Buzz
Phú Quý Island, also known as Cù Lao Thu, is located 120 km from Phan Thiết (Bình Thuận) and is a popular summer destination for many young enthusiasts.
Enjoy a Budget-Friendly Three-Day Trip to Phú Quý Island
Below is the sharing from Linh Sea, hailing from Ho Chi Minh City, about the 3-day, 2-night itinerary on the island for less than two million dong.
Transportation
Being the farthest island district of Bình Thuận province, Phú Quý Island boasts pristine and stunning landscapes, yet tourism is still in its early stages.
According to the boat captain, the journey from Phan Thiết port to the island is considered one of the most challenging sea routes in the country. The stretch has rough waves and numerous whirlpools, forcing boats to navigate against the current and overcome the waves. Consequently, the boat often shakes, making even the robust individuals prone to seasickness, especially on turbulent days.
Currently, the only means of reaching the island is by sea, taking approximately 4 – 6 hours depending on the type, including sleeping and sitting options, fan and air-conditioned rooms.
Best Time to Explore the Island
The suitable period for exploring Phú Quý Island is from December to June. During this time, the sea is calm, clear, with gentle winds, making it easy to travel to small islands. However, occasional rough seas may occur, so it's advisable to check the weather forecast before embarking.
Typically, it takes around 4 – 5 days to fully explore the island district. If you prefer not to venture to the smaller islands nearby, you can opt for a three-day itinerary, including two days of travel and one day for leisure, exploring the entire main island.
Transportation on the Island
On the island, there are currently no taxi services. You can rent a motorbike directly from the hotel for transportation. The roads on the island are quite well-maintained, with a main axis, making it easy to navigate. You can also strike up a conversation with locals to ask for directions if you feel lost.
Must-Visit Attractions
Certain places that are a must-explore on the main island in a day include:
High Sand Dune
Sovereignty Flagpole of the island
Phú Quý Lighthouse on Forbidden Mountain
Vạn An Thạnh Temple dedicated to the Whale God
Phong Dien Field of Wind
Ngũ Phụng Riverside Embankment
Master Sài Nại Mausoleum, also known as Thầy Sài Nại Mausoleum
Here, you will hear locals recount the phenomenon of whales assisting boats during storms at sea.
According to fishermen, when whales encounter storms and turbulent seas, they become frightened. They swim everywhere seeking shelter. If a boat is encountered during this time, the bottom of the boat creates a calm space, and the whale will swim up and take refuge. It presses its massive back against the boat's bottom and pushes the boat towards a quieter coastal area. The boat, thanks to being supported by the whale's back, becomes less prone to capsizing. Whales were revered as deities by our ancestors, and they built shrines to honor them. If you want to hear more about this story, you can visit Vạn An Thạnh.
Some enticing beaches on Phú Quý Island that you can't miss include Doi Dừa Beach in Ngũ Phụng, Nho Beach in Gành Hang, and Trieu Duong Bay. You can also rent a boat for snorkeling to admire the colorful coral reefs and schools of swimming fish beneath the clear water.
You can also spend time strolling along the beach in the early morning or late afternoon. This is the time to relax and enjoy the pristine seascape on the island.
Dining
Dining on the island is very affordable. You can enjoy seafood in fishing villages. A must-try dish is king crab and moon crab. To purchase, you can pre-order and ask the hotel owner to help with reservations.
Important Note
– The island ferry operates on a fixed schedule each month, so tourists should book in advance as tickets sell out quickly. You can also check the ferry schedule on the information page of Bình Thuận Department of Transport, under the announcement section.
– There are only 1-2 departures per afternoon, so if you miss the boat, you'll have to wait for the next one the following day.
– Due to the challenging sea route, the boat crew will distribute plastic bags for motion sickness before departure. Those prone to seasickness should take medication and prepare multiple plastic bags; even the healthy might feel queasy in rough seas.
– The wind on the island is strong, so dress neatly and secure personal belongings when going outside.
– The island allows foreign visitors, but the number is limited, so the licensing process takes a bit of time.
Estimated Costs
– Bus from HCMC to Phan Thiết: 150,000 – 250,000 VND one way per person.
– Island ferry ticket: 250,000 VND one way per person.
– Renting a scooter for island exploration: 100,000 – 120,000 VND per day. Just fill the tank once, and you're ready to explore the entire island.
– Accommodation costs at homestays, hotels: 100,000 – 300,000 VND per room per night. Some recommended places include Hung Phat Hotel and Co Ni Homestay.
– Dining expenses: 500,000 VND for three days, covering main and side meals.
Source: Linh Sea/Vnexpress (Photos: Linh Sea, Phu Quy Province)
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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour
MytourJuly 13, 2018
