TOPOGRAPHY OF PHU QUOC ISLAND

When we research and develop the project of building the Emperor Cruises Phu Quoc, we did not find much information about the geology and geomorphology of this sea, we would like to synthesize it from different sources for you to have a panoramic view of the island city of Phu Quoc.

Phu Quoc Island consists of many mountains and is known as the “Island of 99 mountains”, with successive mountains stretching from North to South, the highest is Mount Chua (603m).

MOUNTAINS

Phu Quoc is the Vietnam’s largest island and the biggest island among 22 islands of Phu Quoc Archipelago, with many overlapping hills and mountains. It can be said that the mountains are the first feature of the island, also one of the beauties of Phu Quoc.

Due to the geological structure and the volcanic eruption, the hills and mountains of Phu Quoc are mostly red soil mountains combined with granite. The mountains of Phu Quoc are parallel ranges from north to south, the north is higher and lower down to the south is mountainous terrain interspersed with narrow plains with an average slope of 15 degrees, and there are branches the longest is Ham Ninh mountain range (30km), followed by Ham Rong mountain range (10km) and Bai Dai mountain range.

In addition, the northeast of the island is an area with high terrain, the highest peak is Chua mountain (603m), followed by Vo Quao mountain (478m), Ong Thay mountain (438m), Da Bac mountain (448m). Although the mountain is not very high, it is big and wide enough; the combination of geomorphology and vegetation is enough to store water to create springs in the forest that flow all year round.

Mostly, the area of ​​hills and forests accounts for 75% of the island’s area. Forest trees on the island are a large flora with about 900 species, 600 genera, 200 families. Moreover, on the mountain ranges is a very rich flora and fauna system; ancient forests, primeval forests with many precious woods.

Big wood has up to 150 species, 100 genera and about 40 families; especially, there is a type of wood that is specialized in making fish sauce containers, building boats, etc. Medicinal plants have about 60 species, 60 genera, over 40 families… have contributed to creating the majesty and uniqueness of the island.

In addition, Phu Quoc forest is also a breeding place for wild animals about 150 species, 100 genera, nearly 70 families (of which 23 species are recorded in the Red Book). Besides, there are three flora systems (Malaysia, Burma and Himalayas), creating a very rich plant genetic resource… In general, it can be said that Phu Quoc forest is creating a distinct rich nuance of the island.

PHU QUOC NATIONAL PARK

Phu Quoc National Park covers more than a half of Phu Quoc’s northern area. It is well known as an unmissable place on the island for nature lovers.

Spanning 340.000 square meters, the national park is home to various kinds of wildlife, including unique flora and fauna, evergreen forest, and lush mountain ranges. It offers visitors plenty of things to do like hiking, camping, photography, and bird watching.

For those who are deeply interested in nature, you may spot some rare species here like silver langurs, otters, slow lories, long-tailed macaques, and hornbills. On the other hand, if you are a more adventurous person, let’s try to test your endurance by a four-hour trek through the dense forest.

SYSTEM OF RIVERS AND LAKES

Phu Quoc has a very diverse system of rivers, streams and canals, which is very convenient for waterway traffic and makes the environment and landscape greener, cleaner and more beautiful, and its becomes more more attractive for tourism activities and responsible travelers. Phu Quoc has two big rivers: Duong Dong River and Cua Can River.

DUONG DONG RIVER

Duong Dong River is the largest river on Phu Quoc island, originating from the Ong Thay mountain range (in the Ham Ninh range) from the east, running around an altitude of 15km to the west at Duong Dong town next to Dinh Cau.

The river is fed by many streams in the mountains, so even though it is located in the middle of the sea, it is still a freshwater river for many months, only the estuary is affected by salt water according to the tide.

Like other rivers, there are freshwater aquatic species, especially in the upstream, of which the eel is a special fish of Phu Quoc. The Duong Dong River has no main function as traffic because the island’s inhabitants now travel mostly by road.

There is a large dune at the mouth of the river, in the winter wind season, sand is often deposited in the creek bed, so it is more difficult for boats to get in and out.

However, it is the anchorage to avoid the wind of ships. In the past, the river was also the way for residents to go deep into the island to make a living. There are fish sauce barrel houses on both sides. Going deep inside is just a dense forest, there are no houses, but the scenery is very poetic for people who enjoy the scenery.

Duong Dong is the center of Phu Quoc island city located on the banks of this river. This place was once just a residential hamlet, now it has grown quite widely and encroached on inland.

CUA CAN RIVER

The Cua Can River originates from the Cau Trang Cai River and other small canals flowing into the Ham Ninh mountain range, flows in the southwest direction, through the Forbidden forest and Cay Sao and Ba fields, and then flows into the Gulf of Thailand at Cua Can commune, with a total length of 25km. The river is so named because during the north wind season, sand often fills up and causes the river to dry up, so people call it Cua Can river.

THE POTENTIALITY OF MARITIME TOURISM

Phu Quoc has few strong winds and storms, the sea is relatively calm, and is one of the richest fishing grounds in the region in terms of seafood… From those conditions, Phu Quoc has long become a ” rendez-vous point” for people around the country to come here for economic – cultural – social exchange activities, contributing to promoting the development of Phu Quoc as it is today.

BEACH ON PHU QUOC ISLAND

Located in the middle of a sea rich in mineral resources with a 150km long coastline surrounding it, Phu Quoc’s main economic activity is also associated with the sea.

Phu Quoc sea is a warm, shallow sea with abundant food sources, so there are many marine species and the richest seafood species in Vietnam.

STREAMS ON PHU QUOC ISLAND

The topography of Phu Quoc island is quite complex and is divided by many rivers, streams, hills and beaches. This feature makes it difficult to organize the transport system and technical infrastructure, but it creates a lively, beautiful and attractive landscape with areas that can be exploited for tourism.

Coastal white sand beaches around the island such as Dai beach, Sao beach, Kem beach, rocky islands and sandy beaches in the South of the island, hilly areas create landscape conditions for sports tourism development, visiting areas rare plants and animals. Attractive landscapes such as streams and waterfalls such as Tranh stream, Da Ban stream, Tien stream which are more beautiful in the raining seasons from July to September because they have more waters.

And some areas can exploit the construction of seaports to serve the transport of goods and passengers. In addition, with the existing natural mountain position, it is possible to build artificial reservoirs to provide water for agricultural production, services, urban areas and residents, and to add new landscapes for recreational and tourism activities.