Phu Quoc (pronounced Phu Cok) also goes by the nickname 'Pearl Island' due to the extensive pearl cultivation in the waters surrounding the island.
About Phu Quoc
Located in the Gulf of Thailand in Kien Giang Province, Phu Quoc is Vietnam's largest island. The island is 31 miles (50 km) long from north to south and 16 miles (25 km) from east to west.
Phu Quoc has a population of just over 100,000 residents spread out over 222 square miles (574 square kilometres).
The island is famous locally for its fish sauce and black pepper production but, more recently, has also become known internationally for its pearl farms.
Tourism is another significant contributor to Phu Quoc's economy. In 2018, 7.6 million people visited Kien Giang province, 580,000 of whom were foreigners.
With massive development underway across the island, expect to see exponential growth in the coming years!
Phu Quoc also forms part of the Kien Giang Biosphere Reserve, which was recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve in 2006. The Kien Giang Biosphere Reserve includes 105 islands over an area of 1,188,105 hectares.
The Phu Quoc National Park covers a large part of the island with lush tropical forests and a total of 929 plant species.