Pirate Island

Pirate Island in Kien Giang is an intriguing destination, evident from its distinctive name. In reality, it comprises a cluster of 16 islands, with the largest being Hon Tre Island (Hon Doc), situated in Tien Hai Commune, Ha Tien District. This location is approximately 28 km away from the Ha Tien coast and 40 km from Phu Quoc Island.

The island's name evokes visions of its historical past. Positioned in the Ha Tien - Rach Gia bay area leading to the Gulf of Thailand, a crucial trade route connecting China to Western countries, the archipelago served as an ideal haven for pirates centuries ago. It was a strategic outpost for pirates to station, conceal themselves, lay ambushes, and raid passing merchant ships. Even into the early 20th century, piracy persisted in these waters.

Beyond being a notorious haunt for seafaring vessels, Pirate Island is also rumored to be a repository of hidden treasures. In contemporary times, aside from the allure stemming from its name and historical anecdotes, people visit Pirate Island to uncover its unique and unspoiled natural beauty.

History

The nomenclature of Pirate Island, as per local accounts, is intimately tied to tales of piracy. During the late 17th to early 18th centuries, the Pirate Islands were strategically positioned along a vital trade route connecting China and Southeast Asian countries to the West. This locale became a preferred haven for pirates who sought to hide, lie in wait, and assail merchant ships traversing through this region.

Even into the initial decades of the twentieth century, Pirate Island remained afflicted by pirate activities, offering a compelling explanation for the archipelago's intriguing name. Legend has it that the infamous "Black Sails" pirate gang once chose the island as their base of operations. The spoils of their plunder, including gold, silver, and money, were purportedly concealed on Pirate Island. Islanders also stumbled upon scattered ancient coins across the landscape.

Presently, a visit to Kien Giang Pirate Island reveals a place that has retained much of its untamed character, largely untouched by external influences. As a result, visitors to this locale can freely enjoy the expansive sandy beaches and immerse themselves in the crystalline waters, experiencing a retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Things to do and see in Pirate Island

Visit Hon Tre Island

The ship of the Black Sail pirates

Main Beach in Hon Tre is a favorite destination for locals and tourists when they want to immerse themselves in the blue water and watch coconut boats swaying in the wind. One of the activities that many tourists choose when coming here is renting scuba diving goggles to see coral, or fishing for squid and fish at night, scuba diving to catch oysters, crabs, snails...

Check-in at the sovereignty stone stele at Hon Doc

Sovereignty stele of the Pirate Islands

The Pirate Island landmark is an essential stop for visitors exploring the island. Erected in 1958, this monument, situated on a white sandy beach in Hon Doc (Hon Tre Lon), serves as a symbol of national sovereignty. Inscribed on this significant marker are the names of all 16 islands, both large and small, within the Pirate Island group in Kien Giang.

Visit the fishing village along Tre Van island

The natural beauty surrounding the fishing village

The fishing village along Tre Van Island stands out as a highly sought-after attraction for tourists exploring Kien Giang Pirate Island. During island tours, boat operators often navigate through this area, allowing visitors to marvel at the fishing village. It's an opportunity for tourists to savor authentic local dishes while listening to captivating stories shared by the residents of the village.

Try being Robinson on a deserted island

If you have fishing gear, try your hand at catching fish or other seafood

Within the Pirate Island complex, numerous uninhabited islands await exploration. Simply rent a boat, and within a short 5 to 10 minutes, you can reach these deserted isles. Don't forget to bring a fishing rod to showcase your angling prowess. After a successful fishing expedition, utilize charcoal to grill the freshly caught fish and seafood right on the shore. Revel in the tranquility of your private space until you've had your fill, then contact the boat owner for a pickup at your convenience.

Fishing, diving to catch sea urchins

Tourists experience catching sea urchins

Aside from engaging in coral diving, visitors to Kien Giang Pirate Island can also partake in fishing activities alongside local residents. Upon successfully catching fish or squid, you have the option to request the boat owner to process your catch. This allows you to relish the freshly caught seafood right on the spot, creating a memorable and immersive experience.

Enjoy local seafood

Sea urchin - A popular dish on Pirate Island

When visiting Pirate Island in Kien Giang, be sure to indulge in a variety of fresh, flavorful, and nourishing seafood delicacies. Early in the morning, you have the option to purchase sea urchins, stone crabs, snails, shrimp, grouper, and more directly from the fishing village. The seafood offerings are diverse, affordably priced, and conveniently pre-processed by the vendors. Alternatively, you can request them to prepare the seafood for you.

Price of visiting Pirate Island

Travel costs on Pirate Island

• The island features a solitary road bordered by mountains on one side and the captivating combination of a cerulean sea and white sandy beaches on the other. To explore the island, you have the option of renting a motorbike taxi at a cost of 50,000 VND per person. This not only provides convenient transportation courtesy of amiable motorbike taxi drivers but also includes complimentary "tour guides" from them.
• For those with the time and means, another option is to rent a small boat capable of accommodating approximately 10 people. Operated by locals, these boats offer trips to the main islands and sub-islands, with rental prices ranging from 300,000 to 400,000 VND per trip.

Accommodation: Pirate Island currently lacks motels or hotels. However, the island residents have constructed rooms for guests to stay overnight. The lodging costs are approximately 50,000 VND per person, and the rooms are designed for 2-4 individuals, with dormitories available for 10 people per room at an even more economical rate.

Food costs: In terms of dining expenses, the wharf offers rice, noodles, vermicelli, and pho at affordable prices, typically around 20,000 VND per dish.

Best time to visit Pirate Island

Pirate Island is open to visitors throughout the year. But the greatest period is from December to April, which is the dry season. Traveling by boat might be less uncomfortable for individuals who get seasick because the sea surface is calm and the sky is clear during this period.

How to get there

From Ho Chi Minh City, you have the option of traveling to Ha Tien either by personal car or bus. Once in Ha Tien, take the opportunity to explore the local attractions before making your way to Pirate Island.

To reach Pirate Island from Ha Tien, head to Ha Tien pier situated on Kim Du Street, To Chau Ward, Ha Tien Town, Kien Giang Province. Purchase tickets for either a high-speed boat, with a travel time of 30 minutes, or a regular boat, taking approximately 75 minutes, to get to Hai Tac Island. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, two daily boat services operate from Ha Tien to Pirate Islands and back, departing at 9:00 am and returning at 2:30 pm. On weekdays, there is one daily departure at 9:00 am from Ha Tien and at 2:30 pm from Pirate Islands. Therefore, it's crucial to plan your visit accordingly during this timeframe. Keep in mind that on days with adverse sea conditions, boat services to the island may be suspended. It's advisable to contact Ha Tien pier in advance for updated information