Phu Quoc – Find out general information and development of Vietnam tourism

Phu Quoc, the largest island in Vietnam, is an integral part of Kien Giang province, nestled in the Gulf of Thailand. This paradise island is strategically located at the southwest tip of Vietnam, close to the Cambodian coast.

This article by Rooty Trip will provide you with useful information such as the history of formation and development of Phu Quoc. All of this helps you gain more knowledge to have an interesting and meaningful trip.

Location of Phu Quoc island on the Vietnam map cutout

1. Learn Phu Quoc’s geography

Phu Quoc is an island city, the largest island in Vietnam, located in the romantic Gulf of Thailand, Kien Giang province.

Key geographical details:

• Location: Southern Vietnam, in the Gulf of Thailand.
• Kien Giang Province.
• Coordinates: Between 9°53′ and 10°28′ North latitude and between 103°49′ and 104°05′ East longitude.
• Distance from mainland: About 55 nautical miles (about 100km) from Vietnam’s mainland. The island is about 120km from Rach Gia and 45km from Ha Tien and Kien Giang.

Phu Quoc is about 15 km from the coast of Kep (Cambodia), creating a convenient trade connection between the two countries.

Phu Quoc is located in the Gulf of Thailand, near the Cambodian border (Photo: Creativways)

The island has a total area of ​​593km², bordering three countries: Cambodia, Thailand and Malaysia. Phu Quoc waters have 22 large and small islands. Among them, Phu Quoc island is the largest with an area of ​​567km² and a length of up to 50km.

Phu Quoc Island has a gentle terrain with 99 mountains and hills running from North to South. There is a strait about 60m deep that separates the small island cluster of An Thoi port from the southern tip of the island. Phu Quoc Island was formed about 251 million years ago (Mesozoic Era) to 65 million years ago (Cenozoic Era).

Mountainous terrain on Phu Quoc island

Phu Quoc City is the first island city of Vietnam, including Phu Quoc Island and neighboring small islands. Phu Quoc Island has 9 commune-level administrative units, including 2 wards: An Thoi, Duong Dong and 7 communes: Bai Thom, Cua Can, Cua Duong, Duong To, Ganh Dau, Ham Ninh, Tho Chau. Phu Quoc Pearl Island is 120km from Rach Gia city and 45km southwest of Ha Tien city. Accordingly, some historical milestones that Phu Quoc received can be mentioned as:

• In 2006, Phu Quoc, along with Kien Giang’s coastal and island biosphere reserves, was officially recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve.
• In 2014, Phu Quoc island was recognized by the Prime Minister as a class II urban area thanks to its strong economic and social development.
• In 2021, Phu Quoc and neighboring small islands officially become Phu Quoc City – Vietnam’s first island city.

2. Introducing the History of Phu Quoc Island

Through many ups and downs, this island plays an important role in the flow of Vietnamese history, giving visitors unique experiences when discovering cultural heritage and local identity.

2.1 First inhabitants and settlements:

• Prehistoric footprint: According to archaeologists, Phu Quoc had human footprints more than 30,000 years ago. Archaeological relics such as stone axes, stone chisels, tombs,… found at locations such as Ganh Dau, Hon Doi Moi, Bai Khem,… are evidence of a developed prehistoric culture. on the island.
• Khmer era: From the 10th to the 17th century, Phu Quoc was under Khmer rule. Angkor culture left its mark through relics such as temples, statues, and evidence of language and customs.
• Mac Cuu’s imprint: In the 17th century, Mac Cuu, a Chinese of Ming origin, migrated to Phu Quoc and established a settlement. Under Mac Cuu, the island entered a new phase of development, becoming an important trade and shipbuilding center. Phu Quoc is known as the “land of agarwood” with vibrant trading activities, attracting many traders from all over the region.

