Phu Quoc: Traveling during power outages, experiences and things to note.

From November 29th, a malfunction in the 110 kV undersea cable connecting Ha Tien and Phu Quoc caused widespread power outages in areas such as Duong Dong, Cua Can, Cua Duong, Ham Ninh, and the entire northern part of the island. During the peak season for international tourists, visitors to Phu Quoc may experience reduced services, rotating power cuts, and increased costs at accommodation establishments. Below is a realistic picture from local businesses and the power supply unit.

Relaxing moments during power outages.

On the morning of December 2nd, Mr. Le Hong Son, owner of the Golden Beach Resort in Ganh Dau, said he had just purchased an additional 1,000 liters of fuel to run the generator. Each day, fuel for the high-capacity system costs approximately 20 million VND. The resort maintains electricity for about 10 hours a day and announces the power outage schedule so guests can adjust their plans accordingly. However, about 40% of guests who booked in advance this week have canceled their reservations to move to the South of the island or fly to other locations.

"Fuel costs can be borne, but tour cancellations and negative reviews are long-term losses," Mr. Son said.

Simplified service: fixed air conditioning, limited lighting.

Unlike previous localized power outages that lasted only a few hours, this incident lasted longer, forcing many establishments to run generators almost 24/7, but only meeting 70-80% of the actual load. To adapt, resorts activated emergency energy-saving procedures: reducing public lighting, setting central air conditioning to 24-25 degrees Celsius, and shutting off high-power appliances in staff areas. Some places implemented rolling power cuts in areas without guests.

For small and medium-sized establishments, the difficulties are compounded. After two days of continuous operation, the generator at a resort in Duong Dong ward managed by Ms. Hoang Linh broke down due to overload. The resort was forced to rent an external generator, which only provided enough power for the reception and Wi-Fi; guests used rechargeable lamps or candles in the evening. Ms. Linh proactively refunded 100% of the cost to departing guests and waived all service fees for those who stayed.

Costs increase during peak season.

In large resorts, the damage is in the billions of dong. Ms. Le Thi Hai Chau, manager of a chain of 5-star resorts in the northern part of the island, said that on average, a 300-room facility spends about 1.5 billion dong on electricity each month. When switching to diesel generators, the cost doubles, or even triples, ranging from 2.8 to 3 billion dong. In just the first three days of the incident, one resort in the system spent 200 million dong on fuel.

Mr. Ha Tuan Minh, Director of Winner Phu Quoc International Travel Company, said that operating costs are currently five times higher than normal. Unstable voltage during switching between the grid and the generator has also caused damage to many expensive electronic devices.

Affected area and remediation progress

According to the Southern Power Corporation (EVNSPC), the 110 kV Ha Tien - Phu Quoc underwater cable is one of two important lines supplying electricity to Phu Quoc Island, alongside the 220 kV Kien Binh - Phu Quoc line. This incident is considered quite complex. An Giang Power Company has isolated the underwater cable for inspection, mobilized personnel and specialized equipment, and regulated the load, prioritizing power supply to the central area and critical infrastructure. Complete restoration will require more time.

Useful information for tourists

• This is peak season for international tourists; some resorts are fully booked. Cancellations have been reported as guests have opted to move to the South Island or other destinations.
• Some establishments maintain electricity for about 10 hours a day; many reduce lighting, set air conditioning to 24-25 degrees Celsius, and may implement rolling power cuts in areas with fewer customers.
• Some small hotels and homestays find it difficult to maintain generators, so they prioritize supplying electricity only to the reception and restaurant; rechargeable lamps or candles may be used in the evening.
• Many resorts are informing guests of the power outage schedule; guests can request this schedule from their accommodation upon check-in.

Market developments and business responses

Many businesses have suggested that, in addition to addressing the problem, there should be a mechanism for adequate compensation or support for the affected parties. In the long term, some investors are considering rooftop solar power systems to partially self-finance their electricity supply and reduce risks.

Mr. Tuan Minh, representative of Winner Phu Quoc, owner of an accommodation complex with over 50 rooms, said that small hotels and homestays are most severely affected during the peak season – the main source of income for the year. "Losses are inevitable, but who can we complain to for compensation?" he said.

Local tourism data

According to the An Giang Department of Tourism, in the first 11 months of the year, the province welcomed over 22.7 million visitors, a 24% increase compared to the same period last year and exceeding the annual plan by 8%. Of these, Phu Quoc received approximately 7.6 million visitors, a 35% increase compared to the same period last year, nearly 5% exceeding the annual target.