You won't find signs pointing to Ham Rong Cape, or at least until we come in 2024. No giant swing. No food stalls blasting karaoke. Just a dirt path, a patch of forest, and if you're lucky, a tidepool full of glowing red starfish.
It's not far from the now-famous Starfish Beach but feels like another universe. That one's on the tourist checklist. This? It's still wild. Locals know it. Fishermen pass by. Most travelers have no idea it's here.
Come at the right time, and you might catch those same magical red starfish drifting between coral bits and tiny sea plants just doing their thing. Come at the wrong time, and all you'll find is wind, waves, and the soft crunch of coral underfoot.
No beach club. No signal. No crowd. Just the sound of the island breathing, slowly, steadily, like it's been waiting for someone who actually wants the quiet.
Where Is Ham Rong Cape?
Way up in the north of Phu Quoc, past Rach Vem Village and just beyond Starfish Beach, you'll find it. Or maybe you won't. There are no signs. No big markers. But that's part of the charm.
Ham Rong Cape sits at the island's edge, where the forest fades and the sea opens wide. Technically, it's still part of Rach Vem, but you'll need to go a little further east, beyond where most people stop.
It's about 22 km from Duong Dong town. Most travelers head toward Rach Vem, then either veer off near Starfish Beach or follow a rough path from a small harbor. No Google Maps instructions. No clear trail. Just ask around, or follow your gut.
This place isn't for everyone. But if you find it, really find it, you'll understand why some spots aren't meant to be famous. Just felt.
How to Get to Ham Rong Cape (Without Losing Your Mind)
If you've made it to Starfish Beach at Rach Vem, you're already close. But close doesn't mean obvious. There are two main ways to reach Ham Rong, on foot or by boat, and both come with their own little stories.
Walking from Starfish Beach
Most people don't know it, but you can walk there, and honestly, that's part of the magic.
Just head east along the shoreline (turn right if you're facing the sea), past the last stilt seafood shacks. The road disappears quickly. What's left is a trail of red dirt and rock, sometimes weaving through trees, sometimes hugging the coast.
No signs. No fences. Just keep going. In dry season, it's easy enough with sandals. You'll pass a few quiet fishing homes, maybe a wandering cow, then suddenly, the trees part, and it's just you and the sea.
Go in dry season. If it rained recently, the trail gets messy fast.
The Boat Ride (and the Sales Pitch)
If you park near Starfish Beach, someone will offer you a boat ride. Instantly.
"Hàm Rồng (and point to the boat)"
"Starfish - Starfish - Starfish"
They're friendly, but it can feel a bit relentless. You'll be offered rides whether you ask or not, just smile, nod, and keep walking if you're not interested.
If you do go for it, it's a quick, scenic ride along the coast. No fancy dock, no safety briefing, just a wooden boat, a few life jackets (maybe), and a local who knows the tide better than Google ever could.
Rates? Around 100–150k VND per person roundtrip, but always confirm before hopping in. It's not an official tour. No tickets, no structure, just island life.
Can You Drive There?
Technically? Yes. But it's rough, and honestly not worth it unless you know the area well.
The inland trails are unmarked, often overgrown, and sometimes blocked. You'll need a motorbike with good clearance and solid GPS. Most locals will steer you back toward the Starfish Beach route for good reason.
Let me know if you'd like a small section added for "Where to park" or local etiquette when passing fishing homes, or if you want to jump to "What It's Like When You Get There."
So What’s It Actually Like?
Just get there and you will understand why it's worth your time!
No music. No umbrellas. No crowds. Just wind, shallow sea, and this wild stillness that creeps under your skin in the best way.
The sand is super white and soft, with tiny shells catching the light.
The water? Clear if you're lucky. You can wade way out and still see your toes.
Some days, the red starfish show up. Floating like lazy little suns, just doing their thing.
Other days? Nothing. Not a single one. They come and go with the currents. And somehow that makes it better, like the ocean decides if you're worthy.
There's a wooden bridge, half falling apart, stretching into the sea. Locals use it for fishing gear. You'll probably use it for photos. If the light hits just right, it turns the whole scene into a memory.
Turn around, and the beach is gone. Swallowed by trees.
You hear rustling leaves, some far-off splash, maybe a bird you can't name. That's when it hits you, this place didn't expect visitors. It's just been here. Breathing.
But don't expect a perfect postcard. Sometimes the tide brings in seaweed. After rain, the water becomes cloudy. And yeah, you might find bits of plastic washed up near the rocks. It's not curated. It's real.
Still… it sticks with you.
The silence. The driftwood. That feeling you found something no one else was looking for.
What You Can (and Can’t) Do Here
Let's be honest, Ham Rong Cape isn't where you go to tick things off a list. It's where you stop walking without realizing it, just to listen. It's where the breeze and the water sort of… slow you down.
Here's what it's good for and what it's definitely not.
Things That Just Work Here
Wade. Wander. Zone out
The water barely gets knee-deep for ages. You can walk out forever, toes sinking into soft sand, watching the light play under the surface. Some spots are rocky, but most of it's just... calm.
Starfish spotting if the ocean's in the mood
When conditions are right, you'll see little red suns drifting over the sand. Some days there are a dozen. Some days, nothing. Mornings during dry season (Nov–Apr) are your best bet.
Canoe or paddle if you've got the gear
No crowds. No waves. If you bring a canoe or talk to someone back at Starfish Beach who's willing to lend you one, it's one of the most peaceful paddles you'll ever do. Just you, the water, and whatever thoughts you brought with you.
