Phu Quoc – from “Hell on Earth” to nation’s first island city

17/05/2021, 15:08

Once branded “Hell on Earth” for the notorious jail which witnessed the most terrifying scenes of oppression during war time before 1975, Phu Quoc island in the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang has now become the country’s first island city with tremendous economic and social development.

Wire tiger cages in Phu Quoc jail (Photo: VNA)

Before the liberation of the southern region on April 30, 1975, the US and its puppet administration in the South built Phu Quoc prison to confine Vietnamese revolutionary soldiers, who were subjected to barbaric forms of tortures such as nailing on hands, feet and even head, stabbing the burned copper wires into the skin, drilling teeth, and burning and burying alive.

The prison was used for six years between July 1967 and January 1973. During that time, 4,000 people died in the jails and thousands of those who survived were handicapped for the rest of their lives.

However, the island has risen above the pain of war, and shot to stardom as a dynamic economic zone in recent years, with local production value grew average more than 13 percent during 2015-2020.

Phu Quoc Island officially became the country’s first island city on January 1, 2021. The establishment of Phu Quoc city plays an important role in the province’s socio-economic development and in asserting the country’s sovereignty over its waters and islands.

The island has an international airport, with many foreign airlines operate both commercial and charter flights to the island.

The Government has identified Phu Quoc as one of the destinations in the country that will help revive international tourism after the COVID-19 pandemic is contained.

Blessed with white sand, turquoise beaches and balmy weather nearly year-round, with two-thirds of the island covered in tropical forests, Phu Quoc is truly a tourism paradise.

Phu Quoc is truly a tourism paradise. (Photo: VNA)

It is the largest island in the country at 590,000sq.km, almost the same size as the city-state Singapore, and is known for white-sand beaches and resorts, mostly located along its palm-lined southwestern coast.

The Phu Quoc National Park, with mountains, dense tropical jungle, hiking trails and wildlife, covers more than half of the island.

Apart from the natural beauty, tourists are also attracted by the island’s luxury resorts, golf courses, animal safari, and casinos.

The island is geographically close to other parts of Southeast Asia and near several international freight routes, and can be reached in less than two hours by air from major cities in the region.

The island has worked to facilitate economic development, and called strategic investors such as VinGroup, SunGroup, BIMgroup and CEOgroup, among others.

Chairman of the city People’s Committee Huynh Quang Hung said that investors have registered some 16 billion USD in 328 projects in the city, stressing tourism projects have cast a new look to the “pearl” island.

The city has focus resources to develop socio-economic infrastructure, several of works were completed and put into completion such as An Thoi international port, Duong Dong port and south-north highway.

According to Secretary of the island city’s Party Committee Tong Phuoc Truong, Phu Quoc envisages to become a high-end tourism and service hub, as well as a sci-tech centre of the nation and region.

The island city is working towards sustainable development in tandem with historical and cultural preservation, and national security protection, he added.

