Phu Quoc Island, also known as “Pearl Island” is a stunning tropical paradise well-known for its white sand beaches, turquoise waters, lush forests, and diverse marine life, Phu Quoc Island is a popular destination for tourists seeking a peaceful getaway. The island used to receive many prestigious titles like “World's Leading Nature Island Destination 2022” from WTA, “Top 100 best destinations in 2021” from Time magazine, “Top 10 outstanding destinations in 2020” voted by TripAdvisor and “Best Asian Experience Destinations of 2019” from CNN Travel,...
Geographical location
Phu Quoc Island is located off the southern coast of Vietnam. It is part of Kien Giang Province and is situated about 45km west of Ha Tien, the nearest coastal town on the mainland. Till now it is the largest island in Vietnam, with a total area of about 57km2.
Show More
History
Phu Quoc Island has a long history, dating back thousands of years. In ancient times, the island was inhabited by the Khmer people. It was an important trading post for the Khmer Empire, and the island's valuable resources were highly sought after. In the 17th century, a Vietnamese came to the island and renamed it Phu Quoc, meaning rich land. During the French colonial period, Phu Quoc Island was used as a prison camp for political prisoners. In the 20th century, Phu Quoc Island became an important military base during the War. After the war, Phu Quoc Island became a part of Vietnam, and the island's economy shifted towards tourism and fishing.
Some updated information in 2023
- Area: 590,27km²
- Population: about 177 thousand people
- Major tourist areas: Duong Dong Town, An Thoi Islands, An Thoi, Ham Ninh, Cua Can, Ganh Dau
- Postal code: 92500
- Licence plate: 68-P1
- Ethnicity: Kinh, Hoa, Khmer
- Website: phuquoc.kiengiang.gov.vn
What to expect in Phu Quoc, Vietnam?
Climate
The island has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons - The rainy season lasts from May to October, while the dry season lasts from November to April. The average temperature is around 24-35°C throughout the year.
Stunning beaches
Phu Quoc is home to some of the most outstanding beaches in Vietnam, including Sao Beach, Long Beach, Khem Beach and Ong Lang Beach. These beaches boast soft white sand, crystal-clear waters, and plenty of opportunities for swimming, sunbathing. If you are interested in snorkelling and diving, some incredible coral reefs and marine life of Phu Quoc are not to be missed.
Natural scenery
In addition to beaches, Phu Quoc is well-known for its beautiful natural scenery like dense forests, waterfalls, streams and wildlife. The island is also home to a national park, Phu Quoc National Park, which covers nearly 50% of the island and offers a range of hiking trails for visitors to explore. In 2006, Kien Giang Biosphere Reserve containing Phu Quoc Island was designated to be the World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.
Luxurious resorts
Besides a wide selection of boutique hotels, Phu Quoc Island boasts many top-tier resorts, making it a popular destination for travellers seeking a relaxing and upscale vacation. Some of the most popular properties include Regent Resort, JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa, InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort, Salinda Resort Phu Quoc Island, La Veranda Resort Phu Quoc - MGallery Collection, Fusion Resort...
Delicious local cuisine
Phu Quoc is famous for its seafood, which is some of the freshest and most delicious in Vietnam. Some must-try dishes are grilled squid, grilled sardinella, cobia sour soup and crab soup. The island is also known for its production of high-quality fish sauce and pepper which is used in many local dishes.
Show Less
