From hell to hidden gem
A former prison-island in Vietnam has transformed into an enchanting holiday destination
Nearly 40 years after national reunification in April 30, 1975, Phu Quoc has turned from colonial penal colony into a haven on earth, with beautiful beaches, fresh seafood and above all, friendly island people.
Only a 45-minute trip from Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc Island can look foreboding from the air, with its mountains and dark jungles that once housed prisons noted for their savage treatment of political prisoners – both men and women.
The prisons still stand but now only open their doors to tourists. Built in 1949-50 by the French, South Vietnam’s largest prisoner camp held about 40,000 prisoners in 1973. It was also used by the US-aided and abetted Saigon regime.
But along with its dark history, the island has some dazzling traits, such as the immaculate white beaches and verdant forests that draw thousands of tourists each year to its shores. In 2011, more than 85,000 visitors, half of them foreigners, landed on the island.
Under a government plan, the island aims to attract 2-3 million visitors annually by 2020, with foreign tourists the main target.
Its virgin forest of 37,000 hectares, white sandy beaches, coral gardens and variety of wildlife make the island a promising destination.
Phu Quoc is also famed for its fish sauce, made with anchovies caught in nearby waters, and its pepper, which is cultivated inland. A pearl farm has also been established.
The government has big plans for the island, including construction of high-rise residential areas, several new towns and suburbs, and the complete rebuilding of the centre of Doong Noang town.
The new international airport south of Doong Noang was put into operation in late 2012. The main north-south road between Baoi Thom and An Thoui is being upgraded to a four-lane highway, and a new asphalt road has been completed to make the island Vietnam’s main eco-tourism destination.
With all this work going on, expect to see Phu Quoc hit the global tourism map sooner rather than later. Visitors keen for a quiet holiday in this still-unspoilt haven should make plans fast.
