Delve into one of Phu Quoc's most famous and pungent local industries by visiting an authentic fish sauce (nước mắm) factory. Phu Quoc fish sauce is renowned throughout Vietnam and internationally for its high quality, traditional production methods, and rich flavour, granted Protected Designation of Origin status. Visiting a factory offers a fascinating, behind-the-scenes look at how this essential Vietnamese condiment is produced from just two key ingredients: fresh anchovies and salt.

Several factories, particularly around Duong Dong town, welcome visitors for tours (often free, aiming to sell products). The experience typically involves viewing the enormous wooden vats where layers of anchovies and salt ferment for months, sometimes over a year, slowly extracting the precious amber liquid. Guides explain the traditional process, the different grades of fish sauce produced, and the importance of using fresh, specific types of anchovies caught locally.

While the strong, pungent aroma inside the factories can be intense for some, visiting a Phu Quoc fish sauce factory is a unique cultural and culinary experience. It provides insight into a vital local industry and the traditional methods that create such a prized product. You'll usually have the opportunity to taste and purchase high-quality fish sauce directly from the source – a perfect authentic souvenir for food lovers exploring Phu Quoc.