Phu Quoc Island Phu Quoc (known as Koh Tral by Cambodians) is the largest island of Vietnam. Situated in the Gulf of Thailand, the island is part of Kien Giang province. The district of Phu Quoc includes the island proper and 21 smaller islets. The district seat, Duong Dong, which is located on the west coast, is also the largest town on this island, whose total area is 574 km². Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc island lies 62 nautical miles (115 km) from Rach Gia, 15 kilometres (8.1 nmi) from Kampot province of Cambodia, and nearly 290 nautical miles (540 km) from Laem Chabang, Thailand. Roughly triangular in shape the island is 50 km long north to south and 25 km east to west in the north at its widest.
A mountainous ridge of "99 peaks" runs the length of Phu Quoc with Chua Mountain (603 m) being the tallest.
The island's monsoonal sub-equatorial climate is characterized by distinct rainy (June to November) and dry seasons (December to May). The annual rainfall is high averaging 2,879 mm. In the northern mountains up to 4,000 mm have been recorded. April and May are the hottest months with temperature reaching 35 °C. Phu Quoc is famous for its two traditional products: fish sauce and black pepper. The rich fishing grounds offshore provides the anchovy catch from which the prized sauce is made. Pepper cultivation is located inland in the center of the island. More recently a pearl farm was established.
Tourism plays an important part of the economy with the beaches being the main attraction. Phu Quoc is served by Phu Quoc Airport with air links to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)'s Tan Son Nhat Airport and Rach Gia's Rach Gia Airport. Plans are in progress for a new international airport for the island. Phu Quoc is also linked with Rach Gia and Ha Tien by fast ferry hydrofoils.
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