Phu Quy Island (Vietnamese: đảo Phú
Quý or Cù Lao Thu) is a tropical paradise set in a volcanic crater, rising from
the sea off Binh Thuan Province.
Phu Quy Island, whose name means "rich and precious," lies
about 100 km to the east of Phan Thiet City; close to the international
maritime route and on the continental shelf. The Island is an important stop
between the mainland and Truong Sa (Spratley Island) archipelago; 20 km further
away. Its a “floating base;” providing services to ships fishing offshore via
its seaport on Trieu Duong Beach.
Only 32sq.km and with a population of 20,000, Phu Quy Island occupies a
small dot on the map of Binh Thuan. The locals call it Hon Thu or Mackerel
Island, because from the southwest direction, the islet looks like a cod
emerging from the sea. Within a few years, Phu Quy has changed drastically, due
to the burgeoning seaport at Trieu Duong Beach. The buildings are climbing
higher, and an asphalt road, instead of the old sandy path, now circles the
island.
Phu Quy has preserved its natural features – the warm sand glistens with
shells and coral and the water is teeming with sea life. This tiny islet has
huge unexploited tourist potential. It still has no rated hotels, but tourists
can enjoy a peaceful night under the starry sky and explore nearby caves. You
can eat fragrant corn cobs and fresh fish grilled over a roaring campfire.
Coconut orchards provide shade for camping and coconut milk and copra for meals.
Diving is also a possibility. According to locals, the sea floor around Phu Quy
is covered with coral and rocks that are home to many sea creatures.
In the island, several pagodas and temples such as Linh Quang, Cao Cat,
An Than have been recognized to be cultural -historic relics. Linh Son Tu
(Sacred Mount) Pagoda, is the oldest pagode on Phu Quy. It was built in 1747 in
the time of King Le Hien Tong (whose regal name was Canh Hung the 18th) on Cao
Cat Hill, in Tam Thanh Village.
The pagoda has preserved many documents about
the life of the local islanders as well as many ancient cultural objects. Oddly
shaped mountains and caves pepper Phu Quy Island’s interior. On top of Mountain
Cao Cat, Linh Son Pagoda rests peacefully under a banyan tree. Located here is
another worship site, with a statue of "Kuan Yin," the goddess of
compassion. At the summit is a lovely panoramic view of the island's beaches
and immense rock formations.
The island is surrounded with white sandy beaches and 9 islets, of which
Hon Tranh, Hon Den, Hon Trung are attractive aqua tourist spots. Hon Tranh, a
small island shaped like an S, is half a kilometer to the South-East. The
island contains beautiful mountains and long, pristine beaches. Hon Tranh also
has excellent scuba diving and snorkeling in its pink coral reefs. The highest
point on the island is Mount Cam Dat, at 106 m. Phu Quy has thick stands of
tall trees and long, pristine beaches. Only the rocky, northern half of the
island is inhabited, with a population of 20,698 people. The southern end
offers long, deserted stretches of sandy beaches.
Visitors arrive at the wharf, and travel a narrow road, flanked by
densely packed houses. The first stop is Van Tam Thanh, a peaceful locale with
red, basalt soil; once covered by pineapple plantations. Here you can view the
skeleton of a gigantic whale that the local people worship as "Ca
Ong", or the "Lord Whale."
Phu Quy is an important in-between logistic destination linking the mainland
to Truong Sa archipelago. It is a “floating base” providing services to ships
fishing offshore. With such an important position, people built a light house
guiding ships going out and coming in. The island’s lighthouse, built in 1997,
sits on Mountain Cam. The lighthouse is one of only two in the country that
runs on solar energy.
If having a chance, you should not miss the trip to discover the
underlying beauty of Phan Thiet City by once setting your foot into the space
of pristine Phu Quy Island...
And enjoying best food in Phu Quy Island
And Phu Quy Island Travel Videos:
