Practical Guide to Nam Du Islands: Vietnam’s Quiet Beach Escape
Nam Du Islands, located off the southern coast of Vietnam, offer a quieter alternative to Phu Quoc or Con Dao. This guide covers how to get there, what to do, and what international visitors should know before planning a trip.
Related reading
Keep exploring Vietnam
- 1Phu Quy Island: A Practical Guide for International Visitors
Link from the 'What to Do' section to suggest another quiet island destination.
- 2Vietnam travel basics: payment, SIM cards, and getting around
Link from the 'Practical Tips' section for payment and transport advice.
- 3Con Dao Islands: A Practical Guide for International Visitors
Link from the introduction to compare with another quiet island destination.
At a glance
- Best time
- December to March
- How long
- 2–4 days recommended
- Budget
- $30–60 USD/day (mid-range)
- Getting there
- Fly to Rach Gia, then ferry (2.5–3 hrs)
- Language
- Vietnamese (little English spoken)
- Currency
- Vietnamese Dong (VND); cash only
Getting There
International visitors need to reach Rach Gia in Kien Giang Province first. There are daily flights from Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat Airport) and Can Tho. From Rach Gia, high-speed ferries operated by companies like Superdong and Phu Quoc Express travel to Nam Du in 2.5–3 hours. Tickets cost around 210,000–250,000 VND (approx. $9–11 USD) one-way. Ferries can sell out on weekends and holidays, so booking in advance is recommended. Note that ferry schedules are subject to weather disruptions, especially during the rainy season.
When to Visit
The best time to visit Nam Du is December to March, when seas are calm and skies are clear. The rainy season (May–October) often brings rough seas, which can lead to ferry cancellations. Plan for buffer days if traveling during shoulder months. The islands only opened to international visitors in 2017, so tourism infrastructure is still developing.
Where to Stay and Eat
Accommodation is mostly basic, with a mix of guesthouses, homestays, and a few boutique resorts on Hon Lon. Prices typically range from 300,000–800,000 VND ($12–33 USD) per night. English is rarely spoken, so translation apps or basic Vietnamese phrases are useful. Most meals center on fresh seafood, with simple local restaurants and market stalls. Credit cards are not accepted; bring enough cash for your stay.
What to Do
Popular activities include snorkeling around Hon Dau and Hon Mau, renting a motorbike to explore Hon Lon’s beaches and viewpoints, and sampling seafood at local markets. Organized tours are limited, so most visitors explore independently. Fishing villages offer a glimpse of local life. Internet and mobile coverage can be unreliable, so plan ahead for offline navigation.
Practical Tips
ATMs are rare on the islands, and cash is essential for all transactions. Bring enough for your entire stay. Environmental protections are minimal, so visitors should minimize waste and avoid single-use plastics. Ferry delays are common in bad weather—check schedules and allow for flexibility. Recent development means information in older guides may be outdated.
Frequently asked questions
ATMs are rare and most businesses do not accept credit cards. Bring enough cash for your entire visit.
Facilities are basic and geared toward adventurous travelers. Families with young children or those seeking luxury amenities may find the islands less comfortable.
Ferry schedules can be disrupted by bad weather, especially during the rainy season. Allow for buffer days and check schedules before traveling.
Travel details change — opening hours, prices, and schedules can vary by season. Please verify current information on official websites before your visit.
Sources
- nomadicnotes.com — Primary source
- theblondeabroad.com — From research brief
- itsbetterinthailand.com — From research brief
- vietnamcoracle.com — From research brief
- backpackerswanderlust.com — From research brief
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About the author
Trần Thị Diệu Hằng
Culture & Coast Editor
Diệu Hằng edits Vietpeep's culture, heritage, and coastal coverage with a preference for clear, unhurried prose. She looks for the details that give a place its pace — temple bells, fish-drying racks, the quiet of an island morning — and cuts adjectives until they surface.
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