Nam Du Island travel guide – The dreamy island in 2023

13/06/2023 thuy vy

Nam Du Island travel is one of the hottest destinations that attracts a large number of tourists from all over the world. The pristine scenery combined with unique features makes visitors unable to resist setting foot in this beautiful land again. So what makes Nam Du Island so special? Let’s explore the unique aspects of this island!

OVERVIEW OF INFORMATION ABOUT NAM DU ISLAND TRAVEL

Nam Du Archipelago stretches across two communes An Son and Nam Du, in Kien Giang province, about 40 km southeast of Phu Quoc Island. Nam Du Island travel has become an ideal and attractive tourist destination for foreign tourists visiting Kien Giang province, in the Mekong Delta.

As one of the most famous top three islands in the South. Nam Du Island is a beautiful archipelago consisting of 21 islands located in the Gulf of Thailand, including Cu Tron Island, Dau Island, Ngang Island, Mau Island, which together create a charming marine area.

The Nam Du Island travel is to visit a place with vast blue skies, endless crystal-clear beaches, coconut groves, and majestic and pristine rocky cliffs. In addition, there are towering mountains in the middle of the ocean, lush primary forests that create a beautiful and captivating seascape.

nam du island travel-landscape

Nam Du Island – a wild paradise

Nam Du Island is still very pristine as only 11 islands are inhabited, while the rest are entirely natural environments. When traveling to Nam Du Island, you can witness and learn about the lives of the local people closely connected to the sea and islands.

Nam Du means heading the South. Not only that, each island here is associated with a fascinating legendary story, which makes tourists even more curious to explore.

>>> More: Tourist Attractions in Kien Giang | Top 9 Best Places To Visit

BEST TIME TO VISIT NAM DU ISLAND TRAVEL

Nam Du Island has two main seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season starts from November to May of the following year, and the rainy season starts from May to October.

The best time to visit Nam Du Island travel is from December to March. During this time, the sea is calm and peaceful, and the water is the clearest of the year. The temperature is moderate, and comfortable, with beautiful and mildly sunny weather. Moreover, during this period, the waves are not too strong, making it easier for you to travel by boat without feeling seasick.

nam du island travel - the most beautiful season

Blue watercolor of Nam Du island in March

However, you can still travel to Nam Du Island from April to November. But during this time, rain is more likely, so make sure to check the weather forecast before you go!

HOW TO GET TO NAM DU ISLAND?

1. From Phu Quoc

When visiting Nam Du Island travel from Phu Quoc, you can go to Bai Vong port. Then take a high-speed boat to Nam Du Island, with an average travel time of about 1 hour and 30 minutes. To make your trip to Kien Giang more wonderful, consider combining a visit to Nam Du Island with a Nam Du Phu Quoc tour!

>>> More: Traveling to Phu Quoc – 10 things you must try

The high-speed boat companies operating from Phu Quoc include Phu Quoc Express, Superdong, Ngoc Thanh, etc. Ticket prices range from 189,000 to 390,000 VND/per person (about 9$ – 17$) depending on the type of seat. To book tickets or get more information about ticket prices, departure times, etc., you can visit the website of each boat company to check.

2. From Rach Gia

When starting your journey from Rach Gia, you can go to Rach Gia port. Then take a high-speed boat to Nam Du Island with companies such as Superdong, Ngoc Thanh, or Phu Quoc Express, with a travel time of about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Normally, travelers who visit Nam Du Island travel usually take a car from Ho Chi Minh City to Rach Gia and then take a high-speed boat to Nam Du to save costs.

>>> More: Rach Gia Travel Guide | Top 5 Best Places to Visit in 2023

GETTING AROUND NAM DU ISLAND

1. By boat:

To freely explore the surrounding islands of Nam Du such as Hon Lon and visit some unique destinations, you can rent a private boat or join a group to save costs.

nam du island travel - by boat

Experience Nam Du Island more fully with a boat

2. By motorbike:

Another way to visit Hon Lon Island is by motorbike as the road there is paved. You can rent a motorbike from accommodation facilities for about 150,000 VND – 200,000 VND/per day (about 7$ – 9$).

