The ships bring "spring" to the island.
In the last month of the year, the festive atmosphere of Tet (Lunar New Year) permeates every home and alleyway. In the coastal areas of Lam Dong province, the arrival of the northeast monsoon, a "specialty" that locals call the "northern season," coincides with Tet (from November of the previous year to the end of March of the following year). Phu Quy Island, located more than 110 km from the mainland, faces significant challenges for passenger and cargo ships during the northerly monsoon season due to the strong winds and waves.
However, compared to many years ago, sea-to-shore trade is now much more convenient thanks to the modernization of waterway transportation. Passenger and cargo ships act as "shuttles," connecting the mainland and the islands. The ships carry a full range of goods, so the people of Phu Quy no longer worry about shortages of necessities, especially during the Lunar New Year.
Mr. Nguyen Van Cha (born in 1951), from Quy Thanh village, Phu Quy special zone, shared about this abundance: “More than a decade ago, my family and the local people were very worried about the necessities for Tet (Lunar New Year). The reason was that during the northeast monsoon season, the waves were big, making sea travel difficult. Meanwhile, the number of cargo ships transporting goods to and from the island was small and rudimentary. But now it's different. This is thanks to the presence of 5 passenger ships and 9 cargo ships operating on the Phu Quy - Phan Thiet route and vice versa. These include the cargo ships Tuan Tu 36, Tuan Tu 45, Thuan Tan 68, Quan Trung, and Quan Trung 02. The logistics service ships include Quoc Khang, Thuan Tan 79, and 2 oil tankers, Phu Quy and Tan Tien.”
Now, the number of passenger and cargo ships has increased, and modern investments have been made. Ships run smoothly according to schedule, so people can travel with peace of mind and don't have to worry about shortages of goods.
Mr. Nguyen Van Cha, a resident of the Phu Quy Special Economic Zone.
According to information from the People's Committee of Phu Quy Special Economic Zone, the volume of goods passing through the port in 2025 is expected to reach nearly 188,000 tons. This shows that the overall socio -economic development of the province has attracted investors in transportation and maritime transport services. This has shortened the distance between the mainland and the island. "Thanks to this improved trade, in addition to transporting goods to the island, other products such as seafood from Phu Quy fishermen can be transported to the mainland for consumption more easily," shared Mr. Nguyen Tinh, owner of a seafood warehouse in Phu Quy.
Connecting islands and the mainland
According to Nguyen Van Linh, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Phu Quy Special Economic Zone: Phu Quy currently has over 32,000 inhabitants, with approximately 195 households engaged in general merchandise businesses. During the northeast monsoon season, residents proactively increase their stockpiles of essential goods to meet their daily needs, especially during Tet (Lunar New Year). However, the local authorities are also considering proactive measures to stockpile goods in complex weather conditions, prolonged isolation, and potential shortages. This is especially true for essential food items to stabilize the market in case of bad weather, such as rice, sugar, cooking oil, and instant noodles.
Mr. Ta Tan Phat, owner of the cargo ships Thuan Tan 68 and 79 operating on the Phan Thiet - Phu Quy route, shared: “During the end of the year, ship owners still operate stably, with about one trip per week to and from Phu Quy Island and the mainland. Especially in the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year), depending on the demand for goods transportation, this may increase to one trip every two to three days, carrying about 200 tons of essential goods to meet the needs of the people on the island. The Phu Quy Port Management Board also plans to ensure sufficient vessels and adjust other vessels participating in the Phu Quy - Phan Thiet route. Simultaneously, there are plans to arrange ship schedules and increase trips to ensure timely travel and goods transportation.”
It is important to emphasize that Phu Quy is currently one of Vietnam's first 13 special administrative zones, playing a crucial role in the development of the island's maritime economy and logistics for the Spratly Islands. Besides the waterway connecting to the island, in a recent report to the Ministry of Finance , the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, Ho Van Muoi, proposed a roadmap for upgrading and constructing a dual-use airport in the Phu Quy special zone. The goal is for Phu Quy to become a logistics base, refueling and rescue point, enhancing rapid response capabilities in the southern sea region. With the airport, Phu Quy will have the opportunity to completely transform its appearance and strategic vision. The "pearl island" will no longer be dependent on a single sea route. The inherent problem of harsh weather conditions will be solved, and the brilliant development potential of the Phu Quy special zone will unfold…
That's the expectation for future connectivity, envisioned with a dual-use airport on Phu Quy Island. But for now, amidst the hustle and bustle of the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year), ships continue to sail across the vast ocean. They carry goods, bringing abundance, gradually bridging the gap between the island and the mainland, connecting us to the spring season...
The Phu Quy Special Economic Zone (Lam Dong province) was established in July 2025 based on the merger of communes from Phu Quy island district (formerly Binh Thuan province). Phu Quy has an area of 18 km² , with 10 islands of varying sizes, and occupies a strategic position in the East Sea.
Source: https://baolamdong.vn/ket-noi-dao-ngoc-phu-quy-422048.html
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