Photos that don't need editing
That wooden bridge? Looks like it's held together by luck and driftwood. But in soft light, it turns into something cinematic. The jungle behind you, the still sea in front, it's a whole vibe if you're into quiet shots.
Sit. Think. Breathe
No music. No people. No distractions. Just a rare, raw kind of quiet. It might not sound like much, but if you've been bouncing between markets and motorbikes all week, this silence? It hits different.
What You Shouldn't Expect
No food. No drinks. No bathrooms.
Nothing to buy. Nowhere to sit unless it's the sand. No coconut vendor magically showing up. Bring your own everything. If you forget water, you'll regret it.
Not for swimming laps.
Looks swimmable, but don't expect a full dip. It stays shallow, and some parts have rocks or sea urchins. You can splash around, sure, just go slow and watch your step.
Not built for families with little ones.
There's no shade. No place to rest. No plan B if someone gets bored or sunburnt. This spot is better for quiet adults than restless kids.
Ham Rong doesn't try to entertain you. It just exists, quietly, beautifully. And if you're the kind of person who finds joy in doing nothing for a while… this place feels like it was waiting for you.
What to Bring (And Why You’ll Thank Yourself)
You're not headed to Sunset Town. No smoothies. No showers. No rescue if you forgot your water bottle. Out here, it's just you, the sea, and whatever you remembered to throw in your bag.
Pack like you're not coming back until sundown, even if you're only staying an hour.
- Reef-safe sunscreen: The sun out here doesn't ask. It just roasts. Even when the sky's hazy, your shoulders are slowly turning into BBQ. Put it on before you even leave your bike.
- Insect repellent: Jungle's right behind you. Late afternoons? The mosquitoes get bold. One second you're watching starfish, next second you're dinner. Spray up.
- Food and water: There's no one selling coconuts. No cold drinks. No backup plan. Bring more water than you think you'll drink, and something small to snack on. Even a packet of nuts makes a difference when you're out there, sun-staring and salt-tired.
- Shoes that don't hate nature: Barefoot sounds fun until you hit a patch of crushed coral. Go for sandals, hiking slides, or water shoes, something that can handle rocky patches without complaining.
- Snorkel gear: If the sea's calm and the light's right, you might get lucky with visibility. Just don't touch anything, not the coral, and definitely not the starfish. Look, float, move on.
- Whatever you bring in, bring out. There's no one cleaning up after you and the starfish sure aren't going to. If the place feels untouched, it's because people like you kept it that way.
When’s the Best Time to Visit?
When's the Best Time to Visit Ham Rong Cape?
This place doesn't care about your schedule. But nature does, and timing changes everything out here.
Dry Season = Your Best Bet (November to May)
If you're chasing still water, clear skies, and actual access to the trail… this is your window. During dry Season, the path from Starfish Beach is walkable, the sea's calmer (most of the time), and if the starfish are in the mood, they show up like little red sunbursts in the shallows.
Morning is magic. Light's softer, the tide's usually lower, and it's cool enough to explore without sweating through your shirt. Plus, fewer people around. Sometimes none at all.
Rainy Season? Only If You're Brave
The trail turns to mush, the shoreline floods in weird ways, the water gets cloudy, and boats might not run or charge more. This doesn't mean it's not beautiful. It just means… it's a lot. Expect mud, mozzies, and maybe getting stuck.
Still want to go? Wear real shoes, not flip-flops, and bring a dry bag. You'll need it.
Tides Matter More Than You Think
Want to see the red starfish? Or walk far out in shallow water? Then check the tides. High tide can hide the coral and send the starfish drifting out of view. Low tide reveals more, but sometimes too much. It's not always Insta-pretty. But it's always real.
Protect What Makes It Special
Places like this don't last forever. And right now? Ham Rong Cape is still raw, still quiet, still mostly untouched. No resorts. No bars. No music blaring over loudspeakers. Just wind, sand, and the occasional fishing boat drifting by.
Let's keep it that way.
- Don't leave anything behind. No trash bins here, so bring a bag and take your waste with you.
- Skip the starfish selfies. Touching or lifting them out of water can seriously harm them.
- Avoid stepping on coral or sea life. If you snorkel, float don't walk.
- Be mindful of private land and boats. Some paths lead through local fishing areas. Always ask if you're unsure.
- Leave it quieter than you found it. That's how this place stays magic for the next traveler who stumbles in.
What you should be aware of
Not every day at Ham Rong Cape is picture-perfect. And that's okay but it helps to know what you're walking into.
- Sometimes the water isn't clear. On windy days, the sea kicks up sand, leaves, and debris. You might arrive and find the shoreline murky and full of floating bits, especially during or after bad weather.
- There's no regular cleanup crew. This isn't a maintained beach. If trash washes in, it stays until nature or locals clear it. Some days, it feels wild and pure. Others? A bit messy.
- Starfish aren't guaranteed. When the sea is stirred up, they vanish. If you're lucky, they drift in from Starfish Beach. But don't come expecting a guaranteed sighting.
- Boat rides can be overpriced. Visitors often report being overcharged for short rides from Starfish Beach to Ham Rong. And yes, it's frustrating when every few minutes someone tries to sell you a ride.
Tip: Ask the price clearly before you go. Don't be afraid to walk away or negotiate. Most boat drivers are kind, but some test your patience.
