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Hon Son, also known as Nhum Island, is a green gem in the waters of Kien Giang, about 65km from Rach Gia. With its pristine beaches, majestic hills, and fresh air, it attracts visitors who love peace and adventure. If you are planning a self-guided trip to Hon Son for 2 days and 1 night, this is the detailed guide for you to explore this beautiful island without needing a full package tour. We will guide you from A to Z, from transportation, dining to a detailed itinerary, helping you save costs and enjoy to the fullest. The estimated total cost for the trip is about 2-3 million VND/person, depending on your accommodation and dining choices.
Before you grab your backpack and go, thorough preparation will make your self-guided trip to Hon Son for 2 days and 1 night smoother. First, check the weather: The months from November to April are the most ideal, when the sea is calm and the sun is gentle. Avoid the rainy season from May to October to prevent storms.
In terms of paperwork, you need an ID card/CCCD or a passport if you are a foreigner. Hon Son Island belongs to Kien Luong District, and does not require a separate entrance ticket, but be sure to bring cash as ATMs on the island are quite limited. Prepare a lightweight backpack: Sunscreen, hats, flip-flops, swimwear, personal medications, and some snacks. If traveling in a group, assign someone to handle transportation and someone to book accommodation to avoid the situation of fully booked rooms during peak times.
Useful apps: Google Maps for navigation, Agoda or Booking.com for hotels, and Zalo to contact local homestays. Remember to buy basic travel insurance for more peace of mind.
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Hon Son is about 20km from the mainland, so the main means of transportation is the speedboat from Bai Bang Port (Rach Gia) or Hon Da Bac (Kien Luong). If departing from Ho Chi Minh City, you can take a bus to Rach Gia (about 6-7 hours, price 200,000-300,000 VND), then transfer to the boat.
The speedboat is the fastest option, departing from 7 AM to 2 PM, with a travel time of only 1.5-2 hours. The round-trip ticket price is about 300,000-400,000 VND/one way, depending on the company (Superdong or Ngoc Thuy). Tickets can be purchased online through the company's website or at the port counter. If traveling in a group, renting a private canoe will be cheaper, around 2-3 million VND/trip for 10 people.
On the island, transportation is mainly by rented motorbike (100,000-150,000 VND/day, fuel included). The island roads are small and easy to navigate, but remember to wear a helmet and be careful with the hilly terrain. If you are not confident in driving, you can hire a motorbike taxi (50,000 VND/short trip) or walk to explore nearby points.
With a 2-day 1-night itinerary, you only need to stay one night, so choose a place close to the beach for convenience. Hon Son offers a variety of options from budget homestays to luxurious resorts.
Book in advance through apps to avoid fully booked places, especially on weekends. Many places allow early check-in or free luggage storage if you arrive by boat early.
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Start your journey to Hon Son for 2 days and 1 night self-guided with an early morning boat trip from Rach Gia. Assuming you arrive on the island at 9 AM, rent a motorbike right at the port and set off.
After checking in (or dropping off your stuff), head straight to Bai Bang – the most beautiful beach in Hon Son. The water is clear, the sand is fine, and it is less crowded than Phu Quoc. Rent a beach chair (50,000 VND/set) and immerse yourself in the sea, or try snorkeling (rent equipment for 100,000 VND/hour). If you like adventure, kayak (200,000 VND/hour) to explore the small bay.
Lunch at a beachside restaurant: Try fresh seafood like grilled squid, crab with tamarind (about 150,000 VND/portion). Don't forget to stop by Hon Son market to buy some local fruits like banana or fresh coconut.
Continue the itinerary with a climb up Pha Lo Hill – the highest mountain on the island (450m). The trekking path takes only 1-2 hours, not too difficult, leading to the summit with a 360-degree view of the entire island and the East Sea. Bring water and a camera to "capture moments". If you get tired, you can rent a motorbike to get close to the top (the concrete road is easy to navigate).
At 5 PM, return to Bai Nha (near the center) to watch the sunset. This beach is quiet, suitable for picnics or reading. If you still have energy, visit Tien Well – a freshwater lake in the mountains, where legends say that anyone who bathes here will stay young forever.
Dinner is the highlight: Eat at a local eatery like Quan Co Ba, order grilled cobia or seafood hotpot (200,000-300,000 VND/person). After that, stroll through Hon Son night market (open from 6 PM to 10 PM), buy souvenirs like dried fish sauce or handicrafts from seashells. End the day with a coconut smoothie (20,000 VND) and return to the homestay to rest, listening to the sound of the waves.
On the second day, wake up early to enjoy the fresh air. Check out late if possible, and start with a light breakfast at the homestay (seafood sandwich, 50,000 VND).
Depart for Phu Dung Pagoda – an ancient pagoda on a hill, with unique Khmer architecture and a 7m tall statue of the Avalokiteshvara. Climb 200 steps to enjoy a panoramic view of the island and pray for a safe trip. From here, the path leads down to Ong Dung fishing village, where you can chat with fishermen, buy fresh seafood (lobster only 300,000 VND/kg) or participate in short fishing trips (100,000 VND/hour).
If you like exploration, visit Hang Bau – a natural cave with sparkling stalactites, just 2km from the village. Entrance is free, but bring a flashlight to go deeper.
Lunch at a local restaurant: Bun nuoc leo (a specialty of Kien Giang with snakehead fish and fresh vegetables, 40,000 VND/bowl) or seafood fried rice. If there's time before the afternoon boat (usually 1 PM-2 PM), return to the beach for one last swim or do some more shopping.
Return the motorbike and board the boat back to Rach Gia. On the way, enjoy the sea view and reminisce about memories. If the boat is late, you can stop in Rach Gia for dinner before heading back to Ho Chi Minh City.
The cuisine of Hon Son is a seafood paradise: Steamed crab with lemongrass, sun-dried squid, grilled octopus. The total cost of meals for 2 days is about 500,000 VND/person if you choose local eateries. Tip: Buy fresh seafood at the market and ask the homestay to prepare it (additional 50,000 VND/portion) to save money.
Save on transportation by traveling in a group and renting a vehicle. Drink coconut water instead of soft drinks, and use the Grab app if you're in Rach Gia. Avoid buying expensive souvenirs in tourist areas, prioritize local markets.
A 2-day 1-night self-guided trip to Hon Son is the perfect way to "recharge" in nature, with affordable costs and unforgettable memories. From the blue beaches to the poetic hills, this small island will make you want to come back. Please refer to the above content from NVK Travel and start planning right away to let Hon Son win your heart!
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