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Tho Chau Island is another name for the Tho Chu archipelago. It is one of the most ideal tourist destinations for those who want to explore the wild nature of the Mekong Delta.
The Tho Chau Islands belong to Tho Chau commune, Phu Quoc district, Kien Giang province, Vietnam. Located more than 100 km from the center of Phu Quoc city, the islands hold a significant military position in the southwestern sea region of the country.
A view of Tho Chau Island from above.
The untouched natural beauty, the rustic charm of the trees and grasses, combined with the unique cuisine of this deserted island, are the wonderful elements of Tho Chu. This pristine and majestic island commune in the middle of the ocean is an excellent choice that you definitely shouldn't miss when visiting Phu Quoc.
Because the island is located near international shipping lanes, it holds an extremely important military position. Strict border guards are stationed there to protect the sovereignty of the nation's maritime territory. Perhaps this is why there aren't many tourist activities here. But thanks to this, Tho Chu Island has preserved its pristine, simple, and incredibly peaceful beauty.
The pristine white sand beaches, the breathtaking coral reefs, and the winding roads through primeval forests clinging to the cliffs… will enchant anyone from the moment they set foot on Tho Chu Island.
Hon Cao Island, home to beautiful coral reefs.
On Tho Chau Island, you can visit places like Bai Ngu, Bai Dong, Bai Nhat, Bai Mun, Tho Chau Temple, Chua Dao Temple, the Sovereignty Marker, Tho Chau Lighthouse, Hon Xanh, Hon Cao… you'll surely fill your phone's memory with photos because of the scenery here.
Additionally, visitors can travel along the road connecting the islands, explore the primeval forest, go scuba diving to admire the coral reefs, or participate in the daily fishing activities of the local fishermen.
Riding a motorbike through the forest on the island will be an unforgettable experience when visiting Tho Chau. At noon or in the evening, visitors can ask to go to the fishermen's seafood farms. These farms have grouper, snapper, mantis shrimp, and many other types of seafood that you can buy on the farms or ask the locals to buy and prepare for you. Fishing, eating seafood, and swimming at the farms is a memorable experience for your trip to Tho Chau. Alternatively, you can rent a boat to go squid and fish fishing for a more exciting experience.
When mentioning journeys to explore the pristine islands of Kien Giang, one cannot overlook the unique experiences offered by Tho Chu Island – a paradise island at the edge of the waves.
The weather in Tho Chau is divided into two distinct seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. According to locals, the best time to visit Tho Chau is from November to April of the following year. During this period, the weather is mild, the wind is calm, and the sea is tranquil, making it ideal for sightseeing. Visitors will be immersed in the majestic yet peaceful scenery, a serene and tranquil landscape like a surreal painting.
In addition, when exploring Phu Quoc's "hidden gem," tourists should note a few things. Tho Chau Island is a strategically important military location, so visitors need to prepare necessary documents such as a border guard residence permit before arriving. Some destinations are off-limits to visitors, so you should check carefully before going. If you want to stay overnight, camp, or have a BBQ on the beach, you need permission from the border guard unit in charge. Furthermore, Viettel SIM cards do not have 3G/4G coverage on the island; visitors should switch to a Vinaphone or Mobilephone SIM card to access the internet.
Groups of more than 10 people often find it difficult to obtain permits to visit the island. Therefore, carefully consider the number of people traveling and pay close attention to the signs and regulations.
On Tho Chau Island, you can admire colorful coral reefs, watch fish swimming freely, enjoy hot seafood, or climb the lighthouse to get a panoramic view of the beautiful island.
To get here, visitors must take a ferry from Phu Quoc Island. From September 7th, the Superdong ferry service will operate once a week from Bai Vong Port (Phu Quoc) to Tho Chau. This ferry will replace the Tho Chau 09 – Phu Quoc ferry currently operating on the route, which is undergoing its annual routine technical inspection.
The Superdong ferry service will operate once a week, scheduled to depart from Bai Vong Port to Tho Chau at 11:00 AM and return to Bai Vong Port from Tho Chau at 7:00 AM the following day.
The Superdong vessel will replace the Tho Chau 09 vessel on the Phu Quoc - Tho Chau route.
The estimated travel time is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, with a ticket price of 55,000 VND. Ticket sales for the Phu Quoc to Tho Chau Island route will be open from September 7th to November 24th, 2022, and may be extended depending on technical inspection time.
