Buzz
The Nam Du archipelago, with its 21 islands, hosts residents on just 12, leaving the rest as unexplored sanctuaries of nature. While many visitors gravitate towards the well-trodden paths of Hon Lon, Hon Hai Bo Dap, Hon Ngang, and Hon Mau, few venture to the pristine Hon Dau. Despite its comparable beauty, Hon Dau remains a secret due to sparse tourist knowledge. Dive into the allure of Hon Dau in the following narrative.
Hon Dau Nam Du - A Paradise Known to Few (Photo ST)
Introducing Hon Dau
Nestled among the Nam Du archipelago, Hon Dau is a quaint island situated between Hon Dung and Hon Bo Ao. A 20-30 minute boat ride from either Hon Lon or Hon Mau will bring you to its shores.
Hon Dau's beauty rivals that of its neighboring islands (Photo ST)
Most of Hon Dau is enveloped in lush, ancient forests, with a few households residing on a small beach in the tranquil fishing village of Bai Nha, shaded by coconut groves. This serenity earns it the title of the most peaceful fishing village in the Nam Du archipelago, captivating explorers with its stunning landscapes.
Hon Dau, where the waves whisper (Photo ST)
With no jetty on Hon Dau Nam Du, boats anchor offshore, offering guests an intriguing approach to land via white foam rafts. This unique experience evokes the essence of being a modern-day Robinson Crusoe. For the thrill-seekers, swimming to shore in a life jacket is an option, though it's not advisable for those carrying electronic devices like cameras or phones.
Riding a white foam raft to shore offers an incredibly fun experience (Photo ST)
The Charm of Hon Dau Nam Du
Hon Dau boasts a small but exceptionally beautiful beach, arguably more pristine and untouched than Cay Men beach on Hon Cu Tron. From afar, the beach is instantly recognizable by its strip of golden sand flanked by towering green coconut palms.
Image curated from Facebook (Phạm Thuỳ Phương)
Tranquility at Hon Dau (Photo ST)
This stunning landscape ensures that Hon Dau is in no way inferior to any of the beautiful islands in the South Pacific, often featured in world exploration programs on television.
Unlimited swimming joy at Hon Dau (Photo ST)
The beach is distinctly divided into two sections. The inner part has shallow sand ideal for bathing, where you can fully immerse yourself in the cool waters.
A journey to Hon Dau goes through Hon Ngang (Photo ST)
Surrounding the outer area is a vibrant coral reef, home to a variety of marine life, perfect for those looking to dive and explore the corals or try their hand at catching sea urchins. Thus, visitors to Hon Dau should remember to bring diving gear to not miss the exciting opportunity to explore the underwater world and catch sea urchins and crabs.
Hon Dau remains untouched (Photo ST)
What to do in Hon Dau?
- Swimming
Immerse yourself in the refreshing waters then bask on the soft sandy beach, feeling as though you're on a Hawaiian vacation.
Sea urchin, spineless and ready (Photo ST)
- Explore coral reefs, catch sea urchins, go fishing, and squid jigging
The coral here is stunning and incredibly diverse, revealing a colorful underwater world like never before. There are coral formations turned to limestone, with swaying bushes still following the tide.
Famous photo spots in Nam Du (Photo ST)
Lobsters are not abundant here, but sea urchins are countless. Just dive for a few minutes and you'll catch a basketful. Simply shake the sea urchin basket vigorously, shedding the spines and leaving behind the spherical shell inside. Then cook them up, whether grilled with spring onions or made into ginger porridge, offering a delightful sweet and savory flavor.
Scuba diving amongst coral reefs (Photo ST)
- Legendary leaning coconut tree check-in
On Hon Dau, there are some coconut trees leaning gracefully towards the sea, where you can lie down and take a nap amidst the cool breeze. This coconut tree is like a legend on social media, with everyone who comes here asking about it for the perfect check-in photo.
Relaxing on Hon Dau Island (Photo ST)
- Camp overnight on Hon Dau
Hon Dau is also an ideal camping spot for some groups of tourists. You can spot tents during weekends in the Nam Du tourism season. If you're in a large group, you can bring your own tent or rent one on the island for an overnight camp.
Hon Dau Island, Nam Du (Photo ST)
Everyone should gather for a joyful seafood feast here, with fresh delicacies like steamed crabs and grilled squid. Then, lie down and listen to the rhythmic waves as if they were sweet lullabies amidst the vast ocean, gaze up at the sky filled with thousands of sparkling stars, and enjoy some romantic melodies... Surely, these are the wonderful experiences of youth.
Catching sea urchins and groupers at Hon Dau (Photo ST)
4. Guesthouses, hotels near Nam Du Island
If you're traveling to Nam Du without bringing a tent or you don't prefer camping, you can explore some guesthouses, hotels for overnight stays.
Having fun at Hon Dau (Photo ST)
- Năm Thu Guesthouse
Address: Cu Tron Hamlet, An Son, Kien Giang.
- Hai Thuy Guesthouse
Address: Cu Tron Hamlet, An Son, Kien Giang.
- Stay in Style at the Super Luxe Lodge
Located at: Cu Tron Hamlet, An Son, Kien Giang.
- Experience Comfort at Huynh Hua Guesthouse
Find us at: 56 Cu Tron Hamlet, An Son, Kien Hai, Kien Giang.
- Discover Nam Du Inn for a Cozy Stay
Address: The Big Island, Bai Chet area
- Relax at Kim Yen Guesthouse
Location: An Son Commune, Kien Hai District, Kien Giang Province.
- Stay at Thuy Kiep Guesthouse
Location: An Son Commune, Kien Hai District, Kien Giang Province.
