Being located offshore of Binh Thuan province, Phu Quy island was selected as one of the most beautiful islands in the East Sea by CNN’s readers. This place is also popular for a wide variety of fresh seafood, of which moon crab is the most valuable.
Related: Phu Quy Island Travel Guide
Moon crab always lives in coral reefs and Con Dao island, but the most is in Phu Quy island. The name “Moon” probably derives from the dark red circle similar to the moon on its carapace. The meat of moon crab is the most delicious on moon rising period. This entirely contrasts with others type of crabs. It is also possibly the reason why people gave it the name of “Moon crab”.
To prove as an expert in Phu Quy cuisine, no way better than ordering moon crab. If you ever enjoyed grilled or steamed moon crab with mixed spice salt, pepper and lemon, you will definitely never forget. Despite of the island’s specialty, moon crab is not served at every restaurant. Therefore, you have to travel to Phu Quy in right season and come to right address to taste the unique specialty of the island.
Transportation
From Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, the tourists could go to Phan Thiet city by train, bus or plane and then take a boat at Phan Thiet wharf to reach Phu Quy island. You could choose the mean-speed or slow-speed boat with running time is 3.5 hours and 8 hours. There are daily trips to Phu Quy but in rough sea season the schedule will vary depending on the weather and tides. To visit the whole island, you may rent a motorbike from the hotel and ride to every place on the island.
When to travel
Climate in Phu Quy is divided into 2 seasons: the south season starts from early June to September and the north season lasts from October to February the nex year. For this reason, you should visit Phu Quy island in summer to enjoy moon crab. This is the time that the crabs appear frequently and their meat is the especially delicious. Besides, apart from rough sea, you could travel to Phu Quy any time you want because the average temperature on the island ranges from 22oC to 28oC and year-round cool.
Meals and accommodation
Besides moon crab specialty, Phu Quy also has many delicious fresh seafood processed particularly You could enjoy the dishes at the restaurants on the island or at the houses of the inhabitants in fishing villages in Tam Thanh, Long Hai, Dong Hai, Ngu Phung.
Not many guest houses located on the island. You can find the accommodation in Ngu Phung commune with the price about VND 150.000 to VND 200.000/room/per night. The guest houses near the wharf offer the cheaper prices.
Attractions
Not only does Phu Quy have delicious seafood, it also owns many picturesque natural scenery. The fine yellow sandy beaches place every where, from Trieu Duong bay to Doi Dua beach in Ngu Phung or Ganh Hang, Doc Cai beaches.
Phu Quy island is surrounded by many small islands such as Hon Tranh, Hon Den, Hon Trung, Hon Giua, Hon Do. If possible, you should visit these islands to feel thoroughly the pristine beauty endowed by the nature.