Phu Quoc is not only famous for its blue sea and luxury resorts, but also captivates visitors with its renowned fish sauce. A visit to a Phu Quoc fish sauce factory lets you admire massive wooden barrels where anchovies and salt are fermented over time to create golden, flavorful drops of fish sauce. Together with Corona Resort & Casino, embark on a journey to discover the island’s unique local culture and bring home authentic bottles of fish sauce from the five most celebrated producers.
Introduction to Phu Quoc Fish Sauce Factories
A Phu Quoc fish sauce factory is where the treasured secrets of producing the island’s renowned fish sauce are preserved. Inside large wooden houses, hundreds of barrels filled with anchovies and salt are neatly arranged, fermenting naturally over many months to create rich, pure fish sauce essence. This traditional method has helped Phu Quoc fish sauce maintain its authentic flavor and become a proud culinary heritage of Vietnam.
More than 200 years ago, locals turned Phu Quoc’s abundant anchovy resources into a traditional fish sauce craft. The fermentation techniques have been preserved and passed down through generations. By the 19th century, Phu Quoc fish sauce was exported to Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia, and from 1965 to 1975 it entered a golden era of strong demand both at home and abroad.
Today, the island is home to more than 100 large-scale Phu Quoc fish sauce factories, further affirming the reputation of this traditional specialty. A visit to these factories allows travelers not only to witness the meticulous fermentation process firsthand but also to experience a cultural legacy that has been an integral part of Phu Quoc’s identity for centuries.
Traditional Process of Making Phu Quoc Fish Sauce
To create the distinctive flavor that has made its name for centuries, Phu Quoc fish sauce is produced through a strict traditional process. The basic steps are carried out as follows:
- Step 1 – Preparing wooden barrels: Large barrels made from wood such as boi loi, ven ven, or chai are 2– 4 meters high and 1.5 – 3 meters in diameter, capable of holding 7 – 13 tons of anchovies. Each barrel is tightly bound with forest rattan ropes and can last up to 60 years.
- Step 2 – Selecting fresh anchovies: The main ingredients are red anchovies, black anchovies, or striped anchovies caught in the waters of Phu Quoc and the Gulf of Thailand. They must be harvested in the right season, from August to February (lunar calendar), to ensure a firm texture and rich flavor.
- Step 3 – Preparing sea salt: The salt used must be clean, low in impurities, and stored for at least three months. This helps eliminate bitterness, harshness, and unwanted minerals, making the fish sauce flavor more balanced and refined.
- Step 4 – Salting the anchovies: Immediately after being caught, anchovies are cleaned and mixed with salt directly on the boat at the standard ratio of 3 fish to 1 salt. This method keeps the fish fresh and ready for fermentation in wooden barrels.
- Step 5 – Fermenting in wooden barrels: The salted anchovies are placed into the barrels and left to ferment naturally for 12–15 months. During this period, the mixture develops the characteristic amber-brown color, savory aroma, and high protein content unique to Phu Quoc fish sauce.
- Step 6 – Extracting the finished fish sauce: After fermentation, the sauce is drawn several times. The first extraction, or “nuoc nhi,” has the highest protein level of about 30, while later ones contain less. Artisans then blend them to produce a balanced fish sauce with natural flavor and color, free from additives.
Unique Characteristics of Phu Quoc Fish Sauce
Phu Quoc fish sauce, after completing its long fermentation process, often boasts a natural amber-brown color that is clear and visually appealing. This sets it apart from many industrial fish sauces that rely on artificial coloring. Just a single taste allows visitors to immediately recognize its rich, savory flavor, carrying the essence of the sea and the craftsmanship of the island’s people.
The unique taste of Phu Quoc fish sauce comes from the freshness of its ingredients. Anchovies are salted immediately on the boat to preserve their natural sweetness, then fermented in wooden barrels for 12 – 15 months. This long process creates high protein levels, a rich aroma, and a balanced flavor, helping Phu Quoc fish sauce build its strong reputation.
