The island of Phu Quoc and the adjacent islands fall under the jurisdiction of Kien Giang province. The metropolis of Phu Quoc district is Duong Dong town, which is located in the northwest of the island. Phu Quoc is 50 kilometers long and 25 kilometers wide at its widest point. A vast mountain range covers the length of the island, with the highest peak reaching 603 meters.
In 2006, UNESCO designated the Coastal Biosphere Reserve and the Kien Giang island waters, comprising the Phu Quoc district, as World Biosphere Reserves. Due to its status as a UNESCO-listed national park, the northern section of the island is mostly unspoilt, while the southern shoreline has plenty of opulent resorts, creative bars, and small cafes.
Best time to visit:
The dry season, which runs from November to March, is the greatest time to visit the island. Sunny skies and temperatures between 25°C and 28°C characterize Phu Quoc weather at this time.
How to go there:
The Phu Quoc Airport is 30 kilometers south of Duong Dong town. Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar Pacific Airlines, VASCO, and VietJet Air are the four local airlines that fly to the island. Singapore, Guangzhou, and Siem Reap are also served by Vietnam Airlines.
Places to visit in Phu Quoc:
- Sao Beach: Sugary white sand beaches, swaying palms and turquoise sea.
- Long beach: This beach is appropriately titled Long Beach because it spans for 20 kilometers along the shore. This location, on the island's west coast, is the main tourist attraction, with a beach that backs up to a slew of resorts, restaurants, and cafes.
- Mui Dinh Cau: Dinh Cau Rock is an unusually shaped natural formation next to Duong Dong Fishing Harbour that houses a lighthouse and Buddhist shrine with a rooftop terrace. It was built in 1937 to honor Thien Hau (the Goddess of the Sea), whom locals believe protects fishermen heading out to sea.
- Ho Quoc temple: A majestic temple facing to the rising sun
- Vinpearl Land Amusement Park: Within a 20-minute drive of Ong Lang Beach, Vinpearl Land Amusement Park offers exhilarating water slides, rollercoasters, outdoor and indoor arcade centers, amphitheatre, 5D movie, and a variety of food options. Every day, there are vibrant street performances, mermaid displays, and traditional dances. For individuals who purchase tickets from travel agents in Duong Dong Town, Vinpearl Land Amusement Park also provides complimentary shuttle services.
- Phu Quoc national park: cLong-tailed macaques, silver langurs, otters, and hornbills are among the uncommon wildlife and vegetation found in Phu Quoc National Park, which covers more than half of the island. A portion of this lush landscape, designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2010, is open to a variety of activities like as camping, hiking, bird-watching, and photography.
- Suoi Tranh Waterfall: Suoi Tranh Waterfall is a 4-meter-high waterfall located 7 kilometers west of Duong Dong, surrounded by beautiful vegetation, several walking pathways, natural caves, and rock pools. Picnicking, jungle trekking, camping, and bird viewing are among the activities available to nature lovers.
- Phu Quoc prison:Phu Quoc Prison, where nearly 40,000 North Vietnamese soldiers were imprisoned during the Vietnam War, is a somber reminder of Vietnam's tragic history. This war museum, which was built in 1949 by French colonists, currently houses torture tools, portraits of previous inmates, and exhibitions of horrific punishments like crucifixion, food deprivation, and electrocution.
- Phu Quoc’s night market: Despite the fact that the main area is now mostly geared toward tourists, this is still a terrific place to meet locals, sample delicious food, and purchase souvenirs. The restaurants' front doors exhibit their freshly caught seafood for patrons to choose from, but not before a lively negotiating session to secure a good deal.
- Fish sauce factories: Discover some of the work that goes into the island's main harvests to get a sense of the local way of life on Phu Quoc. Phu Quoc is famous for its Nuoc Mam, or fish sauce, which is made from a special type of anchovy found in the surrounding waters. There are a number of factories in Duong Dong that welcome visitors to come and learn about the process of making the staple Vietnamese sauce.
- Pepper farms: Pepper, which is grown on the island's pepper plantations, is another major export. It's fascinating to see how the common seasoning grows, and it's a great chance to pick up some of the finest pepper to take home.
Best things to do in Phu Quoc:
