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Nam Du - A Southernmost Archipelago

Situated to the southeast of Phu Quoc Island, Nam Du Archipelago in the southern province of Kien Giang which consists of 21 islands and islets is a rather untouched destination and is often referred to as a miniature of Ha Long Bay in the southern sea of Vietnam.
In recent years, Nam Du has been mentioned as an intriguing, pristine destination for young travelers interested in the exploration of new places. Hon Ngang, Hon Mau, Hai Bo Dap and Bai Cay Men have become popular due to the beauty they were endowed with by nature.

Hon Lon (literally the Big Island) is the biggest island in the archipelago, with a lot of beautiful beaches like Dat Do, Cay Men, Ngu and Gieng with lines of coconut trees, some of which are up to 70-80 years old. Along the coastal street in Hon Lon are many fantastic destinations for visitors to enjoy a panoramic view of Nam Du archipelago. From the 300m high lighthouse there, one can enjoy the most beautiful view of the whole area. Admiring the sunrise and sunset on this island is also among the most unforgettable memories for tourists.



Quanh các đảo ở Nam Du là những rặng dừa xanh ngút ngàn, cảnh sắc êm đềm, thơ mộng. Ảnh: Lưu Trọng Đạt


A beautiful panoramic view of Nam Du. Photo: Luu Trong Dat/VNA


A corner of Cay Men beach in Nam Du.
Photo: Luu Trong Dat/VNA


The Bai Men beach at Nam Du. Photo: Nguyen Luan /VNP


Fishing boats gather at Nam Du beach.  
Photo: Luu Trong Dat/VNA

From Hon Lon, it takes about 30 minutes by boat to reach Hon Ngang (literally the Horizontal Island), the most prosperous and populated island in the archipelago. Residents earn their living by fishing and raising grouper or cobia in cages. It also has the biggest port of Nam Du, attracting a number of fishing boats. Besides the lovely blue sea, the island’s fringes of high coconut trees and rugged stone cliffs with different terrains and colors are praiseworthy.

Another activity visitors should not miss in Hon Ngang is hiring a boat to visit seafood cages or to enjoy the fresh seafood dishes such as squid congee, grilled or stir-fried mussels, grilled garfish, and several types of local snails. During the night, from Hon Ngang visitors can enjoy the sparkling view of Hon Lon fantastically lit by lights.

More than 2km to the southeast of Hon Ngang is Hon Mau which has about 120 households. This is a potential location for resort tourism thanks to its beautiful beaches, which are named after seasonal winds such as Chuong with a long white sand bank leading to the deep blue water. Bac with stones of beautiful colors and patterns. Nam, a calm beach with small waves and a gentle wind through the year making it a perfect location for trading and boat anchoring. Nom, which has nice lines of coconut trees. Swimming in the blue sea, wandering around to enjoy the beaches or exploring the daily lives of fishermen on the island are all enjoyable.


Nam Hai Dai Than Vuong Temple at Hon Mau island. Photo: Kim Phuong/VNP


Bungalows near the shore. Photo: Nguyen Luan/VNP


Floating fish cages at Nam Du . Photo: Nguyen Luan/VNP


A tourist takes a photo in Nam Du. Photo: Kim Phuong/VNP


 Fresh seafood is prepared at a restaurant in Nam Du. Photo: Thong Hai/VNP

Coming to Nam Du Archipelago, one can totally integrate into the normal life of fishermen. Locals are hospitable and always welcoming to visitors. At night, people can camp, sing, or listen to interesting stories about life in the archipelago. It would be much nicer if one could enjoy the local seafood grilled near the sea. A trip of three days and two nights is perfect for exploration of this place.


 

Nam Du Archipelago is situated 83km from Rach Gia city in Kien Giang province. To reach the archipelago, visitors can buy ticket for a high speed boat which runs twice a day at 8:15am and 12:15am at Rach Gia pier. The boat trip takes two hours and costs 210.000 dong. Normal boats are a cheaper option, at 100.000 dong but takes up to five hours..

Story: Nguyen Oanh - Photos: Kim Phuong, Nguyen Luan, Thong Hai, Luu Trong Dat


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