If you’re wondering whether Nam Du Island is worth visiting, the answer is yes — absolutely. Tucked away in the far south of Vietnam, this island still feels like a hidden gem. You won’t find luxury resorts or crowds of tourists here. Instead, you’ll enjoy crystal-clear waters, quiet beaches, fresh seafood, and a slower pace of life that’s hard to find elsewhere.

This Ultimate travel guide and tips for Nam Du Island will help you get to know the island better — from how to get there, where to stay, and what to eat, to the best places to visit and practical travel tips. If you’re craving something different and peaceful, Nam Du might just be the perfect escape.

Overview Of Nam Du Island

Nam Du Island sits in the Gulf of Thailand, about 90 kilometers from Rach Gia City in Kien Giang Province. It's part of the Nam Du Archipelago, which includes 21 islands, both big and small. Nam Du Island is the largest one and is slowly becoming more popular with travelers who want peaceful beaches, clean water, and a local atmosphere.

This island still feels untouched. You’ll find simple fishing villages, quiet roads, and stunning natural views. Many Vietnamese travelers come to Nam Du to relax, enjoy the sea, and escape busy cities. Foreign visitors often miss it, so the island stays quiet most of the year.

If you love hidden beaches, clear blue water, and fresh seafood, Nam Du Island is a great place to visit. It’s definitely one of the most beautiful islands in Vietnam that hasn’t been overdeveloped yet.

Nam Du Island: Things to do

Nam Du may be quiet, but it offers plenty to explore and enjoy. You can spend your days relaxing on beaches, walking through fishing villages, hiking to viewpoints, or taking boat trips to nearby islands.

Explore Hon Lon (Nam Du Island)

Hon Lon is the biggest island and where most of the action happens. This is where you’ll find the harbor, homestays, restaurants, and places to rent motorbikes. The road along the coast is peaceful and scenic — a simple ride or walk can feel like an adventure on its own.

Visit the Main town

The town is small but charming. Locals are friendly, and the pace is slow. One interesting place here is Mieu Ba Chua Xu, where local people pray for safety and good luck. You might see small offerings like fruits, incense, and even seafood left at the altar.

Walk around the Fishing village

Nam Du’s fishing village feels authentic. You can see fishermen fixing their nets, boats coming in with fresh catch, and small houses sitting right above the sea. It’s a nice place for quiet photography and learning about daily life on the island.

Stop by the Whale Temple (Dinh Ong Nam Hai)

Like many coastal areas in southern Vietnam, Nam Du worships whales. Locals believe the sea gods and whale spirits protect fishermen. The Whale Temple keeps a 14-meter skeleton of a whale that washed ashore in 2017. It’s quiet, respectful, and worth a quick visit.

Hike to the island’s highest viewpoint

You’ll need a motorbike or a strong pair of legs to reach the viewpoint, but the view is worth it. From here, you can see the entire island, nearby islets, and the sea stretching to the horizon. Early morning or late afternoon gives the best light for photos.

Relax at Ngu Beach (Bai Ngu)

Ngu Beach is peaceful and clean, with coconut trees leaning toward the sea. The water is calm and shallow — good for swimming. Locals say that King Gia Long once stopped here while escaping from enemies. The beach has that calm, hidden feeling we all look for on island getaways.

Visit the colorful beaches of Hon Mau

This small island is famous for its pristine beaches, each with white sand and crystal clear blue water. Bai Chuong is a nice place to swim, and Bai Da Den has large black rocks, making it very photogenic. Hon Mau is also a great place to relax under coconut trees and do nothing for a while.

Enjoy peace at Hon Dau

Hon Dau is quiet, with only a few families living there. You can walk through coconut groves, explore hidden beaches, and feel like you have the whole place to yourself. If you want privacy and silence, this is the island to visit.

Take a boat trip to Hon Ngang

Hon Ngang is one of the bigger nearby islands. It’s known for its busy pier with hundreds of wooden fishing boats tied up side by side. You can walk around the village and enjoy seafood that’s freshly caught and often cheaper than on Hon Lon.

Visit Nam Du Lighthouse

This lighthouse sits at over 300m above sea level and is the highest lighthouse in Vietnam. You can’t always go inside, but the walk up is beautiful, and the view from nearby is even better. You’ll see blue sea, green hills, and tiny boats far below.

Swim at Bai Chet

Bai Chet is another beach spot that locals love. It’s clean, quiet, and a bit harder to reach, which makes it less crowded. You can swim, collect shells, or bring a small picnic.

What To Eat On Nam Du Island

Ốc tai tượng (Giant clam)

This shellfish is big and chewy, usually grilled with scallion oil or garlic. Locals sometimes serve it with chili salt or green pepper sauce. It’s rich in flavor and great with a cold drink.

Nhum (Sea urchin)

Nhum is a local delicacy. The islanders usually grill them with green onions and peanuts, or steam them with egg and spices. Some say it’s an acquired taste — a bit creamy and slightly sweet. If you like trying new seafood, this one’s for you.

Cá xương xanh nướng (Grilled greenbone fish)

This fish has soft, blue-green bones and tender meat. It’s best grilled over charcoal and dipped in salt-pepper-lime sauce. Locals love to pair it with fresh herbs and rice paper to roll it up and dip.

Khô cá (Dried fish)

Nam Du is also known for its dried seafood. You’ll find many types at the harbor or in local markets. Dried squid and dried anchovies make easy gifts or snacks. Just make sure you pack them well to avoid the strong smell in your luggage!

When Is The Best Time To Visit Nam Du Island?

