Phu Quoc is not only famous for its clear blue beaches, white sand, and golden sunshine, but it is also a place that preserves heroic memories at Phu Quoc Prison (also known as Cay Dua Prison) – where over 4,000 stalwart revolutionary soldiers sacrificed their lives in the struggle for independence.
From these heroic historical memories, Phu Quoc today has become a vibrant “Pearl Island”, with modern infrastructure, world-class tourist areas, and harmoniously designed landscapes. Towards the APEC 2027 High-Level Week APEC 2027, Phu Quoc not only affirms its position as an economic - tourism - international integration center but also demonstrates the connection between a heroic past and a strong present development, opening a sustainable and vibrant journey for this island.
Story of Cay Dua Prison
Phu Quoc Prison, also known as Cay Dua Prison, is located in An Thoi ward, Phu Quoc (An Giang). The prison was built in 1953 and operated until around 1973.
Phu Quoc Prison has a total area of about 400 hectares, divided into many areas and sub-areas. During its peak, it held up to 40,000 prisoners. The entire prison was strictly guarded with nearly 10 layers of barbed wire fences, surrounded by 4 guard towers in each sub-area continuously watching 24/24 hours along with 10 mobile guard towers, creating complete isolation from the outside. Here, about 4,000 stalwart revolutionary soldiers sacrificed their lives, demonstrating the arduous struggle and indomitable spirit of our people in the fight against the French colonialists and American imperialists.
Phu Quoc Prison has a total area of about 400 hectares, divided into many areas and sub-areas. (Photo: Huong Mai)
Although time has passed, the memory of Phu Quoc prison remains. To honor the indomitable spirit in the struggle for independence and remember the loyal revolutionary soldiers, in 1995, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism recognized Phu Quoc prison as a national historical relic site.
Today, Phu Quoc not only preserves the heroic memories of Cay Dua Prison but is also gradually transforming, becoming a vibrant "Pearl Island" with strong changes in economy, tourism, and culture. The heroic past and dynamic present of the Pearl Island blend together, opening a new chapter in the development and transformation of this island.
The Transformation of the "Pearl Island"
From July 1, 2025, Phu Quoc will become one of three special economic zones directly under An Giang province after the merger of Kien Giang and An Giang. Accordingly, the Phu Quoc special zone has a total area of over 589 km2, including the entire natural area and population size of the 2 wards Duong Dong, An Thoi and 6 communes Duong To, Ham Ninh, Cua Duong, Bai Thom, Ganh Dau, Cua Can of the former Phu Quoc city.
Established as a special administrative-economic unit, Phu Quoc special zone plays a strategic role in many fields: it is a marine economic center, a driver for tourism development, a strong attraction for foreign investment, and also an important international trade gateway for the Mekong Delta region. With a synchronized infrastructure system including an international airport, seaport, and inter-regional transportation network, Phu Quoc promises to be a key connection point between Vietnam and ASEAN, and major economic centers worldwide.
Becoming a special zone allows Phu Quoc to apply breakthrough policy mechanisms in investment, finance, and administration, thereby promoting rapid, sustainable, and comprehensive development. The province aims to develop Phu Quoc into a marine economic center, a smart city, and sustainable ecological tourism; strengthening international integration, attracting high-quality investment resources; while preserving the ecological environment and local culture during the development process.
Phu Quoc becomes one of three special economic zones directly under An Giang province. (Photo: Collected)
Priority sectors include green tourism development, marine logistics services, high technology, financial services; investment in completing the international airport, upgrading seaports, expanding urban transportation and telecommunications infrastructure; linking high-quality human resource training; green space planning, waste management, renewable energy development, and building a special legal framework for the special economic zone model.
Phu Quoc, once an island famous for its blue seas, white sands, and golden sun, is undergoing a spectacular transformation. Today, the 'Pearl Island' is not just a resort destination but also a hub for world-class tourist experiences, where modern architecture blends with nature, offering a romantic and unique beauty.
Phu Quoc now stands out with artistic iconic structures. Sun Group's Kiss Bridge has become a new highlight, an ideal spot to watch the most beautiful sunset in Vietnam; Sunset Town, with its streets and buildings harmonizing with the seascape, makes everyone want to stop and take a 'check-in' photo...
Visitors can also enjoy many special experiences unique to Phu Quoc, such as the Hon Thom cable car – the world's longest 3-wire cable car, offering vast views between sea and sky; Sun World Hon Thom - an attractive destination, providing fun and exciting entertainment experiences for all visitors; Phu Quoc is also brought to life by iconic art shows like the Kiss of the Sea - one of the world's largest-scale multimedia shows.
Sunset Town is famous for its harmonious roads and buildings with the sea, making everyone want to stop for a "check-in" photo (Photo: Collection)
The transformation of Ngoc Island (Pearl Island) is also clearly reflected in its tourism infrastructure and services. Seaports, airports, high-class resorts, and modern entertainment complexes have appeared one after another, making travel convenient and the tourism experience more complete. In particular, all constructions are designed to harmonize with the natural landscape, from long sandy beaches to lush coconut groves, creating a modern feel while preserving the island's natural charm.
