Buzz
Many travelers affirm this sentiment after just one visit to Hon May Rut, located around 10km southwest of An Thoi town, Phu Quoc district (Kien Giang).
Hon May Rut - A Must-Visit Destination when in Phu Quoc
Not only for its stunning landscapes, but also for the hospitality of the island's owner that captivates guests...
Mrs. Bay Yen (88 years old), the owner of Hon May Rut, with over 50 years of 'island life,' cannot recall when tourism began here, but Hon May Rut is now a 'must-visit' landmark on travel forums.
Guests are Welcomed...
'Today Tám's not home, she's at the hospital taking care of her child who had an accident. Feel free to cook whatever you want in the kitchen, whenever you feel like leaving, you can go, if you need anything, just ask our buddy,' Mrs. Yen said as we stepped foot on the island at noon. 'Tám' refers to Mrs. Phạm Thị Nữ (58 years old), her eighth daughter, who lives with her on the island, and 'our buddy' is Mrs. Yen's grandchild.
When Mrs. Yen and her husband first ventured here from Hon Chong (Kiên Lương district), they couldn't have imagined that the deserted island they were building huts on, picking crabs, and gathering wild fruits would one day become bustling with visitors.
It was only in recent years, after some travelers visiting Phu Quoc discovered Hon May Rut and shared tales of its mystical charm, its azure beaches, and stories of the hospitable family, that this island started gaining popularity and attracting tourists.
When guests visit the island, Mrs. Yen assigns Tám to cook and treat them to a meal, especially if their journey has been long. Fish and squid caught from the sea, along with vegetables grown on the island, make up the menu. While guests listen to Mrs. Yen's life stories, Tám serves the meal.
After the meal, guests are free to roam the garden to pick mangoes and coconuts, swim in the sea, or simply relax on hammocks, enjoying the breeze and the sound of waves. Whenever they feel like leaving, they can bid farewell. If they wish to stay overnight, Mrs. Yen welcomes them graciously.
These visits gradually increase. Initially, it was individual travelers, then groups. Feeling indebted for their visit, guests politely offer a little money as a contribution for the fish sauce and for the children to buy gifts.
Initially, there were few visitors, and Mrs. Yen declined payments. However, as more guests arrived regularly, she accepted contributions to accommodate future visitors. Some guests offered payment according to the meal provided, but for those unfamiliar with island customs who asked about prices, Mrs. Yen warmly replied, 'I entertain guests, not engage in business. We're on an island; who knows the value of anything here!'
Until now, every day sees visitors, with some days welcoming hundreds, yet Mrs. Yen has never discussed prices with any guest. Whatever guests offer, the host graciously accepts, never measuring generosity. One thing is certain: smiles are ever abundant.
Satisfying Guests... the Island Way!
Due to her advanced age, Mrs. Yen now leaves most hospitality duties to Tám and Bạn. She often rests quietly on the porch while guests interact with Tám and her mother in the kitchen. On good days, despite her stooped back, Mrs. Yen engages with each visitor, sharing stories.
When boats dock, Tám greets guests at the water's edge, setting up wooden tables and chairs under the coconut trees for resting. She then asks guests' food preferences so she and her mother can prepare. The island has chickens and ducks raised by the family. If guests desire dishes like rice porridge, shredded chicken salad, or ginger stew, the ingredients are readily available.
Fish, crabs, and squid, caught by Bạn's fishing nets or purchased from local fishermen, ensure freshness daily. Guests bring their own ingredients like chickens, crab baskets, or squid bundles, and the hosts assist in preparation. Guests keen on showcasing their culinary skills are welcomed to use the kitchen facilities as they please. While there's no alcohol on the island, guests are welcome to bring their own, with the hosts providing plastic containers for chilling drinks. Guests serve themselves and clean up afterward, with assistance available for dishwashing.
For those interested in experiencing lobster hunting beneath the coral reef, Bạn provides goggles, hooks, nets, and guides them to the bustling spots. Once lobsters are caught, Bạn lends a hand in cleaning, gutting, and grilling, offering fragrant onion oil for guests to cook their catch.
The homely atmosphere here often makes tourists feel like they're returning home, causing time to fly by. Many wish the evening sun wouldn't hurry to set, allowing them to immerse themselves in the vast sea and sky. We've witnessed numerous groups hesitating to depart as dusk settles, with Tám Nữ and Bạn standing on the rocky shore, watching them leave as if bidding farewell to family.
On one occasion, our lens captured Tám hastily rushing down to push a guest's canoe, which had been pushed ashore by waves. Such genuine farewells, deeply rooted in Southern hospitality, leave everyone thinking: we'll come back again!
Many tourists develop an attachment here, requesting to stay for a few extra days. Despite the limited space, the hosts gather mattresses, blankets, and set up mosquito nets for guests to rest. Sometimes, guests opt for the porch hammocks over beds.
On April 14th, we encountered Mr. Nguyễn Hữu Nghiêm (40 years old) from Ho Chi Minh City, who extended his stay for 'just 4 more days until the month is complete.'
Prior to this, Mr. Nghiêm and his family visited here. Impressed by the charming scenery and the hospitable hosts, they sent his wife and children back to Phu Quoc first while he stayed behind to both rest and adhere to a gout treatment diet.
Preserving the island for future generations and welcoming visitors
Not long ago, when Hon May Rut became a renowned tourist destination, a business approached proposing to buy the island. In their initial offer, the investor put forward 7 billion dong, later attempting to negotiate with Mrs. Bay's family, but she declined.
'Over a decade ago, my husband and I came here and built our humble shelter. We lived off the land, foraging for shellfish and wild vegetables. Then we began planting coconut trees, mango trees, and cultivating fields... That's how the island has become what it is today. Despite having 16 children, we could only raise six. Now we have this place for our grandchildren to grow up and for visitors to enjoy. We won't sell it for 7 billion and leave,' Mrs. Bay Yen stated.
Local Phu Quoc residents also visit May Rut for tourism
It's not just distant travelers; many locals, especially the younger generation, living on the emerald island of Phu Quoc with its famous beaches, enthusiastically visit May Rut for leisure.
On April 14th, we encountered a group of over ten young people who arrived first, frolicking around, taking photos for Facebook, then gathering by the beach to build a fire and grill fish. Upon inquiry, we learned they were employees at a resort in Duong Dong town (Phu Quoc district), taking turns for shifts and seizing the opportunity to have fun. Later, another group from Duong Dong town chartered a boat to May Rut island to sing together and dive for lobsters.
Once, we unexpectedly encountered Mr. Dương Thanh Vân – the Chairman of the People's Committee of Hòn Thơm Commune – along with some friends bringing their families from Hòn Thơm Island, right next to May Rut, for some fun. 'At that time, there were issues with tourist businesses, such as overcharging, lack of enthusiasm in service, and the unique approach to tourism by Mrs. Bay and Miss Tam at May Rut Island, which became a rare attraction that captivated tourists,' Mr. Vân remarked.
According to Tuổi Trẻ
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Reference: Travel Guide Mytour
MytourFebruary 19, 2020
