White sand beaches, cable car, and gateway to the An Thoi Archipelago
An Thoi, Phú Quốc
Historically, An Thoi is famous for its prison concentration camp nicknamed the “Coconut Tree Prison” which was often referred to as “hell on earth” for generations. The prison was built by the French and expanded by the Americans during the Vietnam/American war. Today An Thoi is booming and famous for its white sand beaches (Sao Beach and Khem Beach) numerous coral reefs, commercial fishing industry, fish sauce factories, and its port. The islands naval base is also located here. There are a few hotels, cafes, a large church, a market, and even a small hospital.
Thị Trấn An Thới
An Thoi (TT. An Thới) is considered the crown jewel of Phu Quoc’s tourism industry and it is the island districts second largest town. Located in the southern most tip of the main island, An Thoi Town is blessed with numerous beaches, historical sights, luxury beach resorts, and a coral fringed island archipelago. By one estimate, more than 80 percent of visitors to Phu Quoc visit An Thoi during their trip. It’s not hard to imagine why, with immediate access to world-class fishing, snorkeling, and diving; contact with hospitable Vietnamese islanders and fellow travelers from around the world and an amazing selection of unique accommodations from which to choose from.
Then, of course, there’s that tropical island feeling — white sugary sand beaches, swaying palm trees, rum punches, island hopping boat trips, clear turquoise ocean, and long, easy island time. Historically, An Thoi is famous for its prison concentration camp nicknamed the “Coconut Tree Prison” which was often referred to as “hell on earth” for generations. The prison was built by the French and expanded by the Americans during the Vietnam/American war.
Planning Your Time
Some people spend their entire vacation in one of the few beach resorts found in the region. Most, however, quickly pass through. The An Thoi region certainly doesn’t require much of your time as most of the attractions are near each other. Day trips from other regions are popular however if you have some time, it is highly recommended that you spend half a day visiting the various islands that make up the An Thoi archipelago.
Regions
An Thoi Town
The port town of An Thoi is located at the southern tip of Phu Quoc and it is the gateway to Phu Quoc’s white sand beach as well as the Phu Quoc Marine Park. An Thoi is the the second largest town on Phu Quoc.
An Thoi International Port
An Thoi Port in southern Kien Giang’s Phu Quoc Island District is an international seaport with the capacity to handle 500,000 to 700,000 tonnes and 360,000 passengers annually. It has two quays: one that can berth ships up to 3,000 tonnes and one that can handle larger ships of up to 30,000 tonnes. An Thoi Port will be one of 2 duty free zones in Phu Quoc District, the other one being the Phu Quoc International Airport.
Mũi Ông Đội
Dramatic scenery frames this oceanside resort mecca, a playground of the rich and famous through the years which is also recognized as an important national cultural heritage site due a unique temple situated next to the million dollar villas. Mui Ong Doi is an area of character and charm, complemented by luxury accommodations, and the only place where you can watch both the sunset and sunrise on Phu Quoc Island.
AN THOI BEACHES
Bãi Sao
Bãi Sao is the best all around white sand beach catering to families. With calm seas and plenty of amenities, it is one of Vietnam’s most popular beach resort areas.
Bãi Kem
Covered in fine white sand and lined with palm trees Bãi Kem Beach is a more upscale beach resort area just south of Bai Sao. The vacationers live and play among themselves here. They can stroll through the resort villages and then chose from among dozens of distractions – sports, organized activities and entertainment outings. Many of these things are included in the lump-sum price paid before leaving home.
Bai Dat Do
Bai Dat Do Beach is a wild beach located in the south-eastern section of the of the main island of Phu Quoc in An Thoi Commune. Dat Do Beach is an interesting beach on Phu Quoc and it is currently not developed for tourism. The local people leverage Bai Dat Do as a place to dry anchovies and to enjoy the beach life during the sunrise and sunset hours.
Bai Xep
Urban beach just south of Bai Truong. At the northern section of the beach you will find the Phu Quoc Cable Car departure terminal.
Bãi Ông Đội
A gorgeous beach with coarse white sand and greenish blue sea. Bai Ong Doi is part of the historic Mui Ong Doi cape which is home to a luxury beach resorts as well as the Gieng Ngu Temple (Kings Well).
SEE & DO
Phu Quoc Prison
Once a brutal prison complex the Phu Quoc Prison is now a cultural heritage site that preserves the islands dark history and sins of war.
Kings Well
Giang Tien historical well and temple.
An Thoi Church
The only Christian church on the island.
An Thoi Archipelago
The An Thoi Archipelago (Phu Quoc Marine Park) lies off the southern tip of the island just off the coast of An Thoi Town, Phu Quoc Districts second largest town. It occupies an area of 38 square miles and consists of 15 islands. The most popular tourist activity are snorkeling, diving, and fishing
Phu Quoc Cable Car
The majestic Phu Quoc Cable Car begins its 8 km journey to Hon Thom Island, passing over Hon Dua and Hon Roi Islands, right here in An Thoi.
Sung Duc Pagoda
Buddhist Temple close to An Thoi Port.
