Connecting the Pearl Island - Phu Quy Island

Ships bringing spring to the Island

In the final months of the year, the spirit of Tet can be felt in every home and alley. For coastal communities in Lam Dong, the arrival of the northeast monsoon - locally referred to as the “northern wind season”—coincides with the Lunar New Year, typically lasting from November to the end of March. Although Phu Quy Island lies more than 110 kilometers offshore, rough seas during this season make passenger and cargo transport challenging.

However, compared to previous years, trade and transport between the mainland and the island have become significantly more convenient thanks to the modernization of maritime transportation. Passenger and cargo vessels now operate like shuttles, connecting the mainland with the island. A wide range of goods is transported regularly, ensuring that residents of Phu Quy no longer face shortages of essential supplies, especially during Tet.

Mr. Nguyen Van Cha (born 1951), a local of Quy Thanh Hamlet in Phu Quy Special Administrative Zone, shared:
“Over a decade ago, local families were very concerned about essential supplies during Tet. During the monsoon season, rough seas made travel nearly impossible, while cargo vessels were few and outdated. Now, the situation has transformed significantly, bolstered by five passenger ships and nine cargo vessels regularly plying the Phu Quy - Phan Thiet route.”

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Today, the number of passenger and cargo vessels has increased, with more modern investments. Services now operate on stable schedules, so locals can go safely and no longer worry about shortages of goods.”

Mr. Nguyen Van Cha, local of Phu Quy Special Zone

According to the People’s Committee of Phu Quy Special Administrative Zone, the volume of goods handled through the port in 2025 reached nearly 188,000 tons. This reflects broader socio-economic development and growing investment in maritime transport services, helping to narrow the distance between the island and the mainland.
“Thanks to improved connectivity, not only can goods be brought to the island more easily, but seafood caught by Phu Quy fishermen can also be transported to the mainland more efficiently,” said Mr. Nguyen Tinh, a local seafood trader.

Strengthening island and mainland connectivity

Mr. Nguyen Van Linh, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Phu Quy Special Administrative Zone, stated that the island is home to more than 32,000 residents and around 195 general retail households. During the monsoon season, local businesses proactively increase reserves of essential goods, particularly ahead of Tet. Nevertheless, the local authorities also prepare contingency plans to address potential shortages in case of prolonged isolation due to severe weather, especially for staple items such as rice, sugar, cooking oil, and instant noodles.

Mr. Ta Tan Phat, owner of the Thuan Tan 68 and 79 cargo vessels operating on the Phan Thiet–Phu Quy route, noted that toward the end of the year, ships typically operate on a weekly schedule. During the days leading up to Tet, trips may increase to once every two or three days, transporting up to 200 tons of essential goods to meet local demand. Port authorities also coordinate vessel schedules to ensure the timely transportation of both passengers and cargo.

Notably, Phu Quy is one of Vietnam’s first 13 special administrative zones, playing a strategic role in maritime economic development and logistics support for the Truong Sa archipelago. In addition to sea transport, provincial authorities have proposed plans to develop a dual-use airport on the island, aiming to enhance logistics, refueling, and search-and-rescue capabilities in southern waters. Once completed, the airport would significantly transform Phu Quy’s development prospects, reducing its dependence on sea routes alone and mitigating weather-related constraints.

While the future air connectivity is expected soon, for now, in the bustling days before Tet, ships continue to conquer the wide ocean, carrying goods and ensuring abundance. These journeys gradually narrow the gap between island and mainland, connecting not only trade routes, but also the spirit of Spring to the island.