1. General introduction to Phu Quoc fish sauce barrel houses
1.1. Origin and history
Traditional fish sauce making in Phu Quoc has a history of over 200 years. (Source: Collected)
Phu Quoc fish sauce facilities are the pride of the people of the Jade Island – where the essence of a 200-year-old traditional craft is preserved. Since the late 19th century, the coastal fishing trade here has been closely associated with fish sauce making. At that time, the first facilities were established, helping to ensure the livelihoods of thousands of local residents and gradually becoming a distinctive cultural symbol of the Jade Island.
Today, fish sauce making is mainly concentrated in the center of Duong Dong and An Thoi port – which has a total of 57 fish sauce facilities, of which 55 facilities are members of the Phu Quoc Fish Sauce Producers Association. Although many generations have passed, the facilities still maintain the traditional manual fermentation method, creating a rich, original fish sauce flavor as in the beginning.
Notably, Phu Quoc fish sauce products are also the first products from Vietnam to be recognized with geographical indication by the European Union (EU), affirming the quality and reputation of the traditional fish sauce brand in the international market.
1.2. Unique characteristics of Phu Quoc fish sauce
What makes Phu Quoc fish sauce's flavor distinctive is the exquisite combination between natural ingredients and traditional manual fermentation techniques.
Fresh anchovies are the main secret to creating the rich flavor of Phu Quoc fish sauce. (Source: Collected)
The main ingredient is fresh anchovies, caught in the waters around the island, then mixed with pure coarse salt right on the boat and brought to the fermentation houses to be pressed and fermented in Bời Lời wooden barrels for a period of 12 to 15 months. Each wooden barrel is about 2 m high, containing tens of tons of fermented fish, placed in a wind-tight space with a stable temperature averaging 27.5°C, creating ideal conditions to develop the characteristic taste, color, and protein content.
Not only a production site, the Phu Quoc fish sauce barrels are also a cultural destination for tourists to learn about the diligent working spirit and the pride of the people of Ngoc Island. Each drop of fish sauce here is the crystallization of sun, wind, sea, and the love for the craft passed down through generations.
2. Some famous Phu Quoc fish sauce barrels
2.1. Khai Hoan Barrel House
Address: 11 Hung Vuong Bridge, Phu Quoc special zone, An Giang province
Opening hours: 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM (open daily, free admission)
Reference price: 110,000 – 170,000 VND/liter depending on protein content
Giant wooden barrels of anchovies fermented at Khai Hoan fish sauce factory. (Source: Collected)
As a fish sauce brand over 200 years old, Khai Hoan is considered a symbol of the traditional fish sauce making craft on Ngoc Island. Upon arriving here, visitors will be amazed by hundreds of large wooden barrels lined up along the workshop area – where tens of tons of anchovies are fermented using traditional methods.
Besides the production area, Khai Hoan fish sauce factory also has a sightseeing area, a specialty display shop, and a shopping area for visitors. The entire production process is carried out in a closed loop, strictly controlled, ensuring the creation of pure, flavorful fish sauce bottles that meet food safety and hygiene standards.
2.2. Thinh Phat fish sauce factory
Address: 30/4 Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc special zone, An Giang province
Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (open daily, free admission)
Reference price: 100,000 – 200,000 VND/liter depending on protein content
Meticulously crafted product of Thinh Phat fish sauce barrel house. (Source: Collected)
Thinh Phat barrel house is one of the large-scale and famous traditional fish sauce production facilities in Phu Quoc. With 2 main workshops and over 100 large wooden barrels, Thinh Phat is not only a place to preserve the essence of the traditional fish sauce brewing craft but also a tourist attraction loved by many visitors.
Here, you will observe the actual anchovy brining process, from selecting ingredients, mixing salt to pressing – all are done manually according to traditional standards. Each barrel of fish sauce is meticulously cared for over many months, only batches that meet the standards for protein content and color are released to the market.
2.3. Nam Ngu Barrel House
Address: Hamlet 1, Suoi Da Quarter, Phu Quoc Special Zone, An Giang Province
Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (open daily)
Reference price: 120,000 – 200,000 VND/liter depending on protein content
Nam Ngu fish sauce barrel house is known as one of the largest facilities in Phu Quoc, with nearly 500 active wooden barrels. Each year, this place produces hundreds of thousands of liters of fish sauce, supplying domestic and international markets.
Besides the production area, the Nam Ngu barrel house also has a product display area and tourist souvenirs, making it easy for visitors to choose and buy bottles of pure Phu Quoc fish sauce as gifts. With its brand reputation and stable quality, Nam Ngu is a worthy ideal stop for those who want to learn about the modern scale of the traditional fish sauce making craft.
3. Interesting Experiences at Phu Quoc Fish Sauce Barrel Houses
3.1. Learning about the Anchovy Brining Process
One of the most attractive experiences when visiting Phu Quoc fish sauce barrel houses is to witness firsthand the manual anchovy brining process. From selecting fresh anchovies caught daily, mixing pure coarse salt to pressing in boời lời wood barrels – all are done meticulously and elaborately.
The brining period lasts from 12 to 15 months, under stable temperature conditions, helping to create the rich, sweet aftertaste, and natural mahogany color of Phu Quoc fish sauce.
