Hon Da Bac

In case you are looking for a place that combines stunning nature, interesting past, and rich spiritual culture, then Hon Da Bac at Ca Mau is the right place for you. And that's not all! You can also travel with Asia King Travel to the very south of Vietnam, quite literally - a place where nature, history, and local life create a beautiful coastal scenery.

Location & Overview

Located about 50 km from Ca Mau City, Hon Da Bac covers an area of over 6.4 hectares and consists of three small islets: Hon Ong Ngo, Hon Da Le, and Hon Da Bac – the main one. According to geological studies, this island group is around 180 million years old, dating back to the Middle Jurassic period, making it a true witness to the evolution of southern Vietnam’s land and sea.

Its name, “Da Bac” (Silver Stone), comes from the way sunlight reflects on the rocks, creating a shimmering silver glow across the island - a sight that leaves every visitor in awe.

Location & Overview

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to explore Hon Da Bac is from December to April, when the weather is sunny, dry, and perfect for sightseeing. If you wish to experience the local spirit, visit during the Nghinh Ong Festival (held on the 23rd day of the fifth lunar month), when fishermen pray for calm seas and abundant catches in a vibrant and sacred atmosphere.

How to Get There

From Ca Mau City, travelers can reach Hon Da Bac in two ways:

• By road: Take a 1.5-hour drive or motorbike ride along the route through U Minh Ha National Park, passing Coi Nam and Co Xang, and continuing to Khanh Binh Tay Commune.
• By waterway: From downtown Ca Mau, take a boat along the Tac Thu – Hoi Dong Thanh canal, traveling about 40 km west to Da Bac B Hamlet, where the islands rise majestically from the sea like a natural stone sculpture.

How to Get There

The Untouched Beauty of Hon Da Bac

Hon Da Bac features two main island clusters:

• The first cluster is wild and rugged, covered in pristine forests, dramatic rock formations, and crashing waves.
• The second cluster is filled with mythical stories, home to sites like Fairy Yard, Fairy Well, Fairy Footprint, and the Five-Finger Rock, natural wonders shaped over millions of years that give the island a mystical atmosphere.

Besides that, the island has a very diverse environment with a lot of plants and little-known animals, hence it is not in vain that it is called a “green treasure” in the middle of the ocean.

The Untouched Beauty of Hon Da Bac

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A Place of Spiritual Harmony

Beyond its natural charm, Hon Da Bac holds deep spiritual significance. The highlight is Lang Ong Nam Hai, a temple dedicated to the Whale God – a sacred figure in coastal culture believed to protect fishermen at sea.

At the Nghinh Ong Festival, which takes place every year, the residents and the tourists get together at this place to pay their respects to the Whale God and offer their prayers for peace, wealth, and good weather.

Nghinh Ong Festival

Historical Legacy

Hon Da Bac is not only a natural wonder but also a symbol of national pride.

• On December 7, 1971, local forces defeated an enemy artillery base on the island, marking an important victory during the war.
• The CM12 operation, which was a significant mission that prevented external subversive plots, came to an end in 1981 on the island's soil.

The island was victorious in these operations and thus, Hon Da Bac was recognized as a National Historical Site in 2009. Island's heroic past is commemorated with the attractions such as the Victory Monument, Public Security Museum, and Traditional Hall, which are all accessible for visitors to discover.

Hon Da Bac is not only a natural wonder but also a symbol of national pride

Local Experiences & Seafood

You shouldn't miss the chance to live like the locals with a visit to Hon Da Bac. Fishing, gathering oysters, or preparing your own seafood at the shore are all very nice and to be remembered activities. Seafood enthusiasts can have their fill in local restaurants that offer fresh and inexpensive dishes such as grilled brown fish, oysters with scallion oil, and steamed squid with lemongrass. There is no experience like enjoying a seafood feast while the melodies of Vong co - the traditional southern folk music gradually coming from the sea - are the background.

Seafood lovers will also find plenty of local eateries serving fresh

Travel Tips

• Bring water, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes for easier movement.
• Book accommodation early if you plan to visit during the festival season.
• Help preserve the island’s natural beauty by keeping the environment clean and avoiding littering.

Travel Tips

Conclusion

From its majestic landscapes and heroic history to its fresh seafood and spiritual traditions, Hon Da Bac is a must-visit gem at Vietnam’s southernmost tip. Let Asia King Travel take you there - to witness the silver glow of Hon Da Bac shimmering over the sea and to feel the tranquil rhythm of life at the edge of the homeland.

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