Nam Du Island – A Tranquil Getaway in the Gulf of Thailand

Nam Du island in Kien Giang Province offers pristine beaches, clear blue waters, and untouched nature. Perfect for travelers seeking peace away from the crowds, Nam Du is known for its quiet fishing villages and fresh seafood. This hidden paradise is ideal for relaxing, exploring coastal life, and enjoying natural beauty, making it one of southern Vietnam’s top peaceful getaway destinations.

1. Overview of Nam Du Island

Nam Du Archipelago, located in Kien Hai District, Kien Giang Province, covers about 1,050 hectares and consists of 21 islands, with 11 inhabited. Nestled in the Gulf of Thailand, it lies roughly 75km southeast of Phu Quoc Island and 110km from Rach Gia city, the provincial capital. Nam Du is famed for its pristine natural beauty, white sandy beaches, and clear blue waters, making it a perfect getaway for travelers seeking tranquility and authentic nature.

Nam Du Island boasts 21 islets with crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches (Source: Internet)

Nam Du consists of four main islands - Hon Lon, Hon Ngang, Hon Son, and Hon Hai Bo Dap - each offering unique attractions like vibrant markets, stunning sunsets, lush forests, and natural rock formations.

• Hon Lon: The largest island with well-developed infrastructure, including a harbor, night market, seafood stalls, and the tallest lighthouse in Vietnam, making it the main hub for exploring the archipelago.
• Hon Ngang: The central island known for its beautiful sunsets, bustling fish farms, and fresh seafood restaurants, reachable by a 30-minute boat ride from Hon Lon.
• Hon Son: A scenic island rich in pristine forests and beaches, featuring Ma Thien Lanh mountain - the highest peak in Nam Du - offering hiking trails and panoramic views.
• Hon Hai Bo Dap: Famous for its natural dam-like rock formation, tranquil atmosphere, and vibrant coral reefs ideal for snorkeling and diving.

2. Best Time To Visit Nam Du Island

The best time to visit Nam Du Island is from November to March, when the sea is calm and the weather is pleasantly sunny. This period is ideal for enjoying beach activities and exploring the islands comfortably.

However, from May to October, Nam Du experiences the rainy season with rough seas, which often leads to the suspension of boat services, making travel difficult and less safe. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid visiting during these months.

For daily trips, mornings are perfect for island hopping and sightseeing, while late afternoons provide stunning sunset views, particularly on Hon Ngang Island.

Travelers should visit from December to March for calm seas and clear skies (Source: Internet)

3. How To Get To Nam Du Island?

To visit Nam Du Island Vietnam, the journey begins with traveling to Rach Gia city in Kien Giang province, the main gateway for ferries to the islands.

3.1 Getting To Rach Gia – The Gateway to Nam Du

You have multiple options to reach Rach Gia:

• By bus: This is a traditional and cost-effective way. From Ho Chi Minh City, buses depart from Mien Tay Bus Station with tickets around VND 300,000 per person. From Hanoi, buses leave from My Dinh Bus Station, with fares starting from about VND 1,000,000.
• By plane: Flying is the fastest and most comfortable option. Rach Gia Airport serves flights from major cities, saving time and energy for your island adventure. Many airlines offer affordable tickets to Rach Gia, making it a convenient choice.

You can fly from Ho Chi Minh City to Rach Gia easily (Source: Internet)

3.2 From Rach Gia To Nam Du Island

After arriving in Rach Gia, the final step is taking a ferry to Nam Du. Several companies operate high-speed ferries with fares between VND 200,000 and VND 250,000 per person. The trip usually lasts about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Since daily ferry trips are limited, booking tickets in advance is highly recommended to secure your spot and avoid missing the last trip back to the mainland.

3.3 Getting Around Nam Du Island

Once on Nam Du, renting a motorbike is the best way to explore the relatively small islands at your own pace. With a motorbike, you can easily visit beaches, fishing villages, and other scenic spots in a day.

For island hopping among Nam Du’s 21 islands, renting a boat is an excellent choice. You can negotiate directly with boat owners at the harbor or near beaches and homestays for flexible and personalized tours.

Small boats connect nearby islets, offering scenic and flexible transport (Source: Internet)

4. 4 Things To Do On Nam Du Island

4.1. Explore Hon Lon - The Biggest Island of Nam Du

Hon Cu Tron, also known as Hon Lon, is the biggest island and administrative center of Nam Du, covering 771 hectares in the Gulf of Thailand. It is considered the most beautiful island in the archipelago.

Visitors can relax on stunning beaches such as Bai Chet, Bai Dat Do, Bai Ngu, Bai Cay Men, Bai Gieng, and Bai Soi, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and fishing. The island is famous for its ancient coconut groves, with some trees over 70 - 80 years old.

Renting a motorbike to ride along the coastal road offers breathtaking views with cliffs on one side and the sea on the other. Don’t miss visiting the Nam Du lighthouse at 296 meters above sea level, offering panoramic views of the islands. You can also visit the local Ba Chua Xu temple.

