Buzz
This time in Binh Thuan, our destination is Phu Quy and Hon Hai Islands, unique islands that not only boast stunning beauty but also exude a powerful allure from their distinctive features. Thus, from the moment we stepped onto the Phan Thiet dock and boarded the Phu Quy Express, excitement had already ignited within the hearts of our fellow travelers. After over 2 hours on the swiftly sailing Phu Quy Express, the Phu Quy archipelago unfolded before our eyes.
Panoramic View of Phu Quy Island from Above
Phu Quy Island
Phu Quy Island, a hidden gem embraced by the gentle sea breeze and surrounded by pristine waters, is a renowned district of Binh Thuan Province, located approximately 56 nautical miles southeast of Phan Thiet. Phu Quy Island stands out like a bright jewel on the tourist map for its tranquil and rustic charm along the enchanting Gulf of Thailand coastline.
Phu Quy Island, the hidden jade amidst the mist.
The climate on Phu Quy Island is fresh and cool all year round. It is best to visit Phu Quy from around December to June. During this time, the sea is calm, the sun is beautiful, and the gentle breeze makes it easy for you to explore the surrounding small islands.
Phu Quy Island is blessed by nature with abundant and diverse resources, along with many breathtaking landscapes that captivate the hearts of visitors. The island's prominent features include its rugged, peaceful scenery, with mountains, sea, greenery, and refreshing nature. It is also a rich fishing ground with many rare and precious seafood specialties. Moreover, the island boasts numerous unique historical, cultural, and artistic architectural relics, making Phu Quy Island an irresistibly attractive destination.
The island's standout feature is its rugged, refreshing natural scenery.
Phu Quy Port is where boats dock, ferrying tourists to the beautiful island. It also doubles as a small seafood market. The day we arrived, the sea was calm, and around the fishing boats, we could hear the gentle lapping of the waves.
Phu Quy Port is where boats dock.
Following the main road around the island led us to Trieu Duong Bay, a long stretch of crystal-clear water and fine white sand. Trieu Duong Bay exudes a romantic charm like a colorful natural painting. It's a favorite beach for locals and visitors alike. Along the shore, there's a lush mangrove forest casting beautiful, picturesque scenery, perfect for travelers to camp and enjoy leisure activities.
The sovereignty flagpole of the Motherland on Phu Quy Island is an indispensable destination in our journey. The flagpole is erected at Dong Hill Banana Hill, below which is Ganh Hang Beach, facing the sea. The surface of the flagpole is adorned with the symbols of the Yellow Star Red Flag, the National Emblem, the National Anthem, and the geographical coordinates of the flagpole. The Phu Quy flagpole represents Vietnam's sovereignty over the island, igniting deep love for the homeland and the responsibility to protect the sovereignty of the sea and the sacred island of the Motherland.
The sovereignty flagpole of the Motherland on Phu Quy Island
Below the flagpole, Ganh Hang exudes a pristine beauty with rough black cliffs standing close to the sea, bearing various shapes due to the volcanic eruption imprints of the past. Ganh Hang is one of Phu Quy's beautiful beaches with its sickle-shaped form and rocky promontories jutting out into the sea. The sea at Ganh Hang is clear, with few boats moored, providing a fresh atmosphere, ideal for immersing yourself in nature.
Linh Son Pagoda, renowned for its sacredness, sits solemnly on Cao Cat Mountain, standing over 80 meters above sea level. From the mountaintop, you can overlook the entire Phu Quy District. Amidst the open sea, the sound of waves and wind harmonizes in a vast space. With its unique architecture, nestled amidst the stunning natural scenery, Linh Son Pagoda is not only a pilgrimage site but also a place to admire the abundant natural beauty, experiencing the tranquility amidst the vast sea and majestic mountains.
Linh Son Pagoda, a renowned sacred site, sits atop Cao Cat Mountain.
The wind power plant on Phu Quy Island was built to meet the electricity needs and economic development of the island. It's also a place for you to unleash your creativity and capture unique photos.
The wind power plant on the island contributes to improving the lives of the local people.
The wind power plant on the island contributes to improving the lives of the local people.