Source: VNA


Related articles

(0) Comments
Focus
Binh Thuan to introduce Cham Culture to international tourists
BTO – As the peak season for welcoming international visitors is currently triggering in Binh Thuan. The locality has organized a number of activities closely tied to local culture at accommodations to offer guests unique and memorable experiences during their stay. Alongside, distinctive tours and attractions have been also introduced and developed to several newly-opened recreational areas.
Do not miss
  • Donald Trump Officially Becomes 47th President of the United States
    15 yesterday Externat Relations
    As predicted by the media in the past hours, Donald Trump's "overwhelming" victory over Ms. Harris has officially brought him back to the White House for the 47th US President
  • Rural tourism is on the rise
    17 yesterday LANDSCAPES
    BTO- Last Saturday, I went to Cam Binh Beach (Tan Phuoc commune, La Gi town) at the Anh Chau couple's invitation. This is not the first time I have been to La Gi or Cam Binh Beach, but it has been more than 5 years since I had the chance...
  • Binh Thuan welcomes nearly 8 mln tourist arrivals
    17 yesterday Travel
    BTO - In October, Binh Thuan tourist destination has welcomed over 800,000 visitors, an increase of 2.89% compared to the previous month and nearly 15% compared to the same period in 2023. Specifically, there were about 25,900 international...
  • Binh Thuan Cuisine in the Eyes of Japanese Tourists
    19 yesterday Culture
    BTO - For the first time, a number of renowned chefs from various regions has flocked to Binh Thuan, creating a rich gastronomic space in regional identity and distinctive flavors from the coastal products of Binh Thuan.
  • Binh Thuan’s Leaders host Belarusian Consul General
    BTO - On October 24 morning, Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee, Doan Anh Dung, along with leaders of various departments and sectors, welcomed Mr. Ruslan Varankou, the Consul General of the Republic of Belarus in Ho Chi...
  • Binh Thuan no longer has "3 no" fishing vessels at the end of October 2024
    29 yesterday Business
    BTO -With great efforts from the agricultural sector as well as coordination from the locality, the registration rate of "3 no" fishing vessels in the province has reached 99% and is considered the pioneer province in Vietnam control...
  • Ta Nang - Phan Dung trekking trip and Co Thach beach
    29 yesterday LANDSCAPES
    Trekking from Ta Nang to Phan Dung and exploring Co Thach Beach are unique and exciting voyages, especially for those passionate about adventure and nature.
  • In Celebration of 29 Years of Binh Thuan Tourism (October 24, 1995 - 2024): New Era brings new opportunities to the locality
    29 yesterday Travel
    BTO - After 29 years of development, Binh Thuan’s “smokeless industry” has firmly established its brand on Vietnam’s tourism map, boasting strengths in beach resorts, unique marine sports, and rich culinary offerings.
  • Binh Thuan in thorough preparation for the Visit of the 5th EC Inspection Team
    29 yesterday Politics
    BTO - The European Commission (EC) inspection team is scheduled to visit Vietnam in early November 2024 to assess the country’s efforts in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, according to a recent report....
  • Finding flame in the dark
    one month ago Sports
    “A blind leap” and “A dark day for English football” are two of the many criticisms directed at the English Football Association (FA) after choosing Thomas Tuchel to lead the national team. The new head coach’s introduction ceremony...
  • ‏"El Pulga" was not on the list‏
    one month ago Sports
    ‏90% of football players at this age have to retire due to the rule of time; however, ‏‏ ‏‏Lionel Messi still surprises the soccer world with his super performances. But somehow, "El Pulga" was not included on the 2024 Ballon d'Or nominees...
  • The "Big Four" era has passed
    one month ago Sports
    BTO - After Carlos Alcaraz beat Jannik Sinner in the China Open final, two ATP 500 records from 2009 were reset. This breathtaking competition between two young players makes the "Big Four" become a past.
  • Farewell “Rafa”
    one month ago Sports
    BTO- Recently, Rafael Nadal officially announced his upcoming retirement after his final match at the Davis Cup in Malaga this November. Rafael's announcement left sorrows for tennis fans since the world will officially no longer witness...
  • Binh Thuan Rice: Towards the Gia An Rice Brand
    one month ago Business
    BTO - With proactive efforts in seeking new high-yield rice varieties and pioneering the application of scientific and technical advancements in production, the Gia An Agricultural Service Cooperative, located in Gia An commune, Tan...
  • Convergence of Binh Thuan Specialties at the Southern Region Exhibition
    one month ago Business
    BTO - From October 10 to 16, the 2024 Southern Region Exhibition of Typical Rural Industrial Products takes place in Phu Quoc City. The event is organized by the Local Industry Department (Ministry of Industry and Trade) in collaboration...
  • Binh Thuan heads towards digitalization for Tourism Development
    one month ago Travel
    BTO - Although Binh Thuan possesses the features to develop tourism, in the new context, these are not enough. Hence, Binh Thuan has been gradually implementing digital transformation in the province's "green economy" sector intending...
  • Nole's “nemesis”
    one month ago Sports
    BTO - The Shanghai Masters 2024 final ended with the victory of the current world No. 1. This is Sinner's second victory over Djokovic in 2024. Sinner also defeated his senior in the Australian Open semifinals this year. Although Djokovic...
  • Binh Thuan Agriculture to embrace Digital Transformation and Green Transition
    one month ago Business
    BTO - Currently, agricultural production in Vietnam, particularly in Binh Thuan, is facing direct challenges from extreme climate impacts. Therefore, it is imperative that we take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in alignment...
  • Toothless Lions
    one month ago Sports
    For the past ten years, theEnglandteam could not be completed without the name Harry Kane on the squad. Harry's presence guarantees a positive result for the "Three Lions" in every match; therefore, one day the "Three Lions" will be...
  • Stumbling the champions
    one month ago Sports
    Lionel Messi could be on the pitch (since winning the Copa America 2024) in the match against Venezuela in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in South America, which will occur at 04:00 on October 11. However, with the home advantage, Venezuela...
POWERED BY ONECMS - A PRODUCT OF NEKO
Phu Quoc – from “Hell on Earth” to nation’s first island city