Phu Tu Island, Kien Giang – A Sacred Symbol of Father and Son's Love

Hon Phu Tu – A Famous Scenic Spot of Kien Giang

Hon Phu Tu is not only known for its magnificent natural beauty but also holds mysterious stories and sacred father-and-son bonds.

1. Introduction to Hon Phu Tu

Hon Phu Tu is located in Binh An Commune, Kien Luong District, about 38 km from Ha Tien City and 70 km from Rach Gia City. It is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Kien Giang Province, known not only for its beautiful scenery but also for the stories and legends associated with it.

In 1989, Hon Phu Tu was recognized as a National Scenic Spot and has since become a favorite destination for both domestic and international tourists.

The island's special feature is two massive rocks lying side by side amid the vast sea: a large rock (Hon Phu - father) standing 33.6m high and a smaller rock (Hon Tu - son) just 0.6m high. Their shapes create a stunning sight, leaving anyone who sees them in awe of nature's grandeur.

However, at around 3:45 a.m. on August 9, 2006, the Phu Tu part of the Phu Tu island suddenly collapsed into the sea. The broken part was 20m in size, 20m in diameter and weighed about 1,000 tons. After the incident, Phu Tu island only had Hon Tu part left.

2. Legend of Hon Phu Tu – Symbol of Sacred Father-Son Bond

Hon Phu Tu is famous not only for its natural beauty but also for the touching story of the father-son bond. According to legend, a long time ago, a poor fisherman and his son lived by the sea. A giant serpent attacked their boats and harmed the fishermen in the area. The father and son decided to bravely confront the serpent to protect everyone.

After many failed attempts, the father decided to sacrifice himself as bait for the serpent. When the serpent ate him, it got poisoned and died. The son found his father's body, hugged it and wept, and was also poisoned and died. Heaven and earth were moved by their deep bond, causing storms for many days, and then two rocks emerged from the sea, one large and one small, symbolizing the eternal father-son bond.

Therefore, this island is called Hon Phu Tu, becoming a symbol of unconditional love and sacrifice between father and son, a timeless human story.

3. Exploring the Beauty of Hon Phu Tu

To fully enjoy the beauty of Hon Phu Tu, it is best to visit in the early morning. At this time, as the sun rises, the golden light shines on the sea, creating a magical and romantic scene. You can admire the rocks sparkling under the sunlight, and if you look closely, you will see two smaller rocks nearby shaped like a turtle and a rabbit bowing down to protect Hon Phu Tu in the vast sea.

4. Beach Bathing at Bai Duong – A Pristine Paradise

One of the wonderful activities when visiting Hon Phu Tu is beach bathing at Bai Duong. This beach is clean and pristine, with clear blue water and fine white sand. Along the approximately 2 km long beach are rows of ancient casuarina trees providing great shade for those who want to rest and relax. You can comfortably swim or watch the anchored boats offshore, listen to the gentle waves, and enjoy the rare peace.

5. Exploring Hang Pagoda – Hai Son Temple

Besides its natural beauty, Hon Phu Tu is also associated with a famous spiritual site, Hang Pagoda (Hai Son Tu). The temple is built in a natural cave about 40m deep on An Hai Son mountain. The special thing is that the temple has two doors, one facing the mainland and a smaller rear door facing Hon Phu Tu. Here, you will see a white Buddha statue weighing about 22 tons, carved from Non Nuoc stone. The temple's atmosphere is very sacred, with a pair of white stone lions guarding and strange stalactites in the cave, bringing a sense of peace and tranquility.

6. Enjoying Kien Giang Specialties

When visiting Hon Phu Tu, besides admiring the beautiful scenery, tourists can also enjoy the delicious specialties of Kien Giang. Fresh seafood dishes such as shrimp, squid, fish, clams, and mussels are always ready to serve. You can buy fresh seafood from the fishermen and have it cooked immediately at seaside restaurants to enjoy these wonderful dishes.

Additionally, don't forget to try Kien Giang's banh xeo (savoury pancake), a delicious snack with a rich and tasty filling. Or you can refresh yourself with cool toddy palm juice, a specialty of Kien Giang, with a mildly sweet taste that's easy to drink.

Conclusion

Hon Phu Tu is not just a beautiful tourist spot but also a symbol of the sacred father-son bond, a place that brings peace and tranquility to everyone who visits. From the mystical stories and stunning scenery to interesting experiences and delicious food, everything will make your trip memorable and emotional. Come and feel the pristine, peaceful beauty of Hon Phu Tu, where the eternal father-son bond remains between the vast sea and sky.