Phu Quy, known as one of the most beautiful islands in central Vietnam, welcomed one more passenger ship on Friday, raising the total number to six.
The ship, named Trung Trac after a female hero in the Vietnamese history, can carry 600 passengers. With a speed of 30 nautical miles an hour, it can reach the island from Phan Thiet town in two hours, both are popular tourism desinations in the south-central province of Binh Thuan.
Trung Trac is one of three operating multi-hulled watercraft for sea tourism in Vietnam, meeting European standards, said Vu Van Khuong, CEO of Phu Quoc Express JSC, the operator of the ship.
Going by sea is currently the only route to Phu Quy island. In addition to Trung Trac, five other ships are traveling to Phu Quy island, namely Phu Quy Express, Tuan Chau Express II, Phu Quy Island, Superdong Phu Quy I, and Superdong Phu Quy II. At the moment, the Phu Quy Island ship is not operational.
With a small population of about 28,000, Phu Quy island has welcomed nearly 50,000 tourists this year, including 10,000 during the recent National Reunification Day (April 30)-Labor Day (May 1). The island, 56 nautical miles away from land, is now home to 156 accommodation establishments with 1,482 beds.
The area is famous for its natural scenery with little human interference. Popular leisure activities are swimming, diving and observing coral reefs, canoeing, and others.