An Thoi

An Thoi. It is a ward and the southernmost administrative area of Phu Quoc city, within Kien Giang province, Vietnam. Situated on the southern tip of Phu Quoc Island, it serves as a crucial maritime gateway and a historical focal point for the region. The area is known for its archipelagic character, vibrant port activity, and growing significance in the island's tourism and fishing industries.

Geography

An Thoi is defined by its coastal and insular geography at the southern extremity of Phu Quoc Island, overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. The ward encompasses the main settlement area as well as the An Thoi Archipelago, a chain of 15 islands including Hon Thom, Hon Dua, and Hon May Rut. Its terrain features a mix of rocky headlands, sandy beaches like Bai Sao, and sheltered bays that form natural harbors. The surrounding waters are part of the larger Phu Quoc Marine Protected Area, known for coral reefs and diverse marine life. Proximity to maritime routes and the Cambodian coast has historically shaped its strategic and economic importance.

History

The area has long been a site for maritime activity, with historical records indicating its use by Khmer and later Vietnamese settlers. During the First Indochina War, the islands were a strategic location. Its most significant historical role came during the Vietnam War, when the United States Navy and Republic of Vietnam Navy operated from here, and the South Vietnamese government maintained the notorious Phu Quoc Prison on the island, a facility later used by the Viet Cong. Following the Fall of Saigon in 1975, the area was integrated into unified Vietnam. Development accelerated after Doi Moi economic reforms and the formal establishment of Phu Quoc as a special economic and tourist zone.

Economy

The local economy is a dynamic blend of traditional maritime industries and modern tourism. It remains a major fishing hub, with the An Thoi Port serving as a key landing and processing center for catches from the Gulf of Thailand, supplying markets in Ho Chi Minh City and beyond. Aquaculture, particularly pearl farming, is practiced in the archipelago's waters. Tourism has become the dominant sector, driven by attractions like the Hon Thom Nature Park and the Phu Quoc Cable Car, one of the world's longest over-sea cable cars connecting to Hon Thom. The ward hosts numerous resorts, seafood restaurants, and serves as a departure point for snorkeling and diving tours to the outlying islands.

Transport

Maritime transport is fundamental, with An Thoi Port functioning as a major ferry terminal for connections to the mainland, including routes to Rach Gia and Ha Tien on the Mekong Delta. The port also handles cargo and is a base for the local fishing fleet. The Phu Quoc Cable Car provides a unique tourist link to the southern islands. Road transport connects the ward to the island's main centers like Duong Dong via the trans-island highway, with bus and taxi services readily available. The proximity to the Phu Quoc International Airport facilitates access for international and domestic tourists.

Administration

An Thoi is organized as a ward, the lowest-level urban administrative unit in Vietnam, under the direct governance of Phu Quoc city. The city itself is a provincial municipality under the administration of Kien Giang province. The ward's administration manages local infrastructure, public services, and implements policies set by the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Government of Vietnam. Its unique status within the special administrative-economic zone of Phu Quoc grants it certain developmental priorities focused on tourism, environmental conservation, and maritime security, often involving coordination with national bodies like the Vietnam People's Navy and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Category:Phu Quoc Category:Wards of Vietnam Category:Port cities and towns in Vietnam