Nam Du Archipelago, around 40km away from Phu Quoc Island, is becoming an attractive destination for backpackers heading to the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang.
The immense blue sea and sky, imposing mountains erupting amidst the ocean, endless evergreen primeval forests, long stunning beaches and splendid rock cliffs of Nam Du Archipelago have seen it compared to the “new wonder of the world” that is Halong Bay. This pristine island has 21 islets, 11 islets of which are inhabited, while the others remain completely untouched.
This archipelago stretches over two communes of An Son and Nam Du with a population of 10,000 people mainly living on fishing and sea-related services. Formed from a volcano, it has numerous six-meter creeks which are advantageous for transportation. As it is endowed with high mountains, Nam Du also is suggested as a great spot for offshore fishermen to flee rough storms.
The ideal time to visit Nam Du is between December and March the sea is peaceful and turquoise, the temperature is comfortable and the weather is consistent and sunny. You can reach there by plane from Hanoi, bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Rach Gia Port and take a ferry to the island.
Nam Du is today a popular tourist attraction among Vietnamese people. Foreign travelers, who want to visit Nam Du island, need “permits for entry into maritime boundary areas issued by provincial-level public security departments”, a valid passport, visa and residence papers. However, Nam Du is off limits to foreigners because Nam Du businesses cater to mainly “package tourists and tour group” and the island has reached capacity.
