Hon Ngu Island Travel Guide: Nghe An’s Pristine Coastal Escape

A Secluded Paradise in Nghe An

Hon Ngu Island, also known as Song Ngu (Double Fish) Island, is a pristine coastal haven in Nghe An Province, located just 4 km off Cua Lo Ward and 294 km from Hanoi. Spanning 2.5 km², this tranquil island captivates with its smooth pebble beaches, clear turquoise waters, and the historic Ngu Temple, drawing eco-tourists and culture enthusiasts. With activities costing $2–$35 (50,000–875,000 VND), Hon Ngu offers an authentic escape from urban life, attracting over 10,000 visitors annually to Nghe An’s coastal wonders.

Nghe An’s tropical climate (dry season: November–April, 22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F; rainy season: May–October, 24–36°C or 75.2–96.8°F) enhances the island’s appeal, with sustainable practices like eco-friendly boat tours and community-led conservation preserving its untouched beauty. Legend Travel Group’s tours provide immersive, responsible experiences, blending nature and culture. Book via links in this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com for a seamless adventure.

Administrative Update

As of July 1, 2025, Vietnam’s administrative reform reorganized Nghe An’s districts into wards and communes. Cua Lo Town is now Cua Lo Ward, and Vinh City is Vinh Ward. Use “Hon Ngu Island, Cua Lo Ward, Nghe An” for precise navigation.

With over 17 years leading sustainable tourism in Southeast Asia, Legend Travel Group crafts eco-friendly tours to Hon Ngu Island, combining coastal exploration with environmental care. Our tours use low-impact boats, support local fishermen, and feature English-speaking guides sharing insights into Nghe An’s heritage and ecosystems. Aligning with Vietnam’s green tourism goals, we offer transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support. Book our eco-tours via links on this page for a responsible journey.

Hon Ngu Island, named for its twin fish-shaped peaks, is a serene retreat with rugged cliffs, colorful pebble beaches, and the 13th-century Ngu Temple. The island’s Gieng Ngoc (Spirit Well), a never-drying freshwater source, adds a mystical charm. Its marine ecosystem, including cobia farms, supports sustainable aquaculture, while the island’s small size makes it perfect for pedestrian exploration. With minimal development, Hon Ngu retains its wild beauty, offering a peaceful contrast to busier coastal destinations like Nha Trang or Ly Son.

These budget-friendly activities ($2–$35) highlight Hon Ngu’s natural and cultural allure:

1. Relax on Pebble Beaches

Unwind on Hon Ngu’s kilometer-long pebble beach, best at 8:00 AM or 3:00 PM, for $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND) entry, with smooth, colorful stones and clear waters.

• Cost: $2–$3.

• Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Support beach cleanups; use reusable towels.

• Tip: Perfect for photography; included in Nghe An Coastal Tour ($65–$95).

2. Visit Ngu Temple

Explore the historic Ngu Temple, built in the 13th century, best at 9:00 AM, for free (donations $0.50–$1 or 12,500–25,000 VND). Admire its greenery and Gieng Ngoc well.

• Cost: Free; donations encouraged.

• Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Low-impact site; supports temple upkeep.

• Tip: Dress modestly; included in Nghe An Cultural Tour ($70–$100).

3. Try Squid Fishing

Join a basket boat squid fishing tour, best at 6:00 PM, for $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND), experiencing local fishing traditions.

• Cost: $10–$15.

• Hours: Daily, 5:00 PM–8:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Uses sustainable fishing methods; supports fishermen.

• Tip: Book via local operators; included in Nghe An Coastal Tour ($65–$95).

4. Explore Cobia Farms

Visit aquaculture farms, best at 10:00 AM, for $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND), learning about sustainable fish farming.

• Cost: $5–$10.

• Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Promotes responsible aquaculture; supports local livelihoods.

• Tip: Wear water-resistant shoes; included in Nghe An Coastal Tour ($65–$95).

5. Trek Around the Island

Hike Hon Ngu’s trails for panoramic sea views, best at 7:00 AM, for $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND), enjoying cool breezes and rugged cliffs.

• Cost: $2–$4.

• Hours: Daily, 6:30 AM–4:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Stay on paths to protect flora; low-impact activity.

