Issue#2 2025

TRAVEL DIARY

IN THE ISLAND OF DREAMS I have fallen in love with Phu Quoc which is off the coast of the Southern province of Kien Giang, Vietnam, hundreds of times. From the moment you look out of the window as you prepare to land on the island, its unique shape in the middle of an endless emerald-green bay and until the last moment of its magical sunsets, it is impossible not to be swept away. Each time it brings different feelings and impressions about its stunning landscapes, distinctive culture, and long-standing history through war and peace, the island and its hospitable residents welcome tourists from every corner of the world with the hope and dreams of a beautiful tomorrow. From a deserted land that once belonged to Chenla or Khmer Empire, Phu Quoc was discovered and developed by a Chinese businessman named Mo Jiu (or “Mac Cuu” in Vietnamese) and his family in the 17 th century. The island in the 18th century became the most prosperous land within the Thailand Gulf under the reign of Lord Nguyen of Vietnam.

Where Magic Happens Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s biggest island, as well as the largest island in the Thailand Gulf. Locally named “The island of 99 mountains”, Phu Quoc is composed of an immense primitive forest from North to South, which is home to diversified flora and fauna. A trip to discover Phu Quoc National Park which is located to the north of the island will give tourists a close-up of the more than 30 kinds of animals, 200 bird species and 50 reptiles, many of which are listed in the world’s and Vietnam’s Red Data Book for animals threatened with extinction. Furthermore, there are over 1,000 kinds of plants and 80 other types of orchids. Three of these orchids, which are respectively named Venus slipper, The Beautiful Leaf Malaxis and Pauper orchid are only found here. Among the wealth of natural resources on the island, Phu Quoc has over 20 stunning beaches with a uniqueness and diversity of locations to win the hearts of any tourists at first sight. Kem Beach to the south of Phu Quoc has its amazingly soft white sands like ice cream which also defines its name, combined with the crystal clear and emerald green of the sea’s water. In the meantime, Long Beach which is known as the longest beach on the island for its length of over 20km running from downtown Phu Quoc to the north side, has silky gold sand linked with rows of stones, trees and fishing villages. The pristine Ganh Dau Beach which is located to the north of Phu Quoc is ideal for its privacy and exclusiveness. Especially, tourists should not miss a chance to admire hundreds of starfish along this stunning beach. Along the South, those who are passionate about marine sports will find it difficult to ignore the 12 significant islets in the An Thoi archipelago including Hon Thom, Hon Mong Tay, Hon Gam Ghi, Hon May Rut, which are the ideal places for yachting, fishing, scuba diving, and exploring exotic island experiences. In particular, Hon Mong Tay (Fingernail Islet) is a remarkable spot as it is called the Little Maldives of Vietnam. The sea here is crystal clear so you can easily see the coral reefs with unique shapes and extremely vivid colors below. To the North of the island, visitors can come to the fishing villages of Rach Vem, Bai Thom, and Hon Mot, among others which are famous for their hidden, magnificent beauty with many fascinating secrets to be discovered. After observing all the compelling forests and seascapes, brace yourself for one of the most sensational experiences in Phu Quoc – admiring the sunset over the ocean. The sun gradually changes its color from reddish-orange to brownish yellow then covers the whole beautiful sky and sea with a purple tone. I feel like time stops when observing the full view of sunset on Bai Dai (Dai Beach) from the rooftop Fu Bar of Regent Phu Quoc, during a memorable trip back in May 2022. A breathtaking scene that only exists in a postcard or movie for real!