The Island Township: A Giant Hand Reaching Out to the Sea, Offering Pristine Scenic Beauty, Over 200km from Hanoi.

In recent years, this destination has shown strong signs of development and growth in tourism, becoming an ideal spot for short getaways. This place is Nghi Son island commune or Nghi Son town, located 50km south of Thanh Hoa city center. In the past, Nghi Son used to be known as Bien Son, Tinh Gia, or Ngoc Son.

When viewed from above, Nghi Son island commune resembles a giant hand reaching out to the sea (Image source: VNN)

The island commune has undergone several name changes

According to Thanh Hoa Newspaper, the name Ngoc Son, which means “jade mountain,” was bestowed upon Nghi Son by King Le Thanh Tong in the 15th century. There is a saying praising the beauty of this place: “Ngoc Son trung tu van nien co,” which translates to “Ngoc Son, where the essence of eternal beauty converges.”

Throughout its history, this town and island commune have undergone several name changes. For instance, during the Tran and Ho dynasties (13th-14th centuries), it was known as Co Chien district. During the Ming rule, it was called Cuu Chan, which comprised Co Binh and Ket Thue district. In 1838, under King Minh Mang’s reign, it was merged with Nong Cong and Quang Xuong districts to form Tinh Gia prefecture. After the August Revolution in 1945, Ngoc Son district became known as Tinh Gia district.

Nghi Son island commune has undergone several name changes in the past (Image source: Viet Going)

The name Nghi Son, as it is known today, has only been in use for a little over four years. Specifically, since April 2020, the National Assembly Standing Committee has issued a resolution to establish Nghi Son town and its wards.

Apart from well-known local tourist destinations such as Sam Son, the city center, or Pu Luong, the southern region of Thanh Hoa – Nghi Son has emerged as a rising star due to its pristine beaches that remain relatively unknown.

Pristine and secluded beaches of Nghi Son

According to Thanh Hoa Newspaper, Nghi Son town has been focusing on promoting and attracting investments from businesses for tourism projects, particularly eco-beach tourism projects.

Nghi Son boasts pristine beaches and a serene atmosphere, making it an ideal eco-beach tourism destination (Image source: Traveloka)

Here are some of the beautiful, untouched beaches in Nghi Son that you may consider visiting:

1. Bai Dong Beach

Bai Dong is undoubtedly the first name that comes to mind when mentioning pristine beaches in Nghi Son. In the past 1-2 years, Bai Dong has gained popularity among young adventurous travelers. It boasts crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, and a refreshing climate.

Additionally, Bai Dong is characterized by rocky shores that exude a wild and untouched beauty. These rocky outcrops have become intriguing check-in spots for many visitors.

Image source: Traveloka

2. Hai Hoa Beach

Most tourists visiting Thanh Hoa are familiar with Hai Tien Beach, but few have heard of Hai Hoa. Consequently, this beach remains untouched and remarkably secluded. There are not many accommodation options available, such as hotels, homestays, or resorts.

Some visitors who have been to Hai Hoa Beach describe it as a peaceful and serene place, a stark contrast to the more famous beaches in Thanh Hoa. As a result, it has become a sought-after destination for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Image source: Traveloka

3. Hon Me Island

Hon Me is a small island located about 11km from the mainland, within the territory of Nghi Son town. The island is mostly uninhabited, except for a military unit and some newly developed tourist services. 

Travelers can reach the island by boat or speedboat from the mainland. It is advisable to book services like tents, camps, boat rides, surfing, or jet skiing in advance to ensure the best experience. 

Apart from relaxation and leisure activities, visitors have the opportunity to learn about the rich ecosystem of flora and fauna on the island, including many rare species. With its pristine beauty, Hon Me Island is dubbed the “emerald island” of Thanh Hoa’s seascape.

Hon Me Island boasts pristine beauty, and several services are now available for visitors (Image source: Lao Dong Newspaper)

In addition to its beaches, Nghi Son offers cultural attractions such as Dot Tien Pagoda and Bach Lang Temple, as well as small fishing villages where local fishermen continue the tradition of fishing and aquaculture. These villages are known for their high-value aquatic products, including grouper, golden threadfish, red porgy, and yellow-striped cardinalfish.