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Phu Quy Island

Phu Quy Island: Essential things to know for your trip

26/11/2024 1.253 views
5/5 - (1 vote)

Phu Quy Island is a stunning, untouched gem off Vietnam’s southern coast, known for its clear blue waters and lush landscapes. Visitors can explore coral reefs, enjoy fresh seafood, and discover the island’s cultural heritage.”

Phu Quy Vietnam

Phu Quy Vietnam is perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a quiet retreat (Source: Collected)

1. What is Phu Quy Island famous for?

Phu Quy Island is a charming island district in Binh Thuan Province, which lies over 100 kilometers southeast of Phan Thiet City. About 540 kilometers from the Spratly Islands and 725 kilometers from the Paracel Islands, Phu Quy stands out as one of the most untouched and breathtaking Vietnam islands.

Visitors from all over the world are captivated by its scenic beauty, from clear beaches and vibrant coral reefs to unique black rock formations rising from the ocean. Beyond natural wonders, Phu Quy offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich heritage with historic sites, cultural landmarks, and distinct architectural marvels.

Phu Quy Island has become a promising location for sustainable tourism, offering a mild and pleasant climate throughout the year, a wealth of rare seafood, and welcoming locals. Its pristine environment and people’s charm make Phu Quy a must-visit gem in Vietnam’s coastal lineup.

2. Things to do on your trip to Phu Quy Island

A trip to Phu Quy promises unforgettable experiences for every visitor, offering diverse natural scenery and cultural heritage sites.

2.1. Explore stunning beaches and islets

Phu Quy’s beaches

Phu Quy’s beaches boast pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters (Source: Collected)

The top activity for travelers on Phu Quy Island Vietnam is exploring its beautiful beaches and islets. The beaches here are exceptionally charming, boasting untouched beauty, crystal-clear waters, fine white sand, and rows of lush green coconut trees, perfect for swimming, relaxing, and beachside activities.

Some notable beaches include Trieu Duong Bay, where the water is so clear you can see the seabed, and Bai Nho-Ganh Hang, natural beaches nestled between towering cliffs. Visitors can also arrange a boat trip to explore smaller islets like Hon Tranh, Hon Den, Hon Trung, and Hon Giua, where they can enjoy pristine waters and experience the local fishing life.

2.2. Experience a SUP ride and snorkel

Bai Can Beach on Phu Quy Island is a paradise for paddleboarding and diving enthusiasts. Known for its diverse coral reefs, the area features vibrant stone and cabbage corals, lush green seaweed beds, and many colorful fish, all contributing to an enchanting underwater landscape.

Visitors can enjoy tours that combine paddleboarding with coral viewing, gliding over the crystal-clear waters, breathing in the fresh sea air, and gazing down from their boards at the reef below. For skilled divers, Bai Can Beach offers an even more immersive experience, allowing them to dive into the depths and explore the corals up close.

Snorkeling among coral

Snorkeling among coral reefs is an unforgettable experience (Source: Collected)

2.3. Explore Phu Quy Lighthouse

Another highlight on Phu Quy Island is the Phu Quy Lighthouse, perched atop Mount Cam at 108 meters above sea level. This impressive lighthouse, towering 18 meters, is one of Vietnam’s largest and is celebrated for its unique architectural design.

As visitors ascend the steps winding up Mount Cam, they are rewarded with sweeping views of Phu Quy’s stunning landscape, capturing the rugged mountain terrain, pristine sandy beaches, and endless stretches of blue ocean. The journey offers a chance to breathe in the cool, fresh island air, making the climb both invigorating and visually captivating.

2.4. Visit Thay Nai Palace

A visit to Thay Nai Palace, a historic shrine with over 300 years of legacy, offers visitors a deep insight into Phu Quy Island’s cultural roots and spiritual practices. This shrine honors a Chinese healer who greatly contributed to the islanders’ well-being in its early days and is revered as the island’s guardian deity.

Here, visitors can learn about this healer’s life, marvel at the intricate architectural details of the shrine, and take in the peaceful natural setting. Furthermore, visitors have the unique opportunity to engage in traditional rituals rich in coastal heritage and culture.

