The Travel of Phu Quoc island

The heart-shape island

This heart shaped island is just sixty-two nautical miles from Rach Gia and nearly 290 nautical miles from Laem Chabang - Thailand, tourist visitors can make a trip to Phu Quoc by air from Ho Chi Minh or by sea from Rach Gia - Kien Giang. It covers an area of 567 square kilometers and is about sixty two kilometers long and between three and twenty eight kilometers wide. In 2001, its population was approximately 85000.

Phu Quoc is called the “Island of Ninety nine Mountain” because of its sandstone chains of mountain running from the north to the south. The longest chain is Ham Ninh, which stretches for thirty kilometers along the eastern edge. Its highest peak is Mt. Chua, which is 603 kilometers.

Phu Quoc has a monsoon subequatorial climate and two seasons: rainy (October only) and dry (November to September). The average annual rainfall is 2879 meters and temperature is 27degree. Trips to Phu Quoc can be made all year round, but the best time is the dry season, when the sky is sunny, clear, and blue.

During the early seventeenth century,   Phu Quoc was a desolate area where Vietnamese and Chinese immigrants earned their living from sea cucumbers. Between 1782 and 1786, the island was a stronghold of Lord Nguyen Anh (who later became Emperor Gia Long) during his confrontation with Tay Son forces. In 1869, the French occupied   Phu Quoc and established rubber and coconut plantations. Between 1967 and 1972, the former Sai Gon regime used the island to house 40000 prisoners of war in a detention camp covering 400 hectares at An Thoi. After liberation, residents converted   Phu Quoc into an ideal destination for nature and sea lovers.

Phu Quoc is famous worldwide for two traditional products: black pepper and fish sauce. The numbers for both products are quite surprising. Hundreds of fish sauce workshops produce ten million liters of nuoc mam annually, and countless pepper gardens cover about five hundred hectares. The pepper growers captivate visitors with their “itsy bitsy, teeny weeny coins” while those taking in the fish sauce workshops will be amazed by the dozens of bulky barrels waiting to be jammed with fresh fish. Some visitor will surely be tempted to try a few pungent green “pepper coins” and half a spoonful of the tasty, salty sauce.

Phu Quoc Nature Reserve was established in 1986 and later expanded to a total are of 37000 hectares. The reserve, which has diverse flora and fauna, covers mainly the mountainous northern part of the island. There are nearly 929 tree species of which nineteen newly found species were first recorded in Vietnam. The forest is home to many species of birds and small mammals, including flying squirrels and sloth monkeys. As explained by the French Larousse dictionary, the famous   Phu Quoc dog is a well-tamed, wild canine species that has become a favourite companion for hunters. Trekking through the park should be done in the dry season only.

Sugar white beaches with crystal clear water often surprise first time visitor to   Phu Quoc. All the beaches are considered among the best in Vietnam. The most spectacular beaches spread along the western coast and gather around the southern tip of the island. Not far from the district town, private for family holidays. For young couples, the best choice of a secluded haven is one of the deserted bays ringed by hill, sand, and bushes at the southern tip of the island.

Dinh Cau Rock, where sand and sea and sun and stone blend in perfect harmony by the mouth of the Duong Dong River, is the symbol of Phu Quoc. The rock is both an odd shaped scenic site and a sacred shrine. Local fishermen pray there before setting sail. Step take visitors to the top, where they can fell the gentle sea breeze, watch the sun set over the eroded rock formation, and enjoy a peaceful view of the Duog Dong River.

Away from the hustle bustle of mainland Vietnam, Phu Quoc is an ideal serene retreat for those seeking contemplation or meditation. Quite a few temples and shrines are scattered across the island and in the district town. Built in the early nineteenth century, Sung Hung pagoda, with its original structure and intriguing statues, is well worth visiting. Nestled in thick vegetation on a hillside, Su Mon Pagoda is always an inspiration for visitors thanks to its unique blend or nature and architecture.

Peaceful Phu Quoc night market

The market with its fishing tools and huge, fresh fish provides a nice way to again an insight in local life. A lively, cheerful atmosphere permeates the market. Vendors in conical palm hats sit on the ground, their small baskets of fruits and vegetables nearby, and then there are also salespeople at big, well stocked stands. Those who walk to the market jetty can take wonderful photographs of boats loading and unloading.

Off the southern tip of the main island (thirty minutes by boat from An Thoi), are the fifteen An Thoi island with their scenic beaches, azure waters, colorful coral reefs, and colonies of diverse fish. Some islands remain uninhabited and pristine. A host of leisure activities awaits visitor, including swimming, snorkeling, boating, fishing, or just resting. Visitors should stop at a fishing village on Hon Thom to see the local resident in the midst of the daily chores and experience their friendliness. Hotel staff can arrange for boats

- Islands in Vietnam -