Phu Quy Island (Lam Dong): A top 'cinematic' destination in Southeast Asia.
The Thai news site Khaosod has just honored Phu Quy Island (Lam Dong province) as one of the 10 most pristine destinations with cinematic beauty and strong Southeast Asian identity today.
In early January, the Thai news site Khaosod published a list of 10 "quiet" destinations that are still pristine and inaccessible in Southeast Asia. Notably, Phu Quy Island (Lam Dong province) appeared on this list as a prime example of natural beauty untouched by mass tourism.
Recognition from international media
Through their survey and evaluation process, Khaosod's editors describe Phu Quy Island (Lam Dong province) as a "pristine, windy, and cinematic" place. While most international tourists tend to congregate in major tourist centers like Phu Quoc, those seeking something different and tranquil choose to travel by boat from Phan Thiet to Phu Quy Island.
According to a Thai news report, Phu Quy is a volcanic island isolated in the open sea with distinctive turquoise waters. It evokes images of Vietnamese beaches from 30 years ago, when everything still retained its most pristine and unspoiled charm.
The natural beauty of 'Thu Island'
Phu Quy, also known by other names such as Thu Island or Khoai Xu Island, is a small island located about 120km southeast of Phan Thiet. Although the island's area is only a little over 18km2, it boasts a diverse ecosystem and many impressive landscapes.
Besides the main island, the area surrounding Phu Quy also includes other smaller islands such as Hon Da Cao, Hon Do, Hon Tranh, and Hon Hai, creating a unique geological formation in the middle of the ocean. The combination of sheer cliffs and crystal-clear seawater creates an irresistible attraction for adventure enthusiasts.
The ideal time and experience for exploration.
According to experienced travelers, the best time to explore Phu Quy Island is from December to June of the following year. Of these, the period from March to May is considered the most beautiful time on the island, with calm seas, gentle winds, and convenient conditions for boat travel and outdoor activities.
To fully experience the island's beauty, visitors can rent motorbikes to freely explore the coastal roads. Must-see locations include:
- Triều Dương Bay:A peaceful place with soft sand.
- Small Beach:The crescent-shaped beach nestles against the mountainside, with its turquoise waters.
- Ganh Hang:The area features cliffs right by the sea, forming unique "infinity pools" and "Blissful Gorges".
- Sand Peak:This is an ideal vantage point for observing the entire island.
- Duong Village Fish Pond:A unique architectural structure on the water's edge.
Besides activities on shore, visitors are also encouraged to experience canoeing to nearby islands such as Hon Tranh or Hon Den for snorkeling and fishing. Regarding cuisine, the two most famous specialties that anyone visiting should try are king crab and moon crab.
Other potential destinations in Southeast Asia
Besides Phu Quy Island (Lam Dong), Khaosod's list also features 9 other lesser-known destinations in the region, offering fresh ideas for sustainable tourism:
- Ulu Temburong (Brunei):Often referred to as a "green gem," it boasts a pristine primary forest ecosystem.
- Nong Khiaw (Laos):Nestled amidst limestone mountain ranges, it's an ideal starting point for trekking routes along the Nam Ou River.
- Doi Mae Salong (Thailand):Famous for its lush green tea hills and mild climate year-round.
The inclusion of Phu Quy Island on this list not only affirms the attractiveness of Vietnamese tourism but also opens up opportunities to promote the image of pristine destinations to international friends, especially during the upcoming Lunar New Year.
