Hon Khoai: Pearl island in the middle of the cape sea

Hon Khoai is the name of a cluster of islands in the southeast of Ca Mau cape, more than 6 nautical miles (14.6km) from the mainland, with an important position in national defense and security, considered a frontline guarding the air, sea and land. strip of land in the southwest of the country.

Hon Khoai is the name of a cluster of islands in the southeast of Ca Mau cape, more than 6 nautical miles (14.6km) from the mainland, with an important position in national defense and security, considered a frontline guarding the air, sea and land. strip of land in the southwest of the country.

Hon Khoai is famous for its pristine scenery of mountains and forests and the vast ocean. (Source: Mekong Exploration) Hon Khoai includes many small islands: Hon Khoai, Hon Tuong, Hon Sao, Hon Doi Moi, Hon Da Le. Hon Khoai is the largest island with an area of ​​about 4km2 and is also the highest island above sea level at 318m. In the past, this place was also known by many different names such as: Giang Huong Island, Doc Lap Island or Poulop Island during the French period. However, because of its shape like a giant potato, local people still call it Hon Khoai to this day.

Coming here, we will be immersed in the wild scenery of the mountains and forests, and the vastness of the ocean. Unlike the northern mountainous region, which is beautiful with majestic roads and rolling mountains, the southern islands have a rustic, pure, and original beauty to the very end.

Hon Khoai is an island of rocks, hills and almost intact primeval forest with many types of precious wood and rich flora and fauna. Hon Khoai's flora has more than 1,400 species including fruit trees, timber trees, and medicinal trees. Animals are also quite rich with monkeys, wild chickens, pythons, monitor lizards, white-bellied squirrels and more than 20 species of rare birds.

Hon Khoai is known as the pearl island of Dat Mui, surrounded by forests and mountains, gentle blue sea water and relics tinged with time. On the island there are 2 beaches, including Big Beach in the Southeast and Small Beach in the North. The coastline is long and sheltered from the wind, providing anchorage and storm shelter for fishermen and a breeding and sheltering place for many marine species. From tiny plankton species to aquatic species with high economic value such as squid, lobster, mantis shrimp, grouper, and cobia.

On the island there are 2 beaches, including Big Beach in the Southeast and Small Beach in the North. (Source: Mekong Exploration)

On the island there is a main road from Bai Lon to the top of the island, about 3km long, paved with smooth asphalt and shaded by green trees. The special thing is that there are two streams on the island, providing fresh water all year round for units stationed on the island and fishermen fishing around the area.

Interspersed among pristine nature are Western cultural structures nearly a hundred years old, including a lighthouse built by France in 1920 located on the highest peak of Hon Khoai, this is considered one of the most beautiful works in the world. Lighthouses were the earliest to appear in Vietnamese waters.

In addition, Hon Khoai is also a famous revolutionary victory in the Southwest region. Here, on December 13, 1940, teacher Phan Ngoc Hien commanded the rebel army to reclaim Hon Khoai, marking a brilliant milestone in the history of the army and people's struggle against foreign invasion. In 1990, Hon Khoai was recognized as a National Historical-Cultural Monument.

On December 13, 1940, teacher Phan Ngoc Hien commanded the rebel army to reclaim Hon Khoai, marking a brilliant milestone in the history of the army and people's struggle against foreign invaders. (Source: Mekong Exploration)

Hon Khoai is also a forward station guarding the sacred sovereignty of the southwest of the country. Therefore, more than anyone else, the soldiers of Radar Station 595 (Regiment 551, Naval Region 5), or Border Guard Station 700, do not neglect their duty day and night for a minute.

With the sacred mission of soldiers, they are considered "the shield of the Fatherland's border". The luggage you carry is a strong political will, an iron will, and a belief in victory that has been tempered by the Party and the army through difficult days.

Major Tran Van Khoi, Head of Border Guard Station 700 shared: "The station is home, the sea is homeland, fishermen, officers and soldiers on the island are blood brothers." Everyone on the island always lives together closely, friendly and sincerely like brothers and sisters in a family. When one unit has work, another unit sends brothers to help and vice versa. When unfortunate fishermen are in trouble at sea, soldiers gather people and means to rescue them.

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Update day : 26/01/2024