Boats to Phu Quoc suspended in bad weather

Vo Minh Tuan, deputy director of Kien Giang Provincial Maritime Administration, said that ferry and high-speed boat services connecting the mainland to Phu Quoc, Nam Du and Hon Son islands halted at 6 a.m. until further notice.

Representatives of shipping lines and ferries said that they had contacted customers and agents to refund canceled tickets or reschedule boat trips for after the nasty weather conditions subside.

On average, there are 30 daily ferry and boat trips carrying tourists from Rach Gia and Ha Tien towns to Phu Quoc, a tourist hotspot famous for its long, sandy beaches and luxury resorts.

Nguyen Van Hoang, who lives on Phu Quoc, said he packed his bags and went to the pier this morning to purchase a ticket to the mainland. After learning that all ferry services to and from Phu Quoc Island were suspended, he had to return home and wait.

According to the Southern Hydro-meteorological Center, the South China Sea is experiencing strong winds and violent waters due to the effects of a cold continental high pressure and turbulent East Winds.

Last night, strong winds in Phu Quoc blew off the roofs of many homes.

The high tourism season for Phu Quoc lasts from December to March.

Phu Quoc welcomed 1.4 million tourist arrivals in the first half of this year, reaching over 70 percent of its full-year target.