Phu Quoc, Vietnam's biggest island, has a diverse terrain with mountains, forests, a plane and many kinds of beaches.

A basket boat and many others along the shore of Phu Quoc.

The island in the Gulf of Thailand, belonging to Kien Giang Province, has about 100 mountains, some of which are more than 550 meters high.

Forests cover a big area, and the jungle has many precious hardwood trees. Next to the jungle is a cinnamon tree forest.

From Saigon, tourists can get to the island's Duong Dong Town by plane. They can also go there by boat from Rach Gia or Ha Tien, two towns of Kien Giang. Another option, Ben Thanh Tourist's tour, also takes you straight there. The travel agency offers the three-day trip for VND2.64mil a person.

An excursion around Phu Quoc to visit some famous sites, such as Dinh Cau, or Cau Temple, with the lion stone statue. Kem Islet, Dua Islet and Kem Beach, will be worth your while.

At many of these sites, you can see wild animals and plants. The sapphire-colored sea water is so clean, and the marine life at many of the island's southern beaches is fantastic.

So it is an ideal idea to go diving to discover the colorful coral reefs and thousands of fishes. Swimming at Hang Duong Beach and then eating fresh seafood are other special joys.

Nam Dao, or South Island, also has superb sunset, especially from Sao Beach.

If you plan for a trip in the forest, you should choose Tieu Khu Tuong Forest. The sim plant, whose fruit is used to distil wines, grows there.

In addition, you can visit some vestiges of Vietnam's heroes of the past, such as Nguyen Trung Truc and Quang Trung, and those of famous kings, such as Gia Long, or of Ha Tien's founder Mac Cuu.

You also should not miss Phu Quoc Prison, where many famous and infamous people were held in the wars against French and American soldiers.

Another destination id Coi Nguon Shop. There you can learn from locals how to breed oysters to get pearls. Besides serving the oysters, a delicacy, the pearls make for wonderful materials to create souvenirs.

For an exploration of fish sauce, another specialty of Phu Quoc visitors should stop by Ham Ninh Fishing Village, home to marry kinds of seafood and the smelly sauce.

For more information, contact Ben Thanh Travel Service Center, 86 Ly Tu Trong Street, District 1, HCMC. Tel: (08) 823 8962 or 520 2020. Fax: (08) 823 7582. Email: info@benthanhtourist.com.

(Source: SGT)