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Hon Gam Ghi Phú Quốc is a beautiful small island located in the south of Phú Quốc island, belonging to the An Thoi archipelago consisting of 16 small islands. This place attracts domestic and international tourists thanks to its rare wild beauty with clear emerald sea water, long stretches of fine white sand and strange rocky cliffs creating a poetic scene. Hon Gam Ghi is also known as the "coral kingdom" of Phú Quốc because it possesses the most abundant coral reefs, in which the most prominent is the giant cabbage coral reef, likened to "Coral Mountain" under the ocean. This is truly an ideal paradise for those who are passionate about diving to see coral, taking pictures and enjoying peaceful nature.
The special thing about this island is its unique name. Legend has it that Hon Gam Ghi (also known as Hon Dam Ngang) was named after the sound of ocean waves crashing against a large rock shaped like a lion in the middle of the ocean. Every time the tide goes down, the sea water flows through the rock, making a deep growling sound like a lion's roar. It is this impressive natural sound that has been remembered by the locals and used as the name of the island, partly reflecting the majestic and wild features of this place. Coming to Hon Gam Ghi, visitors not only admire the scenery of "miniature Bali" in the heart of the Vietnamese sea but also have the opportunity to learn about interesting stories associated with this mythical island.
In the article below, Phú Quốc Express would like to send you the most detailed travel guide to Hon Gam Ghi Phú Quốc with a professional and formal style. We will introduce the location, history and name of the island, suggest the ideal time to visit, guide convenient transportation, attractive sightseeing experiences, and a list of resorts and outstanding culinary locations. All will help you have the best preparation for your trip to explore Hon Gam Ghi - the precious wild gem of Ngoc Island Phú Quốc.
Where is Hon Gam Ghi Phú Quốc?
Hon Gam Ghi located offshore south of Phú Quốc, about 10 km south of An Thoi town and about 35 km from the center of Duong Dong town (capital of Phú Quốc). The island is located in the Gulf of Thailand, in Hon Thom commune, Phú Quốc city, Kien Giang province. Hon Gam Ghi and neighboring small islands form the An Thoi archipelago - a group of 16 islands scattered within a radius of 18 km, famous for its pristine seascape.
Administratively, Hon Gam Ghi belongs to Hon Thom commune, but the island itself has no permanent residents and there is almost no large-scale urban or tourism development. Thanks to that, this place retains the pristine, pure beauty of nature. Tourists who want to go to Hon Gam Ghi often depart from An Thoi port on island Phú Quốc, then take a boat or canoe for about 15-30 minutes to reach the island. The isolated location and being surrounded by many surrounding islands helps the sea of Hon Gam Ghi always be calm, the water is calm and clear all year round. This favorable terrain also makes Hon Gam Ghi an ideal destination for diving to see coral and enjoying the sea at any time of the year.
Ideal time to travel to Hon Gam Ghi
Phú Quốc in general and Hon Gam Ghi in particular have a tropical monsoon climate divided into two distinct seasons: dry season (October - April next year) and rainy season (May - September). The best time to travel to Hon Gam Ghi Phú Quốc is in the dry season, around October to April next year. At this time, weather On the island, the weather is mild, sunny, clear blue sky, little rain, the sea is calm, very favorable for outdoor activities such as swimming, diving to see coral, taking photos and exploring the island. This is also the peak tourist season, Hon Gam Ghi, although still wild, is gradually becoming known to many people, so going during this period you will have the opportunity to meet many tourists who share the same passion for discovery.
However, if you prefer a quieter space and want to save money, you can consider going at the beginning of the rainy season (around May or October). During this time, there are fewer tourists, and some services have preferential prices. May - September is the rainy season, so there are occasional sudden tropical rains (usually in the evening), but there are still beautiful sunny days during the day. If you choose to travel during the rainy season, you should closely monitor the weather forecast before the trip, avoiding rough seas or stormy days. Preparing an umbrella or a thin raincoat will be useful in case of unexpected rain. In general, the dry season is still the safest and most ideal choice to fully enjoy the scenery of Hon Gam Ghi Phú Quốc.
How to get to Hon Gam Ghi Phú Quốc?
From mainland to island Phú Quốc
To set foot on Hon Gam Ghi, you first need to travel to Phú Quốc island – the largest island in Vietnam. Currently, there are two main means of transportation to Phú Quốc from the mainland: plane and speedboat.