• Tip: Bring a camera; included in Nghe An Coastal Tour ($65–$95).

• November–April (Dry Season, 22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F): Ideal for beach relaxation and trekking, with clear skies and moderate crowds (100–300 daily visitors). Book 1–2 weeks ahead.

• May–October (Rainy Season, 24–36°C or 75.2–96.8°F): Perfect for lush scenery and fewer crowds (50–150 daily visitors), but bring rain gear. Last-minute bookings often available.

• Festival Seasons: Lunar New Year (January/February) for Cau Ngu Festival in nearby Cua Lo, with high crowds (500+ visitors); spring (February–March) for cultural events. Avoid Tet for quieter visits.

• Timing Tip: Mornings (7:00–10:00 AM) for cool weather; evenings (5:00–7:00 PM) for squid fishing. Avoid water activities after 6:00 PM due to tides.

Hon Ngu Island, 4 km from Cua Lo Ward and 294 km from Hanoi, is accessible via boat from Cua Lo Port:

• From Hanoi (5.5–7.5 hours):

  • Train: $20–$60 (500,000–1,500,000 VND) round-trip, 5.5–7 hours to Vinh Station, then taxi to Cua Lo Port ($5–$7 or 125,000–175,000 VND, 45 minutes), followed by a 15-minute boat ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND one-way).

  • Bus: $16–$30 (400,000–750,000 VND) round-trip, 6–7 hours to Vinh, then taxi to Cua Lo Port ($5–$7), boat ($2–$3).

  • Private Car: $80–$100 (2,000,000–2,500,000 VND) round-trip, 5–6 hours to Cua Lo Port, then boat ($2–$3).

  • Xanh SM Taxi: $140–$180 (3,500,000–4,500,000 VND) round-trip, 5–6 hours to Cua Lo Port, then boat ($2–$3).

• From Ho Chi Minh City (2.5–31 hours):

  • Flight: $60–$120 (1,500,000–3,000,000 VND) round-trip, 2 hours to Vinh Airport (unavailable July–December 2025), then taxi to Cua Lo Port ($10–$12 or 250,000–300,000 VND), boat ($2–$3).

  • Train: $50–$100 (1,250,000–2,500,000 VND) round-trip, 26–30 hours to Vinh, then taxi ($5–$7), boat ($2–$3).

  • Bus: $50–$80 (1,250,000–2,000,000 VND) round-trip, 28–30 hours to Vinh, then taxi ($5–$7), boat ($2–$3).

• From Vinh Ward to Cua Lo Port (16 km, 45–60 minutes): Taxi ($5–$7 or 125,000–175,000 VND) or motorbike rental ($7–$12/day or 175,000–300,000 VND, Vietnamese license required), then boat ($2–$3).

• Boat Details: Ferries from Cua Lo Port run every 30 minutes (7:00 AM–5:00 PM); book on-site or via local operators. Avoid private tourist boats ($10–$20 or 250,000–500,000 VND) by sticking to local ferries for authenticity.

• Navigation Tip: Save “Cua Lo Port, Cua Lo Ward, Nghe An” in offline maps (Maps.me); follow Highway 1A to Cua Lo. Parking: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Choose trains or Xanh SM taxis for lower emissions; opt for local ferries to support community boatmen.

• Safety: Confirm boat fares; wear life jackets on ferries. Avoid unlicensed motorbikes to prevent fines ($100–$200 or 2,500,000–5,000,000 VND).

Pack these essentials for a sustainable trip:

• Clothing: Lightweight attire, sturdy sandals, swimsuit; waterproof jacket ($4–$8 or 100,000–200,000 VND) for rainy season; modest attire for Ngu Temple.

• Beach Gear: Reusable towel, SPF 50+ sunscreen, hat.

• Travel Essentials: Reusable water bottle, hand sanitizer ($0.80 or 20,000 VND), insect repellent.

• Tech Gear: Smartphone with Vietmap/Maps.me, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($8–$15 or 200,000–375,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for souvenirs ($1–$4 or 25,000–100,000 VND); biodegradable wipes.

• Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).

Activity Costs

• Pebble Beach Entry: $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND).

• Ngu Temple: Free (donations $0.50–$1 or 12,500–25,000 VND).

• Squid Fishing: $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND).

