[Photos] Phu Quy lighthouse: A proud beacon on Viet Nam’s frontline island

Perched atop Cam Mountain at an elevation of 108m above sea level, Phu Quy lighthouse is not only one of Viet Nam’s largest lighthouse stations but is also known as the “international eye of the sea”, as the light from its distinctive square tower has guided countless vessels navigating the East Sea/South China Sea.

Viewed from above, the structure rises majestically amid the vast expanse of sea and sky. With a tower height of 18m and a total elevation of more than 126m above sea level, it is among the largest and highest-positioned lighthouses in Viet Nam.
Viewed from above, the structure rises majestically amid the vast expanse of sea and sky. With a tower height of 18m and a total elevation of more than 126m above sea level, it is among the largest and highest-positioned lighthouses in Viet Nam.

The lighthouse was put into operation in 1997 on the summit of Cam Mountain, the highest peak in the Phu Quy Special Zone, standing 108m above sea level.
The lighthouse was put into operation in 1997 on the summit of Cam Mountain, the highest peak in the Phu Quy Special Zone, standing 108m above sea level.
To reach this “eye of the sea”, visitors embark on an enjoyable walk along a shaded path lined with tranquil primary forest trees on the mountainside.
To reach this “eye of the sea”, visitors embark on an enjoyable walk along a shaded path lined with tranquil primary forest trees on the mountainside.
The trail leading to the summit consists of more than 120 winding stone steps. The climb offers an exciting experience for visitors of all ages, as each step upwards reveals an increasingly expansive view of the ocean.
The trail leading to the summit consists of more than 120 winding stone steps. The climb offers an exciting experience for visitors of all ages, as each step upwards reveals an increasingly expansive view of the ocean.
Unlike the cylindrical or octagonal designs commonly seen in lighthouses, Phu Quy lighthouse features a sturdy square-shaped structure painted in a striking bright yellow colour.
Unlike the cylindrical or octagonal designs commonly seen in lighthouses, Phu Quy lighthouse features a sturdy square-shaped structure painted in a striking bright yellow colour.
Inside the tower, visitors continue their ascent via steep steel staircases weathered by time, leading to the highest viewing platform of the structure.
Inside the tower, visitors continue their ascent via steep steel staircases weathered by time, leading to the highest viewing platform of the structure.
At the top of the tower is a lantern room enclosed by reinforced glass and equipped with a modern lighting system. The lighthouse's beam has a range of approximately 22 nautical miles, sweeping tirelessly across the darkness of the East Sea/South China Sea.
At the top of the tower is a lantern room enclosed by reinforced glass and equipped with a modern lighting system. The lighthouse's beam has a range of approximately 22 nautical miles, sweeping tirelessly across the darkness of the East Sea/South China Sea.
From the balcony at the top of the tower, visitors are rewarded with a spectacular 360-degree panorama. At the island’s highest point, they can enjoy refreshing sea breezes while taking in sweeping views of the vast ocean and appreciating the grandeur of nature.
From the balcony at the top of the tower, visitors are rewarded with a spectacular 360-degree panorama. At the island’s highest point, they can enjoy refreshing sea breezes while taking in sweeping views of the vast ocean and appreciating the grandeur of nature.
Peaceful villages across the Phu Quy Special Zone can be seen from the lighthouse tower.
Peaceful villages across the Phu Quy Special Zone can be seen from the lighthouse tower.
Peaceful villages across the Phu Quy Special Zone can be seen from the lighthouse tower.
Peaceful villages across the Phu Quy Special Zone can be seen from the lighthouse tower.
Adjacent to the lighthouse on the summit of Cam Mountain stands the sacred “Uncle Ho’s Torch” monument. The site is distinguished by a bust of President Ho Chi Minh carved from a single block of white stone. It serves as a source of spiritual strength for local military personnel and residents, inspiring them to honour their roots, remain steadfast at sea and contribute to safeguarding the nation’s maritime frontier.
Adjacent to the lighthouse on the summit of Cam Mountain stands the sacred “Uncle Ho’s Torch” monument. The site is distinguished by a bust of President Ho Chi Minh carved from a single block of white stone. It serves as a source of spiritual strength for local military personnel and residents, inspiring them to honour their roots, remain steadfast at sea and contribute to safeguarding the nation’s maritime frontier.

NDO/Photo: TUNG LAM

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