Vietnam - Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Northern Thailand - page 324

of resorts lining Long Beach, it's still largely undeveloped. Dive the reefs, kayak bays, ex-
plore back roads by motorbike - or live the life of a lotus eater by lounging on the beach,
indulging in a massage and dining on fresh seafood.
Despite increasing development (including a new international airport), close to 70% of
the island is protected as Phu Quoc National Park.
Phu Quoc's wet season is from July to November; the peak season for tourism is
between December and March.

Sights & Activities

Deserted white-sand beaches form a ring around Phu Quoc.

Duong Dong
The island's main town and chief fishing port is not that exciting, though the filthy, bust-
ling market is interesting. The old bridge in town is a great vantage point to photograph
the island's fishing fleet crammed into the narrow channel. Take a peek at Cau Castle (Dinh
Cau; Ð Bach Dang) , actually more of a temple-cum-lighthouse, built in 1937 to hon-
our Thien Hau (Tianhou), the Chinese goddess of the sea.
Phu Quoc is famous for the quality of its nuoc mam (fish sauce), and the factory Nuoc
Mam Hung Thanh ( 8-11am & 1-5pm)

TOWN

exports all over the world.

Long Beach
(Bai Truong) Long Beach is draped invitingly along the west coast from Duong Dong al-
most to An Thoi port. Development concentrates in the north near Duong Dong, where
the recliners and rattan umbrellas of the various resorts rule; like all beaches in Vietnam,
these are the only stretches that are kept clean. With its west-facing aspect, sunsets can be
stupendous.

BEACH

Sao, Khem & Vong Beaches
With white sand like powdered ivory, the delightful curve of beautiful Sao Beach (Bai Sao)
bends out alongside a sea of mineral-water clarity just a few kilometres from An Thoi, the
main shipping port at the southern tip of the island. There are a couple of beachfront res-
taurants, where you can settle into a deck chair or partake in water sports.

BEACH