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Uncover the ‘Mini Bali’ of Kien Giang: Immerse in Breathtaking Nature and Delicious Local Cuisine

30 June, 2025

Hon Son, also known as Hang Rai Island, is a hidden gem located in Lai Son Commune, Kien Hai District, Kien Giang Province. This idyllic island is situated 65km from Rach Gia City, nestled in the Ha Tien Bay between Nam Du and Hon Tre Islands. Hon Son boasts a pristine coastline with six stunning beaches and a diverse ecosystem of mountains, forests, and an array of flora and fauna across its 11km² land area.

Nestled between Hon Tre and Nam Du Islands, Hon Son is gradually making its mark on the southern region’s leisure tourism map. The ideal time to explore this island paradise is from May to September, when the weather is sunny, the sea is calm, and the waters are crystal clear. This summer, instead of visiting popular destinations like Phu Quoc or Con Dao, venture to Hon Son for a unique and refreshing experience.

The first attraction that draws visitors to Hon Son is its pristine, untouched beaches. Among them, Bai Bang stands out with its swaying coconut trees, crystal-clear waters, and hammocks nestled among the palm grove—evoking a strong resemblance to the outdoor resorts of Bali.

The natural landscape here is considered relatively untouched, featuring azure waters and unique stacked rock formations. Many visitors to Hon Son share the sentiment that the island offers a sense of serenity that is hard to come by—a quality that made Bali famous and is now vividly recreated in Hon Son, earning it the nickname of “Mini Bali” in Vietnam.

With its plethora of breathtaking beaches, a trip to Hon Son is incomplete without taking a dip in the inviting waters. Bai Bang, Bai Xep, and Bai Thien Tuoi are popular choices among exploration enthusiasts, offering crystal-clear waters and white sandy shores for a truly memorable experience. The harmonious blend of forest and sea at Hon Son is one of the reasons it is dubbed “Mini Bali”—a Bali that is not bustling but rather intimate, rustic, and easily accessible.

Snorkeling to admire the vibrant coral reefs is another highlight of a visit to Hon Son. Beneath the clear waters, colorful coral reefs come to life, accompanied by schools of small fish swimming playfully.

Canoe or small boat tours that take visitors to the coral areas are a popular choice for adventurous groups of young explorers. For a deeper immersion into the local way of life, join the night squid fishing trips, embark on a boat ride to the open sea, or simply sit with the locals by the harbor.

With reasonable costs, short travel time from the mainland, and a tourist-friendly environment, Hon Son is increasingly becoming a preferred choice as domestic tourism gains popularity among Vietnamese travelers.

Ma Thien Lanh Hon Son is an impressive tourist destination with its pristine and majestic natural scenery, coupled with intriguing legends and spiritual tales.

Just an hour’s boat ride from Rach Gia, visitors can step onto the island and immerse themselves in a “Mini Bali” in the Western Sea, where every corner presents a captivating backdrop for picture-perfect moments, promising unforgettable photo opportunities.

Tourists checking-in at Hon Son Island, Kien Giang.

Culinary Delights of Hon Son

Hon Son also delights visitors with its culinary offerings. Not only is the seafood here fresh and delicious, but it is also reasonably priced. Indulge in dishes such as shredded fish salad, grilled sea urchin with scallions, steamed squid with ginger, or seafood porridge. On quiet island evenings, under the soft glow of oil lamps, savor a seafood feast on the sandy beach, with the soothing sound of waves providing the perfect backdrop for a truly relaxing dining experience—embodying the essence of a “Mini Bali” getaway.

Ma Thien Lanh Mountain Chicken

When it comes to Hon Son’s renowned specialties, mountain chicken, especially from the majestic Ma Thien Lanh Mountain, is a must-try. Unlike commercially raised chickens, these birds are free-range and forage for their own food in the forest, resulting in leaner, less fatty meat with a delicate flavor and high nutritional value. The most beloved dish is steamed chicken with wine, paired with salt, pepper, and lime for a burst of flavor. Many visitors opt to savor this delicacy with friends, accompanied by cold beer and other Kien Giang seafood delights—a true culinary indulgence befitting a relaxing vacation.

Many travelers brave the distance to climb Ma Thien Lanh Mountain to savor the renowned mountain chicken barbecue.

Shrimp Steamed in Coconut Water

Another delectable treat not to be missed when visiting Hon Son is shrimp steamed in coconut water—a rustic yet quintessential delicacy of the Mekong Delta. Fresh coconut water, naturally sweet and nutty, is used to steam freshly caught shrimp, preserving the sweetness of the meat while infusing it with a subtle coconut aroma. This dish is typically served with seafood sauce or lime, salt, and pepper dip, enhancing its flavor profile.

On breezy afternoons by the sea, indulging in a hot plate of coconut-steamed shrimp, blowing on each bite before savoring its tender goodness, is an unforgettable experience for any visitor.

Shrimp steamed in coconut water retains the sweet and clear taste of the dish.

Grilled Cá Bóp with Salt and Chili

If you’re a fan of grilled dishes, don’t miss the opportunity to try grilled cá bóp (a type of fish) with salt and chili during your visit to Hon Son. Cá bóp, native to the deep sea, has thick, chewy, and sweet meat, making it ideal for grilling over charcoal. After marinating the fish with crushed salt, fresh chili, and a hint of garlic, it is slowly grilled until the skin turns golden brown and emits a mouthwatering aroma.

When you take a bite, you’ll relish the crispy skin, tender meat, and lingering spiciness. This dish is typically served with fresh herbs, rice paper, and a dip made from tamarind or sweet and sour fish sauce, providing a well-rounded culinary experience for those breezy evenings by the sea.

Grilled cá bóp with salt and chili is a must-try when visiting this region.

Beyond its natural beauty, Hon Son offers a journey of healing and reconnection with nature. Among the myriad island destinations in the Mekong Delta, “Mini Bali” Hon Son is undoubtedly a place worth visiting at least once in a lifetime.