Hon Son: A Peaceful Island Escape in Vietnam

Planning a Last-Minute Trip to Hon Son

Short on time? Here are some quick tips and essential information to help you plan your trip to Hon Son Island today!

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Where to Stay: Booking.com and Agoda are our go-to platforms to search for amazing hotels. Here are the top places to stay on Hon Son Island.

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Mid-Range

Mango Home

High-End

Fly-Up Resort

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Best Time to Visit: November to April for the best weather conditions.

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Reaching the Island: Reserve your ferry ticket from Rach Gia to Hon Son Island in advance here.

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Hon Son Island Overview

Hon Son is one of the largest islands in the Kien Hai district of Kien Giang province. Situated in the Gulf of Thailand, it lies approximately 55 kilometers west of Rach Gia city. With an area of roughly 11 square kilometers, this peanut-shaped island is perfect for exploration, where everything is just a short yet scenic motorbike ride away.

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The island remains largely undeveloped, preserving its quiet charm and breathtaking natural scenery, while giving the feeling that time moves more slowly here. But, it’s not all paradise on the island as there are a few challenges to keep in mind.

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Environmental issues, like trash on the beaches, detract from its natural beauty. Additionally, local infrastructure is still developing, and there are no ATMs on the island, so it's best to withdraw cash in Rach Gia.

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Weekends can also bring large crowds, which might be a letdown if you’re seeking a peaceful escape. The narrow roads fill with motorbikes, lined up like an army of ants.

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Despite these concerns, we think Hon Son is still worth visiting especially during weekdays when the island returns to its tranquil, sleepy vibe.

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Hon Son Island Map

Here’s our map of the island highlighting the main areas to explore, along with recommended places to stay, top spots to eat, and the best cafes with ocean views.

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Exploring Hon Son Island

Hon Son Island may not offer a long list of activities, but it's a great alternative if you’re seeking an off-the-beaten-path destination in Vietnam. No worries—there’s still plenty of hiking, boat tours, and villages to keep you engaged throughout your stay.

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Lai Son Town: Dining and Activity Hub

Located on the southern tip of the island, Lai Son town is the heart of Hon Son, where you'll find most of the restaurants, cafes, accommodations and the main ferry port. This area also offers a selection of shops selling snacks and souvenirs.

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The beachfront is lined with restaurants serving some of the freshest seafood on the island, while a market near the port offers breakfast options like bun rieu, a tomato-based noodle soup. 

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Tip: For the best view of the town, head to the platform next to Coco Bay Homestay and Restaurant.

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If you're looking for some adventure, consider hiking up Ma Thien Lanh Peak, the island's highest point at 450 meters. The trek begins at the edge of town, where you can either ride your own motorbike or hire a xe om (motorbike taxi) to take you about two-thirds of the way for 30,000vnd (around $1) each way.

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The final stretch involves climbing steep stone steps and squeezing through a narrow crack in the rocks, but the breathtaking views at the top make it all worthwhile. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water. 

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After the challenging hike, reward yourself with delicious roasted chicken at Toan Ly, a shop located at the trailhead of the trek.

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For more trekking adventures, head to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and explore Vietnam's incredible cave systems.

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Bai Bang: Swimming and Boat Tours

The island’s east coast is its liveliest area, home to modern accommodations and a range of cafes. This stretch also offers the cleanest beach, with roped-off areas designated for swimming, making it the ideal spot for a dip.

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Lined with palm trees and soft white sand, Bai Bang Beach can get quite crowded. A leaning coconut tree with a swing adds to the area’s popularity, making it a favorite spot for local teens to take photos. 

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Find out about one of our favorite beaches in Vietnam—Tu Nham Beach, located in the beautiful Phu Yen province.

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Next to Bai Bang Beach is a floating village where boat tours begin, though it’s not your standard island hopping tour. It starts with a quick boat ride to a floating restaurant. From there, you’ll board a larger boat that heads north of the island, where you can swim and try paddleboarding.

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With no smaller islands nearby, Hon Son offers limited options for boat tours. For a true island-hopping experience, head to Nam Du, an archipelago of over 20 islands just waiting to be explored.

