Island resort set to become major Hai Phong attraction.

The International Hon Dau Island Resort has emerged as a major tourist destination in Hai Phong City of late.

Spread across 65ha of Do Son coast, the resort is capable of accommodating 5,000 guests at any given time and includes a 7ha artificial white sand beach, the largest in Southeast Asia. The premises additionally play host to a 17ha eco-park on top of Dau Lo mountain consisting of a small zoo, a crocodile lake, a waterfall and cottages scattered amidst a pine-tree forest, all within easy reach via battery-powered car.

As for entertainment, the water-park, golf/driving range, kayaking centre, natural beach and spa offer abundant opportunities for leisure. "Spending time in the eco-park over a weekend is an excellent means of breaking away from city life," said 27-year-old Nguyen Mai Thi, a local resident.

"The resort lies relatively close to the city centre. It takes only 30 minutes by bus or motorbike along a 25km route to reach it," she added. From its specially constructed port, resort guests are able of reaching nearby Cat Ba Island in only 35 minutes, or Ha Long Bay by three-hour cruise.

"We try to provide the best service possible in order to retain our guests for as long as possible during their holiday periods. We even have a heliport to service those thinking of dropping in," said Ngo The Binh, from the resort’s head office. He added that the artificial beach was designed especially for those who preferred avoiding rough seas during bad weather.

Hon Dau Island, situated 800m off the coast of the Do Son peninsula is the heart of the resort and the most visited spot among local travellers. Spanning 14ha, it is home to a 1892-built lighthouse, a legendary temple and primary forests. The Nam Hai Dai Vuong temple was constructed to house the corpse of a Tran dynasty general that died in battle against Yuan-Mongol invaders.

Annually, fishermen from northern coastal provinces flock to worship at the temple over a three-day period in February before embarking on long offshore fishing trips. The journey from the mainland takes around 20 minutes from the Ben Nghieng Wharf (a national historical heritage), which witnessed the last French colonial soldiers leave Viet Nam in 1955.

During the anti-American war, the wharf served as a departure point for navy ships carrying weapons from north to south via the legendary "Ho Chi Minh Trail at Sea". "The island is ideal for eco-tourism. Its ecological system has been well preserved by locals who regard the island as sacred," the chairman of Do Son District, Hoang Dinh Binh, explained.

A project aimed at linking the island with the resort is expected to reach completion in 2013. At present, although the island is home to only border guard soldiers and lighthouse staff, a French styled house, built in 1908, can accommodate tourists during overnight stays.

"The island is fantastic for both trekking and camping," said Luu Cong Luat, from Hai Phong.  From Ha Noi, buses leave for Hai Phong City every 15 minutes. From there it takes only 30 minutes to Do Son District, the Ben Nghieng Wharf and the island paradise

Sourse: VNS