Experience the Jewel of Ca Mau, Hon Khoai Island

On the southernmost point of Vietnam, lies the jewel of Ca Mau, Hon Khoai Island. Made up of tiny islets namely Hon Khoai, Hon Doi Moi, Hon Da Le, Hon Sao, and Hon Tuong. The most famous is its namesake - the Hon Khoi Island which is considered one of the most beautiful and pristine islands in all of Cau Mau. This giant potato-shaped island actually got its name from the Vietnamese word ‘khoai’ which means ‘potato’. The island is off the beaten path and if you are someone who likes traveling where most don't dare to venture, then Hon Khoai is perfect for you.

Experience Hon Khoai Island

Hon Khoai Island is the jewel of the Ca Mau. The lush green forests are untouched by any sort of development. The environment is the same as it was back when the revolutionaries first arrived here. Little has changed for the island except for the fact that more and more tourists are ending up at its pristine shores.

How to get there

Hon Khoai Island is located around 15 km south of the mainland. The only way to get to Hon Khoai Island is by boat ride from Cau Mau city. It will take around 3 hours to reach the coast of Hon Khoai Island. 

Please note: Hon Khoai is close to international waters so there will be border patrol all around and you might be asked to show identification.

Best things to do

The island is a stunning tropical paradise. If you are looking for touristy beach things to do here, there is not much to do. But if you are searching for a place away from tourist crowds and some time to yourself then the island is the place for you.

Relax on the beach

Hon Khoai has two main beaches- the aptly named Big Beach (Lon Beach) and Small Beach (Nho Beach). The Small Beach or Nho Beach with its pebble-covered shore and shallow waters is located in the southwest part of the island. While the Big Beach or Lon Beach on the eastern side is better for a more typical relaxing day at the beach with its white sandy beach and blue waters. Both beaches have strikingly blue and clear waters you can swim around in.

Climb up the lighthouse

The Hon Khoai Lighthouse is a significant monument in Vietnam history. It was built in the 19th century by the French. The lighthouse overlooks the entire island and is the highest point on the island. It was also here that the Vietnamese revolutionary Pham Ngoc Hien led a group of people and won against the French. There are also telescopes at the lighthouse where you can get a glimpse of neighboring islands.

Birdwatching and trekking

If you are a nature lover then Hon Khoai island is a great place for you. The lush green tropical forest is home to more than a thousand animals and plants. The island is small enough that you can trek around the entire island. While trekking you can spot tropical fruit trees like mango, jackfruits, etc. all across the island. Another activity you can do here is birdwatching. You can spot different kinds of birds including wild geese, sparrows, and more.

Try out the local cuisine

Anywhere you go in Vietnam one thing you should always try out is the local cuisine. On Hon Khoai Island the one thing you need to try which comes as no surprise is the delicious seafood. Captured fresh from the sea and grilled right in front of you. It doesn't get fresher than that. There are just a few restaurants on the island and all of them serve similar food.

So, there you have it, everything you need to know about how to get to and things to do in Hon Khoai Island. The island is a welcome escape if you want some peace and quiet away from the crowd. It welcomes you into its lush greenery and pristine beaches and makes you wish you would never leave. 

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