Today, Phu Quoc fish sauce factories still follow traditional methods, using only anchovies and salt with no additives or flavor enhancers. The product has been certified under Vietnam’s National Standard TCVN 5107:2018, ensuring safety and nutritional value. As a result, Phu Quoc fish sauce is not only a staple in daily meals but also a proud culinary heritage, trusted and cherished by both domestic and international visitors.
Top 5 Famous Phu Quoc Fish Sauce Factories
Among more than 100 fish sauce factories operating on the island, a few have become true icons, closely tied to the renowned Phu Quoc fish sauce brand. These are places where visitors can witness the traditional fermentation process, learn about the craft’s history, and bring home authentic bottles of fish sauce as gifts. Here are the top 5 Phu Quoc fish sauce factories you should not miss:
Khai Hoan Phu Quoc Fish Sauce Factory
- Address: No. 1 Cau Hung Vuong, Duong Dong Town, Phu Quoc
- Price range: 150,000 – 280,000 VND per liter, depending on protein level
With over 200 years of tradition, Khai Hoan Phu Quoc fish sauce factory is a must-visit stop for travelers to the island. Walking into the workshop, visitors are impressed by rows of giant wooden barrels, each holding up to 17 tons of anchovies salted and fermented using age-old methods.
Khai Hoan not only preserves ancestral techniques but also applies a closed-loop process to ensure hygiene and quality. Its fish sauce is renowned for its pure, rich flavor, trusted by both domestic and international visitors. A visit here is the perfect chance to explore the island’s heritage and bring home authentic bottles of Phu Quoc fish sauce as gifts.
Thinh Phat Phu Quoc Fish Sauce Factory
- Address: 30/4 Street, Quarter 1, Duong Dong Ward, Phu Quoc
- Price range: 100,000 – 200,000 VND per liter, depending on protein level
Alongside Khai Hoan and Phung Hung, Thinh Phat is one of the most famous fish sauce factories in Phu Quoc, attracting many visitors. With two workshops and over 100 large wooden barrels, it impresses with its production scale and the authentic atmosphere of a traditional craft village. Here, guests can observe the meticulous anchovy fermentation process that has been preserved for generations.
Renowned for its rich flavor, Thinh Phat fish sauce also undergoes strict quality control before reaching consumers. A highlight for visitors is its convenient airport delivery service, allowing them to purchase authentic products without the hassle of carrying heavy bottles. This thoughtful service has made Thinh Phat increasingly popular among both local and international travelers.
Phung Hung Phu Quoc Fish Sauce Factory
- Address: Nguyen Van Cu Street, Quarter 4, Phu Quoc
- Price range: 100,000 – 180,000 VND per liter, depending on protein level
Phung Hung is one of the largest and most famous fish sauce factories in Phu Quoc, impressing visitors with its grand scale and closed-loop production system. The factory owns more than 100 wooden barrels arranged in ten straight rows, supported by a professional fishing fleet and a modern bottling line. The space offers both the charm of tradition and the efficiency of modern industry.
What makes Phung Hung stand out is the balance between time-honored techniques and advanced technology. Fresh anchovies are salted the same day they are caught and fermented in wooden barrels for over a year, producing fish sauce with a protein level of 40–45. Its elegantly designed packaging also makes Phung Hung fish sauce not only a local specialty but also a refined gift for travelers leaving the island.
Nam Ngu Phu Quoc Fish Sauce Factory
- Address: Group 1, Suoi Da Quarter, Phu Quoc
- Price range: 120,000 – 200,000 VND per liter, depending on protein level
Nam Ngu is one of the largest fish sauce factories in Phu Quoc, covering an expansive area with nearly 500 giant wooden barrels. Each barrel holds tons of anchovies and salt, fermenting for over a year to produce fish sauce with the signature amber color and high protein levels. With such impressive scale, Nam Ngu supplies hundreds of thousands of liters every year to markets across Vietnam, making it a household name for many families.
What sets Nam Ngu apart is its commitment to both tradition and accessibility. The factory carefully maintains time-honored methods while ensuring food safety, creating fish sauce known for its rich taste, safe ingredients, and reasonable price. A visit here allows travelers to witness large-scale production, learn about one of Vietnam’s most popular fish sauce brands, and take home authentic bottles directly from the source.
