Phu Quoc's unspoilt island paradise

PHU QUOC — Phu Quoc Island's pristine green forests and alluring white sand beaches mesmerize tourists who go there for much-needed relaxation and fresh air.

Some 65,000 people call the 600sq.km-island home. Located 115km from Rach Gia, Kien Giang Province, Phu Quoc is noted for many beautiful tourist sites, including Hon Thom Isle, Dinh Cau (the Master's Palace) and countless idyllic beaches.

Island authorities upgraded the island's airport and seaport and tourism there has skyrocketed over the past few years.

Tourists flock to the island in greater numbers on holidays; during this year's Tet, the number of visitors increased threefold, prohibiting many travel companies from organizing tours to Phu Quoc because it was too difficult to buy tickets to the island.

Phu Quoc now has many resorts – affording sought-after peace and quiet – like Huong Bien, Kim Hoa, Tropicana, Thang Loi and the Sai Gon-Phu Quoc Resort. The resorts, overlooking the ocean, normally offer no vacancies on hot summer days.

The Sai Gon-Phu Quoc Resort has been rated as Viet Nam's first three-star island resort by the Viet Nam Tourism General Department.

Visitors to the island like to travel on the road linking Duong Dong town with Ham Ninh in the north-east of the island. The road is the oldest on the island, built by the French nearly two centuries ago. Along the road, tourists can visit Phu Quoc's natural wonders, like Tranh Stream and Doi Cave.

From An Thoi Port on the Phu Quoc's south shore, cruises take tourists to visit numerous scenic spots, such as Dua (Coconut) Islet and Ngu Beach.

Kien Giang Province is upgrading tourist facilities to make Phu Quoc's islets and beaches perfect resort locations with easy access to swimming, yachting, surfing and scuba diving.

Pristine landscapes on islets off Phu Quoc are attractive to tourists. Plans are underway to open more resorts on Phu Quoc and more attention is being devoted to developing its infrastructure. Local authorities and resort managers hope that Phu Quoc's natural beauty will help transform it into a hot tourist destination.