|
Phu Quoc, the largest island in Vietnam, lies in the Gulf of
Thailand, 45 km from Ha Tien and 15 km south of the coast of
Cambodia. Phu Quoc Island, part of Kien Giang province, is
also part of an archipelago consisting of 22 islands of all
sizes. The island covers an area of 585 km2 and
is 50 km long.
The population underwent a sudden increase in the last
twenty years; there are 55,000 people inhabiting the island
now whereas there were no more than 5,000 people in 1975.
Phu Quoc is also called the Emerald Island because of its
natural treasures and infinite tourism potential. The island
is well known for its high-quality fish sauce; Phu Quoc fish
sauce smells particularly good since it is made from a small
fish, ca com, with a high level of protein. The island
produces 6 million liters of fish sauce every year.
Phu Quoc Island has many harbors such as An Thoi and Hon
Thom where international and domestic ships anchor. Also,
there are several historical sites on the island: National
Hero Nguyen Trung Truc's military base, Gia Long King relics
from the time he spent on the island, and Phu Quoc prison.
Off the coast of the island emerges a group of 105 islands
of all sizes. Some of them are densely inhabited such as Hon
Tre and Kien Hai, 25 km from Rach Gia. Visitors can spend
time on the beach or hike while observing the wild animals.
|