Hon Lon features coconut forests, calm beaches, and a tall lighthouse (Source: Internet)

4.2. Catch The Sunset At Hon Ngang - The Most Iconic Viewpoint

Hon Ngang, with around 900 households, is the most densely populated island in Nam Du and hosts the archipelago’s largest port. The locals mainly live from fishing and raising grouper and cobia in floating cages. Visitors can hire small boats to tour these offshore fish farms, walk around the fishing village, and enjoy fresh seafood right by the sea.

This island is also famed for its breathtaking sunset views, especially the nighttime view across the sea toward Hon Lon. It’s only a 30-minute boat ride from Hon Lon, making it easy to access.

Sunsets from Hon Ngang paint the sky while boats drift across the sea (Source: Internet)

4.3. Trek Through Lush Trails of Hon Son

Hon Son is known for its wild landscapes and lush greenery. Its highlight is Ma Thien Lanh Peak, the highest point in Nam Du at 450 meters. The mountain is surrounded by dense forest and legends of spirits, giving it a mystical charm that attracts trekkers and adventure lovers.

Along the trail, visitors can discover natural springs, mossy rocks, and panoramic views of the island and the ocean. The peaceful atmosphere makes it a perfect spot to disconnect and immerse in nature.

Trekkers can conquer Ma Thien Lanh Peak through dense jungle paths (Source: Internet)

4.4. Unwind At Hon Hai Bo Dap - A Peaceful Escape

Hon Hai Bo Dap features a unique natural rock path connecting two parts of the island, often referred to as the “Ha Long Bay of the South.” With few residents and unspoiled surroundings, this island offers a tranquil escape from the crowds.

Its vibrant coral reefs and clear waters make it a fantastic place for snorkeling and spotting colorful marine life. Ideal for a quiet getaway, it’s accessible by boat from Hon Lon or Hon Mau in under half an hour.

Hon Hai Bo Dap charms visitors with coral reefs and tranquil vibes (Source: Internet)

5. What To Eat On Nam Du Island?

Seafood is the culinary highlight of Nam Du Island - always fresh, as it’s either caught the same day or raised in nearby floating farms. Local dishes are simple yet full of ocean flavor, often grilled or steamed to preserve their natural taste.

Top seafood dishes to try include:

• Sea urchin porridge (Chao nhim bien): A nourishing dish made with fresh sea urchins, offering a naturally sweet and briny flavor.
• Grilled scallops with scallion oil (So diep nuong mo hanh): Fresh scallops grilled to perfection, topped with fragrant scallion oil.
• Grilled oysters (Hau nuong): Fat, juicy oysters lightly grilled and served with a spicy dipping sauce.
• Grilled gemstone snails (Oc mat ngoc nuong): These snails are cooked over charcoal, keeping their sweet and chewy texture.
• Banana leaf-grilled greenback fish (Ca xanh nuong la chuoi): Ocean fish wrapped in banana leaves and grilled until tender and aromatic.
• Steamed squid with salted egg yolk (Muc hap trung muoi): A rich and flavorful dish combining fresh squid with creamy salted egg.

Seafood lovers can enjoy grilled scallops, sea urchin porridge, and more (Source: Internet)

You can find these specialties at seaside restaurants or at the night market, where prices are affordable and the seafood is always freshly prepared.

6. Tips When Traveling To Nam Du Island

Traveling to Nam Du offers a peaceful escape, but it’s best to prepare in advance for a smooth trip. Here are some helpful tips:

• Unstable internet and phone signal: Connectivity can be weak in some areas. Bring a 4G SIM card and a portable charger for backup.
• Safety first: Though generally safe, always watch your belongings and avoid swimming alone in remote beaches.
• Bring cash: There are no ATMs on the island, and card payments are rarely accepted. Prepare enough cash for food, accommodation, and transport.
• Weather matters: The dry season (December to March) is ideal. Avoid traveling during the stormy season (June to September) due to rough seas.
• Pack light but smart: Include essentials like sunscreen, mosquito repellent, hats, and sandals. Electricity may be unstable in some areas.
• Eco-friendly travel: Nam Du’s nature is still pristine. Avoid littering and bring reusable bottles and bags to reduce waste.
• Local customs: Be respectful when visiting temples or local homes. Dress modestly and ask for permission before taking photos of people.

Nam Du Island is a hidden gem in southern Vietnam, offering crystal-clear beaches, fresh seafood, peaceful fishing villages, and unique nature experiences. Whether you're trekking lush trails, watching the sunset from Hon Ngang, or savoring grilled scallops by the sea, Nam Du promises a perfect getaway for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Ready to discover this tropical paradise? Book your Flight to Phu Quoc with Vietnam Airlines today for a smooth and convenient journey to Rach Gia – the gateway to Nam Du. With reliable service and comfortable flights, Vietnam Airlines helps you start your island escape the right way.