Phu Quoc Island lies just 45km west of Ha Tien and 15km south of the Cambodian coast, it stretches 60km from north to south and the best way to experience the island is on a moped. The oddly shaped Dinh Cau Rock at the mouth of the Duong Dong River is the symbol of Phu Quoc and is a sacred, holy place. Legend has it that two powerful men who once ruled Phu Quoc were so generous and wise; people started worshipping them at the rock. Fishermen pray there before setting sail, asking for their safe return with a good catch. Steps leading to the top of the rock reward climbers with gentle breezes and glorious sunsets.
Phu Quoc Island is famous for its two traditional products: fish sauce and black pepper. The rich fishing grounds offshore provide the anchovy catch from which the prized sauce is made. Pepper cultivation is located inland in the centre of the island. More recently a pearl farm was established.
Tourism plays an important role in the economy of Vietnam with the beaches being the main attraction. Phu Quoc has an airport linked to Ho Chi Minh City, the island can also be accessed from the Mianland of Vietnam by fast ferry hydrofoils.
Phu Quoc's longest beach is Bai Truong also known as Long Beach. The beach stretches in excess of 20km, north to south, Long Beach runs down Phu Quoc's west coast and its grainy yellow sands are dotted with fishing hamlets, Bai Truong is lined for almost its entire length by a grassy stretch and coconut palms.
Bao Sao Beach, East Coast of Phu Quoc Island
Situated on the east coast, towards the southern tip of Phu Quoc, is Bai Sao Beach. With glistening white sand, turquoise water and a semi-abandoned feel make this one of the top spots on Phu Quoc. The best part of the beach is towards its southern tip, near the boulders, around which you can clamber to an even better beach, Bai Khem beach, this beach is beautiful but out of bounds to tourists, it is a Vietnamese Military zone.
Bai Truong Beach, Phu Quoc Island
There are numerous beaches on Phu Quoc Island and the traveller can spend days exploring.
Natural Springs, Inland of Phu Quoc Island
Suoi Da Ban or better known as Stony Surface Spring is perhaps the most visited of all natural water springs due to its easy access; there are numerous natural water springs on the island.
An Thoi’I Islands, Archipelago, South of Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam
Quan Dao An Tho’I an archipelago lies off the Southern tip of Phu Quoc Island This group of small islands offer excellent snorkeling and scuba diving, also evening squid fishing trips are available.
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