Novotel Phu Quoc Resort - Family & Business trip hotel - The Fish Sauce Factory

• Opening hours: Typically from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.
• Entrance fee: Free or with a fee depending on the facility.

The fish sauce factories of Phu Quoc stand out as captivating destinations for visitors, especially families eager to explore traditional crafts and local culture. Here, you and your families have the unique opportunity to observe the entire process behind this iconic specialty—from fermenting fresh anchovies in large wooden barrels to carefully extracting the finished fish sauce.

These factories are the custodians and champions of Phu Quoc’s centuries-old tradition of fish sauce production—a craft that has thrived for over 200 years and become a distinctive cultural emblem of the island. Unlike modern industrial plants, these barrel houses rely entirely on manual techniques to ferment and produce fish sauce. The fermentation barrels are crafted from rare and durable woods such as boi loi or chai, chosen specifically for their ability to preserve the quality of the sauce. Each barrel holds between 10 to 15 tons of fresh anchovies and pure sea salt, meticulously layered according to precise ratios and methods. Once sealed, the mixture ferments naturally for 12 to 18 months, slowly transforming into pure fish sauce with a deep amber hue, a delicate yet distinctive aroma, and a rich, savory-sweet flavor. No additives or chemicals are involved in the process, highlighting the artisans’ patience, skill, and dedication. Every drop of fish sauce extracted reflects the essence of the sea, the passage of time, and the hands of those who carefully craft it.

Today, traditional factories such as Khai Hoan, Hung Thinh, and Thinh Phat welcome visitors to witness this time-honored process firsthand. These sites offer invaluable insights into the historical and cultural significance of Phu Quoc’s fish sauce craft. More than mere production facilities, they stand as living symbols of heritage preservation and a source of immense pride for the people of Phu Quoc and their world-renowned specialty.