Hải Tặc Archipelago in An Giang Province is one of the locality’s most popular new destinations. — Photo sggp.org.vn

AN GIANG — Hải Tặc Archipelago in Tiên Hải Commune, An Giang Province, has emerged in recent years as one of the locality’s most popular new destinations.

With its unspoiled beauty, distinctive seafood resources, and a focus on eco- and experience-based tourism, the archipelago welcomes over 100,000 visitors a year, both domestic and international, for sightseeing and relaxation.

Exciting island and sea experiences

Nguyễn Thị Bình from Cần Thơ City said that, taking advantage of her children’s remaining summer holiday, her family embarked on a three-day trip to Hải Tặc Island.

This was their first time visiting the mysterious destination, where they could not only learn about a place with the intriguing name “Hải Tặc” (Pirates) but also immerse themselves in the island’s nature.

During their stay, the family rented a small boat to explore the islands, discovering caves and striking rock formations.

They also tried stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, squid fishing, and harvesting seafood such as fish, snails, clams, and scallops.

The highlight for everyone was catching fish and shellfish and cooking them right on the boat or on a deserted island.

“It was both relaxing and a wonderful way to bond, creating unforgettable memories,” Bình said, adding that the locals were warm, friendly, and eager to help, often offering fishing tips, and lending spices and cooking utensils to enhance visitors’ experiences.

When Hòa Ry first visited the island in 2018, she found accommodation and amenities lacking. There was no power grid, clean water was scarce, and guest rooms were rudimentary.

But on her family’s 2025 summer trip, she was pleasantly surprised at the improvements.

“Before coming, I searched online and booked a mini house for just VNĐ500,000 (US$19) per night. The room was clean and airy. On the island, visitors can rent motorbikes or take electric shuttles available 24/7, making travel much easier,” she said.

Visitors can enjoy fishing and boat rides at the Hải Tặc Archipelago. — VNA/VNS Photo

The family’s favourite activity was still the boat trip around the islands, stopping at beaches to swim, fish, squid fish, and collect shellfish before cooking them on site.

This allowed them to enjoy the freshness of just-caught seafood. They also bought local specialties, including blue crabs, tiger prawns, mackerel, and squid to cook in their mini house, which not only provided delicious meals but also saved costs.

In addition, they visited and photographed the sovereignty marker located along the coastal road from the port to Radar Station 625.

The marker was erected in 1958 by the Republic of Việt Nam Navy, around the same time as other sovereignty markers in Trường Sa (Spratly) Archipelago.

The Hải Tặc Archipelago consists of 14 islands. — Photo cnt.com.vn

Developing community-based tourism

Nguyễn Thanh Ngọc, a resident of Hòn Tre Lớn Island in Tiên Hải Commune, said that tourism has opened new income opportunities for locals in recent years, such as operating motorbike taxis, renting vehicles, trading goods, transporting visitors, and running fishing or squid-fishing tours.

As a result, incomes have risen, boosting the local economy. “We always behave courteously and hospitably to leave a good impression on visitors,” he said.

According to Mai Quốc Thắng, Party secretary of Tiên Hải Commune, the Hải Tặc Archipelago consists of 14 islands with names such as Hòn Kèo Ngựa, Hòn Kiến Vàng, Hòn Tre Lớn, Hòn Tre Vinh, Hòn Gùi, Hòn Ụ, Hòn Giang, Hòn Chơ Rơ, Hòn Đước, Hòn Bồ Dập, and Hòn Đồi Mồi.

Though isolated at sea, the largest and most populous island, Hòn Tre Lớn, also known as Hòn Đốc, serves as the commune’s administrative centre and is only about an hour by boat from the mainland.

There are at least four passenger boat trips daily between Hà Tiên and the island.

On calm, sunny days, many travel companies also bring tourists by boat to explore the islands.

On average, the archipelago receives about 100,000 visitors annually.

Tiên Hải Commune is home to over 500 households, including 100 households engaged in cage fish farming with more than 160 cages, raising species such as grouper, cobia, barramundi, and snapper.

Cage farming is expanding and gradually replacing fishing as the main livelihood, offering economic benefits while helping replenish marine resources as wild stocks decline.

“To improve livelihoods, increase residents’ incomes, and jointly develop the island’s economy, Hải Tặc Archipelago was recognised as a local tourist area in late 2018. Authorities have since encouraged residents to leverage natural resources through community-based marine tourism. This model allows local fishermen to use their skills and boats to provide leisure and dining experiences, taking visitors fishing or squid fishing, or letting them catch seafood directly from cages and enjoy a fresh seafood feast right on the water,” Thắng said. VNS