2.2 Important Historical Periods of Phu Quoc

• 1708: Mac Cuu offered Phu Quoc to Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu. This is a landmark event, marking Phu Quoc officially becoming part of Vietnam’s territory.
• 1714: Lord Nguyen appointed Mac Cuu as General of the Army to govern Phu Quoc. Under Mac Cuu’s rule, the island developed strongly economically, becoming an important trade and shipbuilding center.
• 1867: France occupied Phu Quoc, beginning the turbulent French colonial period. French colonial period: Phu Quoc was heavily influenced by culture, architecture, and administrative system.
• 1945: Japan occupied Phu Quoc during World War II.
• 1953: France recaptured Phu Quoc after Japan surrendered.
• 1975: After the victory of national unification, Phu Quoc belonged to Kien Giang province.
• 1993: Phu Quoc was recognized as a national tourist area, opening up strong tourism development potential.
• 2020: The National Assembly Standing Committee issued Resolution No. 1109/NQ-UBTVQH14 establishing Phu Quoc city and wards of Phu Quoc city, Kien Giang province. This marked a new development step in the process of modernization and socio-economic development.

In addition, Phu Quoc’s history also records many other memorable events such as the construction of Phu Quoc prison, the uprising against the French in 1947, and the attack of the South Vietnamese Liberation Army on the prison in 1973. Each event is not only a mark of history but also a testament to the indomitable spirit and free will of the people of Phu Quoc.

Exploring Phu Quoc, you will not only enjoy the majestic natural beauty but also have the opportunity to deeply understand local history and culture.Let every trip to Phu Quoc be a memorable experience where you can feel the unique spirit and identity of this island.

2.3 Phu Quoc’s transformation into a tourist center

Since the 1990s, Phu Quoc has been famous for its pristine beaches, long stretches of fine white sand and emerald green sea water. The island began to attract domestic and foreign tourists.The increasing number of tourists promotes the development of tourism services such as restaurants, hotels, resorts,…

December 2, 2012, Phu Quoc International Airport was put into operation, improving the capacity to receive tourists and creating favorable conditions for the development of international tourism. Phu Quoc International Airport is one of the most modern airports in Vietnam with many high-class amenities and services.

On January 19, 2019, Vietnam’s first Casino opened in Phu Quoc, marking an important turning point in the island’s tourism development process. Phu Quoc Casino attracts international tourists, especially tourists from neighboring countries such as China, Korea, and Russia.

Today, Phu Quoc is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Vietnam, attracting millions of visitors each year. This island is known as the “pearl island” because of its pristine natural beauty, beautiful coastline, diverse ecosystem and many attractive tourist services.

The boom of the tourism industry has brought positive changes to Phu Quoc:

• Economy: New jobs are opened, people’s lives are improved, tourism services develop strongly, contributing to enriching the community and locality.
• Infrastructure: Upgraded facilities, more convenient transportation, increased utility services, improving people’s quality of life.
• Society: Richer cultural life, opportunities to exchange, learn and develop for everyone in the community.

A corner of Phu Quoc island city – Overlooking the Mediterranean area of ​​Phu Quoc

However, besides the benefits, Phu Quoc tourism also faces some challenges:

• Environment: Protecting the environment and natural landscape has become more urgent than ever. Effective measures are needed to reduce pollution and preserve ecosystems.
• Culture: Preserving local cultural identity amid integration and exchange is an important task.
• Social: It is necessary to resolve emerging social issues and ensure security and safety for tourists.

Looking to the future, Phu Quoc is aiming for a model of sustainable tourism development, where the environment and local culture are respected and protected. Pearl Island will continue to invest in infrastructure, develop new tourism products, improve service quality and commit to environmental protection, ensuring Phu Quoc is always a favorite destination for every tourist can find peace, relaxation and memorable experiences.

3. Phu Quoc – The jade gem of Vietnam tourism

Phu Quoc is currently one of the most famous tourist destinations in Vietnam, attracting tourists with its wild beauty, romantic coastline, diverse ecosystems and friendly people.

