Thom (either pineapple or pleasant scent) Island off the coast of Phu Quoc is the jumping-off point to explore the area’s uninhabited islets.

Many travelers use Thom Island as a starting point to explore some of Phu Quoc’s undeveloped islands.

After 20 minutes, the ferry reaches Dua (Coconut) Islet, a crescent of white sand and coconut trees, before stopping at Thom Island.

A floating market welcomes tourists to the island, where people sell fresh seacooking, meat, vegetables, fruit, coffee, beer, wine and soft drinks.

Thom Island itself is home to white sand and coconut trees as well as an abundance of fish and shrimp.

If the homes near the dock look impermanent, it’s because they are. The islands’ resident fishermen must move inland for half the year during the storm season.

But the most exciting part about Thom Island is catching a local motorboat to explore some of the lesser known islets around the area.

Swimming, diving and snorkeling allow the visitors to get up close and personal with shellfish, coral, snails, urchins shrimp and fish.

Go trekking through the forest to discover hidden corners of unknown islands. Many visitors then cook shrimp, cuttlefish and crabs from the floating market on the beach. Utensils can be provided by hotels on Phu Quoc, where you can also book boats to Thom Island. The scent of seafood and sound of the waves make for a relaxing lunch.

For boat trips from the town of Duong Dong on Phu Quoc to Thom Island, contact Saigon Phu Quoc Resort & Spa by telephone (0773) 846 999 or e-mail sgphuquocresort@hcm.vnn.vn for more information.

Reported by Tien Dat