Buzz
If Nam Du has started to feel dull due to increasing crowds and noise, why not take a trip to Hon Son Island in Kien Giang! This pristine paradise is sure to leave you anything but disappointed.
Forget Nam Du, Hon Son Island in Kien Giang is the summer destination to explore!
Hon Son Island, also known as Hon Son Rai (because it used to have many stingrays living here), belongs to Lai Son commune, Kien Hai district, Kien Giang province. Hon Son Island is situated between Nam Du Island and Hon Tre Island, and is considered one of the most pristine and charming islands in Vietnam.
Hon Son Island boasts a pristine beach, white sandy shores, crystal-clear blue waters, and wild coconut trees on rocky shores, creating a tranquil and comfortable space for relaxation and vacation.
Best time to visit Hon Son Island
When planning a trip to the island, it's crucial to keep an eye on the weather conditions in Kien Giang. Avoid traveling during stormy periods as it can hinder your exploration. For a journey that balances fun and safety, consider visiting between May and December. During this season, you can enjoy delicious and affordable seafood like shrimp, squid, and crabs.
Boat to Hon Son Island
There are two daily boat trips from Rach Gia port to Hon Son Island, departing at 8:15 AM each day. If you're traveling from Ho Chi Minh City, book the bus at midnight, arriving at Rach Gia bus station around 6 AM. Take a shuttle to the pier, which takes about 30 minutes. Upon reaching the pier, purchase your ticket, then explore the area for breakfast and relaxation before boarding. This way, you save on hotel costs and don't compromise your sleep. If you're coming from elsewhere, ensure you arrive at the pier at least an hour before the scheduled departure to secure your ticket.
It's advisable to call the ferry company in advance to reserve tickets. You can check with ferry companies like Ngoc Thanh, Duc Trung, Thanh Tu, etc., for ticket reservations.
1. Thanh Tu Ferry
• Route: 01 trip per day
• Journey duration: approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes
• Ticket office/phone: 0773.868619
The earliest departure is around 8:15 AM, but based on experience, it's advisable to arrive at the pier earlier. During peak days, the ferry may depart ahead of schedule once it reaches full capacity. Tickets, priced at 90,000 VND, can be purchased directly at the pier's waiting area or on the ferry itself. Pay when your ticket is checked during boarding.
2. Duc Trung Ferry
• 01 trip per day
• Journey duration: approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes
• Ticket office/phone: 0773.254256
Departs around 8:30 AM, with a capacity similar to Thanh Tu ferry. Ticket price is 90,000 VND.
3. Ngoc Thanh Ferry
This is a high-speed ferry with a ticket price of 140,000 VND, covering the journey in 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Ngoc Thanh: 0773691888
4. Superdong: 0773877742
Transportation to Kien Giang
1. Sleeper bus from Phuong Trang, ticket price 170,000 VND. Contact in HCMC: 08.38.309.309, in Rach Gia: 077.3691.691. Shuttle buses are available to take you to Rach Gia port for boarding.
2. Alternatively, you can take a sleeper bus from Viet Duc (similar to Phuong Trang). Contact in HCMC: 0985515151, in Rach Gia: 0773873557. The inconvenience is that this bus only operates during the daytime on the return journey from HCMC to Rach Gia.
Must-Visit Spots on Hon Son Island
The island boasts 5 pristine beaches: Bang Beach, Nha Beach, Thien Thue Beach, Gieng Beach, and Bac Beach. Among them, Bang Beach is considered the most beautiful with a 1km coastline curving like a sickle, flanked by large and small rocks. In the middle, there are long, smooth, and flat stretches of sand. Immerse yourself in the clear and deserted water, gaze at the coconut groves swaying in the breeze, inhale the fresh, cool sea air, and feel completely one with nature.
Hon Son has a total of 7 peaks, with Ma Thien Lanh being the highest at 450m above sea level. The path to Ma Thien Lanh is relatively easy as the local authorities have invested in building thousands of steps to replace the previously rocky trails. However, if you are not very active, Ma Thien Lanh may still challenge your stamina due to its steep slope.
According to ancient legends, atop Ma Thien Lanh peak, there is a flat rock surrounded by picturesque landscapes, where celestial fairies often gather to revel during the celestial descents. This place is known as Fairy Playground.
Over time, humans started exploring this area. Occasionally, monks seek out the Fairy Playground for meditation, dwelling in a cave engraved with the words 'Mai Duong Kiem Phap,' equipped with forest-made furniture: tables, chairs, beds, bookshelves. The lives, personalities, and conduct of these individuals are woven into local oral tales, creating a mystical and enchanting atmosphere around this mountain. Once you visit and hear the stories firsthand from locals, it's an experience you won't easily forget.
Setting aside those tales, when sitting on the rocky ledge at the summit, gazing at the vast sky and sea below, watching monkeys swing from branches and exotic birds sail by, all weariness, troubles, and concerns fade away.
Where to Stay on Hon Son Island
Due to the island's limited tourism development, there aren't many accommodations. You can save costs by renting budget-friendly lodgings in Bai Nha, such as Hong Dao, Kim Ngan (077.3830527), or opt for camping tents for an overnight stay by the sea.
What to Eat on Hon Son Island?
Hon Son Rai is not highly developed for tourism; however, the island boasts several budget-friendly eateries with decently prepared dishes. If you're on a budget, you can buy seafood from the market and cook it yourself. Recommended dishes to savor here include freshly fried three-spot gourami fish, grilled squid, sour soup with razorfish, and rolled rice paper with anchovy salad. The evenings on Hon Son are not bustling, providing an opportunity for a leisurely stroll from your accommodation to the pier, enjoying a meal and the cool breeze. Besides exploring the nightlife on the island, you can also rent a boat for a fishing trip, priced at 500,000 VND per trip for approximately 5 people.
Phong Chau (Compilation)
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Reference: Travel guide Mytour
MytourApril 5, 2017
