Top 10 places to visit in Nam Du: beaches, lighthouses and uninhabited islands

The Nam Du Archipelago comprises 21 islands of varying sizes, 11 of which are inhabited, and is situated in the Gulf of Thailand. Situated approximately 110 km from Rạch Giá and 75 km from Phú Quốc, Nam Du has retained its rare unspoilt charm: crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, virgin forests and laid-back fishing villages. Previously, Nam Du belonged to Kiên Hải District, Kiên Giang Province. Following the 2025 administrative reorganisation, the area now forms part of the Kiên Hải Special Economic Zone in An Giang Province.

If you’re planning your first trip, here are 10 must-visit spots, along with the best times to visit, how to get there and a suggested itinerary.

1. Cây Mến Beach (Hòn Lớn)

White sandy beach and rows of coconut palms at Cây Mến Beach

Cây Mến Beach is situated on Hòn Lớn (also known as Hòn Củ Tron), the largest island in the archipelago. This is the most beautiful and frequently mentioned beach in Nam Du. A small, curved bay cradles the fine white sand, with crystal-clear waters and a row of coconut palms leaning out towards the sea behind it.

• Best time to visit: early morning and late afternoon, when the sun is gentle and the light is perfect for photography.
• Ideal for: swimming, relaxing in a hammock, and strolling to watch the sunset.

2. Nam Du Lighthouse (summit of Hòn Lớn)

Panoramic view of the archipelago from Nam Du Lighthouse

Nam Du Lighthouse stands on the summit of Hòn Lớn, approximately 300 metres above sea level. It is one of the highest lighthouses in Vietnam. From the summit, you can take in a sweeping view of the entire archipelago, with its green islands scattered across the sea.

• The road up is steep and winding. If you’re not used to riding a motorbike on mountain passes, ask a local to give you a lift.
• It’s best to go at dawn or dusk; bring drinking water and a light jacket.

3. Nam Hai Temple

Nam Hai Temple, where the fishermen of Nam Du worship the Whale God

For those who make their living from the sea, the Nam Hai Shrine is the most sacred site on the island. The shrine is dedicated to Ông Nam Hải, also known as ‘Cá Ông’ (the whale), the deity whom southern fishermen believe always protects their boats as they brave the waves and winds to return safely. Before each long voyage, many families still visit the temple to light incense and pray for calm seas and skies, and for their holds to be filled with fish and prawns.

Visiting the temple is the best way to gain an insight into the spiritual life of the Nam Du fishing village, alongside its beautiful beaches.

• Dress modestly and speak softly when entering the worship area.
• Ask the temple caretaker for permission before taking photographs inside the main hall.

4. The Lone Tree

The Lone Tree by the Nam Du coastal road

On the coastal road winding around Hòn Lớn, there stands a solitary tree in an open space, with the blue sea on one side and forested hills on the other. Tourists affectionately call it the ‘Lonely Tree’. The tree’s silhouette against the sky and the vast expanse of the sea creates a truly ‘cinematic’ scene, making this a virtually unmissable stop for groups of motorcyclists exploring the island.

• Best time to visit: late afternoon and at sunset, when the sun’s rays slant across the landscape and the sky changes colour.
• Combine a visit with a motorbike tour around the island, following the same route as Cây Mến Beach and the road up to the lighthouse.
• Pull over to the side of the road and watch out for passing traffic whilst taking photos.

5. Hòn Mấu and Bãi Chướng

Crystal-clear waters at Bãi Chướng and Hòn Mấu

Locals often say, ‘If you’ve been to Nam Du but haven’t visited Hòn Mấu, it’s as if you haven’t been at all’. Hòn Mấu covers an area of approximately 200 hectares and is home to over 120 households, most of whom make their living from the sea. The island has five beaches: two sandy beaches (Bai Chuong and Bai Nam) and three rocky beaches (Bai Bac, Bai Da Den and Bai Da Trang).

Bãi Chướng is the most beautiful beach on Hòn Mấu. The long stretch of white sand is accompanied by water so clear that you can see the seabed even from a distance from the shore. You can sit under the shade of coconut palms sipping fresh coconut water, then head out to the rocky beach to take photos amongst the black and white rocks in their various shapes.

6. Hòn Hai Bờ Đập

Swim or go stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) at Hai Bờ Đập

Hòn Hai Bờ Đập is a familiar stop on boat tours of the islands. The water here is crystal-clear, surrounded by a chain of small islands, creating a landscape often described as the ‘Halong Bay of the South’. It is the ideal spot for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding and taking photos amidst the unspoilt islands.

7. Hòn Dầu

Hon Dau – Nam Du

Over 90 per cent of Hòn Dầu’s area is covered by virgin forest, with only a few households living there. The island’s shores feature a small sandy beach and a coral reef close to the shore. It takes just over 20 minutes by boat from Hòn Lớn or Hòn Mấu. If you wish to go snorkelling, be sure to bring your own mask and snorkel, as there are virtually no facilities on the island.