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This activity is especially popular among Vietnamese tourists, who love capturing iconic paddleboard photos, making it feel more like a photoshoot session than a typical tour. Despite this, the tour is affordable—just 150,000vnd ($6)—and the local guides are lots of fun, making it a fantastic way to spend an afternoon.

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Tip: To book a tour, either arrange it through your accommodation or head to this area, where you'll find locals offering tours. To avoid crowds, head there early in the morning or towards lunch time.

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Bai Bac: Ferry Port and Fishing Village

Located on the northern tip of the island, Bai Bac is primarily a fishing village buzzing with activity throughout the day. Along the seafront, you’ll find a few homestays and restaurants near the port.

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As you explore the area, you’ll see locals in shacks working diligently on their fishing nets. Stop by, and they’ll happily show you their fresh catch of the day, proudly sharing some of their more unique finds.

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While a few articles online highlight Bai Bac as the best beach on the island, our experience was a bit different. The shore is lined with boats and fishing activity, and unfortunately, there was a significant amount of trash scattered along the beach.

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For an authentic experience in lesser-known fishing villages, check out the peaceful Lang Go Co in Sa Huynh and the charming Nhon Hai Village in Quy Nhon.

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Western Coast: Sunsets and Scenic Drives

The entire western coast of Hon Son Island remains largely undeveloped, with only a few restaurants along the way. However, this stretch is perfect for sunset viewing and offers a scenic drive with lush greenery and clear views of the ocean.

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This part of the island also offers some of the best, crowd-free swimming spots, though they may require a bit of effort to reach. As you drive around, look for areas low enough to climb down the boulders for a swim. Just be cautious to avoid stepping on corals or sea urchins.

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Read: 4-Day Motorbike Journey in the Mekong Delta

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Bai Gieng: Temple Views and Local Communities

Situated on the western tip, hugged by two bays, Bai Gieng is a lively fishing village with a labyrinth of narrow streets. A walk through this maze of alleyways reveals a welcoming local community, where markets, food vendors, and the occasional homestay offer a glimpse into daily life here. 

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For the best views of the village, head to Lang Ong Nam Hai, a small temple offering a perfect vantage point to catch the sunset. Just north of the village, another viewpoint provides stunning panoramas of the northern bay, dotted with fishing boats.

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Eating on Hon Son

Hon Son Island is dotted with small, no-frills seafood spots that make the most of the island’s fresh daily catch. While seafood lovers are in for a treat, options beyond seafood can be limited. If you're craving a change, your best bet is to arrange for meals at your homestay. Here are some of the top places to eat on Hon Son.

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Quan Ken: This seafood spot in Lai Son town is just one of several lining the seafront, each offering a similar price range. You'll find a variety of fresh dishes like crab, octopus, and our personal favorite—sea urchins! 9am-midnight

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Island Homestay: Nestled in Bai Bac, this homestay features a cozy restaurant shack by the seafront, perched on boulders with stunning sea views. Don't miss their steamed clams and seafood fried rice. 8am-10pm

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‍Quan Ngau Binh Dan: Near the port in Bai Bac, this small eatery sets up tables on the sand at night during low tide. The menu features a variety of traditional dishes, from rice meals to seafood noodles. Hours Vary

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Quan Ga Toan Ly: Serving some of the best grilled chicken on the island located at the beginning of the Ma Thien Lanh Peak trail. It’s ideal for sharing, as they only sell whole chickens. Hours Vary

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Coffee Spots on the Island

As Hon Son has risen in popularity among young Vietnamese travelers, cozy cafes have popped up across the island, perfect for soaking in the views and snapping great photos. Here are some of our favorite coffee spots.

