Information
Landmark: Nam Du IslandsCity: Kien Giang
Country: Vietnam
Continent: Asia
Nam Du Islands, Kien Giang, Vietnam, Asia
Overview
The Nam Du Islands, a small archipelago in Vietnam’s southwest, sit in Kiên Giang Province about 80 kilometers from the mainland and just 40 kilometers from Phú Quốc, where the sea smells faintly of salt and sun-warmed nets dry on the shore.These islands draw visitors with powdery white sand, glassy turquoise seas, and hills thick with green, offering a slower, quieter escape than crowded places like Phú Quốc.The Nam Du Islands sit off the coast of Kiên Giang Province, scattered like green jewels across the warm, blue waters of the Gulf of Thailand.Nam Du Island is the heart of the archipelago, the largest and most developed spot, with small fishing boats often bobbing in its busy harbor.The islands feel like a hidden paradise, where you can stretch out in the sun, wander winding trails, and listen to the soft rush of waves against the shore.The Nam Du archipelago is made up of 21 islands, though just a handful have people living on them-one even has a single dusty road that ends at the sea.The islands range from tiny specks of sand to sprawling stretches of land, most still wild and pristine, with clear waves lapping at untouched shores.Nam Du Island, the heart of the archipelago, is its largest and busiest, with fishing boats often crowding the harbor.It’s the heart of the islands, with the best roads, ports, and shops you’ll find here, yet it still feels quiet and untouched next to busier tourist spots.The island boasts several stunning beaches-Bãi Ngự, Bãi Chệt, and Bãi Mến-where you can stretch out on warm sand, slip into clear blue water, and let the sun sink into your skin.Fishing Village: On the island, a tiny cluster of boats and salt-worn cottages invites you to discover the rhythms of local life and culture.You can wander through the village, chat with friendly locals, and watch them mend nets that keep their fishing trade alive.Perched high on a hill, the Nam Du Island Lighthouse gives you sweeping views of the archipelago and the shimmering blue waters beyond.It’s a perfect place to snap a few photos and soak in the sweeping views, like the way the light catches on the water at sunset.Cultural exploration comes alive on Nam Du Island, where you can wander past weathered fishing boats, savor just-caught seafood, and soak in the island’s easygoing charm.An Son Island sits just a short boat ride away, and it’s one of the archipelago’s most popular spots, with pale sand that warms under your feet.It’s famous for crystal-clear water, quiet stretches of sand, and lush tropical palms swaying in the breeze.It’s the perfect place to snorkel, take a swim in the clear blue water, and wander along the rocky shore.Tucked far from the mainland, the island is ideal for anyone wanting to leave the crowds behind and hear nothing but the wind in the palms.Hon Dau Island, tucked away in the Nam Du archipelago, is one of its most secluded spots, where waves lap gently at empty, sunlit shores.The area’s famous for its spotless white beaches and vibrant coral reefs, where you can slip into warm, clear water for snorkeling or a lazy swim.Scattered along the island’s coast are small fishing villages, where you can taste grilled fish pulled from the water that morning and get a glimpse of everyday local life.Hon Sao Island, or Starfish Island, is a popular spot in the archipelago, drawing visitors to its turquoise waters, soft sand that warms underfoot, and lively reef full of colorful fish.The island feels easygoing, with calm blue water perfect for snorkeling or slipping in for a swim.Wade into the ankle-deep water and you’ll likely spot a starfish resting on the sand-that’s how the island earned its nickname.Hon Tre Island is small and quiet, with only a handful of fishing boats bobbing in its bay, making it an ideal spot for a peaceful escape.People love it for its natural beauty-the soft stretch of sandy beaches and the thick, green tangle of vegetation.The island’s perfect for unwinding, strolling under shady palms, and discovering its wild, untouched corners.Swim in the warm, clear waters of the Nam Du Islands, then stretch out on soft golden sand-these beaches rank among the most stunning in all of Vietnam.With its warm air and glassy, gentle waves, it’s perfect for a swim or stretching out in the sun.The clear waters around the Nam Du Islands teem with colorful fish and vibrant coral, making them perfect for snorkeling or diving beneath the surface.Dive into the underwater world and watch bright fish dart past vivid corals while other sea creatures glide through the blue.Hop on a small motorboat and set out across the glittering water, renting one to explore the scattered islands that dot the archipelago.Island hopping’s a favorite pastime, letting you slip away to hidden beaches, quiet caves, and secret coves you can reach only by boat.Fishing: You can hop aboard with the island’s fishing crews and spend a morning hauling in the day’s catch.Cast a line using time‑honored fishing tricks, or just lean back and breathe in the salt air as the boat glides along the coast.If you love hiking, the lush hills and quiet forests of Nam Du Island promise trails that wind past ferns and open onto breathtaking sea views.Climb the narrow steps to the lighthouse, and you’ll see the whole archipelago spread out below, the sea shimmering on every side.Relaxation and nature come together on the Nam Du Islands, where soft waves and hushed breezes make it easy to unwind.You can stretch out on the warm sand, lose yourself in a good book, or just watch the sunlight dance on the waves-the islands make a perfect escape for anyone who loves nature.In the Nam Du Islands, the bounty of the sea is everywhere-plump shrimp glisten on the docks, a testament to the region’s bustling fishing trade.Be sure to try the grilled seafood-fresh-caught fish, sweet crab, tender shrimp, and smoky squid, all kissed with spices and served alongside fluffy rice or springy vermicelli noodles.Bánh Xèo are crisp, golden Vietnamese pancakes stuffed with pork, shrimp, and crunchy bean sprouts, a favorite you’ll find sizzling on street carts all over the region.Gỏi Cá, or fish salad, is a bright, zesty mix of fresh fish, fragrant herbs, and lively spices, often paired with soft rice paper for wrapping each bite.Cá Lóc, or snakehead fish, is a local favorite-smoky from the grill or simmering in a fragrant, steaming soup.Canh Chua, or sour soup, bursts with tangy flavor from fresh fish and crisp vegetables, and it’s often ladled steaming hot beside a bowl of rice.Getting to the Nam Du Islands is easy-most travelers hop on a ferry from Rạch Giá in Kiên Giang, where the salty breeze greets you before you even board.Ferries leave Rạch Giá Port throughout the day, and the trip usually runs about two to two and a half hours-just enough time to watch the coastline fade into the horizon.You can rent a boat for island-hopping, letting you glide from one sunlit shore to another and discover several islands in the archipelago.By plane: The Nam Du Islands don’t have an airport, but you can fly into Phú Quốc International-the closest one-then hop on a boat from there for the 30–40 km trip across the water.You could also hop on a flight to Rạch Giá, then catch a ferry across the bright, choppy water to the islands.The Nam Du Islands are at their best in the dry season, from November to April, when the skies stay clear and the sea turns a deep, calm blue.
