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The Island Nicknamed “Ha Long Bay of the South”: Snap-Worthy Spots and Mouthwatering Delicacies

16 June, 2025

Which Island in Nam Du Should You Explore?

Nam Du is an archipelago located southeast of Phu Quoc Island in the Gulf of Thailand. Comprising 21 islands of various sizes, the Nam Du archipelago spans a total area of 9.12 km2.

To reach Nam Du, visitors must first travel to Rach Gia in Kien Giang Province and then take a high-speed boat, which takes about 2 to 2.5 hours to reach Hon Cu Tron – the largest island in the archipelago, consisting of over 20 islands. The journey to the islands is not just a means of transportation but also a chance to detach oneself from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Upon arriving in Nam Du, visitors are greeted by the dazzling beauty of sandy beaches and shores bathed in golden sunlight. The long stretches of coconut groves along the coastline and the quaint houses nestled by the sea will surely delight travelers.

Visitors can check out the famous lighthouse on Hon Cu Tron in Nam Du.

During the day, visitors can rent motorbikes to explore the large island and discover beaches such as Bai Men, Bai Ngu, and Bai Cay Men. In the evening, the peaceful atmosphere and the soothing sound of waves crashing against the small shacks by the sea offer a rare sense of relaxation.

One of the most popular activities among tourists is boat tours to the smaller islands surrounding Hon Cu Tron. Each island boasts its own unique charm, from tranquil beaches with crystal-clear waters to vibrant coral reefs and lush virgin forests. Additionally, visitors can also try their hand at scuba diving to observe the coral reefs up close, go fishing or crabbing, or join tours that offer a glimpse into the local fishermen’s way of life.

Perched on Hon Cu Tron is the Nam Du Lighthouse, offering a panoramic view of the entire archipelago, especially at sunrise or sunset. This spot is highly recommended by locals for its breathtaking views and photo opportunities.

The island also boasts Bai Men Beach, renowned for its pristine beauty with fine white sand, lush green coconut trees, and crystal-clear waters that reveal the seabed. Bai Men is ideal for swimming, photography, or simply relaxing in the shade of the trees.

Bai Men Beach is considered the most beautiful beach in Nam Du.

In addition to Hon Cu Tron, Hon Mau is another must-visit destination in Nam Du for those seeking a tranquil beach getaway. Over 100 households reside on the island, mainly engaged in fishing and small-scale tourism services.

Hon Mau boasts two stunning beaches, Bai Chuong and Bai Nam, both featuring gentle sloping sands, clear waters, and calm waves, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. This is also the place to indulge in activities such as boating, fishing, and savoring fresh seafood prepared on the spot.

Beyond the allure of the sea and sand, the slow-paced lifestyle of the locals on Hon Mau adds to its unique charm. The small houses with corrugated roofs, children playing on the sand, and diligent fishermen mending their nets together paint a peaceful and humble picture of coastal life.

A journey to the Nam Du archipelago would be incomplete without a stop at Hon Dau, a small island with only a handful of residents but boasting pristine beauty. With golden sandy beaches, tall coconut trees swaying in the breeze, and a serene atmosphere, Hon Dau invites visitors to leave their worries behind.

Hon Dau captivates visitors with its tranquil ambiance.

Beyond soaking in the clear waters, visitors to Hon Dau can also go scuba diving to admire the colorful coral reefs and observe small schools of fish swimming among the rocks. Almost the entire island is covered by a virgin forest, preserving its natural wildness. With its quiet and romantic atmosphere, Hon Dau is perfect for overnight camping, complete with a bonfire and grilled seafood, offering an unforgettable experience.

Culinary Delights in the “Ha Long Bay of the South”

Sea Urchin Porridge

Sea urchin porridge, also known as “cau gai” porridge, is a dish that embodies the essence of the sea and is considered a unique delicacy of the Nam Du islands. Sea urchins, resembling spiky balls, are abundant in the rocky shores of the islands. Locals usually dive into the sea early in the morning to catch these sea creatures, skillfully removing the spiny exterior to extract the delicate meat inside for cooking.

Sea urchin porridge is a must-try delicacy when visiting Nam Du.

A bowl of sea urchin porridge is a hearty treat, with a subtle sweetness from the well-cooked rice and a rich, creamy texture from the sea urchin meat, creating a distinct flavor. This dish is typically served with herbs, green onions, and a dash of pure fish sauce. Not only is it delicious, but sea urchin porridge is also highly nutritious, regarded by locals as a “sea ginseng” for its health benefits.

Trích Fish Salad

For those who have savored trích fish salad in Phu Quoc, the Nam Du version will come as a delightful surprise. Carefully selected trích fish are cleaned, and the meat is mixed with lemon, garlic, chili, shallots, and herbs.

The dish is usually accompanied by rice paper rolls and a dipping sauce made from coconut milk, peanuts, and fish sauce.

The mild sourness of lemon, the spicy kick of chili, and the sweet and chewy texture of the fish meat come together harmoniously in this refreshing salad, especially appealing during the hot summer days.

Grilled Xanh Fish

Among the myriad seafood dishes in Nam Du, grilled xanh fish stands out as a long-standing specialty cherished by locals and a “must-try” for visitors. This slender, silver-skinned fish with firm and sweet meat is commonly found in the waters of Nam Du. Freshly caught by local fishermen, the xanh fish retains its utmost freshness, a key factor in the dish’s unforgettable flavor.

Unlike many grilled fish dishes that are heavily marinated, the xanh fish in Nam Du is typically grilled whole over charcoal without any complicated seasoning. This simple preparation is favored by the islanders to let the natural sweetness of the fish shine through.

As the fish cooks, the skin starts to char slightly, releasing a mouthwatering aroma, while the flesh remains moist and juicy, bursting with the flavors of the sea.

The grilled fish is often presented on banana leaves or bamboo trays, accompanied by rice paper, wild herbs such as lá cách, fragrant basil, and fish mint, and a specially prepared dipping sauce made from fish sauce, garlic, and chili with a sweet and sour twist. When you roll a piece of the grilled fish with herbs and dip it into the sauce, you’ll experience a delightful interplay of textures and flavors—the chewy fish meat, the refreshing herbs, and the savory-sweet sauce, all coming together in perfect harmony.

Nam Du is not just a destination for relaxation but also a place for exploration, discovery, and a deeper connection with nature. Each island, each beach, and each local resident contributes to the unique and harmonious character of this archipelago.