Buzz
After a five-hour journey by market boat from Phan Thiet fishing port, Phu Quy Island reveals itself with a bustling harbor echoing an unfamiliar dialect, a realm of seafood satisfying every craving, with the simplicity, sincerity, and warmth of islanders. Wandering days on Phu Quy have become the most thrilling adventure among all my distant island journeys.
Discovering the Hidden Charm of Phu Quy Island
Being seasoned fishermen, accustomed to the sea's rhythm, the people of Phu Quy Island, especially the men, possess a peculiar, refined accent, markedly different from other regions with its high pitch, casually spoken Vietnamese. Hence, first-time visitors to Phu Quy Island always find themselves perplexed by the locals' greetings and conversations, their round eyes and puzzled expressions until they understand, leading to laughter and jawache due to the island's unique Vietnamese intonation.
Like Meeting an Old Friend
Tourism is not yet a forte on Phu Quy Island, so just a few steps from the boat pier along the village road, islanders immediately spot unfamiliar faces, strike up conversations, and it's not difficult to recognize the genuine warmth of the people here.
Experiencing the Charms of Phu Quy Island
Venturing to Phu Quy Island this time, I met Được, a fisherman who had just returned from a sea voyage of over half a month. After a few introductory conversations, we became friends. Fascinating stories about Phu Quy Island unfolded along our journeys around the island.
Beginning with Được's family story, with a wife and two children, I asked, 'Have you been married long?' Được chuckled and said, 'People on Phu Quy Island never had weddings. If a man and a woman like each other, they just start living together. My grandparents did the same. So did I.' Seeing my surprise, Được added, 'People on the island used to be very poor, couldn't afford wedding ceremonies. And everyone went fishing, so even if you invited people, who would attend? Lately, mainland teachers have come to teach on the island, so weddings are somewhat organized, but small-scale. Phu Quy is a wedding-free island.'
Được's genuine simplicity and warmth filled our days in Phu Quy, leaving no time for idle moments. Even at night, a fishing trip with the islanders out to sea, bobbing with the waves to bring back the treasures of the sea - the big squids, the fat cuttlefish - famous specialties of Phu Quy that have appeared in the markets of Japan, Europe for over a decade. The allure of Phu Quy also lies in the bustling fish market at the dreamy early morning pier, the romantic streets with dappled sunlight, with days enjoying peaceful life to the point of resting without locking the door.
Other Unusual Experiences
To admire the panoramic view of Phu Quy, Được took me to two high points of the island. The first point is Mount Forbidden. The coastal path is deserted. Right at the foot of Mount Forbidden is a stretch of pure white sandy beach, stretching for miles. Được said this used to be his favorite bathing beach as a child, with days of gathering firewood on Mount Forbidden, coming down the mountain in the evening to this beach to play with friends in the waves, picking up corals, shells to make toys. Leaving the motorbike by the roadside, we climbed the steps to the summit of Mount Forbidden. From the summit - where a majestic lighthouse stands at 18m high - the panorama of distant fishing villages, distant boats, and vast green forests all come into view, creating a magnificent, tranquil landscape, with a rare beauty found in other island regions.
The familiar beacon of Mount Forbidden shines brightly for fishermen like Được, yet his ideal spot lies atop Mount Cao Cat in Long Hai commune. From the mountain's base, a trail leads to Linh Son Pagoda, with additional steps ascending to the high peak behind the pagoda, revealing a vast seascape. At the summit, remarkable natural rock formations, sculpted by nature, create peculiar shapes and contours.
Other captivating viewpoints on Phu Quy during Được's exploration days include moments immersed in the deep blue waters of the sand dunes at Trieu Duong Bay, tranquil evenings at Thay Hill, and adventurous journeys to Black Rock, entering a world of rocks formed from volcanic eruptions. These spaces exude solitude, serenity, yet remarkable beauty and enchantment.
Phu Quy boasts cultural and historical landmarks, from Vạn An Thạnh, where the preserved skeleton of a giant fish measuring over 17m is kept, to Linh Quang Pagoda and Princess Ban Tranh Temple. Indulge in seafood feasts featuring Phu Quy's signature dishes, from fresh squid to salted squid eggs and delicious fish hotpot, adding to the list of unique destinations in Phu Quy.
Then comes the time to return to the mainland, bidding farewell to the pristine beauty and genuine warmth of Phu Quy islanders, silently hoping that the salty charm of that distant island will never fade.
Source: Saigon Entrepreneur
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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour
MytourJuly 5, 2016