These changes not only make Phu Quoc more beautiful and convenient but also elevate the experience for tourists. An island that was once peaceful has now become a vibrant tourist destination, where nature and architecture intersect, where relaxation combines with entertainment, and where every moment is a memorable experience. Thanks to this, Phu Quoc is gradually asserting its position on the world tourism map.
Phu Quoc targets APEC 2027
Phu Quoc will become the region's focal point when it hosts the APEC 2027 High-Level Week . This is not only an honor but also a golden opportunity for Phu Quoc to break through, assert its position on the international stage, and promote sustainable development.
1. Infrastructure Development Momentum
To prepare for this significant event, Phu Quoc is accelerating investment in transportation infrastructure and key projects. Currently, An Giang province is implementing 21 important projects to serve APEC 2027, including 10 public investment projects and 11 projects under the public-private partnership (PPP) or business investment method.
Notably, on September 4, 2025, the Provincial People's Committee completed the selection and awarded investment approval decisions for 3 out of 11 large PPP projects implemented by Sun Group Corporation. Among them, the Phu Quoc International Airport Expansion Project with an investment of nearly 22,000 billion VND stands out; the Bai Dat Do Mixed-Use Urban Area Project including the APEC Convention Center, with a total investment of 64,000 billion VND; and the Ong Quan Mountain Ecotourism Mixed-Use Urban Area Project, with an investment of 5,550 billion VND. These are key projects that will drive the development of international infrastructure and services for Phu Quoc.
Perspective of the Phu Quoc International Airport Expansion Project. (Photo: Collected)
Another key project being focused on for implementation is the APEC Convention Center Project, with a total investment of 21,860 billion VND. This is an iconic structure serving national political - foreign affairs objectives. The project covers an area of 16.06 ha, including APEC park, an exhibition convention center, and a multi-purpose theater.
Overall perspective of the APEC Convention Center being built by Sun Group.
Besides that, other projects to be implemented in the coming time include: Provincial road DT.975, 19.26km long, with a width of 62m, at least 10 lanes, total investment of 1,632 billion VND; an urban electric train line approximately 18km long, connecting Phu Quoc International Airport to the APEC Convention Center, including 6 modern stations (1 underground, 5 above ground)… will also be deployed soon, helping to complete the urban infrastructure picture for Phu Quoc, not only serving the APEC 2027 conference but also acting as a lever for this special zone to accelerate development in the new phase.
2. Sustainable urban and tourism development
Phu Quoc is moving towards a smart, modern urban model that is still close to nature and environmentally friendly. Ngoc Island not only develops infrastructure, architecture, and tourism services but also focuses on building a civilized and convenient living space for residents and tourists. Recently, Phu Quoc launched the 'Green Ngoc Island' movement, a comprehensive initiative to improve the quality of urban life, promote environmental protection, and build Phu Quoc into a model of security, order, and urban civilization in the region.
Through this movement, activities such as tree planting, landscape improvement, waste management, upgrading transportation infrastructure, and promoting the application of smart technology in urban management are implemented synchronously. The goal is not only to beautify Ngoc Island but also to create a modern, sustainable living environment where humans and nature are in harmony, contributing to affirming Phu Quoc's position on the map of world-class tourist and resort cities.
3. Enhancing national image promotion
Vietnam hosting APEC 2027 is seen as an important opportunity for Phu Quoc not only to promote its beautiful natural landscapes but also to introduce the image of the country and people of Vietnam to the international community.
Recognizing this importance, the local government has planned for every resident on the island to act as a 'tourism ambassador', from preserving landscapes, participating in cultural activities, to guiding and assisting international visitors in their island experiences. This activity simultaneously raises community awareness about the strategic role of the event, creating a civilized and friendly environment, where every action of the people contributes to building a positive image of Phu Quoc and Vietnam.
In 2027, Phu Quoc will become the region's focal point when it hosts the APEC Leaders' Week. (Photo: Collected)
4. Promoting economic cooperation and investment
APEC 2027 will be a bridge for Phu Quoc to attract investment from major economies in the region. Priority sectors include tourism, technology, finance, and real estate. According to Dr. Tran Dinh Thien - Former Director of the Vietnam Institute of Economics, after APEC 2027 , Phu Quoc will enter a completely different development phase, becoming a global city.
From the glorious days marked at Phu Quoc Prison Camp to the vibrant image of a 'Pearl Island' today, Phu Quoc has been and continues to write its own story. The island not only preserves historical memories but also transforms powerfully, blending nature, modern architecture, and world-class tourism experiences. Towards APEC 2027 , Phu Quoc not only affirms its position as an economic – tourism – international integration center but also demonstrates the ability to turn challenges into opportunities, allowing the past, present, and future to together create a sustainable and vibrant development journey.
