Local folklore on Phu Quoc tells a moving story from the turbulent years when Nguyen Ánh (later Emperor Gia Long) was fleeing the Tay Son forces. Among the many places he sought refuge, a rocky headland at the southern tip of Phu Quoc became the setting for one of the most dramatic and heroic episodes of his journey—today known as Mui Ong Doi.
The Brave Officer Who Gave His Life to Save Nguyen Ánh
According to old tales, during one desperate escape, Nguyen Ánh’s boat approached a narrow cape when it suddenly struck a hidden reef and became stuck. At that very moment, the Tay Son army was closing in from behind. The situation was critical.
In the face of danger, a loyal naval officer (cai đội) leapt into the sea, risking everything to free the anchor so the boat could move again. His sacrifice allowed Nguyen Ánh to escape just in time, but the courageous officer was swept away by strong waves and lost his life in the process.
Years later, after unifying the country and becoming Emperor Gia Long, Nguyen Ánh returned to Phu Quoc to perform a ceremony of gratitude. To honor the man who had saved him, he named the cape Mui Ong Doi—“the Cape of the Officer”.
Since then, Mui Ong Doi has been regarded as a sacred place by the islanders, a site forever tied to loyalty, courage, and the island’s historical past.
Untouched Beauty at the Southernmost Point of Phu Quoc
Today, Mui Ong Doi still preserves its raw and untouched charm. The long stretch of white sand is dotted with smooth rocks, and the shoreline remains rugged and natural—unlike the manicured beaches in the northern parts of the island. The large stones sitting along the waterline create beautiful highlights against the calm blue sea.
What makes Mui Ong Doi truly unique is that it is one of the few places in Vietnam with two sea-facing sides. Visitors can watch the sunrise on one side and the sunset on the other—an experience rarely found elsewhere.
How to Get to Mui Ong Doi
Reaching Mui Ong Doi is relatively easy:
- About 30 minutes from Phu Quoc International Airport.
- Follow Phu Quoc Highway → Nguyen Van Cu Road (approx. 15 km).
- From An Thoi, continue 3–4 km following Google Maps or asking locals for directions.
Visitors can travel by motorbike, car, or taxi. The final stretch of the road narrows slightly, but the scenery along the way is beautiful and worth the ride.
Visit the Sacred Tien Well Near Mui Ong Doi
Just a short distance from the cape lies Tien Well—a famous freshwater spring located right beside the sea. According to local belief:
- The well has only a small underground water source, but never runs dry.
- Even when the tide rises and seawater surrounds the well, the water remains fresh and not salty.
- The well sits next to a small shrine dedicated to Emperor Gia Long and is tied to many legends from his years of exile on the island.
Many visitors stop by to drink a handful of water, say a small prayer, or simply feel the spirituality of this remarkable place.
Mui Ong Doi – Where History and Nature Meet
Mui Ong Doi is more than a scenic destination—it is a historical landmark, a witness to a moment of sacrifice that shaped the fate of a future emperor. Here, where two oceans meet, the story of a brave officer and the survival of Nguyen Ánh continues to live on in the memories of Phu Quoc’s people.
For travelers exploring the southern part of the island, Mui Ong Doi offers both breathtaking natural beauty and a touching reminder of Vietnam’s past—making it one of the most special and meaningful stops in Phu Quoc.
