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In a decisive move to uphold land-use regulations and maintain Phu Quoc Island’s natural beauty, Vietnamese authorities have announced a strict deadline for the removal of an unauthorized tourist site located on Dien Tien Mountain. Dubbed The Peak, this facility has been a point of controversy since its launch in mid-2024, prompting local officials to prioritize its dismantling unless the operators comply voluntarily.
Perched over 700 meters above sea level, The Peak was initially marketed as a breathtaking recreational area where visitors could enjoy panoramic views of Phu Quoc’s lush hills and stunning coastline. However, local inspections since its inception have uncovered serious infringements concerning land and construction regulations, raising questions about its compliance with local planning requirements.
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On May 29, officials from the Phu Quoc Department of Agriculture and Environment announced that the owners must demolish all illegal structures by June 3. Should the operators fail to meet this ultimatum, government action will follow under relevant land-use laws to enforce compliance.
In preparation for the closure, The Peak has displayed signage warning visitors of its impending shutdown. Parts of the site have already been closed, and deconstruction has commenced, a response to ongoing warnings and penalties issued over the past several months. Local administrative records indicate the government’s repeated attempts to resolve the matter amicably have been unsuccessful.
The authorities identified multiple violations regarding The Peak’s development dating back to late 2024, including the unauthorized conversion of around 5,000 square meters of agricultural land for commercial purposes, as well as construction that significantly altered the landscape across roughly 2,600 square meters. Moreover, investigations revealed encroachments on public land and protected forest areas.
Despite facing fines and remediation orders, the site’s operators have reportedly not complied with enforcement requests, prompting the government to establish a firm deadline for removal. This decisive action followed unsuccessful legal challenges to enforcement orders, which were dismissed by the Superior People’s Court in Ho Chi Minh City earlier in the year.
This clampdown on The Peak represents a more extensive effort to regulate tourism development on Phu Quoc Island, ensuring that future projects adhere to legal requirements and environmental considerations. The rapid growth of tourism-related infrastructure over the past decade has led to unregulated building practices, land encroachments, and unauthorized commercial activities, all of which compromise the natural landscape and pose threats to sustainable development.
By rigorously enforcing regulations in high-profile cases like The Peak, authorities aim to communicate a clear message to investors and developers: compliance with zoning laws and construction permits is non-negotiable. This approach seeks to preserve the island’s ecological integrity, safeguard its scenic vistas, and ensure that Phu Quoc’s evolution into a premium international destination is orderly and responsible, appealing to both national and international tourists.
The property’s main owner, a local resident with previous violations related to land laws in the Dương Đông region, had leased the site for tourism objectives, but this maneuver did nothing to change the legal status of the land or its sanctioned uses.
As part of its broader strategy, the government intends to crack down on illegal structures and unlawful land occupation across Phu Quoc. Authorities have recently demolished unauthorized villas and infrastructures that encroached on public or military lands, showcasing a concerted effort to maintain regulatory oversight.
As Phu Quoc Island gears up for significant international events, the spotlight on regulatory compliance is particularly critical. Development plans for the island include infrastructure enhancements, service upgrades, and environmental safeguards to ensure a harmonious balance between growth and conservation efforts.
Enforcement officials have indicated that if the deadline of June 3 is not observed, they will proceed with mandatory demolition, necessitating direct intervention at the site. Authorities emphasize that adherence to planning standards is vital to building public trust and ensuring sustainable tourism in one of Vietnam’s most sought-after vacation spots.
Source: The post Vietnamese Authorities Now Set Deadline to Remove Unauthorized Tourist Site on Phu Quoc’s Mountain first appeared on www.travelandtourworld.com.
