“The Wonder in the Open Seas”: A Vision for Vietnam’s Future Marine Marvel

Developing Phu Quy Island into a Fisheries Exploitation and Logistics Services Center

Phu Quy Island, a remote island in Binh Thuan Province, is also known by the names of Co Long, Thuan Tinh, Cu Lao Khoai Xu, and Cu Lao Thu.

According to information published by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (under the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism), Phu Quy Island spans just over 18 square kilometers. Blessed by nature, the island boasts abundant resources, scenic landscapes, pristine beaches, colorful coral reefs, clusters of black rocks jutting out of the sea, and a year-round pleasant climate. It is also home to a rich fishery with a variety of rare and precious seafood specialties.

CNN Travel describes Phu Quy Island as “a place blessed by Mother Nature with abundant natural resources and stunning scenery.” They go on to say, “This tourist destination offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in beautiful beaches and colorful coral reefs while breathing in the fresh and cool air all year round. The resort here attracts many tourists by meeting the highest standards of service.”

With its untouched fishing villages, fishing traditions, pristine beaches, islands, and mountains, the island has been dubbed a “rough gem in the open sea,” an “island gem in the vast ocean,” and a “wonder in the open sea.”

Recently, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang signed Decision No. 861/QD-TTg dated August 16, 2024, approving the project to develop Phu Quy Island into a center for fisheries exploitation and logistics services, combined with search and rescue at sea.

The goal is to transform Phu Quy Island, Binh Thuan Province, into a center for fisheries exploitation and logistics services, combined with search and rescue operations at sea for the region and the country. The focus is on the rational development of each field, emphasizing offshore fishing, product preservation, and preliminary processing, as well as fisheries logistics services. The island will also serve as a center for rescue, salvage, and handling of emergencies and critical situations at sea, with the aim of increasing the income and improving the lives of fishermen while ensuring national defense and security in the sea and island areas of the nation.

By 2045, Phu Quy Island is envisioned to become a center for fisheries exploitation, logistics services, and search and rescue at sea, developing in a synchronous, comprehensive, and modern manner on par with leading logistics service centers in the region and worldwide. It will integrate and add value to fishery and marine farming products, enhance exploitation efficiency, ensure safety for people and vehicles engaged in exploitation, farming, and transportation at sea, and safeguard national defense and security in the sea and island areas of Vietnam.

The Boom in Phu Quy’s Tourism

In recent times, Phu Quy Island has become a popular tourist destination for both domestic and international travelers. During favorable weather conditions, especially on holidays, the number of tourists to the area surges significantly.

Currently, about four high-speed boats make daily trips from Phan Thiet to Phu Quy Island, carrying hundreds of passengers. On weekends, most boats are fully booked, and extra trips are often added. On average, the island welcomes approximately 1,000 visitors per day.

According to the People’s Committee of Phu Quy Island, the number of tourists visiting Phu Quy in 2023 exceeded the 2025 tourism plan by 114,000 visitors, which is 3.5 times the target. Compared to the 2030 plan, it exceeded the target by 85,000 visitors, which is more than double the goal.

In the first two months of 2024 alone, Phu Quy welcomed over 16,000 visitors, a 36% increase compared to the same period last year. In March 2024, when the sea was calm and the waves were gentle, the number of tourists surged, with an estimated monthly total of nearly 17,200. For the first quarter of the year, the island district is estimated to have welcomed more than 23,780 visitors, an increase of over 13,830 compared to the same period in 2023.

While tourism to the island is booming, the infrastructure to support it is struggling to keep up. As of 2023, the entire island had only 60 hotels and guesthouses and 97 homestays, accommodating more than 2,000 guests per day.

Additionally, issues such as electricity, water supply, and waste management are pressing concerns. The island district lacks a wastewater treatment system, and the water supply for daily use and production is entirely sourced from groundwater. The four units responsible for water extraction and supply are struggling to meet the increasing demand.

Phu Quy relies on a standalone power grid that runs on diesel and wind energy, resulting in high costs. Furthermore, the island’s waste treatment capacity has not kept up with the design specifications, leading to an accumulation of unprocessed waste…