Not only Phu Quoc, Kien Giang also has a 'rough gem' with captivating beauty and surprisingly cheap prices.

Hon Son is located in Lai Son commune, Kien Hai district, 65km from Rach Gia city, known as the "rough gem" of Kien Giang . This island commune is located between Nam Du island and Hon Tre island, surrounded by 6 beautiful beaches with an island area of 11km2.

This place attracts tourists thanks to its pristine natural landscape, clean environment, fresh seafood, friendly and hospitable people. The population on the island is not large, mainly fishermen living by fishing and gardening.

The peaceful, rustic beauty of Hon Son

"My family has been to many famous islands such as Ly Son, Cu Lao Cham, Con Dao, Nam Du, Phu Quoc...

Each place has its own color and beauty, but Hon Son can be said to be the most rustic and pristine, not yet exploited for tourism too much - a place where you can live slowly, separate from the urban life", Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Minh (30 years old, Ho Chi Minh City) shared.

Minh's family came to Hon Son in mid-April, when the sea was calm and the sun was beautiful, suitable for experiential activities.

During their 3 days and 2 nights on the island, they rented a homestay from a local. The house had a balcony overlooking the sea, and every morning they woke up to the sound of waves lapping.

Coming to Hon Son, tourists cannot miss swimming at Bai Bang, watching the sunrise on Ma Thien Lanh peak, exploring the fishing village and enjoying fresh seafood right by the sea.

View from the homestay where Minh's family stays

"On the island, there is only one loop road, connecting the beaches and main attractions. Just rent a motorbike (about 150,000 VND/day), visitors can freely 'sweep away' the most beautiful corners from Bai Nha, Bai Bang, Bai Xep to Bai Thien Tue.

Driving around the island at dawn or dusk, you will enjoy the impressive, unforgettable beauty," Minh shared his experience.

Sea route connecting destinations on the island

Bai Bang has a long stretch of fine white sand under the sunlight, the sea is as clear as jade, reflecting the sky. This place does not have crowded shops, modern hotels and resorts, but is still very wild with sea, sand and forests.

Ma Thien Lanh Peak is 450m above sea level, covered with gardens and forests.

The most interesting experience for Minh's family on this trip was diving to see coral in Thien Tue hamlet area.

Local raft houses welcome tourists to go SUP and snorkel to see corals.

"This is the first time my child has seen colorful coral and fish swimming right under his feet. He was both surprised and excited.

The whole family wore life jackets and soaked in the cool water. The feeling of being immersed in nature, no internet, no phone or computer screens, just the sea, the sky, laughter and bright eyes, is what my family always looks for on every trip together," Minh said.

The seafood here is fresh and delicious with all kinds of fish, squid, shrimp, crab, sea urchin... All are caught on the same day, very fresh. Tourists can go to Thien Tue market to buy fresh seafood, the price is only 2/3 of other tourist islands but very fresh and delicious.

"My family's favorites are grilled sea urchin with scallion oil, steamed squid with ginger, and grilled grouper with salt and chili. You can buy seafood to cook at the homestay or bring it to restaurants along the coast to have it cooked," said Mr. Minh.

The population on the island is not large.

According to the guest, services from car rental, room booking to sightseeing tours are all operated by local people. Although not yet professional, the people are simple, honest, and extremely hospitable.

"The people of Hon Son have a strong Western spirit, they are gentle, sincere and always have a warm smile. Perhaps they, not the beach or delicious food, are the biggest reason why I want to come back here many more times," said Mr. Minh.

The total cost of a family trip to Hon Son for 2 adults and 1 child is about 5 million VND, including boat tickets, homestay accommodation, food, and transportation on the island. This cost is considered much cheaper than other islands.

Hon Son wharf is located in Bai Nha, so it is often called Bai Nha port.

Hon Son currently has many homestays and motels near the beach, with prices ranging from 250,000-500,000 VND/night depending on location and amenities. Tourists can take a speedboat from Rach Gia to the island, which takes about 1.5 hours (regular ticket 150,000 VND, VIP ticket 250,000-300,000 VND).

"My family used to be quite hesitant about traveling to the island because they were afraid of seasickness. But the current boat route to Hon Son is mostly high-speed boats, very smooth and stable," said Mr. Minh.

This family usually eats a light meal before boarding the train, chooses a seat in the middle of the train, and takes motion sickness pills. Their key secret is to stay relaxed and avoid looking down at the sea.