2.5. Hike up Cao Cat Peak

Cao Cat Peak

Cao Cat Peak, a prominent attraction on the Phu Quy Island map (Source: Collected)

Rising 106 meters above sea level, Cao Cat Peak is one of the island’s highest and most sacred spots, where visitors can climb to the summit to reach the revered Linh Son Pagoda and the grand statue of the Bodhisattva.

Along the way, hikers will cross breathtaking volcanic rock formations, intricately sculpted by natural forces into deep, layered grooves and tiered waves that cascade down the mountainside. These unique geological features, often called “Vietnam’s Grand Canyon,” offer an awe-inspiring landscape and make Cao Cat Peak a memorable destination for those seeking natural beauty and spiritual enrichment.

2.6. Go to sacred pagodas and temples

Beyond the beaches, Phu Quy Island, Vietnam, also boasts sacred temples and pagodas that allow visitors to explore local architecture, history, and spirituality. Highlights include:

  • Van An Thanh Whale Temple: This temple is a tribute to the centuries-old tradition of Vietnamese fishermen honoring the whale as a sacred sea creature. The temple displays large marine skeletons, including a massive 20-meter whale, creating a striking and solemn atmosphere.
  • Princess Ban Tranh Temple: Built by the Cham people in the late 16th century, this ancient temple allows visitors to delve into Cham history and architecture while taking in the majestic natural landscape of Cao Cat Mountain from afar.
  • Linh Quang Pagoda: Considered the oldest pagoda on the island, visitors here can immerse themselves in a tranquil, spiritual atmosphere and appreciate the unique Buddhist architecture.

2.7. Sightsee at Phu Quy Wind Turbine Field

Sightsee at Phu Quy Wind Turbine Field

The scenic views at Phu Quy Wind Turbine Field are picture-perfect (Source: Collected)

Phu Quy Island is also home to one of Binh Thuan’s three wind power farms, Phu Quy Wind Turbine Field, an iconic location and must-see for visitors. This picturesque location, set against sprawling green fields and a vibrant blue sky, features towering, white turbines that stand majestically in the landscape.

The peaceful contrast between the vibrant greenery and sleek, modern turbines creates an ideal setting for unforgettable photos, where visitors can capture the unique harmony of nature and technology.

2.8. Discover local seafood markets

For an authentic glimpse into local life on Phu Quy Island, visitors should not miss the island’s bustling seafood markets, especially Long Hai and Bai Phu fish markets. Arriving early in the morning, they can witness the bustling scene as fishing boats dock, unloading their fresh, ocean-caught bounty, which includes rare seafood varieties like fish, squid, and snails.

Not only can visitors purchase fresh seafood directly from local fishermen at reasonable prices, but they also have the chance to chat with the islanders, learning about their daily lives and traditions. The markets offer stunning views of the sunrise over the sea, creating a warm and energetic atmosphere.

2.9. Capture memories at Lang Duong Aquarium

Capture memories at Lang Duong Aquarium

Stroll through and snap photos at Lang Duong Aquarium (Source: Collected)

Another interesting spot in Phu Quy Vietnam is the Lang Duong Aquarium, also called Lang Duong Fish Pond or Ganh Hang Dam. From an abandoned fishery, this location is a charming aquarium and a popular check-in spot now.

Strolling along the historic stone walls that were originally constructed to trap small fish and shrimp, guests can admire how these structures have aged gracefully over time, blending naturally into the surrounding landscape. The tranquil setting provides a peaceful environment to explore, with chances to spot small marine creatures in the clear, calm waters. 

2.10. Enjoy dishes from seafood

No visit to Phu Quy Island would be complete without sampling its bountiful seafood. The island is renowned for a range of fresh and flavorful specialties, including turban shells, grouper, lobster, king crab, and moon crab, all of which are prepared in unique and traditional ways.

Visitors have multiple options to enjoy these delicacies: they can purchase fresh seafood at local markets to cook themselves, explore nearby fishing villages for an authentic taste of just-caught seafood, or embark on island-hopping tours. In these tours, meals often feature locally sourced ingredients and are served on the smaller islets.

