Phu Quoc: Traveling during power outage season, experiences and notes

Since November 29, the incident of the 110 kV Ha Tien - Phu Quoc submarine cable has caused widespread power outages in many areas such as Duong Dong, Cua Can, Cua Duong, Ham Ninh and the entire North Island. In the midst of the peak season for international visitors, visitors to Phu Quoc may experience reduced services, rotating power outages and additional costs at accommodation establishments. Below is the actual picture from local businesses and electricity suppliers.

A resort with more than 1,000 rooms in the north of the island. Photo: Agoda

Relaxing rhythm during power outages

On the morning of December 2, Mr. Le Hong Son, owner of the Golden Coast Resort in Ganh Dau, said he had just bought an additional 1,000 liters of fuel to run the generator. Each day, fuel for the large-capacity system costs about 20 million VND. The resort maintains electricity for about 10 hours a day and announces the power outage schedule so that guests can proactively adjust their vacation schedule. However, about 40% of guests who booked in advance for the week have canceled their rooms to move to the South Island or fly to other locations.

“Fuel costs can be borne, but tour cancellations and bad experience reviews are long-term losses,” Mr. Son said.

Shortened service: fixed air conditioning, limited lighting

Unlike local power outages that only lasted a few hours, this prolonged incident forced many facilities to run generators almost 24/24, but only met 70-80% of the actual load. To adapt, resorts activated emergency energy-saving procedures: cutting down public lighting systems, setting central air conditioning to 24-25 degrees Celsius, and turning off large-consuming equipment in staff areas. Some places cut off power in areas without guests.

For small and medium-sized establishments, the difficulties are compounded. After two days of continuous operation, the generator at a resort in Duong Dong ward managed by Ms. Hoang Linh broke down due to overload. The resort was forced to rent an external generator, which only had enough power for the reception and wifi; in the evening, guests used rechargeable lamps or candles. Ms. Linh proactively refunded 100% of the money to departing guests and waived all services for those staying.

Resort in Duong Dong ward lost power while generator was only enough to supply electricity to the reception area and restaurant. Photo: Hoang Linh

Costs go up during peak season

In large resorts, the damage is measured in billions. Ms. Le Thi Hai Chau, manager of a 5-star resort chain in the North Island, said that on average, a 300-room facility spends about 1.5 billion VND on grid electricity each month. When switching to diesel generators, the cost doubles, even triples, ranging from 2.8 to 3 billion VND. In just the first three days of the incident, a resort in the system spent 200 million VND on fuel.

Mr. Ha Tuan Minh, Director of Winner Phu Quoc International Travel Company, said that operating costs are currently five times higher than normal. The unstable voltage problem when switching between the grid and the generator also causes damage to many expensive electronic devices.

Affected areas and recovery progress

According to the Southern Power Corporation (EVNSPC), the 110 kV Ha Tien - Phu Quoc underground cable is one of two important lines supplying electricity to the pearl island, along with the 220 kV Kien Binh - Phu Quoc line. This incident is determined to be quite complicated. An Giang Power Company has isolated the underground cable for inspection, mobilized human resources, specialized equipment and regulated the load, prioritizing power supply to the central area and important infrastructure. Full restoration will take more time.

Useful information for tourists

This is the peak season for international visitors; some resorts are fully booked. We have seen guests cancel their bookings to move to the South Island or other destinations.
Some establishments maintain electricity for about 10 hours/day; many places reduce lighting, set air conditioning at 24-25 degrees Celsius, and can cut off electricity in areas with few customers.
Some small hotels and homestays have difficulty maintaining generators, so they only prioritize power supply for the reception and restaurant; rechargeable lamps or candles can be used at night.
Many resorts are communicating power outage schedules to guests; guests can request this schedule from their accommodation upon check-in.

Market developments and business feedback

Many businesses have suggested that in addition to troubleshooting, there should be a mechanism for compensation or adequate support for the affected units. In the long term, some investors are considering rooftop solar power systems to partially self-sufficient in electricity and reduce risks.

Mr. Tuan Minh, representative of Winner Phu Quoc, owner of a resort with more than 50 rooms, said that small hotels and homestays are most heavily affected during the peak season – the main source of income of the year. “Damage is certain, but who can we complain to for compensation?” he said.

Local tourism data

According to the An Giang Department of Tourism, in 11 months, the province welcomed more than 22.7 million visitors, up 24% over the same period and exceeding the yearly plan by 8%. Of which, Phu Quoc welcomed about 7.6 million visitors, up 35% over the same period, exceeding the yearly target by nearly 5%.

Source: https://baonghean.vn/phu-quoc-du-lich-mua-mat-dien-trai-nghiem-va-luu-y-10313624.html