Phu Quoc is an island with an area of 1,320km2 and which terrain is mostly made by mountains covered by dense forest. It is 48km-long from north to south and is situated in the Gulf of Thailand, 45km west of Ha Tien in Vietnam and 15km south of the Cambodian coast. Phu Quoc has long been the subject of disputes between the Cambodian and Vietnamese governments, the two countries having historical claims to the island and its surroundings.
The district of Phu Quoc comprises the island of the same name and 21 smaller islets. Phu Quoc has beautiful white sandy beaches, but is also known for offering perhaps the country’s best seafood. The ocean has perfect turquoise waters and the richness of the seabed is also conducive to diving. Indeed at the extreme south of the archipelago is An Thoi Island, a place blessed with fantastic coral reefs that count amongst the best spots of the country. Several major hotels offer boat trips to go diving and snorkeling, with meals included on board.
The island of Phu Quoc is famous for two traditional products: fish sauce and black pepper. Its rich waters provide anchovies needed to manufacture the precious sauce. Pepper crops are found on land, at the heart of Phu Quoc Island.
Much of the island is protected since becoming a National Park in 2001, covering nearly 70% of its surface. A mountain ridge named "99 Peaks" runs on the entire length of the island, with the Chua Mountain peaking at the highest (603m).
Beaches
Truong Beach ("Long Beach" in english) is the paradise attraction of the west coast. This 18km-long stretch of sand is dotted with palms trees and is bathed by crystal-clear waters. There, many resorts have their private beach.
Near Cua Can fishing port, the beautiful beaches of Ong Lang and Cua Can delight vacationers and are bordered by green hills. In the northwest, off Dai beach, Turtle Island is an untouched and wild place offering a popular dive site.
Sao Beach, two kilometers in the north, is recognized as the most beautiful beach on the island.
An Thoi
An Thoi is the second largest town of the island. It offers some attractions, such as fish sauce factories (which can be visited) and the fishing port. Sao Beach, two kilometers in the north, is often deemed as the most beautiful beach on the island. An Thoi is the departure harbor to visit a group of 15 islands and islets. They make an area that is perfect for sightseeing, fishing, swimming and snorkeling.
Cau Temple
Located on the beach near the estuary of the Dong Duong River, Dinh Cau Rock is considered the symbol of Phu Quoc, where sand, sea, sun and stone blend in perfect harmony. It is not only an odd-shaped picturesque beauty but also a quaint sacred holy place. It is a combination of Buddhist temple and lighthouse that was built in 1937 as a dedication to Thien Hau (the Goddess of the sea) who provides protection for the fisherman and vessels that head out to the open waters. It is a combination of a Buddhist place of worship and a lighthouse that was erected in 1937 in dedication to Thien Hau (the Goddess of the Sea), in order to protect the vessels and the fishermen heading out to the sea.
Suoi Tranh & Suoi Da Ban
There are several springs originating in the hills. The most accessible of these is Suoi Tranh. Suoi Da Ban is a torrent tumbling across large granite boulders. Both are deep pools perfect for swimming and the best period to visit them is between May and September.