According to the Department of Tourism of Kien Giang province, in 2023, tourists coming to Kien Giang will reach more than 8.5 million. Of which, Phu Quoc alone welcomed more than 4.7 million visitors, accounting for 64.2% of total revenue of Kien Giang tourism. This tourist destination is also one of the places that contributes the highest revenue from the smokeless industry to Western tourism. Phu Quoc attracts such tourists thanks to the following:

3.1 Why is Phu Quoc the top tourist destination in Vietnam?

• Beautiful beach

Phu Quoc owns the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam with fine white sand, clear blue sea water and long coastline. Bai Sao, Bai Dai, Bai Khem, Bai Truong are ideal destinations for tourists to swim, relax and enjoy the natural beauty.

Khem Beach is in the top 50 most beautiful beaches in the world

• The climate is temperate and the ecosystem is diverse

Phu Quoc has a temperate climate all year round, suitable for resort tourism. The average temperature ranges from 27 to 30 degrees Celsius, little rain, lots of sunshine. Therefore, Phu Quoc has a diverse ecosystem with primeval forests, streams, waterfalls and pristine islands. Visitors can participate in activities such as trekking, cave exploration, scuba diving, fishing,…

• Infrastructure development

Phu Quoc has developed infrastructure with many resorts, restaurants, bars and tourism services. Visitors can easily find accommodation, dining and entertainment here.

• Diverse entertainment activities

What to do in Phu Quoc? Phu Quoc especially attracts domestic and foreign tourists with games at VinWonders, Grand World, Safari Phu Quoc and the Sunworld complex. Phu Quoc also has the first and only Casino in Vietnam, attracting international tourists and red-black lovers.

Not only that, the Hon Thom Cable Car here is also the longest sea-crossing cable car in the world, taking tourists to the wild and poetic Hon Thom.

Entertainment in Phu Quoc

3.2 Tourist attractions make Phu Quoc famous at home and abroad

Beautiful Beaches:

• Sao Beach: Famous for its velvety white sand, emerald green sea water and whispering green coconut trees. Bai Sao is known as the “queen” of Phu Quoc beaches, an ideal destination for those who want to enjoy the fresh air and poetic scenery.
• Bai Dai: A pristine beach with white sand stretching more than 15km, where visitors can walk, swim, participate in water sports activities and watch the beautiful sunset.

The beauty of Phu Quoc star beach

High-end resorts:

• Vinpearl Resort & Spa Phu Quoc: Luxurious 5-star resort with full high-end amenities, located on the romantic Bai Dai Beach. Vinpearl Resort & Spa Phu Quoc offers visitors a classy resort experience and perfect services.
• InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort: 5-star resort with unique architecture, inspired by wind-filled sails, located on vibrant Bai Truong. InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort offers guests a modern and comfortable resort experience.
• Premier Village Phu Quoc Resort: 4-star resort with separate villas, located on vibrant Bai Truong. Premier Village Phu Quoc Resort offers visitors a resort experience close to nature and convenient services.

Phu Quoc Resort & Spa luxury resort

Beautiful natural areas

• Phu Quoc National Park: A place to preserve Phu Quoc’s diverse ecosystem with primeval forests, streams, waterfalls and many rare flora and fauna species. Visitors here can participate in activities such as trekking and cave exploration.
• Suoi Tranh: Eco-tourism area with waterfalls and natural swimming pools, where visitors can immerse themselves in pristine nature and enjoy the fresh air.
• Hon Thom: A pristine island with beautiful beaches and rich marine life, is an ideal destination for those who love scuba diving and exploring the underwater world.
• Ganh Dau Cape: The westernmost point of Vietnam with wild and majestic scenery, where visitors can watch beautiful sunrises and sunsets.

Beautiful Phu Quoc nature

With the above advantages, Phu Quoc deserves to be an ideal destination for domestic and foreign tourists. Come to Phu Quoc to explore the wild natural beauty, experience high-class travel services and enjoy wonderful moments of relaxation.

If you already know which province Phu Quoc is in and how beautiful it is, Rooty Trip hopes that you will love this land like your own hometown when you understand more about the beaches, economic development as well as The food and people here.