Discover Phú Quý Island: A Hidden Gem in Bình Thuận Province

Overview of Phú Quý Island

Phú Quý Island, a small district of Bình Thuận Province, boasts a surface area of over 17 km² and is nestled approximately 120 km from the bustling city of Phan Thiết. The moment you set foot on this pristine island, you’re greeted by a sense of tranquility, with its rugged landscapes resembling the most original paintings crafted by nature itself.

Caption: The serene beach at Hòn Tranh

When to Visit Phú Quý

The ideal time to visit Phú Quý is between December and June, as this period is characterized by dry weather and calm seas. To avoid rough seas and large waves, it’s wise to check the weather forecast on apps like Windfinder or Windy at least a week before your journey.

Getting There and Estimated Travel Costs

If you are traveling from Northern Vietnam, reaching Phú Quý involves three segments:

1. Flight: Take a 2-hour flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
2. Transportation: From Ho Chi Minh City, travel by bus or train to Phan Thiết (4-5 hours).
3. Boat Ride: Finally, catch a ferry from Phan Thiết to Phú Quý (approximately 2.5 hours).

Estimated Travel Costs:

• Round-trip flight: ~ 2.8 million VND
• Train ticket (Ho Chi Minh City to Phan Thiết): ~ 200,000 VND
• Ferry ticket (Phan Thiết to Phú Quý round trip, Superdong ferry): ~ 700,000 VND
• Bus ticket (Phan Thiết to Ho Chi Minh City, Phương Trang bus): 160,000 VND
• Airport taxi: ~ 100,000 VND per trip (book via Grab)
• Motorbike rental on the island: 100,000 VND per day

Important Travel Tips:

• The Superdong or Phú Quý Express ferries have limited daily trips (1-2), so it’s best to book 1-2 weeks in advance.
• For travel between Ho Chi Minh City and Phan Thiết, consider companies like Phương Trang for a convenient experience.
• Make sure to book your transportation through reliable websites and pay attention to timetables to ensure a smooth journey.

Accommodation on the Island

In Phú Quý, you can find various affordable lodging options, including hotels, guesthouses, and homestays. Depending on your needs, you can book rooms through platforms like Booking.com or Agoda, or contact local hosts directly via Facebook fan pages.

Popular homestays include Cô Sang, Khôi May, Phú Liên, and Giác. I personally stayed at Khôi May homestay for 180,000 VND per day during my visit.

Dining Options on the Island

The food on Phú Quý is both delicious and budget-friendly. I particularly enjoyed purchasing fresh seafood from the market and cooking it myself at the homestay.

Some recommended dining spots:

• Tam Thanh Market (open before 7:30 AM)
• Along Võ Văn Kiệt Street
• Thuận Phát Restaurant
• Bò Nóng Hòa Thướng Restaurant

A few seafood places to check out:

• Lưới Seafood
• Hải Thắm
• Nướng BBQ on the beach

The majority of food stalls are concentrated in Tam Thanh ward’s central area.

Caption: Freshly cooked seafood to enjoy at your leisure!

Top Attractions in Phú Quý

Given its small size, Phú Quý can be explored within one or two days, and the best part is that most attractions are free of charge. Here are three suggested routes for easier navigation:

Route 1:

• Gành Hang: Known for the "Sung Sướng" creek, the infinity pool, and is perfect for morning visits.
• Làng Dương Fish Pond: Accessed from a signpost near a café at Gành Hang.
• Bãi Nhỏ: A beautiful beach with green water and white sand, ideal for swimming or paddleboarding.
• Flagpole of Sovereignty: A must-see spot for a stunning view overlooking Bãi Nhỏ and Gành Hang.
• Dốc Phượt: The best location for sunrise views, with a café that opens at 4:30 AM.

Caption: The picturesque Gành Hang

Route 2:

• Mộ Thầy: Offers beautiful mountain views.
• Cao Cát Mountain and Linh Sơn Pagoda: Climbing offers breathtaking panoramas of Phú Quý, especially during sunset.

Caption: Stunning views from Cao Cát Mountain

Route 3:

• Tam Thanh Fishing Village: A scene straight out of "Hometown Cha Cha Cha."
• The Lonely Tree: Located across from Biển Xanh villa.
• Phú Quý Lighthouse: Climb over 100 stairs to reach the top, with a slightly slippery path.

Caption: A picturesque view at Tam Thanh Fishing Village

Tips for Visiting Phú Quý

• Always check the weather on apps like Windfinder or Windy a week in advance.
• Consider taking anti-nausea medication 30 minutes before boarding the ferry.
• Bring sun protection such as sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, and swimwear.
• The island is generally safe, allowing you to park your motorbike without worry. However, always wear a helmet and follow traffic rules.
• For exploring streams and infinity pools in Gành Hang, wear sports shoes or sandals for safety.

Caption: Witness a breathtaking sunrise at Dốc Phượt

Phú Quý Island truly is a must-visit destination for those seeking to embrace nature’s untouched beauty. Don’t hesitate; plan your trip and experience this hidden gem for yourself!

For more travel tips and insights, check out this article or explore the full guide on traveling Vietnam.

Experience the enchanting wilderness of Phú Quý Island—an adventure awaits!