Phu Quoc Island
Phu Quoc Island lies in the Gulf of Thailand, Kien Giang Province, 45 km from Ha Tien and 15 km south of the coast of Cambodia. Phu Quoc, the largest island in Vietnam, is also part of an archipelago consisting of 22 islands and islets. The island covers an area of 585km2 and is 50km long. Phu Quoc is also called the Emerald Island because of its natural treasures and infinite tourism potential.
The island is well known for its high-quality fish sauce; Phu Quoc fish sauce smells particularly good since it is made from a small fish ( ca com) with a high level of protein. The island produces 6 million liters of fish sauce every year.
Phu Quoc Island has many harbors such as An Thoi and Hon Thom where international and domestic ships anchor. Also, there are several historical sites on the island: National Hero Nguyen Trung Truc’s military base, King Gia Long relics from the time he spent on the island.
Off the coast of the island emerges a group of 105 islands of all sizes. Some of them are densely inhabited such as Hon Tre and Kien Hai, 25km from Rach Gia. Visitors can spend time on the beach or hike while observing the wild animals. Phu Quoc Island forms a triangular shape and to the west of it is the Long Beach, the longest beach of the island. Most of the accommodations in the island are along this beach. Nearly half the island lets you view the unspoilt beauty of nature. Phu Quoc Island is covered with forests and the beaches are deserted creating an enchanting environment in the island. It provides a spectacular view with the perfect fusion of its blue waters, sandy beaches, and beautiful landscapes. In a visit to the island do not forget to view the magical sunset from the beach. The famous beaches in the island, other than the Long Beach, are Bai Dan and Bai Sao. Away from the beaches are the pepper fields, the rain forest, and the Suoi Da Ban river with its waterfalls. Phu Quoc is also famous for its Ridgeback dog with the whorls on its back, together with short, thin hair. When facing competitors or running after prey, the whorls become erect, making the dog look brave and strong. Phu Quoc Ridgeback dog are famous for hunting and protecting houses, for their friendship and loyalty to owners, and fearlessness against competitors. Phu Quoc has a monsoon sub-equatorial climate. There are two seasons in the year: the rainy season from June to October only and the dry season from November to May. The average annual rainfall is 2,879 m and the average temperature is 27oC.
Trips to Phu Quoc can be made all year round, but the best time is dry season from November until June when the sky is always sunny, clear and blue.
It is possible to reach the island by either plane ( around an hour) from Rach Gia, Ho Chi Minh City or from Kien Giang by boat and hydrofoil ( around 3hrs).
