Hon Me Island, Thanh Hoa - A rare peaceful experience

1. Hon Me Island - A Pristine Gem in the Thanh Hoa Sea

Located in the waters of South Thanh Hoa, Hon Me Island is a precious gem bestowed by nature upon the land of Thanh Hoa. 11 km southeast of the mainland, this island holds historical secrets and pristine beauty that will leave tourists in awe.

1.1 Where is Hon Me Island?

Hon Me Island belongs to Hai Binh ward, Thanh Hoa province, about 11 km southeast of the mainland. The Hon Me archipelago consists of 18 large and small islands with a total area of about 450 ha. The ancient name for this place was "Vi island", derived from the shape of the 18 islands arranged in the letter "Vi" like a galloping herd of horses.

The Hon Me Archipelago consists of 18 large and small islands arranged in the shape of the letter "Vi". (Source: Collected)

What's special is that Hon Me Island has long played a key role in military strategy, likened to a "shield" protecting the waters of Thanh Hoa. Officers and soldiers have preserved the island through many generations, making this place almost uninhabited. This strict protection has helped Hon Me Island preserve its rare pristine beauty.

1.2 How to get to Hon Me Island?

Tourists wishing to explore Hon Me Island need to depart from Hai Binh fishing port, Hai Binh ward, and can travel by boat or canoe, gliding gently on the sea surface to reach this fairy island. However, due to its special military nature, visiting Hon Me Island requires approval from the authorities.

The advice is to contact reputable travel agencies experienced in organizing island tours. They will handle the permit procedures and ensure the trip goes smoothly and safely.

2. The beauty of Hon Me Island

Upon setting foot on Hon Me Island Thanh Hoa, visitors will be overwhelmed by the pristine and magnificent natural scenery. Every corner of the island has its own unique beauty, from historical architectural works to a rich ecosystem.

The pristine and magnificent natural scenery of Hon Me island. (Source: Collection)

2.1. Lighthouse

Standing tall amidst lush green trees, the 18.5 m high lighthouse is the prominent symbol of Hon Me island. The structure was built during the French colonial period, playing an important role in guiding ships through this sea area. From the top of the lighthouse, one can gaze at the panoramic view of the vast sea and the majestic surrounding nature.

Climbing the lighthouse at sunset, visitors will witness the sunset dyeing the sky red. This is the most precious moment when visiting Hon Me island.

2.2. Monument to the Heroes and Martyrs on the island

Not only outstanding for its natural landscape, Hon Me island also carries sacred historical value through the monument to 51 soldiers who sacrificed their lives defending the island. This is a sacred destination, evoking pride in the nation's heroic tradition. In addition, the shrine honoring 16 martyrs of Military Region 4 who died in a plane crash on the island is also a place where visitors pay their respects with moving moments of remembrance.

2.3. Primitive forest and rich fauna

Hon Me island possesses a primitive forest with diverse vegetation, little impacted by humans. The ecosystem here is extremely rich with many rare marine and forest species. Venturing deep into the forest trails, visitors feel like they have entered a fairy tale world with the chirping of birds and the distant murmur of waves.

3. Unmissable experiences on Hon Me island

Each activity on Hon Me island offers a unique and enjoyable experience. From close encounters with nature to learning about the lives of island soldiers, all create an unforgettable journey.

3.1. Snorkeling, camping, and fishing with locals

The clear blue waters around Hon Me island, Thanh Hoa are a wonderful paradise for snorkeling. Underwater, colorful coral reefs and schools of tropical fish swimming create a vibrant, picturesque scene. Kayaking along the coast also provides a wonderfully relaxing experience.

The clear blue waters around Hon Me island are a paradise for snorkeling and coral viewing. (Source: Collected)

In the evening, visitors can join the island soldiers in fishing, then together prepare fresh seafood by the campfire. The freshly caught fish are grilled fragrantly, served with locally picked wild vegetables, creating an unforgettable meal amidst nature.

3.2. Meeting the soldiers on the island

The most special experience when visiting Hon Me island is meeting and chatting with the island soldiers. Stories about daily life, the mission to protect the island, and memorable experiences will help visitors better understand the historical and current significance of this island. The optimistic and enthusiastic spirit of the soldiers is the most touching aspect of the trip.

3.3. "Million-like" photos amidst pristine nature

With its pristine beauty and few footprints, Hon Me island in Thanh Hoa is an ideal photography spot. The white lighthouse stands out against the blue sky, the flagpole fluttering in the sea breeze, or the solemn memorial are all stunning photo opportunities. Especially, the sunrise and sunset scenes on the island create beautiful artistic photos.

4. Experience in choosing accommodation and itinerary when visiting Hon Me island

Planning a trip to Hon Me island requires careful preparation due to the island's unique nature. Here is useful information to help visitors have a perfect trip.

4.1. Note on the island not yet serving accommodation services

Currently, Hon Me island does not have overnight accommodation services for tourists. As it is still a military area with nature conservation duties, accommodation tourism infrastructure has not been developed. Visitors can only visit during the day and must return to the mainland in the afternoon.

4.2. Combining Hon Me with an itinerary staying at Bai Dong, Hai Hoa beach

To optimize the trip, visitors should combine Hon Me island in Thanh Hoa with nearby tourist attractions. A suggested 3-day, 2-night itinerary is as follows:

On the first day, travel from Hanoi to Bai Dong to check into the hotel, then have lunch at seaside restaurants. In the afternoon, relax by swimming and enjoying fresh seafood.

On the second day, depart by boat to Hon Me island for early morning sightseeing, swimming, and a seafood lunch right on the island. In the afternoon, return to the mainland and then move to Hai Hoa beach for the night.

On the last day, wake up early to watch the beautiful sunrise at Hai Hoa, swim and enjoy lunch before departing for Hanoi.

Combine the exploration of Hon Me island with the beautiful Hai Hoa beach. (Source: Collected)

5. Other famous attractions in Thanh land

Thanh land possesses a rich tourism resource, no less than Hon Me island . Sam Son beach with its long stretch of fine white sand, Tinh Gia fishing village famous for its delicious seafood dishes, and the crystal clear and cool Cam Luong fish stream are attractive destinations. The ancient Ho Dynasty Citadel, bearing historical imprints, and Ben En National Park with its diverse ecosystem also deserve a place in the journey to explore Thanh Hoa.

The most modern coastal entertainment complex in the region - Sun World Sam Son. (Source: Collected)

Thanh Hoa also retains visitors with vibrant entertainment experiences at Sun World Sam Son, the most modern coastal entertainment complex in the region. This complex stands out with its large-scale water park, thrilling game system, and high-class resort space, bringing a youthful, bustling atmosphere that is interestingly contrasting with the peacefulness of Hon Me Island. The combination of pristine nature and modern amenities makes the journey to explore Thanh Hoa more colorful and memorable than ever.

Hon Me Island, Thanh Hoa is a rare destination that retains its pristine and tranquil beauty amidst the sea. Not noisy, not crowded, the island offers a hard-to-find sense of peace, where nature and history blend together. Every moment on the island offers a special experience, from the crystal-clear water, lush green forests to the stories of soldiers guarding the sacred sea area day and night. The simplicity and authenticity of Hon Me make it a precious stopover for those who want to temporarily escape the hustle and bustle of life.

If you are looking for a journey to calm and relax your soul, Hon Me will be the ideal choice. Just one visit, and you will understand why this place is likened to a precious gem of the sea and sky of Thanh Hoa.