Bãi Cây Mến: The Pristine Heart of Nam Du Archipelago
Bãi Cây Mến (Mén Beach) is widely regarded as the most beautiful beach in the Nam Du Archipelago, located in the Kiên Hải District of Kiên Giang Province. This secluded cove offers an unparalleled experience of untouched nature, making it a perfect escape from the mainland’s hustle and bustle. Visitors frequently praise its crystal-clear water and serene atmosphere, confirming its status as a tropical hidden gem.
Location and Natural Beauty
You will find Bãi Cây Mến nestled on the back side of Hòn Lớn (Big Island), also known as Hòn Củ Tron, the largest island in the Nam Du group. The beach’s name, Cây Mến, refers to the abundance of Mến trees (similar to coconut palms) that line the shore, providing ample shade and a picturesque backdrop.
Tranquil Water: Because the beach sits within a calm bay, it enjoys gentle waves and exceptionally clear, cooling turquoise-to-jade waters, making it highly suitable for swimming and families with children.
Soft Sand: A long stretch of soft, pristine white sand invites visitors to walk, relax, or simply enjoy the sun. The surrounding scenery offers a perfect blend of lush greenery and sparkling sea.
Pristine Environment: The beach maintains a remarkable state of preservation, largely due to the efforts of the few local families who manage the area and charge a small fee for overnight camping.
Things to Do and Visitor Activities
Bãi Cây Mến actively promotes a relaxed, nature-focused experience. Travelers enjoy several popular activities here:
Swimming and Sunbathing: The calm sea conditions ensure a safe and pleasant environment for enjoying the water.
Snorkeling and Coral Viewing: The area is renowned for its diverse marine life and colorful coral reefs. Tour operators often facilitate short boat trips nearby for better snorkeling.
Overnight Camping: Many young travelers choose to camp overnight right on the beach, providing an unforgettable opportunity to enjoy a seaside BBQ and catch the beautiful sunrise over the ocean. A small fee applies for using the camping space.
Photography: The iconic lines of leaning coconut trees create famous photo opportunities, allowing visitors to capture the essence of a tranquil island holiday.
Getting There and Essential Information
Accessing Bãi Cây Mến requires a multi-step journey:
Mainland to Nam Du: You must first take a high-speed ferry from Rạch Giá Port to Hòn Lớn (Nam Du). This trip typically takes around 2-2.5 hours.
On Hòn Lớn: From the main pier, you can easily rent a motorbike or hire a local xe ôm (motorbike taxi) to reach Bãi Cây Mến. The beach is approximately 7 km from the central pier, and a smooth concrete road circles the island.
Best Time to Visit: The dry season, running roughly from November to April (with the period from January to March being ideal), offers the clearest skies and calmest seas.
Entrance Fee: There is typically no charge for general entry to the beach, but a small fee (around 15,000 VND) per person is sometimes collected for trash cleanup if you plan to camp.
Accommodation: While Bãi Cây Mến offers basic lodging options and camping, most travelers choose to stay in the more developed central area of An Sơn Commune and visit the beach during the day.
