Phú Quý‎ Island is a must-see destination in Bình Thuận Province. — VNS Photo Ngọc Diệp

Ngọc Diệp

BÌNH THUẬN — With wild but peaceful landscapes, Phú Quý Island in the south-central coastal province of Bình Thuận is an ideal destination for rest and relaxation, especially for young people who love trekking.

Covering around 17sq.m, the small island has seen an increase in the number of visitors since it was voted as one of the most beautiful islands in the East Sea by readers of US news site CNN last year.

With a white sand beach, blue seawater and trees lining the beach, Triều Dương Bay is an ideal place to enjoy the peaceful scenery and beauty of the sunrise. — VNS Photo Ngọc Diệp

According to locals, the weather between December and June is the best time to visit.

Visitors can take a train or coach to the province’s Phan Thiết City and then a speedboat for about 2.5 hours to reach the island.

A view from the peak of Cấm Mountain, the highest point of Phú Quý‎ Island. — VNS Photo Ngọc Diệp

Phú Quý has a population of about 27,000, most of whom are fishermen.

The island impresses visitors with its wild scenery, beautiful beaches, knolls, hills and sand dunes.

A Buddha statue on top of Cao Cát Mountain is the best place to have a panoramic view of Phú Quý‎ Island and the sunset. — VNS Photo Ngọc Diệp

People can choose homestay services or mini hotels at prices ranging from VNĐ100,000-300,000 (US$4.3-12.8) per night.

ATM machines and internet services are available on the island.

Windmills on the island generate power for local residents. — VNS Photo Ngọc Diệp

There is no public transport, so renting a motorbike is considered the best way to explore the island. The price is about VNĐ100,000-150,00 ($4.3-6.4) per day.

People can rent a small boat to discover small islets like Tranh Islet, Đen Islet and Trứng Islet.

Local fishermen and traders are busy buying and selling seafood in the early morning. — VNS Photo Ngọc Diệp

Must-see places are the Phú Quý‎ Lighthouse on Cấm Mountain, Linh Sơn Pagoda on Cao Cát Mountain, Triều Dương Bay, Linh Bửu and Linh Quang pagodas, Ngũ Phụng stone embankment, Thầy Nại Palace, a museum displaying a gigantic skeleton of whale at Vạn An Thạnh, a wind farm and coastal floating fishing cages.

Cooking fresh seafood and enjoying them in floating houses and fish cages are interesting experiences for tourist. — VNS Photo Ngọc Diệp

The rare Huỳnh Đế crab is the top choice for visitors on Phú Quý Island. — VNS Photo Ngọc Diệp

The island welcomed about 16,500 visitors last year. — VNS