The radiant sunrise, like gold leaf on the sea, heralded a day of exciting exploration on Nam Du Island. I knew this trip would be etched in my memory, becoming one of the most beautiful moments in my travel journey, because the unspoiled and simple beauty of this island had captured my heart from the very first moment I set foot on it.
Introduction to Nam Du Island – The Rough Gem of the Ocean
Nam Du, the largest island in the Nam Du archipelago, Kien Giang, still retains its enchanting wild beauty, largely untouched by mass tourism. This place is likened to a rough gem, concealing a mesmerizing hidden beauty. Coming to Nam Du, you will immerse yourself in pristine nature, explore stunning beaches, dive to admire vibrant coral reefs, and savor fresh seafood. Moreover, the sincerity and hospitality of the locals are a significant plus, making everyone who comes here feel warm and welcome. Nam Du is not just a tourist destination, but also a place for you to find inner peace, leaving behind the noise and bustle of everyday life.
Hon Mau – Primitive Beauty that Captivates Hearts
After about an hour of bobbing on the sea on a speedboat, the scenery of Hon Mau appeared before our eyes like a magnificent painting. The fine white sand stretches like a silk ribbon, embracing the clear turquoise seawater. Tall green coconut trees lean over, casting shadows and swaying in the gentle sea breeze. The unspoiled, pure beauty of Hon Mau almost took my breath away, and a feeling of overwhelming emotion surged within me.
Hon Mau beach with fine white sand and crystal clear turquoise water, a must-visit destination in Nam Du Island.
We held hands and strolled along the beach, our bare feet touching the soft sand, listening to the gentle lapping of waves like a melodious sea symphony. Stopping at a small seaside stall, we were warmly invited by a local woman to enjoy a refreshing, cool coconut drink. Sitting under the shade of a coconut tree, she cheerfully shared stories about her simple life connected to the sea, about the peaceful beauty, and everyday tales of this place. In my heart, I silently exclaimed, “Hon Mau is truly a hidden paradise in the middle of the ocean.”
Experiences to Discover in Hon Mau:
- Bai Bac (Bai Chuong): The main and most beautiful beach in Hon Mau, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.
- Bai Da Den: Famous for its unique, glossy black stones with strange shapes, a favorite check-in spot for many tourists.
- Visit the fishing village: Learn about the life of local fishermen, experience fishing activities with the locals.
- Enjoy fresh seafood: Restaurants and eateries along Hon Mau beach serve a variety of fresh, delicious, and affordable seafood dishes.
Snorkeling to See Coral at Hai Bo Dap – Exploring the Wonderful Underwater World
Our next destination was Hai Bo Dap, one of the most beautiful coral reef snorkeling spots in Nam Du. After being equipped with snorkeling gear and masks, I excitedly took a deep breath and immersed myself in the cool seawater. As soon as I dived down, a completely different world opened up before my eyes. Colorful coral reefs of various shapes stretched out like underwater gardens. Schools of small, colorful fish playfully swam among the coral reefs, creating a lively and enchanting picture.
Explore the colorful coral reefs at Hai Bo Dap, an unforgettable snorkeling experience in Nam Du.
I glanced at my companion, his eyes also reflecting joy and excitement as he admired the magical beauty of the ocean with me. We held hands tightly, exploring every corner of the coral reef together, feeling a special connection with nature and with our own souls. I whispered into my snorkel, “This place is truly a world that one never wants to leave.”
Tips for Snorkeling at Hai Bo Dap:
- Ideal time: The dry season (December to April) is when the sea is calm and the water is clear, most suitable for coral reef snorkeling.
- Preparation: Rent snorkeling gear (masks, snorkels, life jackets) at rental points on the island. If you have a waterproof camera, don’t forget to bring it to capture the beautiful moments underwater.
- Safety notes: Always snorkel in a group or with a guide, do not touch coral or marine life to protect the environment and avoid injury.
Bai Cay Men – Peaceful, Tranquil Beauty Like Paradise
After leaving Hai Bo Dap, we continued our journey to Bai Cay Men, known as the “precious gem” of the Nam Du archipelago. Bai Cay Men captivates visitors with its peaceful, tranquil beauty, quite different from the bustling, lively atmosphere of other tourist beaches. The seawater here is so clear that you can see every small pebble at the bottom. Tall green coconut trees embrace the coastline, creating an ideal shady space for relaxation and rest.
Bai Cay Men with unspoiled, peaceful beauty, an ideal destination to relax and enjoy nature in Nam Du.
My loved one and I immersed ourselves in the cool water, letting the gentle waves caress us, dispelling all fatigue and worries. The quiet, fresh space here made me forget all the worries of everyday life. We climbed a small hill nearby to admire the panoramic view of Bai Cay Men from above. From above, Bai Cay Men appeared like a beautiful watercolor painting, with blue sea, white sand, green coconut trees, and small fishing boats anchored on the sea surface. I secretly wished, “If only I could keep this peaceful moment forever.”
Experiences at Bai Cay Men:
- Swimming and relaxing: Bai Cay Men has a gentle slope, fine sand, and calm waves, very safe and suitable for swimming, especially for families with young children.
- Watching the sunset: Sunset at Bai Cay Men is considered one of the most beautiful moments in Nam Du.
- Overnight camping: If you want a closer experience with nature, you can ask for permission to camp overnight at Bai Cay Men (you need to prepare tents and necessary items).
