Koh Tral, “Ecotourism Island”

Koh Tral (Tral Island), aka Phu Quoc Island today, is the very big island located in the Gulf of Thailand near the coast of Cambodia and is well-known for ecotourism. It is the edge of Cardamom Mountain Range (Chuor Phnom Kravanh) under the sea. It covers the area of about 574 sq km in which is under the control of Vietnam today. It is only 15 km far from the coast of Kompot Province of Cambodia and 115 km from Rach Gia (in Khmer “Kromuon Sar Province”) of Vietnam. Historically, Koh Tral belonged to Cambodia until early of twentieth century. During French Colonial, this island was annexed administratively to Cochichina in the purpose of collecting tax from all Khmer Citizens living on those islands. When French Colonial transferred the territory of Kampuchea Krom to Vietnam on June 4^th, 1949, the ownership of the island was not clarified. It means both countries had the right to discuss later. Since the ancient time, many Khmer citizens lived there and usually did the fishery to support their life. Unfortunately, they were pushed out of the island by Government of South Vietnam in the 1957 while there was a conflict between Cambodia and South Vietnam. Then Vietnam took control of the island until today. Since then more and more Vietnamese have been going to live there reaching approximately 85,000 people as today. The good view of coastal area on this island is in the eye of all tourists around the world who love the nature. It should be noticed that the west coast of the island is the great place for ecotourism. Most of foreign tourists go there and sunbathe every day. Also, there are a lot of lives under the sea, especially the beautiful coral reefs and many kinds of sea fish. Tourists are so happy to visit this island and to see the blue sea with fresh air. More importantly, the island is full of green forest and high mountains. All tourists may get the opportunity to visit these areas naturally. Other activities could be conducted to satisfy the visitors such as sailing, boating, etc; modern building hotel are standing along the western and southern coast of this island. From Cambodia, the view of Tral Island could be seen clearly as it is near to Cambodia’s coast rather than Vietnam’s. In short, Tral Island or Phu Quoc Island is the ecotourism sites for all tourists around the globe. There is a hope that all tourists would be allowed to visit there from Cambodia by going in the morning and returning back in the evening in order to improve the tourism for both countries. In the future, business operation from Cambodia and Vietnam will be expected to run on this island for economic purposes together to make the island one of the best business site in South East Asia (SEA). There is the strong believe that Koh Tral Island will be one of the most interesting natural sites in South East Asia soon. “Friendship! Cooperation! Business! ”

By: POK Panhavuth