Hung Thinh Phu Quoc Fish Sauce Factory
- Address:
- Price range: 175,000 – 200,000 VND per liter, depending on protein level
With over 50 years of experience, Hung Thinh is one of the most reputable traditional fish sauce brands in Phu Quoc. The factory owns 400 massive wooden barrels, each storing tons of anchovies, producing up to 5 million liters of fish sauce annually—making it one of the largest producers on the island.
Beyond preserving authentic flavors, Hung Thinh ensures international food safety standards with HACCP certification and EU Code NM:503. Thanks to its strict process and commitment to quality, Hung Thinh fish sauce has become a staple in Vietnamese households and a trusted choice for many visitors to Phu Quoc.
Phu Quoc Fish Sauce Factory Price Guide
Prices of Phu Quoc fish sauce vary depending on the brand, protein level, and packaging. Below is a reference price list to give travelers a clearer idea before making a purchase.
Reference Price List of Phu Quoc Fish Sauce:
| Brand | Reference price (VND/liter) |
| Khai Hoan | 150,000 – 280,000 |
| Thinh Phat | 100,000 – 200,000 |
| Phung Hung | 100,000 – 180,000 |
| Nam Ngu | 120,000 – 200,000 |
| Hung Thinh | 175,000 – 200,000 |
| Other local factories | 100,000 – 180,000 |
Notes:
- Prices at authentic factories are usually higher than those found in markets, supermarkets, or convenience stores.
- Each brand has its own production methods and unique flavor, leading to different price ranges.
- Within the same factory, prices vary depending on protein level: the higher the protein, the richer and more premium the sauce.
- Packaging type also affects the price: glass bottles are often more expensive than plastic ones.
Tips for Choosing Quality Phu Quoc Fish Sauce
It’s not difficult to find fish sauce in Phu Quoc, but with so many products on the market, travelers may come across counterfeits or low-quality items. To ensure you bring home authentic, flavorful, and safe bottles of fish sauce, here are some useful tips to keep in mind.
Identifying Authentic Phu Quoc Fish Sauce Factories
To choose genuine products, travelers should carefully check the origin and characteristics of the fish sauce. Some key signs include:
- Buy directly from reputable factories with long-standing brands.
- Packaging and labels must clearly state the producer’s name, address, protein level, and quality certification.
- Look for anti-counterfeit stamps or the “Phu Quoc” geographical indication mark.
- Authentic fish sauce has a clear amber-brown color, a distinct anchovy aroma, and a balanced savory-sweet flavor without harsh saltiness.
Recommended Bottle Sizes for Tourists
When buying fish sauce as gifts or for personal use, choosing the right bottle size will make storage and transport easier. Suggestions include:
- 200ml – 300ml: Compact and easy to carry, ideal for tasting or buying a variety of flavors.
- 500ml – 1 liter: Perfect for gifts, with elegant glass packaging that preserves the sauce better than plastic.
- Over 1 liter: Suitable for families who want to use it long-term; bottles should be securely boxed if checked in on flights.
Note: For air travel, request factory packaging and official seals to ensure smooth transportation.
Types of Phu Quoc Fish Sauce Worth Buying
Phu Quoc fish sauce is categorized by protein level and intended use. Travelers can consider:
- First-press fish sauce (40°N – 45°N): Premium quality with rich flavor, ideal for dipping sauces.
- Fish sauce 30°N – 35°N: Lighter taste and more affordable, suitable for everyday cooking.
- Glass-bottled fish sauce: Elegant, long-lasting, and perfect as gifts.
- Plastic-bottled fish sauce: More economical and convenient for daily meals.
Visiting a Phu Quoc fish sauce factory offers travelers a true taste of the island’s culinary and cultural heritage. Every golden drop of fish sauce reflects the dedication and centuries-old secrets of local fishermen. To make your journey even more fulfilling, Corona Resort & Casino provides the perfect retreat, where you can move from exploring this culinary heritage to enjoying world-class leisure moments on the island.