Phu Quy Island of Binh Thuan province, one of the coastal islands, is located about 120 kilometres southeast of Phan Thiet city, with an area of 16 square kilometres. This is a frontier and outpost area of the country, with an important strategic position in terms of national defence and security as well as marine economic development, which belongs to the common defence posture of the South Central region, southern provinces and the whole country.
The island’s terrain is mainly hilly, with the vestiges of inactive volcanic craters. Typically, on the top of Cao Cat Mountain, there are sedimentary rock formations produced by lava eruptions, which create rare and spectacular shapes. Marine terraces here range from 02m to 04m high, forming many sandy beaches, sand dunes, beautiful, wild and attractive beaches, such as: Doi Dua, Nho Ganh Hang, Mo Thay, Trieu Duong Bay. Climate on the island is mild and cool all year round. Its adjacent waters are rich in seafood with many rare species, such as: lobster, sea cucumber, precious snails, etc.
Vestiges found on the island reveal that Phu Quy was discovered very early. This is evidenced by large graves containing buried labour tools, such as axes, bats and stone bracelets, with very fine workmanship. At the same time, this is also the convergence of many migration flows from the mainland with many different ethnic groups, in which Kinh people were the majority. Currently, Phu Quy is an island district, consisting of 3 communes: Long Hai, Ngu Phung and Tam Thanh. Linh Quang Pagoda on the island - a national historical relic, was built in the eighth Canh Hung period, which is now more than 250 years old. In addition, the island is also home to other provincial historical relics, such as Van An Thanh, the temple of Ngoc Lord, Van Thuong Hai and Trieu Duong village communal house, which still keeps some precious worship materials, such as: bronze incensory, bronze bell, diaphragm, couplets written in Chinese Nom.
In recent years, thanks to the efforts of the Party Committee, local authorities and people with the support of Binh Thuan province and the Central Government, Phu Quy is undergoing rapid changes. The fishing industry supported with modern and efficient fishing means has contributed to improving people's income. In addition, the island is also known for its great potential for marine ecotourism development thanks to its fresh climate and clear blue sea. In particular, there are different types of coral reefs with high coverage surrounding the island. This is an attractive destination for sightseeing, marine tourism, sports, fishing.
In the coming time, on the basis of continuing to thoroughly grasp, seriously and effectively implement Resolution No. 36-NQ/TW, dated October 22, 2018 of the Party Central Committee (12th tenure) on the Strategy for the sustainable development of Vietnam's marine economy to 2030, with a vision to 2045 and the overall socio-economic development of Binh Thuan province, Phu Quy will focus its development in the direction of opening up, integration, with a long-term vision and appropriate steps in order to effectively exploit resources, bring into play the advantages and potentials of of the locality; build and develop tourist products, meeting the diverse needs of tourists, while ensuring its attractiveness and sustainability. Thanks to its advantages, inherent potential and suitable solutions, the island's socio-economic development is constantly being developed, the people's life has been gradually improved, and national defence and security have been consolidated, contributing to the protection of marine resources, fishing grounds and national sovereignty at sea, worthy of a "frontier hedge" in the South Central Sea.
CAO VUONG