- Plane: This is the fastest and most convenient way, especially for international travelers or from distant cities. Phú Quốc international airport connects directly to many major cities (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Cần Thơ...) and some international destinations. Domestic flight time is only about 1-2 hours. From Phú Quốc airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Duong Dong center or straight to An Thoi port (about 20 km from the airport).
- Speedboat/Ferries: If you want to experience the sea, you can take a speedboat from the mainland. Popular routes are Rach Gia – Phu Quoc (about 120 km) or Ha Tien – Phu Quoc (about 45 km). Travel time by speedboat from Rạch Giá is about 2.5 - 3 hours, from Hà Tiên is about 1.5 - 2 hours. There are many modern speedboat companies serving this route, of which Phú Quốc Express is a reputable company with a fleet of new, safe and comfortable catamarans. Please visit website phuquocexpress.com or call hotline 0901868878 to book high-speed train tickets to Phú Quốc, the train schedule runs every day of the week very flexibly. Sitting on the speedboat, visitors can look out to the vast ocean and start enjoying the island atmosphere right from the journey.
From island Phú Quốc to Hon Gam Ghi
After arriving at island Phú Quốc, the journey continues to the south of the island. You need to go to An Thoi port - the main tourist wharf to go to the islands of An Thoi archipelago. An Thoi port is about 25 km from Duong Dong town. Visitors can rent a motorbike or take a taxi/private car to get to the port (about 30 - 40 minutes). The road is quite convenient: from the center of Duong Dong, you follow the main road to the south (Tran Hung Dao street extended to Duong Dong - An Thoi route). If you take a taxi, the cost is about 300,000 - 400,000 VND/trip; renting a motorbike for a day is about 150,000 - 200,000 VND. You should leave a little early in the morning to catch the train or canoe to the island and have more time to have fun during the day.
At An Thoi port, you have two options for transportation to Hon Gam Ghi: wooden tourist boat or speedboat:
- Wooden tourist boat: Usually a large boat carrying a large group or joining a tour. If you are traveling in a large family group, you can rent a private wooden boat to take the initiative in time (capacity of 20-40 passengers). The boat moves at a slow speed, taking about 45-60 minutes to reach Hon Gam Ghi, but in return you can comfortably admire the sea and islands along the way. The cost of renting a boat depends on the number of people, usually fluctuating around 3-5 million VND/private boat trip. If you are traveling alone with 1-2 people, you can buy a ticket for a 4-island tour or a 3-island tour with a group, in which Hon Gam Ghi is usually a stop. When buying a group tour, the ticket price (about 700,000 - 1,000,000 VND/person depending on the program) includes boat transportation, lunch and tour guide.
- High-speed canoe: This is a suitable choice for those who want to save travel time. The high-speed canoe from An Thoi port only takes 15 - 20 minutes to get there, the feeling of surfing is strong and very interesting. You can rent a private canoe if traveling in a small group (10-15 seats) for about 2 - 3 million VND/round trip. In addition, many travel companies also organize high-class 4-island canoe tours (limited to less than 20 guests) to visit Hon Gam Ghi, Hon Mong Tay, May Rut…, providing a faster and more private experience. Note, should book tickets or tour in advance to ensure the schedule and avoid the situation of no seats, especially during peak season. When boarding a canoe or boat, visitors should remember to wear life jackets and follow the captain's instructions for a smooth trip.
What are you waiting for? Plan a visit to this romantic island! Let Phú Quốc Express accompany you on your journey to conquer Hon Gam Ghi!
What to do in Hon Gam Ghi Phú Quốc? Experiences not to be missed
Although the area is not too large, Hon Gam Ghi offers visitors countless unique experiences amidst wild nature. Here are the most attractive sightseeing and entertainment activities that you should not miss when setting foot on this beautiful island:
Diving to see colorful coral
Work scuba diving is the highlight that makes the name of Hon Gam Ghi. The sea around the island is very well preserved with the most diverse coral ecosystem in Phú Quốc. Right near the shore, at a depth of only 1-2 meters, you can see colorful coral reefs swaying under the clear water. Visitors can choose to snorkel (shallow diving with a snorkel) or experience scuba diving with a professional guide to explore the vibrant ocean world. When you put your face down in the water, a mesmerizing scene opens up with cabbage coral reefs, brain corals, branch corals... crowded together like a forest on the seabed, dotted with schools of colorful fish swimming around. The sea water in Hon Gam Ghi is so clear that just by looking down from the boat, you can see the shadow of coral, the deeper you dive, the more amazed you will be by the magnificent beauty of this "coral kingdom". Note when diving: visitors should wear life jackets or specialized diving suits, avoid touching or stepping on coral to protect the fragile ecosystem; also should not use chemical sunscreen (can harm coral), instead wear long-sleeved sunscreen when going into the water. The most suitable time to dive is from morning to early afternoon when the weather is sunny, the light penetrates the water making the coral even more sparkling.
