The breathtaking and tourist-favorite island of Phu Quoc will soon become Vietnam’s first island city after the National Assembly Standing Committee issued approval of the plan.
The island city will comprise the entirety of the current Phu Quoc District, which has a total population of 179, 480. It will have seven communes in two wards: Ham Ninh, Duong To, GAnh Dau, Bai Thom, Cua Duong, Cua Can and Tho Chau.
Phu Quoc, the largest island in Vietnam, has been gaining attention from foreign travelers and investors in recent years. The tropical island boasts idyllic beaches, lush forests and a serene atmosphere perfect for all kinds of travelers.
Located 45 kilometers west of Ha Tien in the far south of Vietnam, the island is also home to a UNESCO-listed national park, traditional villages and Buddhist pagodas.
With the island’s promising growth, luxury resorts and hotels have slowly sprouted along the beaches, making it a more ideal holiday destination. Its culinary scene has also become a crowd-puller, claiming to offer the best seafood in the country.
The island offers different activities – from diving to kayak or a scenic roadtrip on a motorbike to some of the hidden attractions. Adventurers may also enjoy a full-day of jungle trekking, camping and bird-watching.
For visitors wanting a more plush experience, five-star hotels such as Radisson Blu, JW Marriott and InterContinental have already gained a foothold in the area’s hospitality industry. Their exquisite suites and villas and diverse dining options have easily become well-loved by affluent local and foreign travelers.
Last year, Phu Quoc received over three million domestic and foreign visitors. The number has significantly decreased this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.
But the Vietnamese government and tourism experts earlier mentioned that the island can be the first location to be opened for leisure travel. Because the island is relatively isolated from Vietnam’s main land, possible COVID-19 cases in the area can easily be detected, traced and contained within the island.
The move was intended to get the country’s struggling tourism industry back on track. There are no specific dates yet as to when Phu Quoc will start accepting foreign tourists. Vietnam still prohibits entry to its international ports and borders.
