Your Ultimate Guide to Nam Du Island Adventure

Nestled in the Gulf of Thailand, Nam Du Island is an unspoiled paradise waiting to be explored. With its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush greenery, Nam Du offers a truly unforgettable getaway. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to plan your perfect Nam Du adventure.

1. When is the best time to go to Nam Du

Just like Phú Quốc, the optimal time to experience the beauty of Nam Du is during the dry season, spanning from October to April. The tranquil waters and clear skies create the perfect conditions for various water activities. The remaining months fall within the rainy season. Though the Kien Giang Sea is sheltered from direct storms, significant rainfall is expected from April to October. While showers may be sporadic, it’s recommended to monitor the weather forecast 1-2 weeks prior to your trip to Nam Du to ensure a seamless vacation.

The best time to visit Nam Du is during the dry season, from November to April. The weather is pleasant, and the seas are calm, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.

2. How to get to Nam Du

To reach the pristine shores of Nam Du, travelers must take a boat. Speedboats offer the quickest route to this tropical paradise. Popular departure points include Rach Gia city, Phu Quoc island, and Ha Tien city.
Several ferry companies, such as Phu Quoc Express, Superdong, Ngoc Thanh, and Hoa Binh Ship, provide regular services to Nam Du. Ticket prices vary from 190,000 VND to 400,000 VND per person, depending on the seat type. For convenience, tickets can be booked online through the ferry companies’ websites.

• Departing from Rach Gia
  There are approximately 4 daily ferry departures from Rạch Giá city to Nam Du. During peak seasons or weekends, the frequency of departures may increase. Speedboats complete the journey in about 2 hours, while conventional ferries take around 5 hours. Ticket prices range from 170,000 VND to 350,000 VND, depending on the vessel and seating.
• Departing From Phu Quoc
  For travelers already in Phú Quốc, combining a trip to Nam Du is a breeze. Simply head to Bãi Vòng wharf and hop on a speedboat. The journey takes approximately 90 minutes. Ticket prices range from 200,000 VND to 260,000 VND. The frequency of departures varies depending on the time of day, but there are usually 1-2 trips daily.
• Departing From Ha Tien
  Traveling from Hà Tiên, expect to pay between 320,000 VND and 400,000 VND for the ferry ticket. Superdong is the sole ferry operator on this route, although services may not be available throughout the day.
  Once on the island, motorbikes are the most convenient mode of transportation. The main island of Nam Du boasts a scenic coastal road that connects various beaches. Tourists can easily rent motorbikes at local guesthouses or hotels to explore at their own pace. Daily rental fees typically range from 100,000 VND to 150,000 VND.
  To discover the surrounding islands, small group boat tours are widely available. These tours can be booked through local homestays, guesthouses, or tour operators. Daily tour prices range from 200,000 VND to 300,000 VND.

3. Where to Stay in Nam Du

In recent years, Nam Du has seen a surge in the development of modern and comfortable accommodations. Large-scale resorts like Meta Sea Resort, The Nam Du Hill, and Nam Du Palace Hotel offer a range of amenities. Room rates typically fall between 500,000 VND and 1 million VND.

For a more budget-friendly option, travel forums often recommend Langchia Nam Du, Humiso Nam Du, Hon Son Stone Beach tourist area, Thao Thuong Camp, Nam Du View guesthouse, Dao Huynh, Tuan Thao, Long Thanh, and Chinh Hoa. Double rooms in these establishments usually cost between 300,000 VND and 500,000 VND per night.

During peak seasons when accommodations may be limited, travelers can opt for homestays or camping. Numerous camping sites are available on the island, offering tent rentals and other camping amenities for around 400,000 VND per tent.

4. Where to Go in Nam Du

Hòn Củ Tron (or Hòn Lớn)

Hon Cu Tron, often referred to as Hon Lon, is the largest island and administrative heart of the Nam Du archipelago. Situated in the Gulf of Thailand, this 771-hectare island is renowned for its stunning natural beauty. Hon Lon boasts a collection of pristine beaches, including Chệt Beach, Đất Đỏ Beach, Ngự Beach, Cây Mến Beach, Giếng Beach, and Sỏi Beach, which are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and fishing. A unique characteristic of Hòn Lớn is its ancient coconut groves, home to trees that are over 70 years old.
Visitors can easily explore the island by renting a motorbike and cruising along the coastal road. On one side, towering cliffs offer breathtaking views, while on the other, the crystal-clear waters of the sea beckon. For a panoramic view of Nam Du, climb the lighthouse, which stands at an impressive height of 296 meters. Additionally, the island is home to the revered Bà Chúa Xứ Temple.

