Nam Du- lying in the calm waters of the Gulf of Thailand, is becoming an attractive Island for backpackers heading to the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang. It''s around 40 kilometers away from Phu Quoc, This pristine tropical island has 21 islets, 11 islets of which are inhabited, while the others remain completely untouched.
Nam Du Archipelago is gorgeous because long stunning beaches and splendid rock cliffs, the immense blue sea and sky, imposing mountains erupting amidst the ocean, endless evergreen primeval forests, Nam Du is easily reached by regular ferries from the mainland.
The archipelago stretches over two communes of An Son and Nam Du. Formed from a volcano, it has numerous six-meter creeks which are advantageous for transportation. As it is endowed with high mountains, Nam Du also is suggested as a great spot for offshore fishermen to flee rough storms.
There are two main seasons in Nam Du: dry season (from November to May) and rainy season (from May to October). The rainy season is characterized by rain, and during the peak of this season from July to September, it may have a lot more rain or storms and rough seas. Therefore, the best time to travel Nam Du Island is from December to April when the sea is peaceful and turquoise, the temperature is comfortable and the weather is consistent and sunny.
In order to reach Nam Du, you can take a flight from Phu Quoc or Ho Chi Minh City to Rach Gia Airport (Kien Giang Province) and then take a bus or taxi from the airport to Rach Gia wharf to Nam Du by a ferry. There are some kinds of vehicle to move that you can choose:
Phu Quoc Express Boat, Superdong Speed-boat or Ngoc Thanh Ferry to Nam Du Island. The Phu Quoc Express Boat and Superdong Speed-boat are quick, air-con and comfortable. Seating is assigned and you get a bottle of water, a refresher towel and entertainment on tv.
To discover the surrounding islands like Hon Lon and enjoy some beautiful places, you can rent a private boat or join in a group. There are boats of the local people at the main pier on Hon Lon Island.
The main road to Hon Lon Island is paved so you can rent a motorbike from your motel/guesthouse. One of the most memorable things to do in Nam Du island is to ride around the coast at sunset. The scenery is so stunning and the ocean sunset is absolutely gorgeous.
You can also hire a motorbike taxi driver who help you more information and guide what and where you should visit on Nam Du Island.
WHAT TO EXPLORE ON NAM DU ISLAND
Trekking and Hiking
For those that love some sport activities, trekking to Nhum Beach may be a nice experience, you would like to hike on alittle path, pass the towns fresh water offer source, and down through a densely wooded space swarming with wildlife. The trail eventually ends up in a rocky beach and therefore the best time to hike this trail is before sunrise.
Snorkeling
Nam Du island is plentiful marine life and coral reefs and Hon Dau Island is a good destination for diving, skin diving that gives you a discovery of the colourful world of marvelous coral reefs.Sunrises and sunsets
The ocean sunrises and sunsets from Nam Du are some of the best you will see in Vietnam and since the island is so small you can actually view it from one place. Hon Lon Island Pier is a perfect place to watch the sunrise just behind Hon Dau Island. Be sure to keep an eye out for the few hawks in the area at the top. The sunset along the coastal road on Hon Lon Island is breathtaking. Stop anywhere along this highway and watch an incredible sunset over the ocean.
Fishing and Eating in Nam Du
You can fish from the main dock, charter a small boat or rent a boat. There are also night time squid and squid fishing trips that may be of interest to you. You can also forage your own food as the entire Nam Du island is blessed with plenty of wild foods and seafood such as sea snails, oysters, clams and sea urchins.
Nam Du Lighthouse is placed on the pinnacle of Hon Lon Island, three hundred meters above the ocean stage and it's far taken into consideration to be the best lighthouse in all of Vietnam. With this height, travelers can see the maximum stunning landscape of Nam Du island.