Phu Quoc

Why Phu Quoc works

Phu Quoc sits in the Gulf of Thailand, closer geographically to Cambodia than to mainland Vietnam, and has developed rapidly over the past decade while still retaining pockets of the laid-back fishing-island atmosphere that first drew visitors. Bai Sao (Sao Beach) on the southeast coast is consistently ranked among Vietnam's best beaches, its powder-white sand and shallow turquoise water free of the development that has reshaped much of the island's west coast. The Hon Thom Cable Car, the world's longest three-rope cable car system, crosses open sea to Hon Thom (Pineapple Island), where a Sun World amusement park and water park have been built around the terminus. Phu Quoc's fish sauce (nuoc mam) production has been protected by geographical indication status since colonial times, and several factories around Duong Dong town welcome visitors to see the traditional fermentation process using anchovies caught in local waters. The island's night market in Duong Dong offers fresh seafood grilled to order alongside handicraft stalls, while Phu Quoc National Park protects a still largely undeveloped interior of tropical forest, waterfalls, and hiking trails. Pearl farms around the island offer tours explaining South Sea pearl cultivation, a long-standing local industry alongside fishing and, increasingly, tourism.

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