Should you visit Hon Dau Island? Only if already spending time at Do Son Beach with half-day free and curious about local island culture. At 90,000 VND ($3.60) for 20-minute boat ride from Do Son, this small island offers primeval forests, 1892 French lighthouse, and ancient banyan trees but limited appeal beyond 2-3 hour visit. Better alternatives exist nearby.
Hon Dau Island is Hai Phong locals’ leisure destination pleasant primeval forest walk, sacred temple, historic lighthouse, artificial pool. Therefore, visit if combining with Do Son Beach stay and want variety. Skip if traveling to Cat Ba Island (superior nature/beaches) or have limited Hai Phong time.
Quick Facts: Hon Dau Island
Location: Gulf of Tonkin, Do Son area, 20km southeast Hai Phong city
Distance from Hanoi: 140km
Access: 20-minute boat from Nam Do Son Wharf
Boat ticket: 90,000 VND ($3.60) – includes round-trip + entrance
Operating hours: 6am-6pm daily
Time needed: 2-3 hours total (enough to see everything)
Main attractions: Primeval forest, Hon Dau Lighthouse (1892), Nam Hai Than Vuong Temple, ancient banyan trees
Target audience: Hai Phong/Do Son visitors, domestic tourists
International appeal: Limited (better alternatives nearby)
Understanding Hon Dau Island’s Positioning
Hon Dau has pine trees and is pleasant, but doesn’t genuinely replicate Dalat’s mountain climate, French colonial architecture, or flower gardens. Marketing plays to Vietnamese domestic tourists familiar with Dalat who want brief pine forest experience without highland travel.
Hon Dau vs Better Northern Vietnam Alternatives
Hon Dau Island vs Cat Ba Island:
- Cat Ba: Spectacular limestone karsts, pristine beaches, Lan Ha Bay tours, multi-day destination
- Hon Dau: Small local island, 2-3 hour visit maximum, artificial pool + forest walk
For comprehensive Cat Ba Island planning including beaches, boat tours, and accommodation, see our Cat Ba Island guide covering why it beats Ha Long Bay and ranks as Northern Vietnam’s best island destination.
Hon Dau vs Do Son Beach directly:
- If choosing between Hon Dau boat trip or more Do Son beach time, beach often better value
- Hon Dau adds variety to multi-day Do Son stay, not essential
For Do Son Beach complete guide including three beach zones, Bao Dai Palace, and when to visit, see our Do Son Beach review.
Hon Dau Island Attractions
Primeval Forest Walk (Main Activity): Three-layer vegetation, century-old sycamores, cool shaded paths. 45-60 mins. Pleasant but not wilderness Cat Ba National Park superior for serious nature.
Hon Dau Lighthouse: Built 1892 (French), war-destroyed, restored. One of Vietnam’s five famous lighthouses. 15-20 mins. Photo spot, historical interest.
Nam Hai Than Vuong Temple: Sacred site honoring Tran Dynasty general who died fighting Yuan-Mongol army. Active worship, local protection belief. 20-30 mins. Modest clothing required.
Ancient Banyan Trees: Largest population Vietnam hundreds of trees, 45 over 100 years, 35 Vietnamese heritage status. Impressive roots. 20-30 mins.
Tourist Area: Artificial pool, aquarium, Vong Canh Hill, animal viewing, amusement elements. Domestic family focus, limited international appeal.
Tam Gian House: 1908 French architecture, 8 rooms, overnight option. 15 min viewing.
Total time: 2-3 hours sees everything comfortably.
Getting to Hon Dau Island
From Hanoi (140km)
Route: Hanoi → Hai Phong → Do Son → Nam Do Son Wharf → Hon Dau boat
Transport options Hanoi to Hai Phong:
- Train: 100-125k VND, 2-3 hours → Bookaway
- Private car: ~2.5 hours (good for groups)
Hai Phong to Do Son: 20km, taxi/local bus 30-45 min
Do Son to Hon Dau: Nam Do Son Wharf → boat 20 min, 90k VND (round-trip + entrance)
Total journey time: 4-5 hours Hanoi to Hon Dau (one-way)
My recommendation: Only worthwhile if multi-day Do Son/Hai Phong stay. Don’t make day trip from Hanoi solely for Hon Dau (exhausting travel for 2-3 hour island visit).
