Hòn Sơn Island—also known as Lại Sơn or Hòn Sơn Rái—lies within the Kiên Hải Special Zone, about 53 km southwest of Rạch Giá. Unlike the bustling destinations of Phú Quốc or Nam Du, Hòn Sơn remains serene and unspoiled, preserving its traditional cultural identity through generations. This pure simplicity is what makes the island a true “pearl of the sea.”
Origin of the Name “Hòn Sơn Rái”
There are several interpretations of the island’s former name:
- Some believe the island was once covered with dầu rái trees, whose resin was used to waterproof fishing boats.
- Others say the island was home to countless sea otters (rái cá).
- From above, the island’s silhouette resembles an otter gliding across the ocean surface.
Untouched Nature & Emerald Beaches
Covering an area of 11.5 km², Hòn Sơn offers a treasure trove of scenic spots such as Đá Bàn Cape, Giếng Ngự (the Royal Well), Sân Tiên, and the 450-meter Ma Thiên Lãnh Peak. Its ancient rainforest ecosystem remains remarkably well preserved.
Beaches like Bãi Xếp, Bãi Nhà, Bãi Bàng, Bãi Thiên Tuế captivate visitors with their:
- Powder-soft white sand
- Crystal-clear turquoise waters
- Gentle slopes safe for swimming
Hòn Sơn has not yet developed large-scale tourism, but the island features around 350 local homestays and a few small hotels—ensuring a genuine, peaceful island experience.
Unmissable Experiences on Hòn Sơn
A day on the island is full of simple yet unforgettable pleasures:
- Wake early for a golden sunrise over the ocean
- Trek to the 450 m Ma Thiên Lãnh Peak
- Explore hidden waterfalls deep in the forest
- Take photos at the iconic lying coconut tree
- Rent a motorbike to circle the island
- Snorkel to view colorful coral reefs
- Join night squid fishing or enjoy seafood at the night market
Many visitors say Hòn Sơn is “just as beautiful as the Maldives”—thanks to its emerald water, mild climate, and pristine natural landscape.
A Unique Blend of Island Culture
Lại Sơn residents come from various regions of Vietnam, creating a rich cultural tapestry shaped by diverse traditions and coastal livelihoods. You can visit historical and spiritual landmarks such as:
- Bà Cố Chủ Shrine
- Hải Sơn Pagoda
- Nam Hải Whale Temple
- Lại Sơn Communal House
- Cao Đài Temple
These sites reflect the harmonious blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Chăm cultural influences, as well as folk beliefs such as Whale Worship, Guardian Deity Worship, and the cult of Bà Chúa Xứ.
If you visit during festival season, you may witness traditional celebrations like:
- Whale Worshiping Festival (rằm tháng 10 âm lịch)
- Bà Cố Chủ Festival (mùng 9 tháng 9 âm lịch)
Traditional Trades & Local Life
Islanders still preserve many age-old crafts, including:
- Wooden boat building
- Seafood harvesting and processing
- Traditional fish sauce making
- Fruit-infused rice wine distillation
These authentic experiences offer meaningful insight into the hardworking, humble lives of Lại Sơn’s fishing community.
Towards Sustainable Tourism Development
To transform Lại Sơn into a key destination in the Kiên Hải Special Zone, the local government is investing heavily in infrastructure:
- Expansion of ports and coastal roads
- Extension of the national power grid
- Construction of freshwater reservoirs
- Training programs for community-based tourism
The goal: develop tourism sustainably while preserving the island’s cultural and natural heritage for future generations.
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