Phú Quốc Overview
Geography & Landscape
Location: Phú Quốc lies in the Gulf of Thailand, about 40 km west of Hà Tiên, 115 km (62 nautical miles) from Rạch Giá, and approximately 15 km off Cambodia’s coast. Formerly known as Koh Tral under Khmer influence, it transitioned under Vietnamese control in the 17th–18th centuries.
Size & Terrain: ~589 km². Phú Quốc is Việt Nam’s largest island, stretching ~50 km north-south and ~25 km at its widest. The interior is dominated by the mountainous 99 Peaks range with Mount Chúa reaching 603 m, and about 70% of the island is protected as national park.
Islets in the Archipelago: The Phú Quốc archipelago includes 21 smaller islets surrounding the main island. The An Thới Archipelago, off the southern tip, comprises about 16 islets that form part of the marine park and UNESCO biosphere reserve.
Population & Tourists
Permanent population: ~179,480 people as of 2025.
Urban Centers: The adult population is concentrated in Dương Đông (administrative and commercial hub) and An Thới (southern gateway).
Rural & Fishing Communities: Traditional villages such as Hàm Ninh, Gành Dầu, and Cửa Cạn remain vibrant, offering local seafood markets and cultural immersion.
Visitor Trends: The island pulls both domestic travelers (especially during Vietnamese holidays) and a rising number of international tourists seeking nature, coastal leisure, and cultural experiences.
Climate
Phú Quốc has a tropical monsoon climate, characterized by high humidity and distinct wet and dry seasons.
Temperature: Warm year-round, averaging 27 – 30 °C, with April–May the hottest period (~35 °C).
Rainfall: The island receives ~3,030 mm of rainfall annually, with August being the wettest month (~545 mm) and February the driest (~30 mm). The rainy season spans May to September, with frequent downpours and up to 20 rainy days per month.
Wind:
- Dry Season (October – April): Dominated by the northeast monsoon, bringing moderate winds (~3.2 m/s) and lower humidity (~78%). During this period, waves are calm on both sides of the island.
- Rainy Season (May – September): Driven by the west–southwest monsoon, stronger winds (~4.5 m/s) and higher humidity (85–90%). The island’s west coast experiences stronger currents and higher waves, while the east coast remains calm. However, tropical storms in the East Sea occasionally affect the island.
Biodiversity
Ecological Zones: Phú Quốc’s extensive terrestrial and marine protected areas (national park, marine protected areas) support rainforests, mangroves, seagrass beds, coral reefs, and marine creatures like dugongs.
Unique Species:
- Phú Quốc Ridgeback: A rare indigenous dog breed with a distinctive back ridge, celebrated for swimming and hunting traits.
- Phú Quốc bent-toed gecko: A lizard species found only on the island.
Cuisine
The island’s booming tourism has brought in cuisines from across Vietnam (e.g., northern noodle soups, central spicy specialties), as well as Western-style restaurants (Italian, Mexican, Indian, Greek) and cafes catering to expatriates and international visitors.
Local Specialties:
- Phú Quốc Fish Sauce: Traditional fermented anchovy sauce, granted EU PDO status—renowned nationwide.
- Phú Quốc Pepper: A signature local spice, famous for its strong aroma, sharp pungency, and rich flavour. There are three main types: black, white, and red peppercorns. The red pepper is considered the highest quality, often larger berries, more fragrant and aromatic.
- Hàm Ninh Crab: These crabs are relatively small but prized for their sweet, firm, and rich meat. Steamed, grilled, or even in simple forms like crab fried rice, they shine when fresh.
- Phú Quốc Squid: A must-try treasure of the island. For locals and travelers alike, it is considered one of the island’s finest delicacies—and by many, the best squid found in Việt Nam.
- Herring Salad: Raw herring, thinly sliced, tossed with shredded coconut, herbs, onions, crushed peanuts. Eaten wrapped in rice paper or lettuce, with sweet-sour fish sauce for dipping. Freshness is key.
- Grilled Sea Urchin: Soft, creamy sea urchin grilled lightly with scallions or butter/fat for a smoky-sea flavour. It’s a delicacy: rich and melt-in-the-mouth, often served right on the beach or in seafood restaurants.
- Bún Kèn: A signature noodle soup dish of Khmer Krom origin unique to Phú Quốc. It features rice vermicelli in a coconut milk base, with fish (often snakehead), herbs, vegetables, sometimes fermented fish elements, giving it a rich, aromatic yet slightly rustic taste.
- Rượu Sim: wine made from rose myrtle.
Festivals & Cultural Highlights
Nguyễn Trung Trực Festival: One of Phú Quốc’s most significant events, held annually from the 27th to 29th day of the 8th lunar month at the temple in Gành Dầu. It features solemn rituals (flag-raising, incense-offering), folk games, lion dance, stage performances, cultural exhibitions, and processions honoring the hero who resisted French colonial rule.
Nghinh Ông Festival (“Welcoming the Whale Lord”): Held on the 15th–16th day of the 8th lunar month, this festival honors the sea god and includes dragon boat processions, palanquins from the sea to shore, lion dances, sacrifices, and prayers for calm seas and abundant catches.