Phu Quy Island - The pristine island in Binh Thuan

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Phu Quy island (also known as Cu Lao Thu/Thu island or Cu Lao Khoai Xu/Khoai Xu island) is located about 56 nautical miles off the coast of Binh Thuan province. Pristine, exquisite, peaceful, this place is an ideal destination for travelers, especially backpackers.

True to its name (“Phu Quy” means “rich and honour”), Phu Quy island is rich in beautiful, untouched landscapes, historical-cultural relics and succulent nutrtious seafood.

There are many beautiful places to visit in the island, such as Trieu Duong bay, Doi Dua beach, Nho beach – Hang spit, Tranh islet... Among them, Trieu Duong bay, with the beach of white smooth sand and clear blue sea water next to casuarina trees, is the perfect place for swimming and picnic. On moonlit nights, local people often gather at the beach, enjoying relaxing moment chatting, singing, dancing together.

Not far from Trieu Duong bay is Nho beach and Hang spit, which combine together to create a crescent-shaped shore at the foot of a majestic mountain. There lie pieces of rough stones - results of crystallization and weathering over millions of years. According to local residents, Phu Quy island is basically a long-inactive crater. That’s why at the mountain’s foot, you can see lava reefs, which are the remnants of volcanic eruptions.

Another place to explore is the lighthouse on Cam mountain, Ngu Phung commune. Located at an altitude of 108 meters, the lighthouse is the highest point in the island. It is also among the largest lighthouses in Vietnam.

To conquer this lighthouse, visitors have to climb up more than 120 stone steps winding along the mountain slope. It’s not an easy path, but it’s worth it because from the top of the lighthouse, you can enjoy the magnificent panorama of this outpost island.

Besides, travelers should not ignore the first island”s wind power plant in Vietnam. These wind turbines stand tall, spinning slowly like sending friendly greets to guests from the mainland.

Phu Quy island has more than 30 historical-cultural relics, the most famous out of them are Van An Thanh (whale temple), Linh Son pagoda, Linh Quang pagoda, Thach Lam pagoda, the temple worshipping princess Ban Tranh, tomb of Thay Nai…

Whale worship is indispensable in the spiritual life of locals in the island. There are about 10 places to worship “Nam Hai” God or “Ca Ong” (how fishermen reventially call whales) in the island. Among them, the whale temple named Van An Thanh (in Trieu Duong village, Tam Thanh Commune) built in 1781 is the most notable place.

It is housing and worshipping bones of about 100 whales, dolphins, turtles and some decrees bestowed by Nguyen dynasty. Van An Thanh was recognized to the a national cultural relic in 1996.

Apart from turquoise sea water, pristine beaches, beautiful landscapes and unique historical-cultural relics, the island attracts visitors with the abundance of seafoods, which are always sold in reasonable prices. “Cua huynh de” (king crab), “cua mat trang” (moon crab), “oc vu nang” (a kind of cone snail) are the most famous seafood there. Besides, you could enjoy squids, mackerel, red grouper, lobster, different kinds of sea snail…in the island to sea how sweet and tasty fresh seafood can be.

There are ships from Phan Thiet city to Phu Quy island and vice versa everyday. However, the schedule can be changed due to the weather. Therefore, you’d better enquire about ship schedule a few days before departure time. You can ask for ticket information by calling to (84) 62 3506 358 (ticket office in Phan Thiet city) or (84) 62 3506 358 (ticket office in Phu Quy island).