Hon Son Island: A peaceful gem with untouched beauty

Contents

The pristine beauty of Hon Son Island Vietnam (Source: Collected)

1. Overview of Hon Son Island

Hon Son Island, also known as Lai Son, Hang Rai, or Hon Son Rai, is situated in Kien Hai Special Zone, An Giang province (formerly Lai Son commune, Kien Hai district, Kien Giang province). Nestled between two renowned Vietnamese islands – Nam Du Island and Hon Tre Island – Hon Son Island is a hidden gem of Kien Giang’s beach tourism. 

Covering a total area of 11.5 square kilometers, the island features many undulating mountains and stunning beaches. The scenery on Hon Son Island remains largely untouched, showcasing its wild beauty and a rich ecosystem of plants and animals. The island is sparsely populated, with most households concentrated in the central area. These locals are primarily fishermen who maintain a simple, traditional way of life.

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2. Must-try experiences on Hon Son Island

2.1. Immerse oneself in the clear blue sea

Tourists often flock to Hon Son Island for its inviting beach relaxation opportunities. The island features five beautiful beaches: Bai Bang, Bai Nha, Bai Thien Tue, Bai Gieng, and Bai Bac. Each beach boasts its own allure, but Bai Bang is particularly renowned for its captivating white sand. This beach stretches over a kilometer in a graceful crescent shape, offering a stunning coastal view.

The sparkling water and sand of Hon Son Island (Source: Collected)

Lounging on the serene, uncrowded beach while watching the coconut groves gently sway in the breeze provides an idyllic escape. The tranquil surroundings make it easy to feel a deep connection with nature, offering a perfect setting for rejuvenation on Hon Son Island.

2.2. Visit famous temples and pagodas on the island

In addition to stunning natural landscapes, Hon Son Island is home to several long-standing spiritual sites. Tourists can explore a variety of temples and pagodas here, including Ba Co Chu Temple, General Nam Hai Mausoleum, Lai Son Temple, and Hai Son Pagoda. These sacred places offer a glimpse into the island’s rich heritage, providing a reflective experience amidst the island’s beauty. 

2.3. Conquer Ma Thien Lanh Peak

Adventure seekers will find climbing Ma Thien Lanh Peak a thrilling experience. The summit, at 450 meters above sea level, offers breathtaking panoramic views of Hon Son Island. Thanks to the steps built by the local authorities, the ascent is made easier. According to legend, fairies once gathered here due to the beautiful scenery. A round-trip trek to Ma Thien Lanh Peak takes about half a day. After the trek, visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim at the nearby Bai Bang Beach.

Ma Thien Lanh Peak offers breathtaking panoramic views (Source: Collected)

2.4. Visit Hon Son fishing village

Hon Son Island is home to over 8,200 locals who engage in aquaculture, shipbuilding, fishing, and fish sauce production. The island’s main village, Lai Son, is situated on a bay in the middle of the southern coast. This village exudes an attractive, laid-back atmosphere. Here, visitors can experience the local way of life, observe traditional fishing activities, and even sample freshly made fish sauce. The charming, unhurried pace of Lai Son offers a delightful glimpse into the island’s cultural heritage.

Don’t forget to explore the charming Nam Du Island!

2.5. Enjoy delicious seafood dishes

Travelers to Hon Son Island are treated to a delightful array of specialties, especially fresh seafood. At places like Bai Nha wharf and Bai Nha seafood market, you can indulge in mantis shrimp sautéed with garlic, grilled sea urchin, chicken steamed with wine, and crab steamed with ginger and lemongrass. These offerings are renowned for their freshness and flavor, making them must-tries for culinary enthusiasts.

Delectable seafood dishes await on Hon Son Island (Source: Collected)

2.6. Explore Hon Son night market

The vibrant Hon Son Night Market is held daily from 6 pm to 10 pm at Bai Nha wharf. The market stands out for its wide selection of products, ranging from local delicacies to souvenirs. Freshly caught seafood is a popular option here. There are also unique items like bracelets and necklaces made from snail shells and seashells, showcasing the island’s local craftsmanship.

2.7. Rent a boat to go squid fishing

A must-try activity for nighttime fun on Hon Son Island is going squid fishing. This unique experience allows you to venture out to sea, where the thrill of catching squid under the night sky awaits. Imagine sitting on a boat surrounded by the gentle sound of waves and the vast expanse of the ocean. The excitement of reeling in your “trophy” will add a touch of exhilaration to the tranquil night. 

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3. Extra tips for an excursion to Hon Son Island

3.1. Best time to visit

Hon Son Island, being a beach destination, enjoys consistently pleasant weather throughout the year, making it welcoming at any time. However, for an optimal experience, consider visiting from May to December. During this period, the weather tends to be cooler, the sea is calmer, and the seafood is the freshest.

Hon Son Island weather is quite pleasant all year round (Source: Collected)

For those who enjoy vibrant festivals, a particularly exciting time to visit is during the 15th day of the 10th lunar month. This is when the Nghinh Ong Festival takes place. During the festival, the island comes alive with festivities, offering a bustling atmosphere filled with cultural activities.

3.2. Transport guide

To reach Hon Son Island, travelers first need to arrive in An Giang province. Your journey will most likely start from Ho Chi Minh City, where you can take a scenic bus ride or a convenient direct flight to the former Kien Giang province. The bus is the more popular option, with ticket prices ranging from 150,000 to 250,000 VND.

After arriving in Kien Giang, make your way to Rach Gia Pier, where you can take a speedboat to Hon Son Island. The speedboat journey typically takes around 2 hours across the waters of Kien Giang. Here is the information about some speedboat operators that you can choose to get to Hon Son island:

On Hon Son Island, there are two primary ways to get around: motorbike or car. You can rent a motorbike for about 200,000 VND per day. This option provides flexibility for exploring Hon Son at your own pace. If you are traveling in a large group, you can rent a van for easy transport around the island, ensuring everyone can enjoy the ride together.

You can get to Hon Son Island by speedboat (Source: Collected)

*These details are for reference purposes only and may be subject to change over time. Contact the transport service provider for the most up-to-date information.

3.3. What to note?

• Plan your trip well in advance. Book flight tickets, bus tickets, and especially speedboat tickets early. 
• Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and long-sleeved clothing to shield yourself from the sun.
• Pack essential items such as insect repellent and medication for common ailments. 
• Bring enough cash for your stay as there are no ATMs on Hon Son Island.

Discover how to move from Rach Gia to Phu Quoc

Hon Son Island offers a perfect blend of pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and delightful cuisine, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure. Plan your visit to this hidden gem and discover the charm that awaits!

After immersing yourself in the beauty of Hon Son Island, you should seize the chance to explore Phu Quoc, a destination brimming with captivating attractions, including VinWonders Phu Quoc, Grand World Phu Quoc, Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc, Phu Quoc Prison, Coi Nguon Museum, Su Muon Pagoda, Tranh Stream, Phu Quoc National Park, Phu Quoc fishing villages, May Rut Island, Bai Dai Beach, Vung Bau Beach, Gam Ghi Island, Hon Mot Island, Fingernail Island and Phu Quoc markets. 

At VinWonders Phu Quoc, thrill-seekers can enjoy all sorts of exhilarating games and captivating shows for all ages. Meanwhile, Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc offers a journey through nature’s wonders with wildlife encounters in natural habitats. On the other hand, Grand World Phu Quoc is a grand entertainment complex that offers around-the-clock activity.

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