
A view of Hon Hai Bo Dap, Kien Hai Special Zone. Photo: PHAM HIEU
The sun had barely risen, but Ms. Nguyen Hong Hanh's eatery on Hon Son Island, Kien Hai Special Economic Zone, was already ready to serve customers. According to Ms. Hanh, Hon Son is bustling during the summer. Previously, the crowds were mainly on weekends, but now it's busy almost every day. Some days, she sells her goods from morning till night without a break. Not only Ms. Hanh's eatery, but all over Hon Son, from homestays, guesthouses, cafes to motorbike rentals, boat tours, snorkeling, recreational fishing, and SUP paddling… everything is entering a busy period. High-speed ferries arrive one after another, bringing a stream of tourists from the mainland to explore the pristine beauty of the southwestern islands.
At the coconut grove beach on Hon Son Island, staff carefully inspect tourist boats, life jackets, drinking water, and other necessary items for tourists visiting the island. "For over a week, I've hardly had a day off. It's tiring, but everyone is happy because we have work and extra income," shared Tran Hong Phuc, a staff member at the coconut grove beach.
Other small islands such as the Nam Du archipelago (Kien Hai special zone), the Hai Tac archipelago (Tien Hai commune), Ba Hon Dam (Son Hai commune)... also become bustling. From early morning, high-speed boats bring tourists from Rach Gia, Ha Tien, and Kien Luong to the islands. At the piers, electric vehicles and motorbikes for rent are readily available; homestays and guesthouses are almost fully booked on weekends. The pristine beaches like Cay Men, Hon Mau, Hon Dau, and Hon Hai Bo Dap in Nam Du are always crowded with tourists swimming, snorkeling to admire coral reefs, and experiencing fishing and squid catching...
Pham Thu Chi, a tourist from Ho Chi Minh City, shared her experience of spending 3 days and 2 nights in Nam Du with her friends: “I’ve been to many islands, but Nam Du feels more peaceful and relaxing. I enjoyed sitting on the wooden boat, weaving through the small islands, then immersing myself in the clear, cool water, admiring the colorful coral reefs, and then enjoying seafood with friends right on the breezy boat. In the afternoon, I cycled around the island, and in the evening, I sat with the locals grilling seafood and listening to stories about the southwestern sea region. This trip not only helped me discover more beautiful scenery but also helped me understand more about the lives of the people here.”
According to several travel agencies, tourist feedback indicates a current trend towards seeking "slow-paced" destinations where visitors can immerse themselves in nature and local life. This is a major advantage for the small islands in An Giang, which are renowned for their unique local culture and pristine beauty. "The islands in An Giang all have their own distinct character. Nam Du stands out with its natural landscapes and island exploration tours; Hon Son is suitable for relaxation combined with trekking; and the Hai Tac archipelago is attractive thanks to its unspoiled beauty and mysterious historical stories. However, it's necessary to connect and exploit these strengths into 3-4 day tour packages to create more appeal," commented Mr. Tran Van Tam, Deputy Director of Vietravel An Giang.
As evening falls and the last boats take tourists back to the mainland, the sea around Hon Son Island gradually calms down in the vibrant red sunset. Restaurants continue to light up, welcoming customers; children play on the sandy beach; and further out at sea, boats carrying tourists for night squid fishing begin their new journey…
PHAM HIEU
Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/dao-nho-goi-he-a489389.html









