Located at the southwest tip of Vietnam, Phu Quoc Island, also known as Pearl Island, is part of the Kien Giang province. With a history of conflict and a future built on hope, the land borders of this beautiful island also border Thailand and Cambodia. With around 149,000 inhabitants, the Phu Quoc peninsula consists of 22 islands covering an area of approximately 585 km², but tourists will tend to spend their time on the central namesake island. Above all, it is a popular tourist region known for starfish-covered beaches, beautiful coral, indigenous forests, and picturesque landscapes.
Features of Phu Quoc
Most of the region's economic activity takes place in Duong Dong. Here, you will find tourist infrastructure, day and night markets, and many factories producing a traditional fish sauce, which is recognized as the “national intangible cultural heritage, Phu Quoc fish sauce factory,” "nước chấm" from anchovies, and is used in most Vietnamese dishes.
Vietnam is the world's largest exporter of black pepper, and the island of Phu Quoc has various plantations that can be visited on a day trip. A local will lead you around a farm and show you how the pepper is farmed and handled. Often, these excursions will include exposure to the range of activities taking place at such a farm and include other consumables such as honey, beer, and wine.
Moreover, the island has an abundance of pearls that are used for custom jewelry sets. You can visit pearl farms or reputable merchants to purchase a souvenir during your stay. Be aware that pearls sold at the night market are not of the same quality or caliber as those you will buy directly from a pearl farm.
Useful address:
Ngoc Hien Pearl Farm - Đường Trần Hưng Đạo, Dương Tơ, Phú Quốc, Kiên Giang
Charm Gallery Phu Quoc - 8VG6 5WQ, Vinpearl, Gành Dầu, Phú Quốc, Kiên Giang
Nature in Phu Quoc
The island has a nature reserve status, as roughly 50% of its territory is controlled by the forest department. This allows for the preservation of its natural assets as well as its tourism cachet. Indeed, the Phu Quoc forests have fauna and flora aplenty, with some plant species that are more than 1,000 years old! Tourists can access four protected spots within the National Park: Bai Thom, Cua Duong, Ham Ninh, and Ganh Dau. These are open for camping, bird-watching, and hiking. Each has trails and dirt roads you can explore by bike or on foot. There are many nature walks available in the mountains, as well as many areas for strolls along the rivers and streams.
Beaches in Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc is popular for its white-sand beaches and wild coves. The most popular places for tourists are Ong Lang Bai, Bai So, Bai Dam, and Bai Truong. People prefer to vacation in Phu Quoc for the white sand and blue, almost transparent, lagoons. The island's natural beauty extends beyond the land - in Hon Doi Moi and An Thoi, you can go snorkeling or diving to explore the coral reefs.
Definitely plan to visit as many of the island's highlights as you can. Include Khem Beach, a peaceful beach that's good for luxury getaways and nature lovers; Rach Vem Beach, more of a hidden gem in North Phu Quoc; Vung Bau Beach, also known as half-moon beach; and Cua Can Beach.
Good to know:
A once popular tourist destination, Vinh Dam Bay has become a dedicated export port and is no longer open to the public. As Phu Quoc continues to develop, more high-speed boats and daily flights are added regularly.
Where to stay in Phu Quoc
The island has a variety of accommodation options, from high-end luxury resorts to budget-friendly hostels and homestays. Here are our top recommendations for accommodation in Phu Quoc.
Golden Topaz Phu Quoc Resort: the perfect blend of luxury meets financial accountability. You won't break the bank staying here, but it'll feel like an exceptionally lush retreat. Only thirty minutes from the airport, the resort has a private beach, but you are close enough to explore local beaches like Ông Lang beach.
Phu House: This cute hostel comes with dorms and private rooms and a social buzz that will make you mingle without feeling stressed. It's only located twelve minutes from the airport and is surrounded by beach clubs and restaurants.
Butterfly Rose Beach Resort Phú Quốc Francophone: This resort is slightly out of the way but offers a fresh perspective for explorers. The best part is the soaking tub in the room!
Fishing in Phu Quoc
You might be delighted by nighttime squid fishing in Phu Quoc, an activity easily booked through your hotel, or by an evening beach stroll. Join the fishermen who are equipped with powerful lights as they head out in the dark. In addition, you can take a boat trip across the archipelago to meet the locals and discover their culture and traditions.
Useful links:
Making the brand and cultural heritage of Phu Quoc fish sauce growing - Nước Mắm Khải
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
Comments