A countless number of visitors opted for express boat services to explore Hon Son, Nam Du, and Phu Quoc, popular island destinations off Kien Giang Province, southern Vietnam in celebration of the country’s National Day holiday.

A boat station in the provincial city of Rach Gia was packed with holidaymakers from early Saturday morning, the first day of the four-day holiday.

Nguyen Thi My Dung, hailing from Can Tho City, southern Vietnam, shared that her family chose to spend this holiday on Hon Son Island.

“This place boasts natural and stunning beauty.

“It’s a perfect spot for relaxation,” Dung elaborated on why she decided to visit Hon Son for the second time.

A tourist poses with a smile at a boat station in Rach Gia City, Kien Giang Province, southern Vietnam before visiting local islands, August 31, 2024. Photo: Chi Cong / Tuoi Tre

Ly Thua Loi, deputy director of Golden Tourism Kien Giang Company, a travel firm based in Rach Gia, said that lodging facilities in his area were fully booked by guests opting for Hon Son and Nam Du, both located in Kien Hai District, as their vacation destinations.

However, the majority of visitors preferred independent travel over guided tours, resulting in the lower-than-expected demand for fishing and snorkeling activities, which are included in guided tours.

This holiday, more than 30 express boat and ferry rides are operated daily to transport thousands of passengers from the mainland to these three islands.

Tourists wait for their express boat rides at a boat station in Rach Gia City, Kien Giang Province, southern Vietnam, August 31, 2024. Photo: Chi Cong / Tuoi Tre

To ensure tourist safety during the holiday, the provincial Department of Tourism had asked local tourism businesses to thoroughly inspect their facilities and enhance service quality, said Bui Quoc Thai, head of the department.

Companies that offer speedboat and boat tours must avoid taking tourists to risky coastal areas.

He noted that tourist sites need to set up instruction signs to provide guests with a safe, seamless, and enjoyable experience.

A staff member of Phu Quoc Express JSC offers a cup of morning coffee to a passenger at a boat station in Rach Gia City, Kien Giang Province, southern Vietnam, August 31, 2024. Photo: Chi Cong / Tuoi Tre

More than 30 express boat and ferry rides are operated daily to transport thousands of passengers from the mainland to Hon Son, Nam Du, and Phu Quoc, three island destinations off Kien Giang Province, southern Vietnam. Photo: Chi Cong / Tuoi Tre

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