The large, curving province of Kien Giang is wedged between the Gulf of
Thailand, Cambodia and the rest of the Mekong Delta. Best known for the
magnificent Phu Quoc Island, Kien Giang province has some good stretches of
mainland beach as well.
While rice, fishing and smuggling remain the main occupations in the
province, as Phu Quoc continues to develop, tourism is becoming a more important
facet of the local economy. The Vietnamese government has huge plans for the
island, but for now these remain just that -- plans -- and lets hope it stays
that way, as as it stands the island is a stunning addition to anyone's
itinerary to Vietnam -- if you've got the time, be sure to include it on your
trip, if you don't have the time, make the time!
Aside from Phu Quoc the province also has beaches and caves around Ha Tien
and Hon Chong -- the landscape is not unlike that around Ninh Binh in northern
Vietnam with limestone outcrops. The provincial capital, Rach Gia, is a bustling
little seaport town with some fine eating, good hotels and lots of friendly
people. |