- Enjoy grilled seafood: In the evening, you can enjoy delicious grilled seafood dishes at small eateries along Bai Cay Men beach.
Nam Du Lighthouse – Conquering the “Roof” and Admiring the Panorama of the Archipelago
To continue our journey to explore Nam Du, we decided to rent a motorbike to conquer the Nam Du lighthouse, one of the highest lighthouses in Vietnam. The road leading to the lighthouse winds around the mountainside, with steep cliffs on one side and the vast ocean on the other. The sea breeze blew strongly, and the scenery on both sides of the road appeared majestic and poetic, giving us more energy on our journey to conquer the “roof” of Nam Du.
Standing on top of Nam Du lighthouse, admiring the panoramic view of the picturesque Nam Du archipelago.
Standing on top of the lighthouse, I felt like I was embracing the entire Nam Du archipelago in my sight. Large and small islands dotted the blue sea, creating a scene that was both majestic and poetic. Looking down from above, everything seemed to become smaller and more peaceful. My loved one smiled gently and said, “From here, everything seems much more beautiful.” His simple words made me feel happier and more appreciative of these wonderful moments.
Notes when visiting Nam Du Lighthouse:
- Transportation: Renting a motorbike is the most ideal means of transportation to get to the lighthouse. The road is quite steep and winding, so you need to drive carefully.
- Visiting time: You should go to the lighthouse in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the hot sun and be able to see the beautiful sunrise or sunset.
- Dress code: You should wear comfortable, neat clothes, and bring hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Entrance fee: Nam Du Lighthouse is open for free for visitors to visit.
Enjoying Fresh Seafood Cuisine – Unique Flavors of Nam Du Island
To conclude an exciting morning of exploration, we visited Hon Dau, a small, beautiful island famous for its pristine beaches and fresh seafood. Locals had prepared a lavish seafood lunch to welcome us. Delicious dishes such as charcoal grilled shrimp, steamed crab with lemongrass, grilled scallops with scallion oil, grilled fish in foil… all retained the fresh, sweet taste of the sea.
Fresh seafood lunch at Hon Dau, a culinary experience not to be missed when visiting Nam Du Island.
We sat under the shade of coconut trees, enjoying a delicious lunch while chatting animatedly about the memorable experiences of the morning. The seafood lunch at Hon Dau was not only delicious but also filled with memorable moments. After the meal, we strolled along Hon Dau beach, enjoying the fresh air and gentle sunshine of the sea.
Suggestions for Delicious Dishes and Seafood Dining Locations in Nam Du:
- Goi ca trich (Herring salad): A famous specialty of Nam Du, made from fresh herring, mixed with herbs, onions, roasted peanuts, and sweet and sour fish sauce.
- Nhum bien nuong mo hanh (Grilled sea urchin with scallion oil): A nutritious and delicious dish, sea urchins are grilled over charcoal with scallion oil, served with rice paper and raw vegetables.
- Lau ca bop (Grouper hotpot): A hot pot dish, rich in seafood flavor, fresh grouper, firm and sweet meat.
- Various types of snails: Nam Du has many types of fresh and delicious sea snails such as grilled snails with green pepper, periwinkle snails stir-fried with coconut, areola snails…
- Locations: Seafood rafts on the sea, Nam Du market, seaside eateries on the islands.
Suggested Itinerary for Exploring Nam Du Island in 2 Days 1 Night
To help you have a complete and memorable trip to Nam Du, here is a suggested itinerary for exploring Nam Du Island in 2 days and 1 night:
Day 1:
- Morning: Arrive in Phu Quoc, move to the pier, and take a speedboat to Nam Du (Hon Lon). Check into a hotel/guesthouse and rest.
- Afternoon: Rent a motorbike to explore Hon Lon: Bai Cay Men, Doc Ong Tinh, Mui Ong Doi, Chua Hang Pagoda, Nam Du Lighthouse.
- Evening: Enjoy seafood at Nam Du night market or seaside restaurants.
Day 2:
- Morning: Take a canoe to visit Hon Mau, Hai Bo Dap, Hon Ngang (or Hon Dau optional). Snorkel to see coral reefs at Hai Bo Dap.
- Afternoon: Free time to swim, shop for souvenirs, or relax. Take a speedboat back to Phu Quoc or the mainland, ending the Nam Du exploration journey.
Note: This is just a suggested itinerary, you can adjust the itinerary to suit your preferences and time.
Returning – Nam Du and Unforgettable Memories
As the canoe left Nam Du pier, the sunset gradually descended, dyeing the sea a warm orange-yellow color. I turned my head to look back at the small islands fading into the distance, and a feeling of indescribable nostalgia welled up in my heart. In that moment, I understood that Nam Du is not just a tourist destination, but also a place that preserves beautiful memories, peaceful and happy moments in our lives.
Beautiful sunset over Nam Du sea, a memorable moment to end a fulfilling day of exploration.
Nam Du – Untouched Paradise Awaiting Your Discovery
The Nam Du archipelago is a precious gem of Vietnamese tourism, where the unspoiled beauty of nature, the sincerity and hospitality of people, and memorable travel experiences converge. If you have the opportunity to visit Phu Quoc, don’t forget to spend time exploring the untouched paradise of Nam Du. I am sure that you will bring back not only beautiful photos, but also unforgettable memories and emotions about this beautiful island.
Come and feel Nam Du – where nature and happiness blend into one!