One of the things you should experience when traveling to Nam Du Island is strolling along the coast and admiring the sunset. The scenery of Nam Du at this time is magnificent, with the sunset over the sea combined with a romantic atmosphere accompanied by the sound of the sea breeze.

3. By “Xe om” (motorbike taxi):

You can also use “xe om” (motorbike taxi) when visiting some attractions on Nam Du Island. This not only provides employment for the local people but also allows you to listen to amateur “tour guides” introduce the attractions here. It’s great to be able to make friends with the locals on Nam Du Island travel.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN NAM DU ISLAND

1. Hon Lon Island

As the name suggests, Hon Lon Island is the largest island in Nam Du. It is also the administrative center of An Son commune. The locals call it Hon Cu Tron. Nestled in the Gulf of Thailand, Hon Cu Tron is renowned as the most beautiful island in Nam Du.

With an area of up to 771 hectares, Hon Lon Island boasts stunning natural landscapes such as Bai Dat Do, Bai Chet, Bai Nhun, and Bai Mam. Each beach has its unique beauty, offering visitors breathtaking views and unforgettable moments.

nam du island travel - hon lon island

Hon Lon Island – The heart of the archipelago

2. Cay Men Beach

Located approximately 7 km from the island’s center, Cay Men Beach is considered the most beautiful beach on the island. It still retains its pristine beauty with a long stretch of fine white sand, surrounded by mountains, lush green coconut groves, and a serene atmosphere.

When visiting Nam Du Island travel, Cay Men Beach is a must-visit destination. Here, you can experience unforgettable moments and immerse yourself in the picturesque scenery by walking on the smooth white sand or swimming in the cool, crystal-clear water. Additionally, you can go squid fishing or admire the coral reefs.

3. Hon Dau Island

Hon Dau Island is a small island with a sparse population. It is the most peaceful place to visit in Nam Du. Hon Dau Island is predominantly covered by pristine forests, accounting for over 90% of its total area. The scenery here is simple, rustic, and incredibly romantic.

Apart from swimming in the sea, Hon Dau Island will provide you with the most beautiful memories of your trip to Nam Du Island travel, with its turquoise waters, golden sands, and a world of coral reefs in various colors beneath the clear water.

nam du island travel - hon dau island

The peaceful landscape of Hon Dau island

4. Hon Ngang Island

Hon Ngang Island is the center of Nam Du Island and is the most prosperous and densely populated area. If you want to experience and explore the traditional livelihood of the local people when visiting Nam Du Island travel, you should visit Hon Ngang. This place has the largest port and gathers numerous fishing boats.

Visitors can rent a boat to explore the fish farms in floating cages and rafts at sea, and have the opportunity to take photos with this special form of aquaculture. Additionally, you can take a walk around the fishing village to learn and discover the fascinating life of the local people. The lifestyle of the people here is very friendly and down-to-earth.

The locals are very friendly and approachable. When visiting any family, tourists are always warmly welcomed. You can learn how to weave nets, paddle boats, catch fish, etc, from the local people. Therefore, exploring the daily activities of the local people when visiting Nam Du Island travel is a truly memorable experience, immersing yourself in the coastal life.

Moreover, when you visit Hon Ngang, you also have the opportunity to swim in the blue cool sea. Then admire the tall coconut trees, and witness the peculiar and unique rocky cliffs stacked on top of each other. Besides, Hon Ngang is home to the sacred Lady of the Realm Temple, a spiritual destination for the island’s inhabitants.

>>> More: Islands In Vietnam – Top 10 Wonderful Islands You Shouldn’t Miss

5. Hon Mau Island

Among the 21 islands in the Nam Du archipelago, Hon Mau Island is blessed by nature with beautiful beaches. There are a total of five beaches on the island, but the two most beautiful and smooth white sandy beaches are Bai Chuong and Bai Nam. There are also the best places to visit Nam Du Island. In addition, there are three rocky beaches with different characteristics: Bai Bac, Bai Da Den, and Bai Da Trang.

