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Discover Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc, Vietnam
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Updated byChelsea Gallagheron 12 April 2025

Located at the southwest tip of Vietnam, Phu Quoc Island, also known as Pearl Island, is part of the Kien Giang province. With a history of conflict and a future built on hope, the land borders of this beautiful island also border Thailand and Cambodia. With around 149,000 inhabitants, the Phu Quoc peninsula consists of 22 islands covering an area of approximately 585 km², but tourists will tend to spend their time on the central namesake island. Above all, it is a popular tourist region known for starfish-covered beaches, beautiful coral, indigenous forests, and picturesque landscapes.

Features of Phu Quoc

Most of the region's economic activity takes place in Duong Dong. Here, you will find tourist infrastructure, day and night markets, and many factories producing a traditional fish sauce, which is recognized as the “national intangible cultural heritage, Phu Quoc fish sauce factory,” "" from anchovies, and is used in most Vietnamese dishes.

Vietnam is the world's largest exporter of black pepper, and the island of Phu Quoc has various plantations that can be visited on a day trip. A local will lead you around a farm and show you how the pepper is farmed and handled. Often, these excursions will include exposure to the range of activities taking place at such a farm and include other consumables such as honey, beer, and wine.

Moreover, the island has an abundance of pearls that are used for custom jewelry sets. You can visit pearl farms or reputable merchants to purchase a souvenir during your stay. Be aware that pearls sold at the night market are not of the same quality or caliber as those you will buy directly from a pearl farm.

Useful address:

Ngoc Hien Pearl Farm - Đường Trần Hưng Đạo, Dương Tơ, Phú Quốc, Kiên Giang

Charm Gallery Phu Quoc - 8VG6 5WQ, Vinpearl, Gành Dầu, Phú Quốc, Kiên Giang

Nature in Phu Quoc

The island has a nature reserve status, as . This allows for the preservation of its natural assets as well as its tourism cachet. Indeed, the Phu Quoc forests have fauna and flora aplenty, with some plant species that are more than 1,000 years old! Tourists can access four protected spots within the National Park: Bai Thom, C