Tho Chu archipelago: A hidden gem of Vietnam (photos)

There are numerous amazing things travelers should discover in the authentic Tho Chu archipelago off southwestern Vietnam.

The archipelago located in the Gulf of Thailand is 102km away from Phu Quoc Island and 200km away from Rach Gia City of Kien Giang Province.

It consists of eight islands, namely Tho Chu Island, Kho Islet, Nhan Islet, Xanh Islet, Tu Islet, Cao Islet, Cao Cat Islet, and Mo Islet.

The largest island in the archipelago is Tho Chu, covering an area of 13.9km, which is the administrative hub of Tho Chau Commune of Phu Quoc District off Kien Giang.

There are currently 500 households with about 2,000 inhabitants in Tho Chau. The majority of residents in the commune are border guards and navy personnel while the rest are immigrants.

Local people earn their livelihood by farming, fishing, producing handicrafts, and providing services for fishing boats.

Below is a photo collection of the Tho Chu archipelago by Tran The Dung, director of The He Tre (Young Generation) travel firm based in Ho Chi Minh City.