January
17.4°C ~ 63°F
9 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
Hon Dau Island
A small island off Do Son with an old French-era lighthouse.
- Location
- Hai Phong
- Time needed
- From 1 hr
- Entry fee
- 60,000 VND
- Best months
- Feb – Apr, Nov – Dec
Overview
Hon Dau is a small island at the tip of the Do Son peninsula, reached by a short boat ride of about 20 minutes. It is best known for its lighthouse, which dates from the French colonial period, and for rocky shores with a few small beaches and sea views back toward Do Son.
Most people come for a quiet half day: a walk to the lighthouse, photos of the coast and a swim if the sea is calm. Boats leave from the south pier of Do Son rather than the older pier, and they only run when the weather allows, so a rough-sea day can cancel the trip.
Highlights
- Take the 20-minute boat ride from the south pier of Do Son
- Walk up to the French-era lighthouse
- Look back at the Do Son coast from the island
- Swim at the small beaches when the sea is calm
Visitor information
| Opening hours | Island area reported open 24/7; boats about 6:00 – 18:00, weather permitting |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | Boat about 60,000 VND return (Mytour estimate); one MIA listing shows about 100,000 VND. Island entry is free (MIA). Confirm at the Nghieng pier. |
| Time needed | 1 – 2 hrs |
| Best time of day | Morning, calm weather |
| Good for | Photographers, couples |
| Accessibility | Boat access; steps |
| Facilities | Limited |
Prices and hours can change. Check the official source before you go.
Best time to visit
Weather in Hai Phong by month.
February
18.1°C ~ 65°F
9 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
March
21.3°C ~ 70°F
10 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
April
24.5°C ~ 76°F
12 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
May
27.4°C ~ 81°F
19 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
June
29.6°C ~ 85°F
21 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
July
29.2°C ~ 85°F
22 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
August
28.4°C ~ 83°F
26 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
September
27.5°C ~ 82°F
22 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
October
24.8°C ~ 77°F
13 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
November
22.2°C ~ 72°F
9 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
December
18.2°C ~ 65°F
6 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
How to get there
- From Hai Phong centre
Drive or take a taxi to the south pier of Do Son (about 20 km from central Hai Phong), then take the boat to the island.
- Hon Dau Island
Tips before you go
- Check boat times and the sea forecast at the pier before you buy a ticket
- Go in the morning, when the sea is calmest and the light is soft
- Bring water and snacks, as the island has very few services
- Wear shoes with grip for the rocky paths
Location
Do Son, Hai Phong
More attractions in Hai Phong
FAQs
How do I get to Hon Dau Island?
By boat from the south pier of Do Son. The crossing takes about 20 minutes. Services depend on the weather.
How much does the boat cost?
Sources from earlier years give about 60,000 – 100,000 VND for a return ticket. Confirm the price at the pier, as it may have changed.
Can I stay overnight?
This guide does not cover overnight stays. Most visitors come for a half-day trip from Do Son.