Buzz
Most of the islands in the Nam Du Archipelago preserve a pristine and untouched beauty - an excellent retreat for #teamKlook looking to temporarily escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The majority of visitors choose to stay overnight in hotels or resorts on Nam Du Island; then, they take a canoe to explore the neighboring islands. Due to the relatively low influx of long-distance travelers, dining, entertainment, and recreational services on Nam Du Island fall into the category of a 'homey garden,' owned by the friendly and genuine local residents. You don't need to worry about the quality of service or prices.
Best Time to Travel to Nam Du - Which Month?
Starting from November and lasting until the end of April of the following year, nature on Nam Du Island enters its most vibrant phase; the sun generously blankets the lush trees with golden sunlight, the sea is calm with gentle waves, and the air is fresh. This is the golden time for underwater experiences like swimming, snorkeling to admire coral reefs, or leisurely fishing. It is advisable not to travel to Nam Du from May to October as it is the typhoon season, and the sea can be rough - not only is it not beautiful, but it also poses various dangers.
Transportation Guide to Nam Du Island
- From Ho Chi Minh City, take a passenger bus to Rach Gia City, Kien Giang Province, then take a ferry to Nam Du Island. The bus on the Saigon <=> Rach Gia route usually departs from Mien Tay Bus Station - 395 Kinh Duong Vuong, An Lac, Binh Tan, Ho Chi Minh City - with prices ranging from 120,000 VND/way to 280,000 VND/way depending on the carrier.
- From Ho Chi Minh City, take a flight to Phu Quoc and then a ferry to Nam Du Island. This is a new route, suitable for #teamKlook who wants to combine exploring Nam Du Island in their self-guided Phu Quoc travel itinerary.
Some Reputable Ferry Companies to Nam Du for #teamKlook to Consider
- Superdong High-Speed Boat to Nam Du: Rach Gia <=> Nam Du Island | Departure time: 7:20 AM (from Rach Gia) and 10:15 AM (from Nam Du Island) | Travel time: 1 hour 45 minutes - 2 hours.
- Ngoc Thanh High-Speed Boat to Nam Du: Rach Gia <=> Nam Du Island | Departure time: 8:15 AM (from Rach Gia) and 12:15 PM (from Nam Du Island) | Travel time: 1 hour 45 minutes - 2 hours.
- Ho Hai Boat to Nam Du: Rach Gia <=> Nam Du Island | Departure time: 9:00 AM (from Rach Gia) and 10:00 AM (from Nam Du Island) | Travel time: 5 hours.
Ticket prices for boats to Nam Du range from 150,000 VND/way to 350,000 VND/way, depending on the seat class and type of boat. If the sea is rough with level 6 or higher, most boat trips will temporarily cease operations; #teamKlook should take note of this and check the weather forecast before departure.
Charming Stays in Nam Du - Guesthouses, Homestays, and Luxurious Hotels
Wondering where to stay when traveling to Nam Du Island? While this archipelago may not boast many high-end resorts, you can find budget-friendly options with quality services. Check out some names below.
1. Nam Du Palace
With an exquisite design reminiscent of a vintage French villa, Nam Du Palace Hotel offers a premium resort experience with a romantic sea view. It is also the largest hotel nestled between the hillside and the stunning beach of Bai Ngu, Cau Tron Island (the largest island in the Nam Du Archipelago), recognized as the HALONG BAY of the Southwestern region, located 250m from the high-speed boat port.
The rooms here are furnished with double or single beds and offer many basic amenities. With budget-friendly prices, Nam Du Palace is an excellent choice for young groups, couples, and solo travelers.
2. Mango House – Seaview – Homestay
Although just a homestay, Mango House exudes the ambiance of an inspiring resort. Here, #teamKlook can find charming rooms adorned with creatively crafted decorations, mostly made from wood or other organic materials. Mango House is not short of magical photo spots, from the sprawling banyan tree casting a refreshing shade to the crystal-clear and enchanting coastline. Don't miss out!
3. Humiso Nam Du
Situated on the windy rock shore, Humiso Nam Du resort boasts a 7km-long coastline, only about 2.5km away from the central pier. Here, travelers can indulge in the serene atmosphere of a private beach, waterfalls, bamboo hills, or leisurely reading under centuries-old banyan trees. The accommodations at Humiso Nam Du are designed in charming bungalow styles with wooden or mushroom-shaped thatched roofs. That's not to mention countless picturesque spots like double hammocks, bee nests, and pigeon breeding gardens…
4. Langchia Nam Du Resort
With a rating of 8.1 on Agoda, Langchia Nam Du Resort impresses with its GREEN design - using furniture primarily made from wood, bamboo, and coconut leaves. The rooms feature a dominant color scheme of white and blue, harmonizing with the sea theme and providing a relaxing atmosphere. Simple yet elegant, the picturesque sea view is the highlight that attracts travelers to Langchia Nam Du Resort. #teamKlook definitely cannot miss the famous purple and pink sunset scene on Nam Du Island.
5. Thao Thuong Camp, Nam Du
Described as a 'rainbow village,' Thao Thuong Camp, Nam Du, boasts a series of charming, colorful small houses closely nestled together, creating a vibrant overall appearance amid the tranquil seaside atmosphere. Those who love 'virtual living' will surely rejoice at the sight of the multi-colored staircase and the non-collision flower gate here. Thao Thuong Camp, Nam Du, adds a fresh spice to your self-guided Nam Du travel. #teamKlook, don't miss out.
Nam Du Island, Kien Giang - Nature's Dazzling Treasure Chest
Based on the self-guided Nam Du travel experience of many #teamKlook members, it's advisable to prepare a list of the places you want to visit if you don't want to be swept away by a series of 'what and this and that' experiences here. Check out the guide to explore Nam Du Island, Kien Giang - the dazzling natural treasure chest right away.
1. Nam Du Lighthouse
Perched at an elevation of 308m above sea level, Nam Du Lighthouse stands 11.6m tall, holding the title of the tallest lighthouse in Vietnam. Established in 2001, Nam Du Lighthouse not only illuminates ships far offshore but also becomes a renowned tourist attraction on Nam Du Island.
From the highest point of the lighthouse, visitors can fully embrace the picturesque beauty of the Gulf of Thailand - countless small and large islands adorned with multilayered green of pristine forests, accentuated by the sky's hue, the sea's color, and the gracefully curving white sandy beaches glistening under the golden sun.
2. Cay Men Beach, Nam Du
From January to March is the ideal time to explore Cay Men Beach, Nam Du - the 'tropical paradise' nestled amid the lush coconut groves of Hon Lon. Despite being called a beach, Cay Men Beach imparts a serene lake-like feel - with smooth white sand, imposing silent rocky cliffs, and waves gently caressing the shore as if wanting to harmonize with the lush coconut trees swaying in the breeze. #teamKlook, don't forget to treat yourself to a refreshing coconut water or indulge in fresh seafood at the fishing village.
3. Hon Dau, Nam Du
Only 12 out of the 21 islands in Nam Du have residents; very few of them regularly welcome tourists. If you want to 'escape together' to a pristine island, you must schedule a trip to Hon Dau, Nam Du. From the anchored boat offshore, visitors will be ferried to the island by small boats - undoubtedly an authentic Robinson Crusoe experience for #teamKlook. Hon Dau, not too large, is covered in green with pristine forests and straight coconut trees, scattered around are a few households where you can hear fascinating folklore or savor fresh seafood.
A little tip for #teamKlook: The coral ecosystem at Hon Dau, Nam Du, is thriving and incredibly beautiful. Invite your close friends to immerse themselves in the clear water and dive to admire the coral reefs.
4. Pebble Beach, Nam Du
If the journey at Cay Men Beach is a peaceful serenade, Pebble Beach will bring you the most vibrant experiences on Nam Du Island. From accommodation, dining to kayaking, snorkeling, Pebble Beach is an all-in-one destination for all types of travelers, whether solo or with family and friends. #teamKlook will be welcomed by the pebble-covered sandy beach; the stones here come in various colors, shaped into adorable round forms through erosion by water and wind over time. Pick up a few pebbles as souvenirs or to mark your memorable trip at Pebble Beach, Nam Du.
5. Hon Mau, Nam Du
After Hon Lon, Hon Mau is the top tourist magnet in the coastal region, covering an area of over 200 hectares with around 120 local households. Despite the low population density, compared to other islands in the area, it is considered 'crowded'; therefore, life in Hon Mau, Nam Du, is livelier. When in Hon Mau, you must visit Bai Nom, Bai Bac, and Bai Chuong to admire the harmonious beauty of the sea and sky forming a deep blue color. The crystal-clear water allows visibility to the white sandy bottom, soft as silk; on beautiful sunny days, the sea reflects creating many sparkling and captivating streaks. Bai Da Den in Hon Mau - with its colorful pebble system and unique protruding rocks - is also a favorite sightseeing spot for many travelers.
What to Eat When Traveling to Nam Du Island Independently?
1. Grilled Sea Urchin
Did you know that inside the spiky shell of sea urchin lies a soft, tender, and irresistibly creamy part? Grilled sea urchin, whether grilled or roasted with garlic butter, is a seaside delicacy with a high 'addictiveness factor,' perfect for the foodie souls of #teamKlook.
2. Grilled and Steamed Ginger Octopus
Travelers can buy octopus from the fishing village or go directly on a boat for octopus fishing. The tube-shaped octopus in Nam Du Island is a delicacy - large, firm, and sweet - even with simple preparations like grilling, steaming with ginger, or hot pot dipping, it's irresistibly delicious.
3. Nam Du Dried Fish
Dried fish is a famous specialty in Nam Du Island, often purchased by many tourists for personal enjoyment or as gifts. With abundant seafood resources, the dried fish here comes in various types, with the most famous being dried parrotfish, dried trumpet fish, dried anchovies with garlic chili/sugar pepper, dried blue bone fish with salt and chili... Grilled dried fish eaten with rice or mixed into sweet and sour salads is equally delicious.
