Phú Quý Island

Phú Quý - also known as Cù Lao Thu or Cù Lao Khoai Xứ - is a coral island 120km off the coast of Bình Thuận province in the East Sea, now administratively part of Lâm Đồng province. The island is approximately 16km² with a permanent population of around 30,000 people, predominantly engaged in offshore fishing. It sits on a raised coral platform that gives the surrounding water exceptional clarity - visibility of 15-20m is common in the dry season, making Phú Quý one of the better diving destinations in southern Vietnam.

Tourism infrastructure is modest: basic guesthouses, a handful of restaurants, motorbike rentals, and a small number of dive operators. There is no resort development and the island retains a genuinely working character - the kind that disappears quickly once resorts arrive.

Phú Quý is reached by high-speed ferry from Phan Thiết city. Three operators run the route: Superdong, Phú Quý Express, and Hưng Phát. Crossing time is 2.5-3.5 hours depending on conditions; fares range from 250,000-400,000 VND per person. Only 1-2 sailings per day - book ahead. Phú Quý Express is the only operator with sleeping berths. Phan Thiết is 200km from Ho Chi Minh City, about 3.5 hours by car.

The ferry is the only access; there is no airstrip. Sep-Nov is typhoon season - sailings are frequently cancelled and getting stranded is a real possibility. Build a contingency day into the itinerary.

The standard format is 2 nights 1 day or 3 nights 2 days. A suggested itinerary: Day 1 - Dốc Phượt, the flag tower (cột cờ), Khe Sung Sướng, Hồ Bánh Xe, then sunset at Bãi Tắm Bưu Điện. Day 2 - morning Hòn Tranh boat tour (Vietnamese visitors only; 7-11 AM or 14:30-17:00), then Đấu Trường La Mã, Núi Cao Cát, wind turbines (điện gió), ending with sunset at Cây Cô Đơn and Kè Bãi Lăng.

Coral diving at 250,000 VND with guide, filming, and photography is the activity highlight - schedule it after the land-based sightseeing as it's tiring. The Linh Quang Pagoda is a significant regional temple worth visiting. The island circuit by motorbike covers fishing hamlets, a French-era lighthouse, and several beaches on the eastern and southern sides.

Phú Quý occupies a specific niche: remote offshore island character without resort infrastructure. The crossing friction keeps day-trippers away and maintains the island's identity. Minimum 2 nights to do it properly. For groups, electric carts or 7-16 seat vehicles are available for hire. Canoe hire for island hopping or diving costs 500,000-1,200,000 VND depending on tour and group size. Book accommodation on the north or east coast for sea views - west-facing rooms near the pier have the view blocked by the seawall. Avoid the night shellfish-catching tours - poor value at 450,000 VND/person.