Hon Ba, covering 576 hectares, is the third-largest island in the Con Son Archipelago. Separated from Con Son Island by a narrow tidal channel called Cửa Tử (the “Gate of Death”), Hon Ba forms part of the sheltered Bến Đầm Bay—an ideal haven for fishing boats seeking refuge during storms.
A Haven of Forests, Wildlife, and Untouched Nature
Hon Ba is blessed with rich forest resources, home to rare and endemic species such as long-tailed macaques, the Côn Đảo black squirrel, wild boar, monitor lizards, and various forest birds.
From the Hon Ba Ranger Station, visitors can trek about 20 minutes through the forest to reach Đầm Quốc Beach, where they can explore primary mangrove ecosystems, swim, snorkel over coral reefs, and observe marine life. Another popular route leads travelers up to the island’s highlight—Love Peak, a 352-meter summit offering panoramic views of Bến Đầm Bay and the surrounding islets.
The Legend of Hon Ba and Lady Phi Yến
According to local legend, Hon Ba is closely tied to the tragic life of Lady Phi Yến, the concubine of Lord Nguyễn Ánh (later Emperor Gia Long).
When Nguyễn Ánh planned to seek assistance from the French and send Prince Cải as a political hostage, Lady Phi Yến implored him to reconsider, believing that relying on foreign powers would bring future disgrace.
For her advice, she was falsely accused of colluding with the Tây Sơn rebels and was imprisoned in a stone cave on a deserted island—now known as Hon Ba.
Her story lives on through songs, poetry, and spiritual practices on the island today.
Trekking & Nature Exploration
This ecotour route, managed by Côn Đảo National Park, combines forest trekking and marine exploration. Visitors can enjoy:
- Hiking to panoramic viewpoints
- Wildlife watching
- Swimming and snorkeling
- Exploring pristine mangrove forests
Requirements: Suitable trekking and swimming gear; mandatory accompaniment by a National Park guide.
Duration: 4–6 hours or longer for extended exploration.
Hon Ba lies just 20 meters from Con Son Island at low tide, allowing visitors to walk across. However, during high tide, the water becomes deep and the current strong—giving rise to the name Cửa Tử, where crossing becomes extremely dangerous. The surrounding mangrove forests play a vital ecological role, serving as breeding and feeding grounds for countless marine species and buffering the coastline against waves.
This area is also ideal for observing long-tailed macaques in their natural habitat.
Love Peak — A Symbol of Eternal Fidelity
From Bãi Nhát Beach, visitors can admire Love Peak, formed by two adjacent mountain tops rising 328 meters above sea level. Legend tells of a young couple forbidden to marry due to family differences. Unable to live apart, they fled to the Bến Đầm area and embraced each other until they turned to stone—an eternal symbol of faithful love.
Inspired by its beauty, Mr. Trần Đình Huệ, Deputy Director of Côn Đảo National Park, wrote a poem about Love Peak:
Love Peak
*No one knows from when
The Love Peak rose so high.
The young man’s gaze to the sea
Where waves whisper in twilight.
Hand in hand they hold tight,
Foreheads close—no words needed.
Eyes speak what lips cannot,
For fear of a bitter separation.*
Winter fades, spring returns,
Summer leaves for autumn’s breeze.
Love blooms through all four seasons—
No more sorrow, no more parting.
Love Peak is now a cherished destination for couples, especially during wedding season. Its serene atmosphere and picturesque scenery make it one of the most romantic viewpoints in Côn Đảo. Many believe that visiting the peak brings blessings of loyalty and lifelong harmony.