• Cobia Farm Visit: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).

• Island Trekking: $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND).

• Guided Coastal Tour: $25–$35 (625,000–875,000 VND).

• Homestay in Cua Lo: $15–$30/night (375,000–750,000 VND).

• Souvenirs (Seashell Crafts): $2–$7 (50,000–175,000 VND).

Transport Costs (Round-Trip)

• From Hanoi: Train: $20–$60 + taxi ($10–$14) + boat ($4–$6); Bus: $16–$30 + taxi ($10–$14) + boat ($4–$6); Private Car: $80–$100 + boat ($4–$6); Xanh SM Taxi: $140–$180 + boat ($4–$6).

• From Ho Chi Minh City: Flight: $60–$120 + taxi ($16–$22) + boat ($4–$6); Train: $50–$100 + taxi ($10–$14) + boat ($4–$6); Bus: $50–$80 + taxi ($10–$14) + boat ($4–$6).

• From Vinh to Cua Lo Port: Taxi: $10–$14 (250,000–350,000 VND) + boat ($4–$6).

Total Daily Cost (Per Person)

• Budget: $15–$30 (bus, beach, homestay).

• Mid-range: $35–$60 (train, homestay, guided tour).

• Luxury: $80–$120 (private car, squid fishing, premium stay).

• Tip: Carry cash (cards rarely accepted); budget for activities ($2–$35) and transport ($10–$190).

• Timing: Visit at 7:00–10:00 AM for cool weather; November–April for dry conditions. Weekdays for fewer crowds (50–150 vs. 100–300 on weekends).

• Booking: Reserve Legend Travel Group’s tours 24–48 hours ahead; book boat tickets on-site at Cua Lo Port.

• Sustainability: Support local boatmen with ferry rides; use reusable bottles to reduce waste. Respect marine ecosystems during fishing tours.

• Navigation: Save “Cua Lo Port, Cua Lo Ward” in offline maps; confirm ferry schedules (every 30 minutes).

• Safety: Wear life jackets on boats; secure valuables. Avoid swimming during high tides or after 6:00 PM.

• Weather: Dry season for beach activities; rainy season needs rain gear ($4–$8 or 100,000–200,000 VND). Check AccuWeather.

• Cultural Respect: Dress modestly at Ngu Temple; greet locals with “xin chào”; avoid touching temple artifacts.

Our eco-friendly tours showcase Hon Ngu Island and beyond:

• Nghe An Coastal Tour ($65–$95/person, 1 day): Visit Hon Ngu’s pebble beach, Ngu Temple, enjoy squid fishing. Includes guide, eco-transport, boat.

• Nghe An Coastal & Cultural Adventure ($150–$200/person, 2 days): Combine Hon Ngu with Kim Lien Village, homestay ($15–$30/night). Includes meals, guide.

• North-Central Vietnam Explorer ($350–$500/person, 4 days): Explore Hon Ngu, Pu Mat National Park, Thanh Hoa, eco-stays. Includes meals, eco-transports.

• Prices include guides, eco-transports, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links!

Hon Ngu Island, a hidden coastal gem in Cua Lo Ward, Nghe An Province, 290 km from Hanoi, enchants with its pristine pebble beaches, the historic Ngu Temple (built in 1612, dedicated to the whale spirit), and sustainable aquaculture experiences, drawing thousands yearly. This 3-hectare island, accessible by 15-minute boat from Cua Lo Beach ($5–$10 round-trip, 125,000–250,000 VND), offers untouched beauty and eco-friendly practices like regulated fishing and low-impact tours, making it a perfect escape for responsible travelers. Legend Travel Group’s Nghe An Tours ensure an authentic, low-impact Nghe An Travel experience, blending island exploration with cultural sites like Kim Lien Village and natural treasures such as Cua Lo Beach, including activities like trekking cliffs and squid fishing. Contact Legend Travel Group at www.legendtravelgroup.com, info@legendtravelgroup.com, or (+84) 825862222 to browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly adventure today!
Ready to discover Hon Ngu Island in Nghe An? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable coastal adventure!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.

Sources:

• Hon Ngu Island Information: vietnam.travel, vietnamtourism.org.vn, vinpearl.com, localvietnam.com, vietnamoriginal-travel.com