Swimming and relaxing on the white sand
After enjoying diving in the water, you should spend time swimming and relaxing on the beautiful beach of Hon Gam Ghi. The beach here has a pristine, pristine beauty, with smooth white sand and few human footprints. Hon Gam Ghi sea is famous for its clear blue color, so clear that you can see the bottom in shallow water. In particular, because it is sheltered by many small islands around, the waves are very calm and there are almost no strong currents. safe for children to play. What could be more wonderful than immersing yourself in the cool water, relaxing your body and letting all your worries melt away with the sound of the waves. Around the beach are large, undulating rocks that create an ideal reclining angle. Visitors can lie down and sunbathe on the rocks or on the sand, listening to the sea breeze rustling through the coconut trees. The air here is extremely fresh and airy. While swimming in the sea, you will see the deep blue sky blending with the color of the sea, and your soul will be strangely relaxed. Remember to prepare towels, physical sunscreen and enough drinking water to fully enjoy the fun on this paradise beach.
Check-in "virtual life" with beautiful scenery
If you are a fan of photography and "million-like" photos on social networks, Hon Gam Ghi will definitely not disappoint you. This pristine island is likened to an outdoor "studio" with countless divine shooting angles. You just need to prepare yourself with outstanding outfits, and the rest of Hon Gam Ghi's nature will help you have the perfect background. Uniquely shaped rocks jutting out into the sea, rows of green coconut trees leaning against the white sand, clear blue water reflecting the sky - all combine to create a romantic tropical picture. You can pose on a large rock in the middle of the sea with waves lapping around your feet, take a panoramic view of the island from the deck, or simply take a walk on the sand with rows of coconut trees behind. The best time to take photos is early morning (gentle sunshine, clear blue water) and afternoon. sunset (The golden sunlight creates depth). Hon Gam Ghi is still quite deserted, so you can take photos without worrying about other people. Many tourists have had their own "once-in-a-lifetime" photo albums here - from romantic couple photos to dynamic group photos of young friends. Don't forget to bring a camera or phone with full battery, a selfie stick or flycam if you have one, to capture all the memorable moments in this "virtual paradise".
Unique fish feeding experience
An interesting activity that is not available everywhere is feeding fish in the middle of the sea. When participating in Hon Gam Ghi tours, tour guides often prepare bread or dry food for visitors to gather at shallow water points and feed the tropical fish themselves. Just sprinkle food lightly into the water, and dozens of colorful fish will immediately gather around your hand, creating an extremely interesting scene. The feeling of small fish swimming around you and competing to catch food right before your eyes will make both children and adults excited. This activity is especially suitable for those who are not confident in diving deep - you can still see beautiful fish and coral right from the surface of the water. This is a unique and new experience that can only be found on some pristine islands like Hon Gam Ghi. Try immersing yourself in the water once, opening your arms to welcome your friends under the sea - it will definitely be an unforgettable memory of your trip.
Fishing and exploring the life of fishermen
Coming to Hon Gam Ghi, you also have the opportunity to transform into an island fisherman through fishing and catching wild seafood. Many tours take guests to experience fishing right on the boat or at the reefs near the shore. You will be given a mini fishing rod and shrimp bait to cast your own fishing line into the sea. The thrill of the fishing rod moving slightly, the fish biting the bait and happily pulling up fresh sea fish is an experience worth trying. The catch (which can be grouper, mullet, eel or squid...) will be processed on the spot by the crew - usually grilled with salt and chili or cooked into porridge for visitors to enjoy right on the boat. In addition to fishing, you can also try catching sea urchins or sea snails at the rocky beaches when the tide is out. The locals are very friendly and are willing to guide visitors on how to peel the sea urchin shell to get the fatty golden eggs inside. Participating in these activities not only helps you have an entertaining experience but also helps you understand more about the working life of fishermen on the island of Phú Quốc. The results of your own fishing and enjoying them right away make the trip more meaningful.