Hòn Ngang

A short 30-minute boat ride from Hòn Lớn will take you to Hòn Ngang, the most populated island in the Nam Du archipelago. Home to approximately 900 households, the island’s inhabitants primarily rely on fishing and fish farming, particularly grouper and cobia. Hòn Ngang also boasts the largest port in Nam Du. Visitors should not miss the chance to embark on a boat tour to explore the fish farms, wander through the charming fishing village to gain insights into the local way of life, and savor the freshest seafood. As night falls, the view of Hòn Lớn from Hòn Ngang is simply breathtaking.

Hòn Mấu

Spanning approximately 200 hectares, Hòn Mấu is home to over 120 households clustered together across the island’s narrowest point. The island’s inhabitants predominantly rely on fishing for their livelihood. Given its small size, visitors are instantly recognized by the friendly locals. Among the 21 islands of Nam Du, Hòn Mấu stands out with its exceptional collection of beaches. The island boasts five beaches, including two stunning white-sand beaches: Chướng Beach and Nam Beach. The remaining three beaches, Bắc Beach, Đá Đen Beach, and Đá Trắng Beach, are characterized by their rocky shores. Nam Beach, serving as the island’s main beachfront, is the primary docking point for boats.

Hòn Dầu

Considerably larger than many of its neighboring islands, Hòn Dầu is a popular destination in Nam Du. A short 20-minute boat ride from either Hòn Lớn or Hòn Mấu will bring you to this pristine island. Covered primarily by virgin forest, Hòn Dầu is sparsely populated, with a few small fishing villages like Bãi Nhà scattered along the coastline. This tranquil island offers a perfect setting for day trips and nature photography.

Ma Thiên Lãnh Hill

Ma Thiên Lánh Hill, one of Hòn Sơn’s seven peaks, is a must-visit for trekking enthusiasts. Cloaked in lush greenery and towering 450 meters above sea level, this majestic hill offers breathtaking views. Local legends often associate Ma Thiên Lãnh with mysterious spiritual tales, adding to its allure.

Nam Du Lighthouse

Nam Du Lighthouse is one of the tallest lighthouses in Vietnam, 300 meters above sea level, located on Hòn Củ Tron. From the lighthouse, visitors can have a panoramic view of the Nam Du archipelago with its dominant blue color. The best time to visit here is to watch the sunrise or sunset. The road to the lighthouse is quite easy, with many beautiful scenes to take photos.
In addition, the Nam Du archipelago also has Hòn Dầu with a primary forest ecosystem covering more than 90% of the area and beautiful coral reefs; the pristine Hòn Nồm with many rocky mountains; and Hòn Sơn, which when viewed from a distance has 7 peaks.
During the day, in addition to swimming and visiting the above places, tourists can go to the market. At night, the island is quiet and there are almost no activities. Tourists can stroll along the beach or visit a beach hut cafe and watch the stars.

5. What to eat in Nam Du

Giant Conch

No visit to Nam Du is complete without indulging in the local delicacy, the giant conch. This large snail, renowned for its distinctive shape, offers a truly unique taste experience. With its sweet and tender meat, it can be prepared in a variety of ways, from simple boiling to more elaborate dishes like congee or salads.

Sea Urchin

A must-try in Nam Du is the grilled sea urchin, a local delicacy. Perfectly grilled to perfection, the sea urchin offers a rich and savory flavor, complemented by the fragrant aroma of fried shallots. For a lighter option, sea urchin porridge is a comforting choice. Its sweet and mild flavor, infused with the essence of sea urchin, is the perfect way to refuel after a day of island adventures.

Green-boned Fish

A unique culinary experience awaits with the green-boned fish. Traditionally wrapped in banana leaves and grilled over an open flame, this fish offers a smoky flavor and tender, flaky meat. It’s often paired with wild greens like cách leaves and đinh lăng for a truly authentic taste of Nam Du. Beyond grilling, green-boned fish can also be enjoyed in a refreshing raw fish salad or simmered with banana blossom.

Dried Fish

Carefully prepared and sun-dried after each fishing expedition, the dried fish of Nam Du offers a unique and flavorful taste. Grilled to perfection, the fish turns a golden brown and emits an irresistible aroma. Tearing off a piece, dipping it in chili sauce, and pairing it with roasted peanuts and a glass of wine is a quintessential Nam Du experience.

Tips for Your Trip

• Pack light: Bring only the essentials, as luggage space on the boats may be limited.
• Sunscreen and insect repellent: Protect yourself from the sun and mosquitoes.
• Cash: ATMs are limited on the island, so it’s best to bring enough cash.
• Respect the environment: Keep the island clean and dispose of waste responsibly.

With its stunning natural beauty and friendly locals, Nam Du Island is sure to captivate your heart. Start planning your adventure today!

Tam Anh/vnexpress