Published:  00:00 Friday - September 25, 2009

Phu Quy Island is situated about 56 nautical miles to the East – Southeast of the coastal city of Phan Thiet in southern Binh Thuan province. Rising from the immense East Sea, the 16-sq.km island looks like a dragon seen from the East, a mackerel from the North or from the West and a giant whale merging above the water from the South.

Phu Quy Island, also known as Co Long, Thuan Tinh, Cu Lao Khoai Xu, Cu Lao Thu and others, boasts of its cool climate all year round, mineral resources, many beautiful scenic spots and romantic white sand beaches.

Through the crystal-clear water, tourists can see the seabed, fascinating coral reef, colourful creatures and many black rocky clusters and cliffs merging amidst waves. They are attracted to the island because of its superb swimming and fishing conditions and the opportunity to relax among wild nature.

They can also visit beautiful places like the lighthouse and Linh Buu Pagoda on Cam Mountain, and two national cultural relics of An Thanh Temple where the skeleton of a gigantic whale is worshiped by the locals and Linh Quang Pagoda that was built in the 18^th century.

Standing at the lighthouse tourists have a panoramic view of the island’s romantic landscape and immense rock formations.

Located in the growing economic zone of Phan Thiet – Ham Thuan Nam – Ham Tan – Phu Quy, the island has gradually become a sea-based economic center providing services for the fishery, processing seafood for export, shipbuilding and ship repairing. Its annual seafood output reaches about 20,000 tonnes.

On the island there are 103 aquaculture facilities, 93 of which specialise in raising grouper on floating rafts and cages. 16 enterprises in processing seafood for export and nearly 30 service facilities for the fishery have made an important contribution to shifting the region’s economic structure in line with national modernisation and industrialisation.

Phu Quy Island is changing day by day with a network of electricity, a modern system of roads, schools, medical stations and tourism services.