Hon Cu Tron, commonly known as Hon Lon Nam Du, is the largest island and administrative center of the Nam Du Archipelago, located in the Kien Hai Special Zone, An Giang Province. Set in the Gulf of Thailand, Hon Lon is not only the most important island in the cluster but also a place where natural beauty, history, and island culture come together in a uniquely compelling way.
Hon Lon – The Largest Island in the Nam Du Archipelago
The Nam Du Archipelago consists of 21 large and small islands, all of which have distinct names—an uncommon feature compared to many other island groups in Kien Giang. Among them, Hon Lon stands out with an area of approximately 771 hectares (nearly 9 km²) and the highest elevation in the archipelago, reaching 328 meters above sea level. Thanks to its size and terrain, Hon Lon is widely regarded as the “heart” of Nam Du.
While the name Hon Lon simply reflects its status as the largest island, locals have long used another name as well: Hon Cu Tron—a name deeply rooted in history.
The Origin of the Name “Hon Cu Tron” – A Legacy of Emperor Gia Long
According to local historical accounts recorded by writer Anh Dong (former Chairman of the Kien Giang Literature and Arts Association), the name Hon Cu Tron dates back to the era of Emperor Gia Long.
Legend has it that during his years in exile while fleeing the Tay Son forces, Nguyen Anh (later Emperor Gia Long) once sought refuge on Hon Lon. At that time, island residents dug up “cu nang” roots—a wild, round-shaped tuber growing naturally on the island—and cooked them to help him survive hunger. After ascending the throne in 1802, Emperor Gia Long remembered this kindness and bestowed the name “Cu Tron” (Round Tuber) upon the island.
Due to a phonetic variation introduced by a mandarin from Quang region when conveying the royal decree, the name gradually became Cu Tron instead of Cu Tron. From then on, Hon Lon gained its second name—Hon Cu Tron, which remains in use to this day.
Hon Cu Tron – Where Nature Meets Legend
Hon Cu Tron boasts dramatic landscapes shaped by time and sea. Towering rocky mountains, ancient stone formations sculpted by waves over centuries, and rugged coastlines give the island a wild yet poetic charm. Beyond its natural beauty, Hon Cu Tron carries a strong sense of legend and history, echoing stories of Vietnam’s southward expansion.
Several place names on the island are closely associated with Emperor Gia Long, including Bai Ngu (Royal Beach) and Gieng Ngu (Royal Well).
According to legend, during one escape, Nguyen Anh ordered his soldiers to dig wells in search of freshwater but found none. He then prayed to heaven and struck his sword into the mountainside—miraculously, fresh water burst forth. The soldiers expanded the spot into a well, later known as Gieng Ngu. Today, the well still exists on the northwestern slope of Hon Lon, in An Son commune, and continues to provide freshwater even during severe droughts.
“The President’s Reservoir” – A Modern-Day Miracle
At the end of the 20th century, Hon Cu Tron witnessed another historic milestone. After Typhoon No. 5 in 1997, President Tran Duc Luong visited the island and saw firsthand the severe shortage of freshwater faced by both civilians and military personnel.
As a result, the government invested in building a 30,000 m³ freshwater reservoir on the island. This project marked a turning point, providing a stable, year-round freshwater supply for the entire Nam Du Archipelago. Out of gratitude, local residents respectfully refer to it as “The President’s Reservoir.”
Today, the reservoir not only supports daily life but has also become a peaceful attraction nestled in a mountain valley facing the sea—an ideal place for travelers to unwind amid nature.
Beautiful Beaches on Hon Lon Nam Du
Hon Lon is home to a number of pristine and scenic beaches, including:
- Bai Chet
- Bai Dat Do
- Bai Ngu
- Bai Cay Men
- Bai Gieng
- Bai Soi
These beaches are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, coral watching, and shell collecting. Another distinctive feature of Hon Lon is its old coconut groves, with many trees aged 70–80 years, adding to the island’s timeless charm.
Must-Do Experiences on Hon Cu Tron
Visitors to Hon Lon often rent motorbikes to explore the coastal road, where one side is steep rocky cliffs and the other opens to emerald-blue waters—one of the most scenic routes in Nam Du.
Other highlights include:
- Climbing to the Nam Du Lighthouse at nearly 300 meters above sea level
- Visiting the radar station
- Enjoying panoramic views of the entire Nam Du Archipelago
- Stopping by Ba Chua Xu Temple, an important spiritual site for local residents
Hon Cu Tron – Hon Lon Nam Du is far more than the administrative center of the archipelago. It is a place where natural splendor, historical depth, and island life intertwine. A visit here is not just a journey to a beautiful island, but an opportunity to connect with the stories, legends, and enduring spirit of Vietnam’s southwestern seas.
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