Camping overnight on a deserted island
If time permits and you want to fully experience the wild beauty of Hon Gam Ghi, try staying overnight on the island. There is no electricity or motels on the island at night, but that creates a special experience that is rarely found anywhere else. Visitors can prepare their own tents, sleeping bags, flashlights, mini gas stoves, etc., or rent tents from tour operators if there is a service. Choose a flat location on a high sandy beach, far from the water's edge and sheltered from the wind to safely set up their tent. When night falls, you will be able to admire the magical night sky, thousands of twinkling stars unaffected by city lights. The sound of the waves blends with the sound of the sea breeze to create a lullaby that helps the soul to completely relax. Many groups of friends organize a campfire, gather to grill fresh seafood that they have just caught or prepared, sing and tell stories together under the starry sky - a scene that is both romantic and strengthens friendship. Early the next morning, you will have the opportunity to welcome the beautiful sunrise right on the island - the moment the sun rises from the horizon, the first sunlight of the day dyes the calm sea pink, will definitely make you emotional. Note, when camping, visitors should clean up the trash and turn off the fire completely before leaving the island, let's join hands to preserve the environment so that Hon Gam Ghi will forever be pristine and clean.
Accommodation: Where to stay when visiting Hon Gam Ghi?
Because Hon Gam Ghi has not developed accommodation services, visitors usually cannot stay overnight on the island unless they camp as mentioned. Most people will visit Hon Gam Ghi during the day and then return to the main island Phú Quốc to rest. However, you have many quality accommodation options on island Phú Quốc, from budget to luxury, depending on your budget and preferences. Below are some of the most prominent 5-star resorts that you can consider for your vacation combined with exploring Hon Gam Ghi:
- JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay – A world-class 5-star resort located at Khem Beach (South Island). The resort features unique “old university” architecture designed by Bill Bensley, with a stunning private beach, luxurious services, and many high-end restaurants and spas. Its location near An Thoi is very convenient for visiting Hon Gam Ghi.
- Premier Village Phu Quoc Resort – The villa resort is located on Ong Doi Cape (the southernmost point of Phú Quốc) allowing you to watch both sunrise and sunset on the sea. Each villa has a private swimming pool, modern space, suitable for families or groups of friends who want to enjoy privacy and spectacular scenery.
- InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort – 5 star resort located at Long Beach (near airport Phú Quốc). The resort is famous for its modern design in harmony with nature, owns an infinity pool, a children's play area and the INK 360 rooftop bar with the most beautiful sunset view on the island. International standard service, suitable for both high-class guests and families.
- Vinpearl Resort & Spa Phú Quốc – The 5-star resort chain of VinGroup has facilities in Bai Dai (North Island) and Bai Truong. Vinpearl is famous for its all-in-one resort and entertainment complex, including a water park, golf course, safari (at the North Island facility) and many other amenities. Staying at Vinpearl, visitors will receive attentive and convenient service and can buy Hon Gam Ghi tours right at the customer service counter.
In addition, if you want to save money, you can choose 3-4 star hotels or homestays, motels in An Thoi town or Duong Dong area. Staying in An Thoi will be more convenient for going to the port to Hon Gam Ghi early in the morning. Some homestays/rooms near An Thoi port with affordable prices and clean facilities include Anh Vu Guesthouse, Sunlight House homestay, etc. No matter what type of accommodation you choose, you should book in advance, especially during peak tourist season, to get a good price and ensure satisfactory accommodation.
Hon Gam Ghi Cuisine Phú Quốc: What's good to eat?
Nature has blessed Hon Gam Ghi not only with beautiful scenery but also with a world of fresh and rich seafood. Coming to this island, you will definitely want to enjoy the rich flavor of the sea. However, because the island is still wild, there are no fixed restaurants or eateries on the island, so visitors need to proactively prepare food. Normally, if you go on a tour, the travel company will take care of a picnic lunch on the beach (usually BBQ seafood or boxed lunch). If you go on your own, visit An Thoi market early to buy fresh seafood (such as crab, shrimp, fish, squid, sea urchin...) and ask the boat driver to help you prepare it simply to bring to the island. Experiencing grilling seafood on a charcoal stove on the beach of Hon Gam Ghi is a very memorable experience - enjoying hot and fragrant seafood while breathing in the cool sea breeze, the beautiful scenery before your eyes will make the dish even more attractive.