3.2. Visiting and Checking-in the Barrel House Space
The space inside Phu Quoc fish sauce barrel houses is very unique with hundreds of giant wooden barrels arranged neatly, light shining through the door gaps, and the rich aroma of fish sauce spreading in the air. Many barrel houses also have exhibition areas and local guides sharing interesting stories about the fish sauce making craft
3.3. Buying Specialty Fish Sauce
Visitors can taste the rich flavor of fish sauce concentrate. (Source: Collected)
After the tour, visitors can taste the pure fish sauce concentrate – the first product drawn from the wooden barrels after a long aging process. The salty, rich, and viscous flavor of Phu Quoc fish sauce makes it unforgettable for anyone who has tried it.
At the sales area, you can choose to buy authentic bottled products, from high-protein types to traditional fish sauce concentrate, as meaningful gifts for family and friends
4. Notes when visiting Phu Quoc fish sauce barrels
Visitors should avoid directly touching the wooden barrels fermenting fish sauce. (Source: Collected)
To make your tour of the Phu Quoc fish sauce barrels complete and enjoyable, visitors should note a few small points. When moving around the fermentation area, you should keep your distance and avoid touching the wooden barrels, as the natural fermentation process inside is very sensitive to temperature and external influences.
Due to the characteristic strong smell of fish sauce, sensitive visitors can bring a mask or handkerchief to feel more comfortable during the tour. Additionally, you should be careful when walking to avoid getting fish sauce on your clothes, as the smell is very strong and difficult to wash out.
For visitors allergic to seafood or high-protein products, tasting the concentrated fish sauce should be considered beforehand to ensure health safety.
5. Suggestions for combining visits to famous tourist attractions near Phu Quoc fish sauce barrels
5.1. Sun World Hon Thom
Sun World Hon Thom is a must-visit destination when traveling to Ngoc Island. This entertainment complex is located on Hon Thom Island, in the south of Phu Quoc. Therefore, visitors can travel by a 7,899.9 m long 3-wire cable car, recognized by Guinness World Records as the longest 3-wire cable car in the world. From the cable car cabin, visitors can admire the majestic panoramic view of the sea and islands.
Aquatopia Water Park with many exciting games. (Source: Collected)
Sun World Hon Thom has 2 unique entertainment parks: Aquatopia Water Park and Exotica Village theme park. Visiting Aquatopia, visitors can freely explore 20 exciting games on an area of up to 8 hectares. Exotica Village theme park offers unique thrilling games, attracting visitors who love adventure and thrill.
After playing at the parks, visitors can visit the Mango restaurant to enjoy delicious buffet dishes and recharge for the trip.
5.2. Sunset Town
Sunset Town is a romantic sunset viewing spot in Phu Quoc. It is built and designed in Mediterranean architecture, with brightly colored buildings and winding stone paths, creating a scene like a "miniature Europe".
Tourists admire the brilliant sunset over the Kiss Bridge. (Source: Collected)
A must-visit attraction in Sunset Town is the Kiss Bridge – the iconic structure of Ngoc Island. Uniquely designed with two gently curved bridge arms like silk ribbons reaching out into the sea, facing each other without touching. On the inner surface of the bridge arms, 394 proverbs, poems, and love songs are intricately carved in 22 popular languages worldwide, each line a message of love and connection.
In the evening, Sunset Town becomes vibrant with the multimedia art show Kiss of The Sea. The combination of sound, light, and brilliant fireworks offers a spectacular experience for visitors.
Spectacular fireworks at the Kiss of The Sea show – The Kiss of the sea. (Source: Collected)
5.3. Phu Quoc Night Market
After visiting the fish sauce barrels, visitors can stop by Phu Quoc Night Market – the vibrant culinary and shopping paradise of the Pearl Island. Located right in the center of Duong Dong town, the night market operates from around 5 PM to 11 PM daily, attracting a large number of domestic and international tourists.
Strolling among the colorful stalls, you will enjoy countless local specialties such as grilled seafood, bun quay, rolled ice cream, cotton candy, fresh coconut water... along with hundreds of souvenirs and exquisite handicrafts.
5.4. Tranh Stream
About 9 km south of Duong Dong center, Tranh Stream is an ideal stop for nature lovers. The stream originates from the Ham Ninh mountain range, winding through rocky slopes and cool green trees, creating a peaceful and picturesque landscape.
Here, visitors can stroll along the tree-shaded paths, admire the small waterfalls cascading down, or immerse themselves in the cool water amidst pristine nature.
5.5. Phu Quoc Prison
Phu Quoc Prison is a National Historical Site. (Source: Collected)
Phu Quoc Prison, also known as Cay Dua Prison Camp, is a special historical relic of Ngoc Island. It was once a prison camp detaining tens of thousands of revolutionary soldiers during the resistance war against the US.
When visiting, visitors can learn about the nation's resilient struggle history, through simulation exhibition areas, images, and carefully preserved artifacts. Not only a destination with profound historical value, Phu Quoc Prison also helps each visitor appreciate more freedom, peace, and the silent sacrifices of the previous generations.
Phu Quoc Fish Sauce Production not only preserves culinary essence but also is a unique cultural symbol of Ngoc Island. Each drop of fish sauce concentrate contains the dedication, patience, and love for the sea and islands of the local people. If you have the chance to visit Phu Quoc, visitors should not miss the opportunity to explore this hundred-year-old traditional craft.
