Long Son Island: Travel Guide, Things to Do & How to Get There
Long Son Island offers a rustic and authentic escape just a short journey from the hustle of Ho Chi Minh City. Tucked away in former Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province, this hidden gem is a world apart from Vietnam’s bustling tourist hubs. Famous for its thriving oyster farms and serene landscapes, the island presents a unique blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and unparalleled culinary delights. For the traveler seeking to step off the beaten path, Long Son is a revelation. In this comprehensive GTrip guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip. You will discover the best things to do in Long Son Island, learn how to get there from HCMC, find the ideal time to visit, and gather insider tips for an unforgettable adventure.
Overview of Long Son Island in Ho Chi Minh City
Long Son Island is a serene destination that perfectly blends rustic nature with rich historical traditions. Located within easy reach of the city, it offers a peaceful escape for those looking to discover a different side of Southern Vietnam’s coastal culture.
Where is Long Son Island?
Location: Long Son Commune (former Vung Tau City, Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province), Ho Chi Minh City
Long Son Island lies about 100 kilometers southeast of central Ho Chi Minh City and is now part of the city’s extended coastal area. Thanks to its easy access from HCMC, the island has become a popular short escape for both locals and travelers. Linked to the mainland by a bridge, Long Son feels like a gentle step away from the city quieter, slower, and closely connected to traditional fishing life.
What makes Long Son Island unique?
What truly defines Long Son’s charm is its "Oyster kingdom" reputation and the preserved lifestyle of its residents. The island is famous for the "Nha Lon" (Big House) complex, where the "Ong Tran" tradition is practiced, emphasizing a simple and communal way of life. Visitors are drawn here for the spiritual atmosphere and for the unique culinary experience of dining on floating rafts. The combination of ancient folk architecture and fresh, locally farmed oysters creates a cultural and gastronomic identity that you won't find anywhere else in the region.
- The Big House (Nha Lon): A historical and architectural relic of the Ong Tran followers.
- Oyster farming: Known as the premier destination for fresh oysters in Southern Vietnam.
- Floating rafts: Unique riverside restaurants offering a rustic dining experience.
- Traditional culture: A community that maintains ancient customs and simple living.
Long Son Island is a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path getaway near Ho Chi Minh City, known for its oyster farms, floating raft dining, and Nha Lon Complex
Best time to visit Long Son Island
To make the most of your trip to this "Oyster Island", timing is everything. Planning according to the seasons will enhance your experience.
Dry season (November to April)
The dry season, from November to April, is considered the best time to visit Long Son Island. During these months, the weather is consistently pleasant with abundant sunshine, minimal rainfall, and lower humidity, creating ideal conditions for all outdoor activities. This is the perfect period for climbing the island's peaks, exploring the sprawling salt fields, wandering through the fishing villages, and enjoying a leisurely seafood meal at a floating restaurant. The stable, comfortable climate ensures you can make the most of everything the island has to offer.
Long Son Island festival season
For a truly immersive cultural experience, planning your trip around the island's major festivals is highly recommended. These events offer a fascinating glimpse into the unique traditions and spiritual life of the Long Son community.
- Mr. Tran Memorial Ceremony (held on the 20th day of the 2nd lunar month): This is the most significant festival on the island, a vibrant celebration honoring Mr. Tran, the revered pioneer who established the Long Son community. During the ceremony, locals and visitors gather at Ong Tran Temple to offer incense and pray for peace and prosperity. They also share a large communal vegetarian meal that fosters a strong sense of community and shared heritage.
- Double Ninth Festival (held on the 9th day of the 9th lunar month): This festival also commemorates Mr. Tran's legacy and contributions to the island. The event spans two days, with preparatory rituals on the 8th and the main ceremony on the 9th. The atmosphere is solemn and sacred, filled with traditional rites that attract devotees from across the region, making it a profound time to witness the island's spiritual heart.
You should come to Long Son Island in the festive season to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere there
How to get to Long Son Island?
Getting to Long Son Island from Ho Chi Minh City is quite convenient, with various transportation options available to suit different budgets and preferences.
Traveling by coach
Traveling by coach is a popular and budget-friendly choice for many visitors heading to Long Son from Saigon. Several reputable operators provide high-frequency services throughout the day, ensuring you can easily find a time slot that fits your schedule. These buses are well-equipped and offer a direct route, making your journey comfortable and hassle-free.