After having fun and returning to the mainland, don't miss the opportunity to explore the famous Phú Quốc culinary culture. Phú Quốc Island is known as a seafood paradise and has many unique local specialties. Below are some suggestions for places to eat and typical delicious dishes you should try:
- Phu Quoc Night Market (Duong Dong) – Night street food paradise, where you can find countless fresh seafood dishes prepared on the spot (such as grilled sea urchin with scallion oil, grilled scallops, lobster, grilled octopus with satay...), along with attractive snacks and souvenirs. While shopping at the market, enjoying seafood and rolled ice cream, candy... will give you a colorful local cultural experience.
- Ham Ninh fishing village – Located on the east coast of island Phú Quốc, Ham Ninh ancient fishing village is famous for its specialties. Ham Ninh crab firm, sweet and fragrant meat. You can visit floating houses or seafood restaurants along the coast here to enjoy steamed crabs with salt, pepper and lemon, in addition to fresh mantis shrimp, jumping snails, grilled sea urchins... at very affordable prices. The sunset scene on Ham Ninh beach is also extremely poetic.
- Xin Chao Restaurant (Duong Dong) – One of the most famous seafood restaurants in Phú Quốc, loved by many tourists. The restaurant is located right in the center of Duong Dong, with a sea view and an open, airy design. The menu is rich from fresh seafood dishes of the day (crab, shrimp, fish, squid...) prepared in Asian - European style to island specialties such as herring salad, sweet and sour stir-fried scallops. Professional service style, luxurious space, very suitable for dinner to enjoy local cuisine in a romantic atmosphere.
- Kien Xay Stirred Noodles – This is a unique “one of a kind” specialty of Phú Quốc that you should try. The original Kien Xay stir-fried vermicelli restaurant located on Bach Dang Street (Duong Dong) is always crowded with customers lining up. A refreshing bowl of vermicelli with homemade fish cakes, minced shrimp cakes, hot broth and especially the dipping sauce mixed to your own taste (from salt, sugar, lime, chili, pepper, fish sauce). The feeling of stirring the vermicelli bowl while exclaiming the spicy taste, enjoying the fresh and chewy vermicelli and sweet seafood cakes will make you remember the flavor of Phú Quốc forever.
In addition, Phú Quốc also has many other delicious dishes such as herring salad (salad made from fresh herring mixed with grated coconut and raw vegetables), Tram mushroom (a seasonal specialty forest mushroom used to cook soup or stir-fry seafood), Sim wine (wine made from wild sim fruit) etc. Don't forget to buy some specialties as gifts such as the famous Phú Quốc fish sauce, Phú Quốc pepper, cakes, candy... after the trip. Rich cuisine is definitely a memorable part of your journey to explore Hon Gam Ghi - Phú Quốc.
Currently, visitors can choose two departure points by high-speed train to get to Phú Quốc:
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Rach Gia Port: The train departs at Pier Rạch Giá, Nguyen Cong Tru Street, Vinh Thanh Ward, City Rạch Giá, Kien Giang Province.
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Port Hà Tiên: Route Hà Tiên – Phú Quốc of Phú Quốc Express picks up passengers at Pier Hà Tiên, located on Kim Du Street, Quarter 1, To Chau Ward, Town Hà Tiên, Kien Giang Province. This is a familiar departure point for high-speed trains to the island Phú Quốc.
The common destination of both routes is Bai Vong Port, located in Bai Vong Quarter, Special Zone 1, City 11T, An Giang Province.
Ready to explore Hon Gam Ghi - the wild gem of Phú Quốc
Hon Gam Ghi Phú Quốc appears like a charming rough gem in the middle of the ocean, preserving the pristine beauty from the landscape to the ecosystem. With wonderful experiences from diving to see the brilliant coral, relaxing in the sea, checking in freely to enjoying fresh seafood and camping under the stars, this small island promises to bring visitors unforgettable memories. Hon Gam Ghi is not only a tourist destination, but also helps us feel more deeply about the magic of nature and the spirit of human exploration.
Let's start a smooth sea journey on board Phu Quoc Express, will bring you closer to the paradise of Hon Gam Ghi. What could be more exciting than seeing the vast ocean and sky, breathing in the salty sea breeze on the deck and getting ready for the adventure ahead, right!
