Pirate island or Ha Tien island is located in the Gulf of Thailand, which constitutes Tien Hai Commune of Ha Tien Town, Kien Giang Province, Vietnam. It consists of 16 islets staying close to one another. Of which, Hon Tre Lon (Hon Doc) is the center of Tien Hai commune in which many people live.
The only way to access the island is by motorboat. Everyday, there is one trip from Ha Tien to Pirate Island at 2.00 pm and a round trip at 9.30 pm.
The island has such a special name because the pirates often came here to establish the base and rob properties of fish men from the late 17th century to early 20th century. People believed that the the pirates buried a treasure somewhere on the island. In 1981, the people arrested two people when they were digging for the treasure. In 2009, some local fishermen found a quite large amount of ancient coins when they were diving to catch snails and sea-horses.
About 10 years ago, the island was still quite primitive and uncrowded. However, a road surrounding the island has been recently constructed to serve for tourists’s sightseeing.
There are only 2 small guest-houses on the island. However, if you would like to experience one day as a fish man, do not hesitate to talk and make friend with the local people. They are the most friendly hosts you ever know. Therefore, if you could not find an accommodation, they are willing to offer you a space in their house.
One of not-to be-missed activities on the island is to fish at night and dive to catch oysters, crabs, snails. If you stay overnight at residents’ house, you could go with them when they fish offshore to try new experience.
Dishes on the island are very delicious and affordable. The island is equipped almost facilities like mainland. However, the power is supplied into twice a day. The first is from 5.00 am to 10.00 am, the second is from 5.00 pm to 10.00 pm.
If traveling in group, visitors could go to the port and hire a small boat (operated by the inhabitant) to visit surrounding islands. The price for one 10-seat boat is rather reasonable. It cots about VND 300,000.
According to travel experts, the best time to visit the island is around from March to June of Lunar calendar. With only VND 200.000/person, visitors could have great time for 3 days and 2 nights. Wish you find out the “golden treasures” on the island.