Explore Pirate Island: Your Ultimate Guide

Located approximately 350km away from downtown Ho Chi Minh City, although not as famous as Phu Quoc, Nam Du, or Ba Lua, Pirate Island possesses an irresistible charm, emanating not only from its name but also from its rugged and mysterious beauty.

Explore Pirate Island: Your Ultimate Guide

A Brief Overview of Pirate Island

Pirate Island in Kien Giang is considered an intriguing destination right from its name. In reality, it is the name of an archipelago consisting of 16 islands, the largest being Hon Tre (Hon Doc), located in Tien Hai commune, Ha Tien district. This place is about 28 km away from the coast of Ha Tien and 40 km from Phu Quoc Island.

Just from its name, travelers can envision the past on the island. Situated in the area between Ha Tien Gulf – Rach Gia to the Gulf of Thailand, a vital trade route from China to Western countries, for many centuries, this archipelago has been an ideal location for pirates to hide, disguise, and attack merchant ships passing through. Even in the early 20th century, piracy still prevailed in this maritime region.

Not only a haunt for many ships, but Pirate Island is also believed to be a treasure trove. Some think it's just a rumor, while others see it as the truth. But if we rewind time to the 80s, there were foreigners invading the island with intentions to find the treasure. The tale of a 300-year-old map leading to the hidden treasure on the island, along with a large amount of ancient coins found here, only adds to the intrigue of Pirate Island.

Today, beyond the curiosity sparked by its name, people also come to Pirate Island to explore its rare pristine beauty.

When is the best time to visit Pirate Island?

You can visit Pirate Island at any time of the year, but the best time is during the dry season when the sea is calm and clear. So, those prone to seasickness will also experience less discomfort while traveling by boat.

The coastal areas of Kiên Giang are not heavily affected by direct storms, but the amount of rain from storms is quite significant. The rainy season here usually lasts from April to November each year. Before your trip, make sure to check the weather forecast to avoid stormy days.

Means of transportation from Saigon to Pirate Island

From Ho Chi Minh City, you can hop on a coach bus heading to Ha Tien, explore various spots in Ha Tien, and then seamlessly proceed to Pirate Island from there.

Bus companies operating from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Tien:

• Kumho Bus

Pick-up and drop-off points are at Le Hong Phong station and the Mien Tay bus terminal (with complimentary shuttle service between these two locations).

Departure times:

* Mien Tay bus terminal: 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 3:30 PM, 9:00 PM, 10:00 PM.

Departures from Hà Tiên are at 7:50 AM, 11:00 AM, 8:20 PM, 9:10 PM, and 10:30 PM.

For ticket inquiries, please contact us.

Ticket prices: sitting seat: $7.50/ticket, sleeper seat: $9.00/ticket

From Miền Tây bus station (Ho Chi Minh City): (08) 3752.7878; Lê Hồng Phong station: (08) 3833.8180 – 3833.8190.

In Hà Tiên: (077) 3.95.97.97

• Operated by Phương Trang

Departure Schedule:

* Mien Tay Bus Station: 7:15 AM, 8:45 AM, 9:45 AM, 6:00 PM, 6:45 PM, 7:15 PM.

* Ha Tien Bus Station: 8:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 8:30 PM, 9:45 PM, 10:30 PM.

Contact for ticket booking:

Ticket Price: Sleeping berth: 180,000VND/ticket

* In Ho Chi Minh City:

– Hotline: 0838.309.309

– Office located at 328A Lê Hồng Phong, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City.

– Office situated at 260 Lê Hồng Phong, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City.

– Ticket booths 22, 23, 31 at Mien Tay Bus Station – Ho Chi Minh City

* In Ha Tien:

– Hotline: (077) 3. 66 88 66

– Office located at Hà Tiên Bus Station.

Transportation from Hà Tiên to Pirate Island

The only way to reach Pirate Island is by purchasing tickets at Hà Tiên pier.

On Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays, there are 2 boat trips from Hà Tiên to the Pirate Archipelago and 2 return trips from the island to Hà Tiên departing at 9 am and returning at 2:30 pm. On regular days, there is only one boat trip at 9 am from Hà Tiên and 2:30 pm from the Pirate Archipelago. Therefore, it's essential to manage your time wisely when planning a trip to the island during this period. It's best to call Hà Tiên pier beforehand for information.

It's advisable to arrive 30 minutes early to purchase tickets, priced from 40,000 VND/one-way. If accompanied by a motorbike, an additional 30,000 VND per bike will be charged. The journey from Hà Tiên by boat takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, and the boat will dock at Nam Beach on Pirate Island.

Means of transportation on the island

On the island, you can drive around without fear of getting lost, as there's only one road, flanked by majestic mountains on one side and beautiful sea on the other.

Additionally, you can take a leisurely tour of the island on a motorcycle taxi for around 50,000 VND per person (7km). The local motorcycle taxi drivers are very friendly and some even double as tour guides.

For a special experience, if you have the means and time, consider renting a small boat (operated by locals) from the harbor to explore the surrounding smaller islands in the Pirate Archipelago. The price for a boat accommodating 10 people is quite reasonable, around 300,000 - 400,000 VND per trip.

Where to stay when visiting Pirate Island?

Many travelers who have visited Pirate Island have shared that the absence of any tourist services on the island is actually its main allure. However, there's a charm in the simplicity of this archipelago.

Currently, Pirate Island doesn't have any hotels or guesthouses. Instead, locals offer simple accommodations for overnight stays at 50,000 VND per person for rooms accommodating 2-4 people, or communal sleeping arrangements for 10 people per room at even cheaper rates. Alternatively, if you're up for camping, you can pitch a tent on the beach. However, amenities such as freshwater and electricity are limited on the island. Electricity is generated by a power generator, so it's not available 24/7; it's only on in the mornings, afternoons, and evenings until 9 p.m. Make sure to bring a backup power source for nighttime. Food and supplies on the island are brought over from the mainland, so it's advisable to bring some provisions with you. If you're interested in experiencing the life of a fisherman, you can request to stay with a local family; the people here are very warm and welcoming.

What to do on Pirate Island?

Pirate Island comprises 16 adjacent islets: Keo Ngua Island, Golden Ant Island, Big Bamboo Island, Vinh Bamboo Island, Turtle Shell Island, Navel Island, River Island, Chorok Island, Non Hill Island, Bo Dap Island, and Hill Mound Island. Notably, Big Bamboo Island (also known as Doi Island) serves as the central hub of Tien Hai island commune, where the local population congregates.

The island boasts a beautiful stretch of white sandy beach extending for hundreds of meters, offering ample opportunities for beachside relaxation and various recreational activities. Visitors can engage in beach games, rent snorkeling gear to explore the nearby coral reefs, or enjoy crab hunting and shell collecting around the rocky shores.

Additionally, there is a freshwater pond on the island, crucial for water reserves catering to the entire island's needs.

Another must-see attraction on Pirate Island is the national sovereignty monument, featuring the names of all 16 islands in the Pirate Island archipelago.

Most of the island's terrain is covered in dense forests, bordered by rugged and pristine rocky cliffs along the saltwater coastline. Here, aside from learning about the indigenous people and the origin of the Pirate Island's name, visitors have the chance to immerse themselves in the raw, refreshing, and tranquil natural landscape.

One of the must-try activities when staying on the island is squid fishing, night fishing for various kinds of fish, and diving to catch clams, lobsters, snails, etc. While staying at local homes, you can ask them to take you out to sea to experience these new sensations.

What to eat on Pirate Island

The island offers plenty of fresh seafood such as barracuda, shrimp, lobsters, and razor clams. However, there are currently no restaurants or eateries serving tourists on Pirate Island. If you're visiting, you can pre-order your meal and ask the locals to prepare it for you, then pay them. The seafood here is guaranteed fresh because it's caught by the islanders. Alternatively, you can go to the port early in the morning, buy your preferred seafood, and even try snorkeling to catch some flag snails, stone crabs, various sea snails, and fish, then get the locals to help prepare them.

By Tiểu Lam (Compiled)

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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide