Hidden in a corner of Binh Thuan province, Phu Quy Island is a gentle island that has drawn attention from tourists because of its wild and somewhat mysterious rich nature and beautiful beaches. We’ve gathered a list below that pulls back the curtain on this island’s secrets in anticipation for summer 2022.
Phu Quy Island - A hidden diamond in the heart of the sea
Phu Quy Island, also known as Thu or Khoai Xu Island, is a small 18lm2 archipelago located about 120km southeast of Phan Thiet. The island possesses a main island surrounded by other smaller islands such as Hon Da Cao, Hon Tranh, Hon Do and Hon Hai. All of these islands boast a myriad of beautiful blues and greens and unforgettable landscapes, all of which are impossible to bypass for curious visitors.
Weather - Calm, cool, and fresh
Phu Quy Island generally sports fresh and cooling winds all year round. Nonetheless, the best time to visit would be from December to June, as the storm season falls between September and November. From Spring to Summer you will find the seas around the island calm and green against the backdrop of light wind, making movement with the archipelago convenient and easy. Some days will indeed have rougher weather, so it is still advised to check the weather forecast in advance before you plan to travel there.
Transportation - Sail the seas and bike the lands
As the farthest island in Binh Thuan province, Phu Quy is an island that has been able to retain its pristine and native wildlife. However, because it has been relatively untouched, it remains slightly underdeveloped in tourist services. As of now, the only way to reach the island is by ship from Phan Thiet City that will cover a distance of 110 km.
Popular transportation ships to Phu Quy Island are: Phu Quy Express, Superdong-PQI, Superdong-PQII, etc… The ships mostly depart around 6:30 to 7:30 AM. Depending on the day, there may be an earlier trip at 5:30 AM or 3 PM latest.
Travel time to the island takes about 2 and a half to 3 and half hours depending on the ship’s model. Some ships will have beds, seating areas and air conditioned rooms. On a high speed ship, it will take about 2 and a half hours at the cost of 350,000 VND per person.
On the island, there are no taxis, but tourists can rent a motorbike at the hotel to use as transportation. The roads on the island are new and therefore spacious, the main road especially is an easy and smooth journey. The locals are also uber-friendly and will willingly help you with directions should you get lost or confused!
Attractions & Sightseeing - Phu Quy Island’s own hotspots
Bai Nho, Ganh Hang
Bai Nho (little beach) is widely considered the most beautiful beach on the island. It is easily identified by its characteristic crescent shape surrounded by rocky caves protruding into the sea. Peaceful, the beach lacks virtually nothing as it boasts clear blue water and only a few nearby boats, making it a prime spot for frolicking in the sea and immersing yourself with nature.
Alternatively, Ganh Hang is a cliff close to the sea, where waves lap against the rocks, creating a truly spectacular once-in-a-lifetime view.
Lang Duong Lake
The Lang Duong Lake is a true Phu Quy Island hotspot. Built by stone, the locals formed a tall stone wall to form a natural seafood farm. One of its special features is its round holes in the walls that are evenly arranged so sea water can pour in, but fish and shrimp are unable to swim out.
Phu Quy Flagpole
Another must-see on the island, this flagpole stands tall at the height of about 22.6 metres. Built using reinforced concrete, the flagpole faces the sea, proudly bearing Vietnam’s red and yellow flag flapping in the wind. The flagpole is a reminder of Vietnam’s territorial sovereignty over Phu Quy Island.
Trieu Duong Bay
Trieu Duong Bay flaunts spacious and sandy white beaches with clear aquamarine waters, allowing you to comfortably enjoy and soak in its coolness. There is also a popular forest on the shore that will provide shade to heat weary tourists and is suitable for camping and picnicking purposes.
Linh Son Pagoda
Linh Son Pagoda is located on the top of Cao Cat mountain, also known as the ‘roof’ of Phu Quy Island. Famous for its large and stately statue of the Buddha, the pagoda makes for the perfect spiritual tourist destination. Once you stand at the top of the mountain, you will be able to admire the panoramic views of the island right before your eyes.
Wind Turbine Field
The Wind Turbine Fields in Phu Quy Island is another hotspot for tourists to snap one-of-a-kind pictures. There are 3 giant wind turbines against the backdrop of fields and oceans that stretch beyond one’s sights.
Phu Quy Lighthouse
Phu Quy Island’s Lighthouse is a charming sightseeing spot. To reach it, walk the road to Cam Mountain that sits at an altitude of 108 metres above sea level. Then, walk about 3km from the seaport towards the west, continuing an ascent of about 120 stone steps beside the mountainside until you reach the lighthouse. The views below are nothing short of a welcome surprise, as the vast blue sea and myriads of fishermen boats greet you, creating a rather poetic scene to take in.
Teacher's Tomb
The Teacher’s Tomb is an especially sacred place to locals on Phu Quy Island, with a history dating back 300 years ago. Legend tells that in the past, the tomb was a significant place of worship for the Vietnamese people, not just locals. In particular, the tomb is surrounded by a gorgeous sea view that is great for pictures and even better during sunrise and sunset.
Delicious local food
Delicious meals on the island are very cheap and accessible. Raft villages sell fresh seafood, with must-try dishes such as the king and moon crabs. Should you wish to buy the crab and bring it home with you, it is recommended to book in advance and request for help from hotel staff. Another specialty of Phu Quy Island is the hot beef dishes you can try at Hoa Thuong, Ngoc Tinh, Thanh Binh, Thu Vien etc...
King Crab - an absolute must-try dish upon visit to Phu Quy Island!
Moon Crab - a unique local dish only found at Phu Quy Island!
Don’t forget to try the mouth-watering hot beef dishes here
Additionally, the seafood here is a must-try you must not look past!
Moreover, you can dine at raft restaurants such as Hai Thien, Dai Nam, Anh Sang, Hai Phat, Ba Sinh, etc... to enjoy fresh and diverse seafood dishes.
Phu Quy Island’s Beautiful motels & homestays
Since the island is still relatively underdeveloped, it has yet to possess very grand hotels or resorts. Despite this, it is very easy to find motels and homestays for a truly immersive local experience on the island. Some budget hotels include La Min, Hoang Phu, Hai Long, Phuong Quyen, An Binh, Huong Duong or An Phu, Nam An motels...
In particular, homestays such as Villa Bien Xanh, Phu Lien, Co Sang, LyTi Sea, La Isla Bonita charge an average price of about 300,000 to 500,000 VND per night for a room for two.
Reminders for travelling within the island
For a smooth and stress-free experience, follow these recommendations below:
- Travelling to Phu Quy Island is best during the period from Tet (Lunar New Year) to the month of May. This time of the year has clear and cool skies with little rain, and the seas are calm and very beautiful.
- Monitor the weather forecast before embarking on the trip to the island. A good application to refer to is ‘Windfinder’, which will let you know the wind level at sea.
- Prepare or purchase a sim card with 3G or 4G because wifi on the island is quite weak and unstable at times.
- When buying high-speed ship tickets, you should choose the option for a round-trip. In case of seasickness, it is recommended to purchase seats at the front of the ship.
- When renting a motorbike on the island, the cost of gas shouldn’t exceed 50,000 VND as the island is small and only 17 km2.
Famous for its untouched beauty and golden beaches with cool, clear blue water, Phu Quy Island is sure to be a sneaky top destination for curious tourists. With recent heightened interest, it is definitely an upcoming summer hotspot. If you plan to explore this island, hopefully this list has provided you with further information you can add to your list of things to do or pack as you perfect your upcoming trip.