Boat Schedule & Tickets
Operating hours: 6am-6pm daily (boats throughout day)
Departure: Nam Do Son Wharf (Do Son International Tourist Area)
Duration: 20 minutes
Cost: 90,000 VND includes:
- 70,000 VND round-trip boat
- 20,000 VND island entrance
Note: Previous departure point was Nghieng Wharf (changed to Nam Do Son for better safety/service)
Book Hon Dau tours: Combined Do Son + Hon Dau packages → Klook
Hon Dau Island Food
Hai Phong Crab Noodles (Bun Cua)
Why try: Hai Phong signature dish (available on Hon Dau)
Characteristics: Sweet broth, multiple toppings (crab, shrimp, mantis shrimp, squid, lolot meat)
Where: Island restaurants, eateries
Fresh Seafood
What’s fresh: Fish, shrimp, mantis shrimp (Hon Dau specialty)
Preparation: Various styles, “delicious, fresh, cheap” according to locals
Strategy: Order island specialties fresh catch daily
Shrimp Rolls (Hon Dau Specialty)
What makes special: Rice flour rolls (soft, fragrant), richly seasoned shrimp filling, fried onion topping, sweet-sour dipping sauce
Where to try: Island eateries
My take: If trying one Hon Dau-specific dish, shrimp rolls are it.
For broader Hai Phong food scene including banh da cua and local specialties, see our Hai Phong guide covering best restaurants and what to eat.
Best Time to Visit Hon Dau Island
Summer (April-July) – BEST:
- Clear sunny sky
- Beautiful sea conditions
- Ideal sightseeing/relaxation
- Peak domestic tourism (crowded)
Spring (January-March) – GOOD:
- Cool air
- Attractive festivals
- Pleasant weather
- Fewer crowds than summer
Winter/Monsoon – AVOID:
- Rough seas (boat rides uncomfortable)
- Limited visibility
- Cold water (swimming less appealing)
My recommendation: April-July if combining with Do Son Beach trip (swimming weather). January-March for cooler forest walks.
Practical Hon Dau Tips
What to pack:
- Sports shoes (soft, low soles) for forest walking
- Swimsuit (artificial pool or returning to Do Son Beach)
- Hat/sunscreen (sun protection)
- Modest clothing (temple visit)
- Mosquito repellent (primeval forest has insects)
Camping option: Can bring tent/food if overnight camping desired (check current regulations)
Booking strategy: Reserve Do Son hotels early peak season (April-July) to avoid sold-out properties
Audio guide: Hon Dau history and Hai Phong context → IZI Travel
Final Verdict: Pleasant Half-Day, Not Must-Visit
Hon Dau Island serves Hai Phong/Do Son visitors well pleasant nature escape, historical interest, cultural sites. For broader Northern Vietnam travel? Limited appeal.
Visit Hon Dau if:
- Already staying Do Son Beach multi-day
- Want variety beyond beach activities
- Interested in primeval forests (easy walking)
- Curious about French colonial lighthouse
- Appreciate ancient trees/botanical heritage
- Seeking local Vietnamese island culture
Skip Hon Dau if:
- Traveling to Cat Ba Island (far superior)
- Limited Hai Phong time (prioritize other attractions)
- Uninterested in modest nature walks
- Prefer spending more time Do Son Beach itself
- Making day trip from Hanoi (too much travel for 2-3 hour island)
Hon Dau Island works as supplementary activity during 2-3 day Do Son Beach stay. The combination of forest walk, lighthouse photos, temple visit, and seafood lunch creates pleasant half-day break from beach. However, don’t elevate it beyond what it is small local island with modest attractions.
If choosing between Hon Dau boat trip or more time at Do Son Beach/Bao Dai Palace, I’d often choose the latter unless specifically curious about islands. If choosing between Hon Dau and Cat Ba Island, Cat Ba wins decisively for natural beauty and beach quality.
Visited Hon Dau Island? Worth the boat ride or skip for more Do Son beach time? Share honest experience in comments!
FAQ
Hon Dau Island worth visiting only if already spending time at Do Son Beach and wanting half-day variety. The 90,000 VND boat trip delivers pleasant primeval forest walk, historic 1892 lighthouse, and sacred temple sufficient for 2-3 hours. However, not worth dedicated trip from Hanoi or if traveling to Cat Ba Island (objectively superior nature and beaches). Best as bonus activity during multi-day Do Son stay.
2-3 hours sufficient to see all Hon Dau Island attractions including primeval forest walk (45-60 min), lighthouse (15-20 min), Nam Hai Than Vuong Temple (20-30 min), ancient banyan trees (20-30 min), and lunch. Total trip from Do Son including 20-minute boat each way: 4-5 hours. Not large island can comfortably explore everything in half-day without rushing.
Hon Dau Island famous as “miniature Dalat” among Vietnamese domestic tourists for pine forests and cool atmosphere, historic Hon Dau Lighthouse built 1892 by French (one of Vietnam’s five famous lighthouses), largest ancient red bud banyan tree population in Vietnam (45 trees over 100 years old, 35 Vietnamese heritage trees), and Nam Hai Than Vuong Temple sacred site. Popular local day-trip destination from Do Son Beach and Hai Phong.
