Trash is piled high on two beaches in Phu Quoc, tourists are afraid to swim.

Tourists and locals clean up trash at Khem beach on January 1st. Photo : Elena .

In early January, Khem Beach, one of Phu Quoc's most famous beaches, was covered in water hyacinths and washed-up trash.

On the morning of January 2nd, Elena, a Russian tourist staying in a villa near the area, said she hadn't been able to swim in the sea for almost 10 days because the beach was "covered in trash, mostly water hyacinths." Despite being warned that this time of year is typical for trash, the actual scene still shocked the tourist.

Elena witnessed many European tourists and locals participating in cleaning up trash along the beach. However, according to her, this effort is not enough to restore the pristine blue waters of Kem Beach.

"I love this island, the beaches are beautiful, but unfortunately there's too much trash. Even so, I'll definitely come back next time," Elena shared.

Trash and water hyacinths drifted close to the shore of Sao Beach on January 2nd.

Not only Russian tourists, but many international visitors to Kem Beach since the end of December 2025 have also expressed disappointment at the thick layer of trash along the coastline. Although some resorts have organized cleanup efforts, these activities mainly take place in the areas in front of the resorts, while other sections of the beach are almost completely neglected.

Furthermore, a similar situation was observed at Sao Beach – a beach that frequently appears on lists of the most beautiful beaches in Phu Quoc.

On the morning of January 2nd, many tourists reported seeing thick layers of water hyacinth floating on the sand. One foreign tourist said that instead of relaxing and sunbathing, he witnessed environmental workers busily collecting trash throughout the morning.

Representatives from the Phu Quoc Department of Agriculture and Environment confirmed that the phenomenon of garbage and water hyacinths drifting from the mainland into the sea is an annual occurrence. According to the department, water hyacinths are typically carried by currents from rivers and canals to the sea, then pushed back to shore by tides, especially in areas near large river mouths and after the rainy season. Authorities stated that they are aware of the situation and are implementing remedial measures.

Previously, in May 2025, Bai Sau beach in Vung Tau (now part of Ho Chi Minh City) also faced a large-scale problem of floating water hyacinths and waste.

Bai Kem and Bai Sao beaches have long been considered "symbols" of Phu Quoc tourism , famous for their fine white sand and turquoise waters. The reality of trash covering these two most beautiful beaches on the island not only directly affects the tourist experience but also poses a long-term challenge for environmental management.

Source: https://znews.vn/rac-day-dac-2-bai-bien-phu-quoc-khach-khong-dam-tam-post1616507.html