Nam Du has two seasons — dry and rainy. If you want smooth boat rides, sunny weather, and clear water, go during the dry season, which runs from December to May. This is when the sea is calm, skies are blue, and visibility for swimming or snorkeling is at its best.

The rainy season lasts from June to November. During these months, the sea can be rough, and boat trips might get canceled. Some travelers still visit in the off-season for fewer crowds, but it’s not ideal if you want beach time or island hopping.

We recommend visiting between January and March. The weather is warm but not too hot, and the sea is usually at its calmest. You’ll also avoid the Tet crowds if you plan just before or after the holiday.

How Do I Get To Nam Du Island?

Nam Du Island belongs to Kien Giang Province in southern Vietnam. Since it’s in the middle of the sea, you’ll need to go by boat from the mainland. Most travelers reach Nam Du by ferry from Rach Gia, but you can also come from Phu Quoc or Ha Tien.

From Rach Gia

Step 1: First, get to Rach Gia City. You can take a sleeper bus from Ho Chi Minh City (around 6–8 hours) or fly from Tan Son Nhat Airport to Rach Gia Airport (about 1 hour).

Step 2: Take a ferry to Nam Du Island. There are a few speedboat companies like Superdong and Phu Quoc Express. Travel time is around 2–5 hours.

Ferries usually leave in the morning, around 7:00–8:00 AM, so it’s best to stay in Rach Gia the night before.

One-way tickets cost around 200,000–400,000 VND. You should book tickets early, especially during weekends and holidays.

From Ha Tien

From Ha Tien you can take a ferry or speedboat to Nam Du, but they are less frequent than those from Rach Gia. The journey takes from 30-60 minutes. The only company that operates this route is Superdong. Tickets are 320,000 - 400,000 VND.

From Phu Quoc

To get from Phu Quoc to Nam Du. you need to take a speedboat from Bai Vong pier. It takes about 90 minutes, costing about 200,000 - 260,000 VND per person. There are 1-2 rides per day. 

How to get around Nam Du Island

Once you arrive at Hon Lon (the main island), the best way to get around is by motorbike. Roads are narrow and scenic, perfect for a slow ride along the coast.

Motorbike Rental

• Most homestays and hotels rent bikes for 150,000–200,000 VND per day.

• Roads are a bit hilly, so make sure the brakes and tires are in good condition before you ride.

• You don’t need a license for short island rides, but you should feel confident driving.

Boat Tours

To visit Hon Ngang, Hon Mau, Hon Dau, and other small islands, you’ll need to join a boat tour or hire a private boat. Your homestay or guesthouse can help arrange this.

Boat tours often include:

• Island hopping

• Snorkeling stops

• Fresh seafood lunch

We suggest joining a group tour if you want to save money or a private boat if you're traveling as a couple or group of friends.

Nam Du Island Accommodation

Nam Du Island offers a range of accommodations, primarily on Hon Lon (the main island). Options vary from basic guesthouses to more comfortable resorts.

1. Nam Du View Guest House

• Location: Near the main pier in Bai Tret village.
• Highlights: Air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, and room service.
• Guest Feedback: Highly rated for cleanliness, comfort, and value for money.

2. The Nam Du Hill

• Location: Perched on a hilltop offering panoramic views of the archipelago.
• Highlights: Cozy rooms, attentive staff, and a convenient pickup service from the port.

3. Meta Sea Resort

• Location: West coast of Hon Lon.
• Highlights: Ocean-view rooms, on-site restaurant, and proximity to stunning sunsets. ​

4. Humiso Nam Du Resort

• Location: Along the coast road of Hon Lon.
• Highlights: Variety of bungalows with sea views, air-conditioning, and Wi-Fi. ​

5. Langchia Nam Du Resort

• Location: An Son area.
• Highlights: Deluxe bungalows with garden or sea views, offering spacious accommodations.

Booking Tips:

• Advance Reservations: Essential during weekends and public holidays due to limited accommodations.
• Payment: Most establishments prefer cash; ATMs are scarce on the island.
• Amenities: Expect basic facilities; amenities like hot water and consistent electricity may vary.​

Tips For Visiting Nam Du Island

To make the most of your trip, consider the following practical advice:

1. Travel During the Dry Season

• Best Months: December to May offers calm seas and clear skies.
• Avoid: June to November, as monsoon rains can disrupt ferry services. ​

2. Prepare for Limited Connectivity

• Electricity: Power outages can occur; some accommodations have generators.
• Internet: Wi-Fi may be slow or unavailable in certain areas.​

3. Bring Essential Supplies

• No ATMs on the island; ensure you have enough for your stay.
• Carry seasickness tablets and any personal medications.
• Sunscreen and hats are vital under the tropical sun.​

4. Respect Local Customs

• Learning basic Vietnamese phrases can be helpful.
• Dispose of waste properly and avoid single-use plastics.​

5. Explore Responsibly

• Rent motorbikes to navigate the island; roads are scenic but can be steep.
• Join group tours or hire boats to visit nearby islets like Hon Mau and Hon Ngang.​

Conclusion

Nam Du Island may not be on every tourist’s radar yet, but that’s what makes it so special. You get the chance to experience a side of Vietnam that still feels local and untouched. It is the kind of place that sticks with you long after your trip ends.

We hope this Ultimate travel guide and tips for Nam Du Island gave you a clear and honest look at what to expect. If you're ready to explore Nam Du for yourself, feel free to contact us — we’ll help you plan a smooth and memorable trip with our local travel experts.

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