Phú Quốc Overview
The Southwest Pearl Island
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 Việt Nam’s control in the 17th–18th centuries.
Phú Quốc is Việt Nam’s largest island, ~589 km², stretching ~50 km north-south and ~25 km at its widest. The interior is dominated by the mountain range with Mount Chúa reaching 603 m, and about 70% of the island is protected as national park.
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.
Where Communities and Tourism Rise
Phú Quốc’s permanent population is about 180,000 people (2025), with most adults living in the urban centers of Dương Đông—the island’s administrative and commercial core—and An Thới, the main southern gateway. Beyond these hubs, rural and fishing communities such as Hàm Ninh, Gành Dầu, and Cửa Cạn remain active, known for their traditional villages, seafood markets, and cultural depth.
By November 2025, Phú Quốc had welcomed nearly 7.6 million visitors, including about 1.6 million international arrivals, with most foreign travelers coming from South Korea, China, India, and Russia.
A Tale of Two Monsoons
Phú Quốc has a warm, humid tropical climate with two clear seasons: dry and wet.
The dry season runs roughly from October to April, bringing sunnier days, lower humidity, and generally calmer seas.
The wet season typically lasts from May to September, with heavier showers (usually in August & September), higher humidity, and rougher conditions along the west coast while the east side is often more sheltered.
In 2025, Phú Quốc largely followed its familiar wet-and-dry-season pattern. The biggest surprise came in late October, when an exceptionally intense downpour caused major flooding around Dương Đông and was reported as the island’s heaviest rain in about 25 years.
A Sanctuary of Rare Life
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.
A Table Shaped by Tides and Travel
The island’s booming tourism has brought in cuisines from across Việt Nam (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 Peppercorn: 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.
Sim Wine: wine made from rose myrtle.
Rituals of Land and Ocean
Đình Nguyễn Trung Trực Festival: One of Phú Quốc’s most significant events, held annually from the 26 to 28 of the 8th lunar month at the temples in Gành Dầu and Cửa Cạn. 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 15 – 16 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.