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Alu Koru: Modern coffee shop blending wood and nature to create one of the coziest spots on the island. Though the prices are slightly higher than other cafes, it’s less crowded, allowing you to enjoy great coffee with stunning coastal views. 6am-10pm

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Cay Bang Coffee: A stilt-house-inspired cafe adorned with lanterns, offering two-story seating and a selection of coffee, tea, and fresh juices. 6am-10pm

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Quan Mau Do: Right next to Cay Bang Coffee, this unassuming cafe stretches into the back with winding interiors that lead to a mini garden. 6am-6pm

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Sunset Coffee: As the name suggests, this cafe is the perfect spot for sunset. Perched on a hill with ocean views, it also has a waterside area for photo ops. It’s a popular spot, so expect it to get busier closer to sunset. 6am-10pm

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Lanam Coffee and Bar: Nestled on the southwestern tip of Hon Son, this rustic cafe offers cocktails and beers alongside breathtaking sea views. 7am-11pm

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Where to Stay on Hon Son

Accommodations on the island consist mainly of homestays and bungalows with basic amenities. Here are the main areas to stay on Hon Son Island.

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Lai Son Town: This is the main town on the southern part of the island, next to the ferry port. It’s a convenient place to stay with many restaurants, though it can get busy.

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Bai Bac: Located in the northern area near a fishing village, this spot is quiet and has a few restaurants. The homestays here offer sea views and are close to the beach, though the water can be dirty and unsuitable for swimming.

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Bai Bang: This area has the cleanest stretch of beach, but it can get crowded with tourists and has few cafes and restaurants nearby.

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Hilltop Stays: You’ll find various accommodation options nestled in the hills, offering both tranquility and stunning views. Keep in mind, though, that the steep, narrow roads leading up can be challenging for inexperienced drivers.

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Find all accommodations on Hon Son Island

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Our Pick: We highly recommend staying at Mango House, where a lovely Muong family relocated a traditional stilt house from Hoa Binh in northern Vietnam and perched it high on the mountains of Hon Son, away from the busy roads below and with ocean views all around.

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Best Time to Visit

For the best weather, visit Hon Son Island during southern Vietnam's dry season, which runs from November to April. This period offers warm and dry conditions, with clear skies, calm seas, and a low chance of rain.

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The rainy season runs from June to September, but it’s still a busy time with local travelers on summer holiday. If you're visiting in these months, it's a good idea to book your ferry tickets and accommodations in advance. Also, be aware that ferries can be canceled if the seas are rough, so plan accordingly.

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Tip: For a quieter experience on the island, avoid weekends. Hon Son is a popular weekend getaway in the Mekong Delta, leading to larger crowds during this time.

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Read: Best Time to Visit Vietnam

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How Long to Visit

For the best experience on Hon Son, plan to stay at least two full days. This gives you time to ride the island’s scenic loop, take a boat tour, hike to Ma Thien Lanh Peak, and still have some downtime to relax and discover the best swimming spots.

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Read: Essential Travel Tips for Your First Trip to Vietnam

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How to Get to Hon Son: Ferries and Transport Tips

To reach Hon Son Island, first travel to Rach Gia by bus or plane. Frequent buses run from Ho Chi Minh City and other Mekong Delta destinations, while flights from HCMC to Rach Gia Airport operate twice a week.

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Book your bus to Rach Gia from Saigon here.

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From Rach Gia, you can take the Superdong or Hoa Binh ferries to the island, which take about 2 hours. Keep in mind that ferries are more likely to be canceled in rough weather, especially during the rainy season.

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While tickets are available at the ferry port, it's best to book them online in advance.

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Book your ferry tickets to Hon Son Island here.

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Getting Around the Island

With no cars on Hon Son, exploring by motorbike is the best way to get around.

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Hon Son feels like just the right size for riding a bike, with everything being just a short, scenic ride away, allowing you to take in the island’s beauty at your own pace. 

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Tip: To avoid the hassle of renting on arrival, arrange a motorbike in advance through your accommodation—your host will meet you at the port when you arrive.

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The island has a scenic loop road that takes about 40 minutes to complete, plus a mountain road cutting through the center that connects Lai Son town with Bai Bac.

We hope this guide helps you enjoy all that Hon Son has to offer!

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From one island to another, make your way to Con Dao Island, where a tragic past meets breathtaking natural beauty. Explore the iconic prison museums to delve into its history, hike through the national park, or drive along the coast to discover some of Vietnam’s most pristine beaches. Read our complete guide to visiting Con Dao.

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What are your thoughts on Hon Son? Feel free to leave your comments below!