, 65 nautical miles from Rạch Giá coast, dubbed as another Phú Quốc of Kiên Giang.
Nam Du boasts many beautiful spots that delight travelers, initially, you should spend time exploring places like Ma Thiên Lãnh Hill, Nồm Island, Hai Bờ Đập Island, the lighthouse... After a round of exploration, head to Mấu Island, Dầu Island, and Mến Tree Beach to camp and enjoy the fresh sea breeze.
The cuisine in Nam Du mainly focuses on fresh seafood, so you can freely choose dishes like grilled fish with banana flower, grilled scallops with spring onions, steamed squid eggs with ginger, sour soup with bớp fish, dried fish... This archipelago only has electricity from about 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Therefore, you should remember to charge your phone, camera, and other electronic devices. There aren't many entertainment activities in the evening here, so prepare some fun plans to avoid feeling bored.
Mytour RECOMMENDS SOME AFFORDABLE NAM DU TOURS
1. Nam Du 2D2N Tour: Twenty-One Island Adventure
2. Nam Du 2D2N Tour: Twenty-One Island Adventure - Tet Island Dance Party
3. Nam Du 2D2N Tour: Sleeper Bus Experience
Con Dao
This is the place where the Brad Pitt - Angelina Jolie family once chose to visit when traveling to Vietnam, there is no doubt about the fame of Con Dao. For travel enthusiasts, Con Dao is a must-visit destination in life. Perhaps due to its distance from the mainland and good management, Con Dao still maintains its true beauty until now despite the emergence of many resorts and resorts.
When you come to Con Dao, visit Hang Duong cemetery to light incense for the fallen heroes who laid down their lives during wartime... at midnight. But don't worry, the warm yellow light and the scent of incense will quickly dispel any fear and instead evoke a sense of national pride amidst the vast land and sky. Additionally, Dam Trau beach - the most beautiful beach in Con Dao, and Bay Canh island are places you shouldn't miss exploring. Learning about Con Dao's history is also something backpackers should not overlook when here.
Phu Quy Island
Phu Quy is a small island located about 120km from Phan Thiet city. Your first impression upon stepping foot here is the very pristine scenery and almost no interference from professional tourism services. Perhaps that's why Phu Quy is becoming hotter than ever in the minds of young travel enthusiasts.
Not only attracting tourists with many beaches like Trieu Duong Bay, Doi Dua Beach, Small Beach - Ganh Hang,... but Phu Quy also has many scenic spots for you to explore. As a small island with an area of only 16 km², but there are many ancient temples, shrines, and temples with ancient architecture such as Linh Quang Pagoda, Van An Thanh Pagoda in Tam Thanh commune; Thay Nai shrine, Bang Tranh goddess temple in Long Hai commune; ancient Linh Son temple on Cao Cat mountain...
The seafood specialties in Phu Quy are very fresh and delicious but the prices are reasonable and affordable. In the early morning, you can visit the fish markets or take a canoe to visit the islands to see the fishing boats docking, learn about the boats fishing for sharks, or the traditional lobster diving profession, then return to the fishing villages for breakfast. While chatting with fishermen, you can also take the opportunity to buy a bunch of freshly caught seafood, ask the locals to prepare according to your preferences, both cheap and delicious.
Diep Son Island
As one of the most difficult island communes in Khanh Hoa province, the Diep Son island commune with 83 households is still living in conditions lacking electricity and clean water for daily life. Diep Son consists of 3 small islands, nestled in the sea area of Van Phong Bay. The journey to explore the islands begins from Van Gia town, after about an hour swaying on the sea, the beautiful Diep Son archipelago gradually appears, sharply cutting against the horizon.
What's unique about Diep Son Island is the incredibly unique and exciting underwater road journey spanning nearly 700 meters, connecting the small island to the larger Diep Son island. The winding road, about 1 meter wide, lies deep under the clear blue sea, barely half a meter deep. Walking on this road brings a thrilling sensation, mixed with excitement and a little fear as you step amidst the vast ocean. You can enjoy watching schools of small fish swimming on both sides, occasionally seeing them jump out of the water, or waving to passing boats.
By San San
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Reference: Mytour Travel Handbook
MytourJanuary 25, 2016
