Sights in Phu Quoc Island

Phu Quoc island located in the Gulf of Thailand, Kien Giang province, Vietnam, 45 km away from Ha Tien, 120km from Rach Gia. Phu Quoc island has a tropical monsoon climate with two seasons: the dry season from November to April, the rainy season from May to October. The average annual temperature around 28 degree C.

An Thoi Islands

Off the southern tip of Phu Quoc are the tiny An Thoi Islands . These 15 islands and islets can be visited by chartered boat, and it's a fine area for sightseeing, fishing, swimming and snorkelling. Hon Thom (Pineapple Island) is about 3km in length and is the largest island in the group.

Other islands here include Hon Dua (Coconut Island), Hon Roi (Lamp Island), Hon Vang (Echo Island), Hon May Rut (Cold Cloud Island), Hon Dam (Shadow Island), Chan Qui (Yellow Tortoise) and Hon Mong Tay (Short Gun Island).

Most boats depart from An Thoi on Phu Quoc, but you can make arrangements through hotels in Duong Dong. The Tropicana Resort has a large boat for charter that can make the trip directly from Long Beach. You can also inquire at Rainbow Divers. Boat charters are seasonal and generally do not run during the rainy season.

Long Beach

Long Beach is indeed a long, spectacular stretch of sand from Duong Dong southward along the west coast, almost to An Thoi port (20km). The southern end of the beach is known as Tau Ru Bay (Khoe Tau Ru). The water is crystal clear and the beach is lined with coconut palms.

Long Beach is easily accessible on foot (just walk south from Duong Dong's Cau Castle), but you will need a motorbike or bicycle to reach some of the remote stretches towards the southern end of the island. The beach around the family-run guesthouse area is a particularly popular spot. There are a few bamboo huts where you can buy drinks, but bring water if you're planning a long hike along this beach.

Bai Sao

A beautiful white-sand beach with a couple of beachfront restaurants. There are several places to rent kayaks along Bai Sao beach, and its protected, fairly calm waters make for a smooth ride. In addition to locals who hire out boats, you can ask at either restaurant along the beach: My Lan (990 779) and Ai Xiem (990 510).

South from here is undeveloped Bai Khem, one of the most beautiful beaches on the island and also, sadly, a military area that's closed to the public.

Bai Thom

Being a remote beach in a military area, rest assured that it is not crowded. The military usually opens Bai Thom to civilians on Sunday but you must leave your passport with the military receptionist while you're on the base. In any event, do not try to sneak onto the beaches: make local inquiries and obey the rules.

According to the tourist brochures, Duong Dong’s main attraction is Cau Castle. In fact, it’s less of a castle, more of a combination temple and lighthouse. It was built in 1937 to honour Thien Hau (Goddess of the Sea), who provides protection for sailors and fishermen. The ‘castle’ is worth a quick look and gives you a good view of the harbour entrance. Around sunset, locals stroll along the promenade leading from the castle to Ð Tran Hung Dao.

Coconut Tree Prison

The island’s main penal colony was known as the Coconut Tree Prison and is near An Thoi town. Though it’s considered an historic site, plans to open a museum here have stalled. It’s still used as a prison, so not surprisingly, few visitors come to check it out.

Bai Dai

Being a remote beach in a military area, rest assured that it is not crowded. A new road to Bai Dai cuts down on motorbike time and red dust in your face. The beach is open to the public and sports a couple of restaurants.

Bai Dam

A beautiful white-sand beach along the southeastern part of the island. South from here is undeveloped Bai Khem, one of the most beautiful beaches on the island and also, sadly, a military area that's closed to the public.

Bai Cua Can

Bai Cua Can is the most accessible beach.