Covered a mountainous and forested area of about 600 sq.km, Phu Quoc is the largest island in Vietnam. The picturesque island is located in Thailand bay, 2.5 hours by high-speed boat from Rach Gia or a 1 hour flight from Ho Chi Minh city. From the air, one can see an endless beach clothed with pure white sand next to a lush forest which has enchanting lakes, mountains, and a jungle that combine in poetic fashion to ignite the passion in her guests heart.Covered a mountainous and forested area of about 600 sq.km, Phu Quoc is the largest island in Vietnam. The picturesque island is located in Thailand bay, 2.5 hours by high-speed boat from Rach Gia or a 1 hour flight from Ho Chi Minh city. From the air, one can see an endless beach clothed with pure white sand next to a lush forest which has enchanting lakes, mountains, and a jungle that combine in poetic fashion to ignite the passion in her guests heart.
Phu Quoc is a pearl island with fantastic beaches, unspoiled forests and a flourishing marine life in transparent turquoise waters The water and beaches around Phu Quoc is very beautiful. On the western side of the island, it has a very long beach that stretches over 50 km from Ganh Dau to An Thoi (Dai beach, Truong beach,); the beach is tens of meters wide with fine pure white sand. The eastern side is divided by rocks jetting out into the water which establishes small bays with gentle lake like waves (Sao beach, Khem beach). Phu Quoc is a real archipelago, with almost 20 more small islands concentrated on the southern side. This is an ideal place for swim / diving activities, teambuilding, and discovering nature.
Phu Quoc’s dense forest concentrates in the north of the island with an area of over 31,422ha. It is recognized as a national park by the Government and includes 530 kinds of high-level flora, 365 species of bird, and 150 species of animals; many of these species are either protected or endangered with their names in the Red Book. There are over 1,000 valuable herbal remedies such as Anis, Multi Floras, Knotweed, and Artemisia that can be found here. Phu Quoc has a concentration of different forest ecosystems such as: a salt-marsh forest, cajuput forest, alang grass forest, and old growth forest. Phu Quoc National park is an unusual and rare flora and animal living showcase of Vietnams natural beauty. This is a paradise for teambuilding activities and ecological tours that combine the strength of the ocean and jungle / forest.
While at Phu Quoc, tourists have the opportunity to visit revolutionary historical monuments such as the Phu Quoc prison, Nguyen Trung Truc temple, pearl farms, as well as enjoying many kinds of seafood. Fish sauce and pepper are the two famous specialties of the South and arguably, the best in the country is found right here in Phu Quoc. One memorable moment that visitors enjoy is the feeling of catching their own seafood meal and having it prepared for them. Nothing tastes fresher and satisfying than this.
Phu Quoc has now become one of the most famous, attractive tourism areas in Vietnam. Accommodations are mainly 3-4 star-resorts with direct airline access from Ho Chi Minh to Phu Quoc with 5–7 flights/ day. Ecological tours and sea sports such as scuba diving, sailing, fishing, and trekking in the forest make this a must for relaxation, unwinding of stress, and getting back in touch with nature.
Places of interest
White sandy beaches
First-time visitors to Phu Quoc are often surprised that its beaches can be so sugary-white and the water so crystal-clear. All are rated to be the best in Vietnam. The most spectacular beaches mostly spread along the western coast and gather around the southern end of the island. Not far from the district town, private beaches next to all kinds of cozy hideaways are perfect for the family holiday. For young couples, the best choice of a secluded haven is deserted bays ringed by sand, bushes and hills at the southern tip of the island.
Phu Quoc National Park
Established in 2001 and later expanded to a total area of 31.422 ha, Phu Quoc Natural Reserve with diverse flora and fauna covers mainly the mountainous northern part of the island. There are nearly 929 tree species of which 19 newly-found species are first recorded in Vietnam. The forest is home to many species of birds and small mammals (flying squirrels, sloth-monkeys…). As explained by the French Larousse dictionary, the famous Phu Quoc dog is a well-tamed wild canine species which has become hunters’ favourite companion. Trekking through the park should be done in the dry season only.
Duong Dong Riverside Market
A nice way to get an insight into the life of a locality is by socializing yourselves in its marketplace. Everything in Duong Dong market looks so different from everything else in town: huge fish, odd fishing tools… A lively and cheerful atmosphere permeates the marketplace from vendors in conical hats sitting on the ground with their small baskets of little fruits and vegetables to salespeople at their big well-stocked stands. A walk to the market jetty where visitors can take wonderful snapshots of boats constantly loaded and unloaded in a hurry is worth trying.
Dinh Cau Rock
Situated by the mouth of the Duong Dong River, Dinh Cau Rock is considered the symbol of Phu Quoc where sand, sea, sun and stone blend in perfect harmony. It is not only an odd-shaped scenic beauty but also a quaint sacred holy place. With its small shrine dating from the 1930’s, this place has become a sanctuary where local fishermen pray to God before setting sail. The romantic steps take visitors to the top, where visitors can feel the gentle sea breeze, watch sunset over the eroded rock formation and enjoy a peaceful view of the Duong Dong River.
Pagodas in Phu Quoc
Away from the hustle-bustle of the mainland, Phu Quoc is an ideal serene retreat for those who wish to while away the time in contemplation or meditation. Quite a few temples and shrines lie scattered across the island, in the district town and in the surrounding countryside as well. Built in the early 19th century, Sung Hung Pagoda, with its original structure and intriguing statues, is well worth visiting. Nestled in thick vegetation on a hill side, Su Muon Pagoda is always an inspiration for visitors thanks to its unique blend of nature and architecture. All the rest is yours to discover and explore.
An Thoi Islands
Off the southern tip of the main island (30 minutes by boat from An Thoi), the 15 islands of An Thoi abound with scenic beaches, azure waters, colourful coral reefs and colonies of diverse fishes. Large or tiny, some of them are still uninhabited and perfectly pristine. A host of leisure activities awaits visitors such as swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, boating, fishing or just lounging. Don’t fail to stop at a fishing village in Hon Thom to see the locals’ daily chores and experience their friendliness. Boats can be arranged at your hotel.
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