- Major coach operators: Hoa Mai, Toan Thang, and Phuong Trang are the primary brands for the Saigon - Long Son route.
- Operating hours: Buses run frequently from 4:00 AM to 7:30 PM.
- Frequency: Departures are scheduled every 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Ticket prices: Rates typically range from 80,000 to 200,000 VND per person.
Traveling by private vehicle
For those who enjoy a road trip and want complete control over their itinerary, using a private car or motorbike is the ideal option. There are three main travel routes from Ho Chi Minh City, each offering different advantages such as higher speeds or shorter distances, depending on your vehicle type and starting location.
- Route 1: Follow National Highway 1A, cross Dong Nai Bridge, turn left at Vung Tau Intersection, continue on Highway 51, pass Long Son Toll Station (100m), and turn right.
- Route 2: Take the Long Thanh Expressway to National Highway 51, then pass Long Son Toll Station for 100 meters and turn right. This route is best for private cars.
- Route 3: Travel via Cat Lai Ferry to Nhon Trach, then join Highway 51. Turn right about 100 meters before Long Son Toll Station. This route is 20 km shorter.
You can reach Long Son Island by your private vehicle to enjoy a road trip and the beautiful scenery
Hydrofoil ferry
If you want to avoid traffic and enjoy a refreshing journey across the water, the hydrofoil ferry is an excellent alternative. Departing from the heart of the city, this mode of transport offers a unique perspective of the coastal scenery. It is a relaxing way to start your trip, allowing you to reach the island area in approximately 3 hours while enjoying the sea breeze.
- Departure point: Purchase tickets and board at Bach Dang Wharf
- Travel time: The journey takes approximately 3 hours
- Children (aged 6–11): 120,000 VND (~$5)
- Adults (aged 12–62): 240,000 VND (~$10)
- Seniors (over 62): 170,000 VND (~$7)
Things to do on Long Son Island
Long Son Island may be small, but it is rich with authentic experiences that connect you to its culture, nature, and people. Here are the must-do activities for any visitor.
1. Visit Ong Tran Temple (Long Son Big House)
The Ong Tran Temple, also known as Long Son Big House, is the cultural and spiritual heart of the island. This sprawling complex is architecturally unique, blending modern construction techniques with ancient motifs, but notably without the intricate dragon and phoenix carvings typical of other Vietnamese temples. This reflects the distinct philosophy of its founder, Mr. Tran. The atmosphere is one of serene devotion. Visiting during the Mr. Tran Memorial Ceremony or the Double Ninth Festival is a particularly special experience. This allows you to witness the community's deep-seated faith and traditions firsthand.
The Ong Tran Temple, or Long Son Big House, is the island’s spiritual center, notable for its unique architecture and offering a rare glimpse into the deep-rooted beliefs and festivals
2. Try oyster harvesting on Long Son Island
Long Son is nationally famous for one thing above all: oysters. Engaging in an oyster harvesting tour is a unique, hands-on activity that sets the island apart. You can join local farmers on their rafts and venture out into the farming areas. They will teach you about the cultivation process, from how the oyster spats are attached to ropes and old tires to how they are nurtured in the nutrient-rich waters. You'll get the chance to pull up the oyster clusters yourself and even try shucking one right there on the boat. Tasting an oyster pulled fresh from the water, briny and sweet, is the ultimate testament to the island's reputation as the oyster capital of the region.
3. Explore Long Son floating fishing village
A visit to Long Son is incomplete without exploring its iconic Long Son floating fishing village. Here, you’ll find hundreds of interconnected wooden rafts and houses bobbing on the water, serving as both homes for local families and thriving aquaculture farms. The main industry is raising fish, shrimp, and, of course, the famous Long Son oysters. You can hire a small boat to tour the village, observe the daily life of the fishermen, and see how seafood is cultivated. Many of these rafts double as rustic restaurants, allowing you to pick your meal directly from the water and have it cooked for you on the spot, an unforgettable sea-to-table experience.
A visit to Long Son is incomplete without exploring its floating fishing village, where interconnected wooden rafts serve as homes, oyster farms, and rustic restaurants
4. Mountain climbing on Long Son Island
For adventurous travelers and nature lovers, Long Son Island offers several small mountains that provide rewarding climbs and spectacular views. The three main peaks Ba Trao Peak (138 m), Ho Rong Peak (120 m), and Ho Vong Peak (100 m) are all accessible via rustic trails. The hikes are relatively short but can be steep in places, offering a good workout. From the summits, you are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic vistas of the entire island, the intricate network of floating villages, the shimmering sea, and the industrial landscape of the mainland in the distance. It’s the perfect way to gain a new perspective on the island's unique geography and tranquil beauty.