When visiting Hon Mau Island on Nam Du Island travel, tourists also have the opportunity to learn about the life and culture of the local people. Through activities such as picking coconuts for consumption, cooking meals with the locals, or strolling around the villages.

nam du island travel - hon mau island

Blue sea, white sand and romantic scenery at Hon Mau Island

6. Hon Hai Bo Dap Island

The origin of the name Hai Bo Dap Island (Two-Sided Dap Island) is due to a whimsical arrangement by nature. The island consists of two landmasses connected by a “natural bridge” which is a series of rocks floating in the water. This natural bridge only appears when the tide recedes.

This island is surrounded by diverse and colorful coral reefs. When visiting Nam Du Island travel, most people stop at this place for camping, swimming, and diving.

nam du island travel-coral

Colorful coral reefs of different shapes

>>> More: Camping in Vietnam – Top 12 Places You Should Visit in 2023

7. Nam Du Lighthouse

One place you cannot miss when visiting Nam Du Island travel is the lighthouse. The Nam Du Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse on Nam Du Island, standing over 300 meters above sea level, located on the top of Hon Lon Island. It is known as the “guardian eye” for the southwestern sky.

From the lighthouse, you can admire the panoramic view of the Nam Du archipelago. The best time of the day to visit The Nam Du Lighthouse is at sunrise or sunset. During these times, you can enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Nam Du Island while breathing in the fresh air and washing away all the worries of busy life. Let’s enjoy this wonderful picture that nature bestows on Nam Du Island travel.

8. The road around the island

The Nam Du Island travel will definitely be associated with the path around the island as they lead to all the attractions. This road is very beautiful with the scenery on one side of the mountain and the other side of the immense sea.

WHAT ACTIVITIES CAN YOU PARTICIPATE IN DURING YOUR TRIP TO NAM DU ISLAND TRAVEL?

1. Snorkeling

Snorkeling is one of the must-do activities when visiting Nam Du Island travel. Nam Du boasts abundant marine resources. Hon Dau is a perfect destination for snorkeling. By experiencing this activity, you can immerse yourself in the clear blue water and explore a diverse underwater ecosystem. Vibrant coral reefs, schools of fish, and unique rock formations are all fascinating discoveries awaiting you.

nam du island travel-Snorkeling

Experience snorkeling and watching coral is very attractive

2. Trekking and Hiking

Trekking and hiking are activities suited for sports enthusiasts. You can walk along the small trails on the island, passing through lush forests. Trekking and hiking should be done on the journey to Bai Nhum, and the best time is before sunrise.

3. Sunrise and Sunset Viewing

The sunrise and sunset over the sea of Nam Du Island are truly magnificent natural spectacles. The pristine and rustic scenery of the island during these times will surely captivate you with its romantic and alluring charm. It would be great to be able to hold hands with the one you love and admire this scene on Nam Du Island travel.

nam du island travel-sunset

Charming sunset scenery

4. Fishing and Foraging in Nam Du

You can experience fishing and foraging with your own hands. To go fishing, you can rent a small boat from the main pier, get on board, and cast your fishing line to catch fish. Additionally, local fishermen organize fishing trips at night to catch squid and octopus. This is an interesting and unique activity if you are patient and enjoy fishing on Nam Du Island travel.

Moreover, you can also forage your own food as Nam Du Island is abundant in seafood such as snails, oysters, clams, and sea urchins.

5. Join a discovery Tour of Nam Du Island

You can participate in the Nam Du Island tour. The typical itinerary includes visiting the most beautiful islands, swimming at tranquil beaches, and diving in areas with beautiful coral reefs. There are diverse tour options that cater to different preferences and time constraints.

nam du island travel-tour

Experience very interesting tours to discover Nam Du Island

WHAT LOCAL SPECIALTIES CAN YOU ENJOY WHEN VISITING NAM DU ISLAND TRAVEL?