8. Hòn Ngang Floating Village

Tourists checking in at Hòn Ngang Floating Village

Hòn Ngang is the most densely populated island in Nam Du, with around 900 households, and boasts the largest and most sheltered harbour in the archipelago. The locals here farm grouper and red snapper in floating cages. It takes about 30 minutes by boat from Hòn Lớn. Once on Hòn Ngang, you can visit the fish rafts, enjoy a seafood lunch right on the rafts and stroll along the row of stilt houses by the sea.

9. Hòn Lò Tourist Floating Platform

Tourists snorkelling amongst the coral at the Hòn Lò raft

If you had to choose just one experience to remember Nam Du by, spend an afternoon on the Hòn Lò tourist raft. The raft is situated in the waters between Hòn Lò Lớn and Hòn Lò Nhỏ, where the crystal-clear waters and coral reefs are considered the most beautiful in Nam Du. Standing on the raft and looking down, you can clearly see the vibrant patches of coral and schools of small fish swimming right beneath your feet.

A day on the Hòn Lò raft offers all the most memorable aspects of island life:

• Snorkelling: put on your snorkelling goggles, dive into the crystal-clear water and admire the vibrant coral reefs just a few strokes away from the raft.
• Fishing: cast your line right from the raft, wait for the float to bob, then reel in the fresh fish you’ve caught yourself.
• Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP): glide across the calm waters around the raft, gazing down into the jade-green seabed.
• Sunbathing and taking photos at Hòn Lò Nhỏ and Hòn Lò Lớn: two charming little islands with multi-hued blue waters, providing the perfect backdrop for the best photos of your trip.
• Squid fishing and watching the sunset: as the sun gradually sinks into the sea, the entire expanse of water is bathed in shades of orange and purple. As dusk falls, it’s time to cast your squid lines – a truly unique experience for those who love the sea.

Paddleboarding or watching the sunset from a raft at Hòn Lò

A handy tip: bring sun cream and a light jacket for the late afternoon, and please do not step on or break any coral whilst snorkelling, so that the Hòn Lò coral reef remains as beautiful as it is today. Contact HSG Travel for advice and to book your Hòn Lò raft experience.

10. Nam Du seafood market and local specialities

Fresh Nam Du seafood

Visiting Nam Du without trying the seafood would be a great shame. Early in the morning, when the fishing boats dock, the seafood is at its freshest. A few dishes worth trying:

• Elephant ear conch: boiled, steamed, in congee or as a salad.
• Sea urchins: grilled with spring onions or cooked in congee.
• Grilled blue-spotted grouper: wrapped in banana leaves and grilled over a wood fire, served with wild vegetables.
• Dried fish: grilled and dipped in chilli sauce, or taken home as a souvenir.

When is the best time to visit Nam Du?

The best time is during the dry season, from around October to April of the following year, particularly from January to March, when the sea is calm, the water is clear and the weather is sunny. From around May to September is the rainy season; the sea can be rough and the high-speed ferry timetable may be subject to change. If travelling during this period, please check the weather forecast before your trip.

How to get to Nam Du and get around the island

• From Rạch Giá: the high-speed ferry takes about 2 hours. This is the route with the most frequent departures throughout the day.
• From Phú Quốc: the high-speed ferry takes about 1.5 hours, with fewer departures.
• From Ho Chi Minh City: take an overnight coach to Rạch Giá, then catch a ferry to the island the following morning.
• On Hòn Lớn: hire a motorbike to explore the island. To visit the smaller islands such as Hòn Mấu, Hai Bờ Đập, Hòn Dầu and Hòn Ngang, take a sightseeing boat with local guides.

At weekends and during peak season, ferry tickets often sell out early, so book at least a week in advance. Remember to bring your national ID card for boarding and check-in.

Suggested 2-day itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive at Hòn Lớn, check in, and swim at Bãi Cây Mến beach. In the afternoon, head to the Hòn Lò raft to go snorkelling, stand-up paddleboarding, squid fishing and watch the sunset. In the evening, enjoy a seafood meal near the Hòn Lớn ferry terminal.
• Day 2: Early in the morning, head to the lighthouse to watch the sunrise; on the way, stop by Cây Cô Đơn and the Nam Hải Temple. Then take a boat to visit Hòn Mấu (Bãi Chướng), Hai Bờ Đập and Hòn Dầu, and have lunch on the Hòn Ngang fishing raft. Return to the mainland in the afternoon.

A few tips for travelling to Nam Du

• Bring cash, as few places on the smaller islands accept bank transfers or cards.
• Bring sun cream, a hat, sunglasses and seasickness medication.
• Keep the area clean; do not litter or break off coral to preserve the island’s unspoilt beauty.
• Nam Du is quite quiet at night, making it more suitable for rest than for late-night entertainment.

Visit Nam Du with HSG Travel

Don’t want to organise ferry tickets, accommodation and sightseeing boats yourself? HSG Travel offers all-inclusive Nam Du tours and sells high-speed ferry tickets to Nam Du, Hòn Sơn and Phú Quốc. The itinerary includes the most scenic spots such as Hòn Mấu and Hai Bờ Đập, as well as activities like fishing and snorkelling. Call our hotline on 0814 84 11 44 for advice on itineraries and the best prices for your trip.

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