Hon Son Island, which is located in the sea off the southern coast of Vietnam, is a quiet island located in An Giang Province. It has a touristy atmosphere.
There are no hotels, and the simple scenery and peaceful atmosphere unique to the fishing village are still preserved today. In recent years, travelers who want to enjoy nature and those who are tired of the hustle and bustle of the city have been coming here.
It attracts attention from people who want to spend time away from the city. It offers not only beautiful sea and mountain views, but also the warmth of interacting with friendly people and the unique experiences of living on an island.
Being able to experience Hana's simple life is also a major attraction. In this article, we will introduce the highlights of Honshō Island and the experiences you can have there.
Basic information about Honshu Island and how to get there
It is an island belonging to Lai Son Village in Kien Hai District, An Giang Province. It has an area of only 11㎢. It is located about 65 km off the coast from Rach Gia City. It enjoys a calm climate unique to Thailand Land Bay, making it easy to spend the whole year there. It is also characterized by its clear sea, seven mountains surrounding the island, and fresh seafood.
Upon arriving on the island, one is immediately struck by the scenery of the lush green mountains that stretch behind the coastline. The simple and tranquil atmosphere creates a relaxing time away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This is what makes Honshū Island so appealing. The island boasts a variety of natural beauty, including blue seas, rocky cliffs, native forests, and scenic trails along the mountain slopes. Furthermore, small fishing villages dot the island, and people still live there, engaged in fishing and aquaculture. This peaceful lifestyle is also one of the highlights of this island.
Currently, the only means of transportation to Hongson Island is by boat; regular ferries depart from Raksa Port. Therefore, we first head to Raksa City, the central city of Anzan Province. Aside from taking a long-distance bus to Raksa, the city also has an airport, making it easy to access even from afar. The Superdong high-speed ferry operates from the port of Raksa, taking approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes and costing 180,000 VND. The Gulf of Thailand is relatively calm, making for a comfortable boat trip.
Renting a bike is convenient for getting around the island. It takes about an hour to drive around the island, and along the way you’ll find small beaches, seaside cafes, and scenic sunset spots. You can explore the island at your own pace while getting close to the natural beauty of the sea and mountains.
The untouched beauty left in the seas of the south
Hon Son Island has a charm that is different from that of Vietnam's famous resorts. The scenery created by the clear blue sea, small sandy beaches, and natural rock formations is enveloped in a rustic and peaceful atmosphere.
The sea on the island changes its appearance throughout the day. In the morning, it shines a deep emerald green color, and in the evening, it changes into a deep blue color as it is illuminated by the sunset.
There are scattered beaches in the island such as Bai Bang, Bai Xep, and Bai Nha, where you can enjoy each beach. There are also places suitable for swimming in the sea and spots where you can enjoy SUP kayaking. Palm trees line the coast, creating a tropical landscape.
In addition to being a tourist resource, the seas off Honshū Island are also an important part of the lives of the island’s residents. In the early morning, fishing boats return to the port, bringing with them freshly caught seafood. This daily life of these fishing villages is also a unique charm of this island.
At night, the sea presents a different appearance from the day. The calm waves, the pleasant breeze, and the lights of fishing boats floating offshore create a breathtaking scenery, offering visitors a relaxing time. For those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, the sea on Honshu Island is an ideal place to visit.
Hiking to Martierlan
Hidden within Honshū Island, where lush green mountains stretch out, lies a serene natural landscape unlike the sea. It is also known as an area where you can enjoy hiking, and is becoming a popular destination for active travelers.
Ma Thien Lanh is known as a trekking spot where you can experience the island's natural beauty while walking through the native forest.
We use local motorbike taxis to get to the starting point of the trekking. The drivers on the island are mostly locals who are familiar with the mountain trails and forests. Walking along the narrow mountain paths while enjoying the lush forests and the blue sea is a special experience in itself. The price is around 50,000 VND per vehicle (for 2 people).
There are steep slopes along the way, with one side of the road covered by the mountain slopes and the other with a panoramic view of the distant sea. Walking along the path, surrounded by the refreshing breeze and the scent of the forest, is one of the enjoyable things to do before a trekking trip. You can also learn about the island’s lifestyle and the sea through conversations with the driver.
Once you reach the starting point, the trekking course begins, which takes you through the native forest. Along the route, there are large trees, creepers, and moss-covered rocks, creating a lush natural environment. The forest is quiet, and the sounds of birds chirping and the wind rustling through the trees are soothing.
Although the course itself is relatively easy to walk on, there are some slopes and slippery rock formations, so it is recommended for those who want to enjoy moderate exercise. There are also scenic viewpoints along the way, allowing you to enjoy the breathtaking view of the mountain greenery and the sea.
A prominent landmark in Martianlan is the large rock called San Tien. Located at the base of the mountain, it is known as a prime vantage point from which to overlook Honshu Island. Many people visit here to catch a glimpse of the clouds and the rising sun.
Unlike hiking trails that have become tourist destinations, the untouched nature remains in Martienran today. As a result, hiking here offers a valuable experience where you can enjoy a genuine sense of adventure while experiencing the unity with nature.
Must-do activities on Honshu Island
On Honshu, you can enjoy a variety of activities that take advantage of the island's natural beauty of the sea and mountains. Here are recommended ways to spend your time when visiting the island.
In Honshū Island, one of the most popular activities to enjoy the beautiful nature is to tour the island by renting a bike. Although the coastal road surrounding the island is not very long, there are lush green mountains on one side and a blue sea stretching out on the other side, allowing you to enjoy the unique natural beauty of the island. The exhilarating feeling of driving through a tree-lined road and the panoramic view of the sea that appears along the way captivate visitors. Even just taking a leisurely walk while feeling the sea breeze can provide a peaceful time.
