As urban residents are more looking into a change of atmosphere, away from the fast pace of city life, heading to beaches and islands for holidays are becoming a popular trend. Among the islands fast becoming famous to vacation-goers, both local and foreign, Phú Quý is considered among the most pristine and natural, making it sought for by many who take keen interest in nature, beautiful landscapes and serene atmosphere around friendly and hospitable village people.

Located 120 kilometers southeast of the Phan Thiet Sea, Phu Quy island is the largest among the islets that make up the Phu Quy district. It has an area of 16.5 km2 and a population of about 25,000. With its long stretch of white sandy beaches and dense coral reefs, only the rocky, northern half of the island is inhabited. Endowed with beautiful landscapes which include vast rows or casuarinas trees, the entirety of the island is very pristine.

Though the place holds a lot of beautiful sceneries and important cultural sites, the speedier development of its neighboring islets have helped Phu Quy maintain its paradise-like visage and its pure state. With cool climate year-round, crystal-clear waters and fascinating coral reefs, the island is a great place to keep close touch with nature and enjoy a calm and serene atmosphere ideal for summer getaways or romantic settings. Among the places to see around the island is the famous lighthouse that sits on Cam Mountain, several pagodas which includes Linh Bửu Pagoda, Cao Cat and two nationally- recognized cultural-historic sites, the An Thanh Temple which holds remains of gigantic whales worshipped by the locals and the 18th century-built Linh Quang temple. The island is also known for its vast reserves of mineral resources and perfect fishing conditions. In fact, its waters are considered the most important fishing grounds in the central coast of Binh Thuan province where a wide and diverse marine life dwells. Snappers, groupers, tunas and sharks are among its most common products, yet the abundance of squid makes it the island’s specialty.

Surrounded by 9 other islets, mostly considered popular aquatic tourist spots like the Hòn Tranh, Hòn Đen (Black Islet) and Hòn Trứng (Egg Islet), Phú Quý is now fast catching up with its neighbors’ popularity as more and more have discovered its beauty. Though there are ATM machines, hospitals, internet cafes and good mobile network coverage, the island’s major source of electricity are diesel-driven generators which are switched off close to midnight daily and turned back on early the next day. Their power source is believed to be Phú Quý’s greatest handicap both to businesses and residents.

But during the recent years, more and more improvements are seen on the island. A network of electricity is now developed on top of the schools, medical stations and tourism services put up in the locality. Asphalt road now circles the place instead of the then old sandy path. Such drastic changes came about along the construction of the seaport at Trieu Duong Beach. Higher rises are now visible compared to the then few structures comprised of the village market, several karaoke bars and a number of guesthouses.

Private individuals have purchased considerable sizes of lands and plans to build villas for weekend holidays are underway. Many other proposals for the construction of a large food court and a golf course might be considered. Such moves would hold a lot of promise to the villagers’ livelihoods since seafood is deemed the island’s key industry. With the great potential seen on Phu Quy, many believes it will soon become a high-end tourist complex to cater diversified demand for relaxation and entertainment, or with its pristine landscapes and clear waters, simply a haven for those who seeks to enjoy a seaside atmosphere.

Investments on sea transport are underway as hydrofoils boats are said to start taking tourists across the island very soon. The hydrofoils will greatly reduce travel time from 6 hours to about one and a half. By no doubt, Phu Quy would soon be one of the most-visited islands in the country. But despite the ongoing development and the growing number of tourists it is attracting, Phu Quy has preserved its natural features. More tourists could now be seen walking along its shorelines, but the island’s warm sands still glistens with shells and corals while its water still teems with sea life. As Phu Quy means “rich and precious”, looks like the island paradise is sure living up to its name.