Nam Du is an archipelago off the coast of Kiên Hải district, Kiên Giang province. Encircled by the Gulf of Thailand, this cluster of islands is largely shielded from the impact of storms or adverse weather conditions at sea. It's no wonder it's been dubbed the “southern paradise” and has become increasingly popular among young travelers in recent years. And if you find yourself in this archipelago, you absolutely cannot miss Dầu Nam Du island, a must-visit alongside Sơn island, Ngang island, or Mến beach that tourists often flock to.
Dầu Island from a distance (Photo: insta h.soi)
To reach this small island, first, you need to purchase a high-speed boat ticket from the mainland to Sơn Island, the largest island in Nam Du and also the most densely populated. From the Rạch Sỏi pier in Rạch Giá city, for a Nam Du tour, you'll have to choose the type of boat you're aiming for. High-speed boats move faster but are more expensive, costing around 250k to 350k for a ticket; wooden boats move slower but are cheaper, ranging from 100k to 150k. Once you've reached the big island (also known as Sơn Island), you and your group should rent a boat from the islanders to get to Dầu Nam Du island or inquire about purchasing a tour including this island. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes for the boat to reach the island. In the past, because it was only a small island with few residents, all boats coming here had to rent a small three-leaf boat to take passengers ashore, but now, due to the increasing demand for tourism, a small boat bridge has been built to serve visitors. You can also use a life jacket to swim ashore if you prefer!
Transportation to Dầu Island in the Nam Du archipelago (Photo: ST)
Fun Activities at Dầu Nam Du Island
Crystal-clear beach at Dầu Nam Du Island (Photo: ST)
Though modest compared to Sơn Island, what truly captivates young travelers here is the unparalleled beach on the island. The beach stretches long with a crescent shape, adorned with lush tropical coconut groves reaching out towards the sea. Colorful pebbles interspersed with white sand truly make this place a paradise amidst the ocean.
A fun day at Dầu Island begins with underwater activities such as swimming, fishing, or snorkeling. Beneath the crystal-clear waters are vibrant coral reefs mixed with seaweed and fish that will surely leave enthusiasts awestruck. Here, you can also try your hand at catching sea urchins and fish by hand, a seemingly easy task that's actually quite challenging!
Strike a pose with the coconut groves here (Photo: insta tam_tam_le)
Vibrant coral reefs beckon travelers to explore (Photo: ST)
If you're tired of swimming in the sea, just find a hammock under the coconut trees and lie down to enjoy a peaceful day with the soothing sound of waves. Cuisine is also a must-try experience here. Delicious seafood dishes like Sea Urchin Porridge, grilled fish, or seaweed salad are prepared from the very seafood you've caught, so you don't have to worry about spending too much money on a budget Nam Du trip. However, for your own safety, it's not advisable to stay on the island at night as services are still very limited. But if you're an adventurous soul and want to experience the thrill of an untouched island like in novels, feel free, who knows, you might find some fascinating experiences for yourself!
Grilled Sea Urchin with scallion oil, a signature dish on Dầu Island (Photo: ST)
Hope these travel guide shares will somewhat aid you in your exploration and fun at Dầu Nam Du island. Summer is approaching, let's head to Nam Du for an incredibly exciting vacation, folks!