1. Sea Urchin Congee

Sea urchin is one of the not-to-be-missed specialties of the Nam Du archipelago. Inside the prickly shell of sea urchins are soft, creamy pieces. The unique flavor, combined with other spices such as ginger, pepper, and green onion, creates a delicious and refined dish.

nam du island travel-sea food

Sea urchin congee –  The delicacy food on Nam Du island

2. Grilled Squid

Grilled squid in Nam Du Island has a distinct flavor with a special and different taste due to its sweet, firm, and aromatic meat. You can buy squid from the fishing village, catch it yourself for preparation, or enjoy it at local restaurants. This is definitely a gift that everyone loves to buy when traveling to Nam Du Island.

3. Grilled Scallops with Fat and Spring Onion

Nam Du Island is blessed with a variety of delicious seafood, and scallops are no exception. When indulging in grilled scallops in Nam Du, the sweet and chewy taste of the scallops will immediately impress you. The aroma of grilled spring onion and roasted peanuts adds an extra layer of flavor.

4. Nam Du Dried Fish

As one of the specialties of the island, dried fish in Nam Du is abundant in quantity and diverse in types. Some popular types can be mentioned such as: dried cobia, dried barracuda with garlic and chili, dried yellow fish,… When visiting Nam Du Island travel dried fish is a popular item for tourists to buy and enjoy food or as a gift.

WHERE TO STAY WHEN TRAVELING TO NAM DU ISLAND?

Due to the undeveloped infrastructure of Nam Du Island, accommodation options are limited and not diverse. However, you can still find some choices with quality services, amenities, and convenience. Here are a few of the best options you can consider.

1. Nam Du Island Hotel – Nam Du Palace:

As the largest hotel on Nam Du Island, it is located only 250m away from the high-speed boat port. The hotel features a charming design resembling an ancient French villa. Nam Du Palace offers a premium resort experience to Nam Du Island travel with fully equipped facilities and romantic views of the sea and mountains.

nam du island travel-hotel

Nam Du Palace – The best hotel on Nam Du Island

2. Homestay System – Thao Thuong Camp:

Described as a “rainbow house” on Nam Du Island, Thao Thuong Camp consists of small, adorable houses of various colors arranged closely together, creating a unique and distinctive scenery. The atmosphere here is peaceful, and the accommodations are simple yet comfortable, providing a close connection with nature.

3. Nam Du Island Resort – Langchia Nam Du Resort:

This resort has received high praise from travelers worldwide, with a rating of 8.1 on Agoda. Langchia Nam Du Resort leaves a lasting impression with its eco-friendly, rustic, and environmentally-conscious architectural design.

The resort mainly utilizes materials such as wood, bamboo, thatch, and coconut leaves for its interior furnishings. The space is serene, relaxing, and not overly intricate. During Nam Du Island travel, you can choose this resort to stay, this place will definitely not disappoint you!

nam du island travel-resort

“Green” design – the attraction of Langchia Nam Du Resort

THINGS TO NOTE WHEN VISITING NAM DU ISLAND TRAVEL

Currently, the island is threatened by the negative impacts of tourism activities, such as waste pollution. This issue is alarming, especially in an untouched environment like Nam Du Island. Therefore, when visiting Nam Du Island, please pay attention to disposing of trash properly, minimize the use of plastic bags, and maintain a sense of environmental protection.

Internet connectivity in Nam Du is still weak and not widely available. It is advisable to prepare a power bank and subscribe to a 4G network for a more convenient experience during your Nam Du Island travel.

You should monitor the weather forecast before starting your Nam Du Island travel because this place is greatly affected by the weather.

Nam Du Island possesses a unique and pristine beauty that cannot be fully described in words. The breathtaking natural landscapes here are beyond words. Nam Du Island travel will undoubtedly provide you with unforgettable experiences. So, what are you waiting for? Summer has arrived, pack your bags and embark on the Nam Du tour!

>>> More: Phu Quoc Island – 14 best places you must come

If you still have any questions that need to be answered, please contact us via hotline: 1900 3398. In addition, if you want to explore and read more information about Nam Du island tourism, you can see more Travel news and Vietnam e-Visa.

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