Enjoy dishes from seafood

Enjoy the fresh, delicious seafood on the island (Source: Collected)

More on: Phan Thiet map: A comprehensive guide for travelers

3. When is the best time to visit Phu Quy Island?

Phu Quy has a monsoon climate with two distinct seasons: the south wind season from May to August and the northeast wind season from September to April. The Phu Quy Island weather is mild, with an average annual rainfall of 1,000 to 1,100 millimeters, temperatures from 22°C to 28°C, and humidity levels between 72% and 88%.

The best time to visit Phu Quy is from December to June, when the weather is dry, warm, and sunny. At this time, the sea is calm and clear, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and island-hopping.

4. How to get to Phu Quy Island?

As the furthest island district in Binh Thuan, Phu Quy is only accessible by sea, with ferries departing from Phan Thiet. Popular ferry options include Superdong-PQI, Superdong-PQII, Phu Quy Express, and Phu Quy Island, offering both seat and sleeper options, fan-cooled or air-conditioned.

Ferries usually depart Phan Thiet between 6:30 and 7:30 AM, with some days offering earlier trips at 5:30 AM and the latest at 3 PM. The journey takes about 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on the ferry. Tickets for the 2.5-hour high-speed ferry cost around VND 350,000 per person.

Phan Thiet to Phu Quy by ferry

You can take a ferry from Phan Thiet to reach Phu Quy (Source: Collected)

5. Where to stay on Phu Quy Island?

As tourism on the island is still developing, accommodations are mostly limited to guesthouses and homestays, with prices averaging VND 300,000–500,000 per night for a double room. While not overly luxurious, these accommodations provide all essential amenities, creating a comfortable and cozy space for visitors to relax after exploring the island.

6. What to note for your trip?

For a smooth exploration of Phu Quy Island, consider the following tips:

  • Since only a limited number of foreign travelers can visit the island at a time, permission may take a while to obtain. You should plan in advance and get the residence permits well ahead of time.
  • As the ferry tickets often sell out fast, it is better to book them in advance. You can check the Binh Thuan Department of Transport’s website for schedule updates.
  • The Phan Thiet-Phu Quy route can be rough. Visitors are recommended to take motion sickness medication and carry disposable bags.
  • It is pretty breezy on the island, so travel in comfortable clothes and tie up your personal belongings.
  • If you are interested in overnight camping, you may need to obtain necessary permits. Be sure to ask your guesthouse or homestay host for details and help if needed.
note for Phu Quy Island travel

Be sure to arrange residence permits and book ferry tickets in advance for a smooth journey (Source: Collected)

7. Recommended itinerary for your Phu Quy Island tour

To fully enjoy Phu Quy’s natural wonders, cultural sites, and unique experiences,  visitors can plan a 4-day trip, using the suggested itinerary below as a guide:

  • Day 1: Phu Quy Wind Turbine Field – Phu Quy Lighthouse – Cao Cat Peak – Linh Son Pagoda
  • Day 2: Bai Can Beach – Van An Thanh Whale Temple – Phu Quy fishing village
  • Day 3: Bai Phu Fish Market – Thay Nai Palace – Lang Duong Aquarium
  • Day 4: Bai Nho Beach – Ganh Hang Beach – Trieu Duong Bay

This itinerary is suggested based on the distance between locations and is for reference only. You can adjust your schedule and add destinations to suit your stay duration, budget, and travel preferences.

Phu Quy Island is a captivating destination where natural beauty and cultural richness come together, offering visitors a memorable escape from city life. With its pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, scenic landscapes, and warm local hospitality, it promises an enriching experience for travelers. Whether you are seeking adventure or relaxation, this hidden gem is an ideal spot to unwind and explore the beauty of Vietnam’s coastal treasures.

After exploring Phu Quy Island, travelers might head to Nha Trang, a stunning coastal city a little over three hours from Phan Thiet by car. 

VinWonders Nha Trang offers an exhilarating entertainment experience with cutting-edge rides, exciting shows, water attractions, opportunities for natural exploration, and more.

Nearby, Vinpearl Harbour Nha Trang is a lively destination known for its striking architecture, bustling shopping avenues, and diverse dining options. 

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