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Kiên Giang, a coastal province in the Mekong Delta, boasts numerous famous islands like Bà Lụa, Nam Du, and Phú Quốc... However, nestled among them are lesser-known, untouched islands whose pristine beauty captivates unsuspecting travelers.
5 Secret Islands in Kiên Giang You Need to Discover
Son Island
Son Island, located in Lại Sơn commune, Kiên Hải district, Kiên Giang province, is considered one of the most captivating and unspoiled islands in the Kiên Giang coastal region. Son Island boasts clean beaches, white sandy shores, crystal-clear waters, wild coconut groves, rocky cliffs, and a serene atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and unwinding after busy days in the urban hustle and bustle.
Apart from sunbathing on the pristine beaches of Son Island, visitors can explore the coral reefs between Đá Bàng and Dốc 3 Tầng. Many wake up early to catch the sunrise or head to Bãi Đá in the evening to admire the sunset, feeling truly serene and tranquil. Additionally, conquering the summit of Ma Thiên Lãnh, visiting Tiên Court with its panoramic sea views, and exploring attractions like Thần Lại Sơn Shrine, Bà Chủ Temple, Cao Đài Holy Tower, Hải Sơn Pagoda, and Phổ Tinh Temple, all located in Bãi Nhà, make for an enriching experience.
Tre Island
Tre Island serves as the administrative center of Kiên Hải district, Kiên Giang province, located 30km west of Rạch Giá city. It takes approximately 2 hours by boat from Rạch Giá port to reach Tre Island. With a length of 3.5km and a width of around 2km, its highest peak reaches 395m. The island's residents make a living through gardening, fishing, and seafood processing. Tre Island boasts scenic spots like Chen Beach, Coconut Cave, and Ha Ba Tail…
Chen Beach, situated in the northwest of the island, is a small bay with calm waves, stretching about 2km in length. Its distinctive feature is the shore adorned with numerous large round rocks resembling giant bowls. This pristine beach is the cleanest on Tre Island, maintaining its natural beauty with the sea below and shady forest trees above.
Visitors to Tre Island can indulge in delicious and exotic dishes, such as the trumpet shell of a type of clam called Bien Mai. Islanders prepare the clam in various ways: raw, in porridge, or coated in crispy batter and served with wild vegetables grown on the island. Beneath the beach sand lies another delicacy, known as sea eggplant, also transformed into various tasty dishes by the islanders.
Nghệ Island
Nghệ Island is one of the enchanting islands with a peculiar allure in Ha Tien Bay (Kiên Giang). From the wild rocky shores to the azure waves, it creates a serene picture with floating fish cages dotting the open sea. This island, dubbed the “oval-shaped paradise” (due to its oval shape on the map), is formed by basalt rocks, with peaks rising over 300m.
The most enchanting scenery in Hon Nghe can be found at Bell Tower Mountain, where a gigantic statue of Buddha sits majestically in a serene pose, erected in 1974. Standing at 20m tall, the Buddha statue resembles a guiding beacon for passing ships. Nearby, there's the peculiar Chum rock, which produces melodious sounds akin to temple bells when struck with a small stone.
According to the locals of Hon Nghe, many other rocks on this island possess similar characteristics. Alongside nature's gifts, the village's fish farming in floating cages adds to the picturesque landscape, creating a charming ambiance unique to this island.
Doc Island
Doc Island, part of Tien Hai island commune, Ha Tien town, Kien Giang province, is also known as 'Pirate Island', situated in the Western sea region of Vietnam. Doc Island, together with neighboring islands, forms the Pirate Archipelago, with a total land area of 1,100ha, comprising 16 islands located 11 nautical miles (27.5 km) from the Ha Tien coastline. Currently, Doc Island sees minimal investment in tourism services, yet it consistently attracts independent travelers or group explorations seeking to discover its raw, mysterious beauty.
Remnants of a stone-carved tower marker, established by the Southern Vietnamese Navy in 1958, are still preserved on Doc Island's western side, serving as legal evidence of national sovereignty and maritime borders. With the abundant natural marine and island resources, the value of these relics, if properly preserved and utilized, can contribute significantly to the development of maritime and island tourism, fostering socio-economic growth in the region.
Pig Island
Hòn Heo spans approximately 150 hectares with a perimeter of about 7 kilometers. This place bustles with boat traffic, and the atmosphere is bustling with seafood trade just as much as on the mainland. From the center of the fishing village, clockwise, one encounters the beach right after leaving the village. The sandy beach may not be pristine, but thanks to its location between the sea and the untouched forest, it remains very pristine.
In the past, Hòn Heo was owned by Mr. Tư Hạc. Later, during the French colonial period, Mrs. Lụa, the wife of Mr. Lăn (Blanc, a French official), came to settle here. Mrs. Lụa built brick and green stone pens and ponds to raise pigs, which were then sold on the mainland. That's why this island is called Hòn Heo and the surrounding islands are called Bà Lụa.
On Hòn Heo, there is a temple called Sơn Hải Tự nestled against the mountain, built in 1985 with tiled bricks, renovated solidly in 1993, now presided over by Venerable Thích Huệ Tánh. The path to the temple is paved with beautiful cement steps. The temple yard is not spacious but airy, cool under the shade of some fruit trees and ornamental flowers. The distant sea is deep blue, the wind gently blowing in waves, the sound of rustling leaves echoing like an instrumental music stirring the hearts of travelers.
By Như Ý (compiled)
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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide
The Wanderlust Co.May 26th, 2016
