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 Phuquoc Sights
All information What you need to travel to PhuQuoc - Vietnam
Accommodation | Tours | Maps | Weather | Attractions | Transport in PhuQuoc
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PhuQuoc do & don't
Sights:
Scenic views & nature
Phu Quoc Scenic views include some of the best sights that nature has to offer, from the many waterfalls to the variety of plantations on the island.
• Suoi Da Ban (waterfall)
Suoi Da Ban Waterfall on Phu QuocLocated about 6kms east of Duong Dong Town, this is a pleasant place for a swim, to cool down in the numerous rock pools and enjoy the surrounding vegetation, though we recommend you bring some mosquito repellent if you are staying around for a picnic. Suoi Da Ban is named after the many table like rock formations that make up what is actually a white water stream tumbling across large and interesting granite boulders.
To find Suoi Da Ban, take the northerly road from Duong Dong toward Bai Thom or Ganh Dau and look out for signs (turning right) to Suoi Da Ban that can be seen after about 1 or 2 kms from Duong Dong Town. Admission to the stream is 1000d, motorbike 1000d.
• Suoi Tranh (waterfall)
Suoi Tranh waterfall on Phu QuocLocated about 7kms southeast of Duong Dong Town, after a short 15 minute stroll along the shaded forest path you reach what is the islands largest string of waterfalls and rock pools, also a good place for a swim when the falls are flowing, because the stream tends to dry up before the rainy season arrives each year. The entrance to Suoi Tranh contains large concrete status, fake waterfall and large wood carved signed, though the walk to the actual waterfall is worthwhile, even to just experience the dense vegetation.
To find Suoi Tranh, take the road heading east from Duong Dong for about 7kms toward Ham Ninh Village and look out for a large wood carved sign and concrete status in what could be mistaken for an unfinished inland resort. Travel inside to the small kiosk and walk from there. Admission to the stream is 1000d and motorbike is 1000d, however this is not always enforced or collected.
• Pepper Plantations
Black Pepper Plantations on Phu QuocPhu Quoc produces over an incredible 400 tonnes of the best quality black pepper each year. You’ll find pepper plantations mostly around the central and northern parts of the island and most farmers won’t mind you stopping to take photo’s or viewing these amazing storks of pepper trees or the drying pepper. Organised tours also visit the Khu Tuong pepper gardens for a close look at the pepper gardens and cover the overall harvesting and drying process.
Pepper Plantations on Phu QuocVietnam is the leading global exporter of Black peppercorns with the best quality black pepper in Vietnam coming from Phu Quoc with big solid corns. Phu Quoc currently produces in excess of 400 tonnes of pepper every year, with the main harvesting season running from February through to July, however you can visit the farms all year round.
Peppercorn farmers have been struggling recently due to lower world pepper prices so some farmers are switching to other crops such as the Myrtle fruit for wine production which bring in more money.
• Cashew Nut Plantations
Another lesser known food that is grown in a fair abundance on Phu Quoc is the cashew nut. If you travel to the more remoter parts of the north around Bai Thom you're likely to see all the cashew nut tree with there hugh pear shaped husks when in season and the far smaller cashew nut attached at the end. Harvesting and picking the nuts is very manual intensive work, however it's interesting seeing all these trees.
• Mount Chua
Mount Chua at 603 meters is the highest mountain on Phu Quoc and forms part of the Ham Ninh sandstone chain of mountains that stretch for 30km along the eastern edge of Phu Quoc. There are plans in future to build a walking trail up to a lookout at the top of the Mount Chua. The views over the national park and the island should be excellent.
Landmark
• Dinh Cau Rock (Cau Temple)
Dinh Cau Rock on Phu Quoc IslandOne of the many attractions in Phu Quoc is Dinh Cau Rock, which is located at the mouth of the Duong Dong River. It is a combination of Buddhist temple and lighthouse that was built in 1937 as a dedication to Thien Hau (the Goddess of the sea) who provides protection for the fisherman and vessels that head out to the open waters. Climbing the steps allows a better view of many fishing boats navigating the narrow river opening, as well as views along the coast. The beachfront here also is a good place to view the sunset and local life in the evenings
• Coconut Tree Prison (Nha Lao Cay Dua Prison)
Coconut Tree Prison or Nha Lao Cay Dua Prison on Phu Quoc IslandOne of Phu Quoc historical sites which is still partially in use today is Coconut Tree Prison located about 5kms north of An Thoi Town. The prison was built by the French colonial administration before World War II and was later used by the Americans during the Vietnam War to house tens of thousands of prisoners, in its heyday covered an area of over 40 hectares housing an estimated peak of 40,000 VC prisons The Prison on Phu Quoc Islandduring the Vietnam War. Across the road from the prison there is a large commemorative monument, with plans to build a decent museum, to replace the small shed that currently exists there (open Tues - Sun 7.30am to 11am & 1.30pm to 5pm)
• War Memorial
War Memorial on Phu Quoc IslandThe War Memorial is located opposite Coconut Tree Prison as a commemorative monument to this official heritage site. It is located in the southern part of the island 5kms north of An Thoi town. It's found just beside the roadway on the hill and consists of three abstract wave forms, in which the middle wave has a human shape cut out.
• Sung Hung Pagoda
Sung Hung Pagoda on Phu QuocLocated in Duong Dong Town, visitors will experience the peaceful ambience under the old banyan tree at Sung Hung pagoda. Built in the early 20th century, this pagoda is surrounded by huge old trees. The main entrance conforms to a three-gate style (called Tam Quan).
The statue of the Goddess Quan Am Bo Tat overlooks the centre of the courtyard over a small lotus pond. In the main hall, Tam The Buddha is placed on the highest altar. On the wall is a painting depicting Monk Duong Tang's journey to the West. Behind this is the shrine that worships Gautama Buddha's ascendancy to Heaven
• Hung Long Tu Pagoda
Hung Long Tu Temple on Phu QuocHung Long Tu Pagoda was built by a well known monk named Nguyen Kim Muon (1892-1946). Located five kilometers from Duong Dong Town, this pagoda is located in a tranquil and peaceful setting, built on a rocky outcrop, the grounds contain an ornate statue of Buddha. The Pagoda is also known as the Su Muon pagoda, the architecture of the building is unique.
Activities
• DIVING & SNORKELLING
Though Nha Trang gets the biggest billing as Vietnam's best dive destination, diving opportunities also abound around Phu Quoc - but only during the dry months of November to May. The reputable Rainbow Divers has a dive centre on the island and offers a wide range of diving and snorkelling trips. Find it at Saigon-Phu Quoc Resort.
Other dive outfits are Coco Dive Center (58 Tran Hung Dao Str.,) and Vietnam Explorer ( 36 Tran Hung Dao Str.,).
• KAYAKING
There are several places to rent kayaks along Bai Sao beach, and its protected, fairly calm waters make for a smooth ride. In addition to locals who hire out boats, you can ask at either restaurant along the beach: My Lan (Tell: 84-77 990 779) and Ai Xiem (Tell: 84-77 990 510).
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