After the men died, two islands emerged from the sea and the region has been serene ever since.
Song Ngu Island is about 4 kilometers southeast of Cua Lo Beach, a 10-kilometer stretch of sand lined by pine forests.
As tourists approach Song Ngu Island, often called Hon Ngu by locals, by boat they will see a green forest rising up the hill behind the main waterfront strip.
The boats usually arrive on a pebble beach on the island’s western side. Nearby is an ancient temple among centuries-old trees.
The temple was built in the 13th century during the Tran Dynasty, which ruled Vietnam from 1225 to 1400. During this time, General Hoang Ta Thon led the defeat of Mongol invaders.
General Thon, named Sat Hai Dai Vuong (The King of Sea Battles) by the king, is considered the founder of the first village in Cua Lo.
The ancient temple on Song Ngu Island is dedicated to General Thon.
In the front of the temple lies an old well, known as Giếng thần (God’s well). The well is not very deep but the water supply has lasted for hundreds of years, according to locals.
A large part of the temple and the well were destroyed during the Vietnam War. After being restored in 2004 by the government, the 700-year-old building has become a tourist attraction.
About 500 meters behind the temple is a popular swimming spot, Hai Van Beach, also known as “Bãi tiên” (Fairy Beach).
More adventurous tourists can climb the island’s 133-meter-high hill or take a boat tour around the island.
Another highlight of a trip to the tranquil islands is a meal of local delicacies from the sea and the jungle.
As a gentle sea breeze blows, visitors can enjoy wild boar or cobia, also known as black salmon, the main fish caught by locals.