Phu Quoc National Park was established on June 8, 2001 under Decision No. 91/2001/QĐ-TTg, and in 2006 it became part of the Kien Giang World Biosphere Reserve recognized by UNESCO. Covering 36,262 hectares of forested land on Phu Quoc City (Kien Giang Province), the park is one of Vietnam’s largest protected areas and a vital natural treasure of the southwest sea.
Located about 120 km from Rach Gia and 45 km from Ha Tien, the park includes 29,596 ha of special-use forest and 6,666 ha of protection forest, forming an extensive, largely undisturbed natural landscape that plays a crucial role in preserving biodiversity, protecting freshwater resources, and maintaining ecological balance for the entire island.
A protected area of outstanding ecological value
Phu Quoc National Park operates under a sustainable forest management plan approved for the 2021–2030 period. The park’s core mission is to conserve natural ecosystems, safeguard biodiversity, restore forest habitats, and support scientific research. It also develops eco-tourism services, environmental education programs, and provides forest environmental services in accordance with national regulations.
Ecosystems and biodiversity
Forest landscapes
Forest land accounts for 97% of the park’s total area and roughly 63% of Phu Quoc Island’s natural surface. This includes evergreen forests on low mountain ranges, mixed woodlands, melaleuca (tràm) forest, freshwater stream areas, and mangrove forests along estuaries and river mouths.
Nine distinctive habitats
The park features nine major habitat types, including:
- Primary Dipterocarp forest
- Semi-deciduous forest
- Dry forest
- Mountain rock forest
- Mangrove forest
- Melaleuca forest
- Truong Nhum forest
- Grassland and sim (rhodomyrtus) shrubland
- Coastal secondary forest
These varied habitats make Phu Quoc National Park ideal for trekking, wildlife observation, and nature-based tourism.
Rich flora
The park is home to 1,397 species of plants belonging to 154 families and 601 genera. Among them are:
- 270 rare species
- 26 species listed in Vietnam’s Red Book (2007)
- 117 species listed by the IUCN
- Over 450 medicinal plant species
- 12 endemic species named after Phu Quoc, such as Croton phuquocensis, Trigonostemon quocensis, and the Phu Quoc Huynh Dan tree.
Diverse wildlife
Surveys have recorded 480 animal species, including:
- 25 mammal species
- 132 bird species
- 43 reptiles
- 16 amphibians
- 94 freshwater fish species
- 170 insect species
Many are listed as rare or endangered, such as the Slow Loris, Indochinese Lutung, Small-clawed Otter, Great Hornbill, King Cobra, and the endemic Phu Quoc Red Squirrel.
Forest protection and conservation efforts
Every year, the park works with local authorities, military units, and surrounding communities to protect more than 7,600 ha of forest through forest-protection contracts and joint patrols. Fire prevention is carried out rigorously with firebreaks, water tanks, wells, and seasonal on-site guard posts. Public awareness programs reach hundreds of households living near the forest, encouraging responsible use and protection of natural resources.
Vision for sustainable development
Moving forward, Phu Quoc National Park continues to implement its 2021–2030 conservation strategy, focusing on biodiversity protection, forest restoration, and climate resilience. The park is also developing eco-tourism and nature-experience activities under Decree No. 91/2024/NĐ-CP, aiming to generate revenue that supports conservation while offering visitors meaningful experiences in nature.
With pristine evergreen forests, mangroves, freshwater streams, rich wildlife, and countless hidden trails, Phu Quoc National Park stands as the “green lung” of the island — a place where travelers can step away from the beaches and dive into a world of pure, untouched nature. Whether you’re trekking, bird-watching, studying biodiversity, or simply seeking peace and quiet, this national park promises an experience unlike anywhere else on Phu Quoc.