5. Explore Long Son salt fields
The Long Son salt fields offer a stunning visual spectacle and a glimpse into a centuries-old local trade. On a sunny day, the vast, shallow fields shimmer under the sun, creating a mesmerizing mosaic of white salt crystals against the rich brown earth. It's a photographer's dream, especially during sunrise or sunset when the light casts long shadows and paints the landscape in soft, golden hues. The best time to visit is in the early morning or late afternoon when you can witness the local farmers diligently working, raking, and harvesting the salt. It's a peaceful and humbling sight that connects you to the island's deep-rooted relationship with the natural elements.
The Long Son salt fields are a breathtaking mosaic of shimmering white crystals, best seen at sunrise or sunset, where visitors can watch local farmers harvest salt
6. Enjoy fresh seafood on Long Son Island
A trip to Long Son is a pilgrimage for seafood lovers. The island is renowned for its incredibly fresh and affordable seafood, especially the famous Long Son Island Oysters. These can be enjoyed in numerous ways: grilled with scallion oil and peanuts, steamed with lemongrass, or served raw with a dash of lime. Beyond oysters, the culinary scene is rich with other delights, such as succulent grilled fish, sweet steamed clams, and tangy sour fish soup (canh chua ca). For the most authentic experience, head to one of the floating restaurants in the fishing village. Here, you get to dine on seafood that was swimming just moments before it landed on your plate, all while enjoying the gentle sway of the water.
Other attractive tourist destinations near Long Son Island
Long Son Island’s convenient location makes it a great base for exploring other nearby coastal attractions around the greater Ho Chi Minh City area.
- Ho May Park: Located on a mountaintop in Vung Tau Ward and accessible by cable car, this is a comprehensive amusement park offering a water park, an eco-zoo, temples, and thrilling rides, providing entertainment for the whole family.
- Hon Ba Island: A small, spiritual island just off the coast of Vung Tau's Back Beach. It features a small temple and is famous for the natural stone path that emerges during low tide, allowing visitors to walk directly to the island.
- Vung Tau Beach: The popular nearby beaches, such as Front Beach (Bai Truoc) and Back Beach (Bai Sau), are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the vibrant coastal city atmosphere. They offer a lively contrast to Long Son’s tranquility.
- Ho Tram Beach: For a more luxurious and serene beach experience, Ho Tram is a short drive away. It is known for its pristine, wide-open coastline, clear waters, and high-end resorts and golf courses.
Hon Ba Island is known for its seaside temple and the natural stone path that appears at low tide, allowing visitors to walk across the sea to reach it
Travel tips & useful information
To ensure your trip to Long Son Island is smooth and enjoyable, keep these practical tips in mind:
- Bring cash: While some larger establishments may accept cards, the local economy on Long Son Island runs primarily on cash. Be sure to bring enough VND for food, boat rides, and small purchases, as ATMs are not readily available.
- Dress respectfully: When visiting the Ong Tran Temple (Long Son Big House), it is important to wear respectful attire. This means covering your shoulders and knees to show respect for the sacred site and local customs.
- Pack accordingly: The sun can be intense. Pack sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. Comfortable walking shoes are also a must for exploring the villages, salt fields, and climbing the small mountains.
- Book in advance: If you plan on visiting during a major holiday, the Long Son Island festival season, or on a weekend, it's wise to book your accommodations and transportation in advance to avoid disappointment.
- Confirm schedules: Always double-check the schedules for your transportation, especially the last coach or ferry of the day back to Ho Chi Minh City. Timetables can sometimes change, and you don't want to get stranded.
Remember travel tips to have a wonderful trip to Long Son Island
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Long Son Island offers a rare and precious opportunity to experience a side of Vietnam that remains deeply connected to its roots. It’s a destination for the curious traveler, the food enthusiast, and anyone looking to trade crowded tourist spots for genuine cultural immersion. It’s a place where you can slow down, observe a unique way of life, and create memories that feel truly authentic. With this guide in hand, you're ready to discover the hidden charms of Long Son Island. With this guide, planning a meaningful journey to Long Son Island becomes easier whether you travel independently or with curated local experiences from GTrip.