The Phu Quy lighthouse stands at 18 meters tall, making it one of the tallest lighthouses in Vietnam. Its square-shaped tower emits a light beam visible up to 22 nautical miles. The lighthouse not only aids vessels navigating the waters around Phu Quy but also serves the crucial purpose of asserting the nation's maritime sovereignty. To reach the lighthouse, we had to trek and climb over 120 steps of rocky terrain along the mountain slope. From the lighthouse, you'll have an ideal vantage point to admire the panoramic views of the enchanting seascape and stunning natural landscapes.
The Phu Quy lighthouse
The Phu Quy lighthouse
One of the most captivating sights is the vibrant sunset on the island. The best spot to witness the beautiful sunset is atop Cao Cat Mountain. From here, you can cast your gaze far into the distance, where the setting sun creates vivid shades of orange against the sky, painting a magnificent scene.
Hon Hai Island
After 2 days exploring Phu Quy Island, our group prepared light packs to head to our next destination, Hon Hai Island, a unique island with a truly special location, isolated amidst the open sea. The journey to the island was not easy, but it was filled with temptations for adventurous souls craving conquest.
Hon Hai, also known as Hon Kham, lies directly on the defined baseline of Vietnam's territorial waters, internationally named Poulo Sapate on maps, located about 65km from Phu Quy Island. To reach Hon Hai, there is no transportation available other than the fishing boats of local fishermen.
During the night, we boarded a fishing boat to embark on our journey to Hon Hai. The distance wasn't far, but due to the rudimentary nature of the boat and the rough seas, we couldn't travel quickly. Lying on the deck, amidst the heat, the noise of the engine, and the swaying motion, we found it impossible to sleep. After several hours of swaying on the sea, as dawn broke, the island appeared in the distance like a massive rock formation. Excited shouts filled the air. Let's explore this marvelous island together!
A boat brought us closer to Hon Hai Island.
From a distance, Hon Hai resembles a jaw.
As soon as we set foot on the island, we were amazed by the winding paths carved into the rocks, undulating around the island like gentle strokes. It's fascinating to know that these undulating lines are created by the sea waves and wind erosion.
Hon Hai Island looks like a jaw from afar, or a giant sleeping whale. The island is approximately 130m long, with the widest point about 60m, and the highest point is 113m above sea level.
Approaching the special island amidst the vast sea.
As an island of strategic importance for national defense and vital for maritime traffic, Hon Hai Lighthouse, along with its related infrastructure, has been constructed on the island. One of the most unique structures here is the 170m-long tunnel through the rocky mountain, consisting of 240 sturdy concrete steps leading up to the base of the lighthouse.
The path to the highest peak of the island, on the outer side.
The tunnel through the rocky mountain to ascend to the island's surface.
Evoking the image of a giant whale thrashing its tail in the vast expanse of the East Sea. Hon Hai Island stands proudly amidst the vast ocean, witnessing many years of history, becoming a landmark marking Vietnam's sacred sovereignty in the open sea.
The staircase leading to the landmark.
Standing on the island, gazing into the distance, observing the boundless sea stretching endlessly in all directions. My heart is overwhelmed by a sense of awe and wonder at the unique and mysterious beauty of this island. I close my eyes, feeling the cool sea breeze, hearing the cries of seagulls echoing in my ears...
Seagulls chirping as they perch or glide over the island.
Hon Hai resembles a giant fish thrashing its tail in the East Sea.
Taking a stroll around the island, that day the sun was shining beautifully, and flocks of seabirds continuously soared and landed, creating a captivating scene. The deep blue sea, along with the foamy white waves, formed a mesmerizing sight. The sky was also a clear blue with fluffy white clouds. Each tourist was overwhelmed by an indescribable sense of intense emotions. Indeed, it was an unparalleled experience in front of a wonder of the sea.
Hon Hai Lighthouse
The pathways on the island, every corner of this special island is beautiful.
I immersed myself in a stream of thoughts to the sound of the ocean waves, letting myself be carried away by the enchanting beauty of the sky and the water surface. The vast ocean holds so many wonderful and new things to discover.
Author: Phung Thu Hien
*Article participating in the Mytour Golocal program
Mytour Golocal is a blog writing program introducing beautiful destinations across Vietnam, within the framework of the Mytour Go & Share program. This is a great opportunity to promote local tourism to everyone. For each qualifying article, you will receive 800,000 VND and the chance to become a contributor with Mytour. For detailed information about the program, visit: https://trv.lk/golocal
