It is not by chance that Phu Quoc island, the strange land is known as the emerald island. Phu Quoc is an island endowed with many natural treasures and great tourism potential. With its pristine forests and beautiful sandy beaches like Truong beach, Khem beach, Ghenh Dau, Rach Tram and Rach Vem. Phu Quoc island is an ideal choice and a popular paradise destination for couples during the honeymoon season.
Located in the Gulf of Thailand in Kien Giang province, Phu Quoc island is the largest island and is one of an archipelago consisting of 22 islands of greatly varying size. The island covers an area of 593 sq.km; it is about 50 km long and 25km wide at the widest point – in the north. Duong Dong town is in the centre of the island, just 120 km from Rach Gia and 45 km from Ha Tien. Phu Quoc is called “the island of 99 mountains” because of its many hill chains gradually descending from the north to the south. Phu Quoc also has plain, natural forest covering 37,000ha in the north-east of the island, with a variety of valuable timber and birds.
Ham Ninh fishing village
It takes you about 50 minutes from Tan Son Nhat airport to Phu Quoc – the beautiful island in the south – which has long been called the Emerald island.
Duong Dong, a great fish harbor in the west of the island is the centre of Phu Quoc. It has many beautiful landscapes but the most famous one is Dinh Cau Temple. The temple was built in 1937 with the purpose of praying for the protection of the River Genie and for it to help boats overcome dangerous waves. Dinh Cau temple still preserves the ancient architectural style. From here, you can view all of Phu Quoc island from many interesting lookout points.
Yellow sandy beaches stretch around the island creating the whole picture of Phu Quoc island. Near the beaches there are rocks jutting out into the sea. The spectacular view will ensure you a wonderful holiday here. Truong beach is the most fascinating – a yellow sandy beach near Duong Dong town. The sandy beach stretches from Dinh Cau temple to Tau Ru, which is a long way. Maybe that is the reason why it is called Truong beach (Long beach).
Going down to the south of Phu Quoc island, you arrive at Khem beach which is famous for its smooth, white sandy beach. Khem beach is 25km from Duong Dong town and 5km from An Thoi harbor. Nature endowed Khem beach with green grass cover and pristine forests. You can enjoy the fresh atmosphere of the forests and view with your own eyes the coming and going of species of rare animals. You can bathe, fish, catch snails and cook them and enjoy them right here.
There are many pearl farms in the south of the island. Fastidious pearls choose Phu Quoc island to grow, and the people here really know how to exploit and turn this gift of the sea into valuable objects to make our life beautiful. On visiting pearl farms you can buy and see jewels made with real pearls from Phu Quoc.
When the sunset comes, it gleams on the surface of the sea. The clouds slide down the red horizon. This is a good time to take a walk on the beach to view the sunset and be reminded of the mysterious lagend of Mr. Mac Cuu, who broke the power of Ha Tien when Emperor Gia Long fell here.
It is the streams that make Phu Quoc island more romantic. In the south of the island, Da Ban stream flows all year round with clutches of wild orchids on the banks. What a romantic sight!
Read more: Top things to do in Phu Quoc
Nature presented Da Ban stream with large and flat rocks surrounded by many trees. The water is pure, running by day and night into rock cracks.
The stream bed is rather deep but you can swim, camp and play by the riverside. Situated to the northeast of the island is Tranh stream, which originates from Ham Ninh rocks. There are many small streams entering Tranh stream which transform it into quite a sizeable river 16km long. Tranh stream runs smoothly along the rows of rocks and boulders.
Ham Ninh fishing village stands here. The life of the ishermen is so peaceful with the sound of Su Muon pagoda bell resounding every dawn.
To the north is North Island with its pristine forest and Nguyen Trung Truc temple. You can bathe at Ghenh Dau beach, view Ta Lon mountain, visit Khu Tuong pepper garden and visit peaceful Sung Hung pagoda.
An Thoi island is located at the end of south Phu Quoc island. It has 15 islands strung in a necklace along the south-west of the island. The sea water here is pure and very deep, with the deepest point nearly 30 m. You will feel immediately energized and invigorated on exploring the beauties of nature here, seeing the sights, swimming and diving. You can hire a speed boat to visit Dan island, Dua island, Roi island, Thom island, Vang island, Mong Tay island, Gam Ghi island, May Rut island, Chan Quy island and find out why they have received those names.
Further Information:
*The famous specialties of Phu Quoc are fish sauce (nuoc mam) which is made from anchovy (ca com) with a high level of protein and pepper. In addition, Phu Quoc has unique sim wine which is very popular. There are many kinds of shrimp, crabs, fish, etc in Phu Quoc island. In particular, Phu Quoc has a farm specializing in growing “xoay dog” (This is a dog with spiny fur, found only on Phu Quoc).
*The population of Phu Quoc island is over 45,000. Phu Quoc has An Thoi harbor and Hon Thom harbor where many domestic and foreign boats exchange goods. Phu Quoc has many historic sites like Nguyen Trung Truc’s military base, Emperor Gia Long relics from the time he spent on the island, Phu Quoc prison, etc.
*The Phu Quoc airport and hotels are located at Duong Dong town.
*It takes you 50 minutes by plane from HCMC (Tan Son Nhat airport), and 8 hours by speed boat from Ha Tien to Phu Quoc.