For those who want to experience the beauty of the sea more closely, we recommend scuba diving and snorkeling. Honshu Island, blessed with clear waters and calm waves, offers the perfect environment for enjoying marine activities. In the evening, the sea surface illuminated by the sunset is beautifully beautiful, and the view from a scuba dive is truly breathtaking. Additionally, the surrounding area is dotted with colorful coral reefs, and you can see various sea creatures in the sea.
In the early morning on the beach, you can watch the beautiful sunrise in a quiet moment. While enjoying a swim on the beach where calm waves crash against the shore, it is a luxurious time only available on a trip to the island—watching the slowly rising sun. You can also see the fishing boats returning from the sea, creating a landscape that brings the island’s daily life to life.
And at night, Honshū Island takes on an even more magical appearance. With less intense light than in an urban setting, the night sky glows with countless stars. Spending time on the sand while listening to the sound of waves or strolling along the coast is a special experience that you can hardly find in the city. In addition to the beautiful sea and nature, the leisurely time itself is a major attraction of this island.
Local dishes to savor on Honshū Island
When it comes to the cuisine of Honshū Island, fresh seafood caught daily is the highlight. You can leisurely enjoy the unique flavors of the island while gazing out at the calm scenery of the coast.
Tako Fire Noodle
Lau Lang Chai
Location: Bai Bac, Kien Hai, An Giang
Open: 8:00～20:00
Fresh shrimp that have just been caught are characterized by their moderate elasticity and sweetness, and by cooking them in a hot pot you can fully enjoy their deliciousness.
The soup uses tamarind, lemongrass, and tomatoes, creating a balanced flavor with a pleasant acidity and deep richness. Enjoying it with local vegetables adds to the rich flavor.
Another unique way to spend your time on this island is to enjoy a meal surrounded by a pot of boiling broth on a night of pleasant sea breezes. The pot usually costs between 200,000 and 300,000 VND, and includes noodles and vegetables.
Bunkiai
Bun Quay 89
Location: Kien Hai, An Giang
Open: 6:00～20:00
This noodle dish is representative of Anzan Province and is a popular gourmet dish that is also beloved on Honshū Island. Despite its simple appearance, the natural sweetness derived from fresh seafood captivates the appetite.
The shrimp and fish minced meat are prepared on the spot, then added directly to the hot soup to finish the dish. The light soup is paired with rice noodles, allowing you to customize the seasoning to your liking and enjoy a simple yet profound flavor.
It is also popular as a breakfast dish, and is chosen by many people as a drink before starting sightseeing on the island. Even a dish that uses plenty of seafood costs only about 70,000 VND and is easy to enjoy.
Seafood from the island
When you visit Honshū Island, you should definitely try the fresh seafood. Every day, various seafood are caught around the island, and scallops, abalone, and shellfish adorn the tables.
The characteristic feature of this simple cooking method, which takes advantage of the quality of the ingredients, is that it is prepared over a charcoal fire, either roasted to a delicious aroma or steamed to be enjoyed as it is, without any additional preparation. This allows you to fully experience the true flavor of the sea’s bounty.
At seaside restaurants, you can often choose the seafood from the tanks and fish ponds yourself. It’s also a fun time to have to choose what to eat—the moment you gaze out at the sea before you is a special one.
Quan Cay Gon Sunset
Location: Ap Thien Tue, Kien Hai, An Giang
Open: 7:00～23:00
Garlic steamed chicken
One of the most popular gourmet experiences unique to Honshū is the garlic steamed chicken, which is enjoyed on a mountain top after enjoying hiking and forest walks. This dish offers a truly delicious experience.
The chickens used are mainly free-range local chickens, characterized by their fine texture and natural sweetness. At the restaurant in the foothills of the mountain, steamed chicken is served with fragrant garlic, and is beloved as a dish that whets the appetite.
Chicken dishes are often served with mixed vegetables and white rice typical of southwestern Vietnam, providing a simple yet satisfying meal. A set for two includes chicken dishes, rice, and salad, costing approximately 350,000 VND.
Enjoying a meal while surrounded by the cool mountain air and overlooking the sea from a high vantage point adds a deeper sense of the island's charm. The food culture of Honshū is not only about the deliciousness of the dishes themselves, but also about enjoying it leisurely amidst the abundant natural beauty.
Quan Ga Toan Ly
Location: Kien Hai, An Giang
Open: 6:30～21:30
Specialty products that breathe the life of the island's people
The final part of the trip is to find unique souvenirs from the island. As you stroll through the markets and small shops, you’ll find items that offer a glimpse into the way of life and culture of Hongson Island.
On Hon Son Island, it is also recommended to purchase local specialty products as a souvenir of your trip. Among them, the most popular are processed seafood products that take advantage of the abundant marine resources. Popular souvenirs include dried anchovy, squid, fish, and dried shrimp, as well as sweet and spicy stir-fried squid. All of these are carefully prepared by local people and are dried under the sea breeze and sun, resulting in the concentrated flavors of the ingredients. Prices range from 100,000 to 300,000 VND.
Also popular are tamarind sweets with their sweet and sour flavor. The perfect balance of mild acidity and sweetness, along with a slight hint of salt, makes them a perfect snack for your trip, but also a great souvenir. They are available for as low as 50,000 to 70,000 VND.
Furthermore, handmade goods made from seashells and sea snails are also sold at the seaside shops. From keychains and wind chimes to home decor items, each product exudes a distinct island atmosphere.
These souvenirs are not just traditional specialties; they are a reminder of the time and scenery spent on Honshū Island. They are chosen by many people as a small treasure to take home with a sense of the journey’s lingering aftertaste.
Qua Luu Niem Hon Son An Nhien
Address: To 8, Kien Hai, An Giang
Open: 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM
