Thổ Chu Islands, Island group in Gulf of Thailand, Vietnam
Thổ Chu Islands is an island group in the Gulf of Thailand comprising eight islands with the largest covering about 14 square kilometers. The archipelago sits roughly 50 kilometers south of Phú Quốc and features natural bays and coastlines shaped by marine currents.
The islands were occupied by the Khmer Rouge in 1975, resulting in significant civilian loss before Vietnamese forces retook control. This period shaped the present-day settlement of naval personnel who have since administered and defended the archipelago.
The islands are home to naval personnel and their families who maintain fishing practices passed down through generations. Daily life centers on the water and the work of people who sustain themselves through traditional methods and small-scale crafts.
Visiting these islands requires special permission from authorities, as access is restricted for safety and administrative reasons. Ferries operate from Hàm Ninh on Phú Quốc Island for those who obtain the necessary clearance.
The surrounding waters are home to around 90 coral species that form a thriving marine ecosystem. On land, over 200 plant species from specific botanical families create an unusual mix of vegetation rarely seen elsewhere in the region.
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