Nestled between Vietnam and Cambodia, Phu Quoc is rich in nature thanks to its protected national park and its variety of pristine beaches across several islands.
What To Do
Phu Quoc district is made of 28 islands with Phu Quoc being the biggest. Duong Dong is the largest town, an urban paradise where one can visit places like the Cau Temple, perched on a rock by the sea. Snorkelling is a popular activity with dive centers like Flipper Diving Club offering tours to see the corals. The southern coast is home to the 2nd largest town, An Thoi which is the gateway to the Phu Quoc Marine Park. Relax on the island’s best beaches, Sao Beach and Khem Beach where the white sands are a stark contrast to the deep blue waters.
The southern coast is home to the 2nd largest town, An Thoi which is the gateway to the Phu Quoc Marine Park. Relax on the island’s best beaches, Sao Beach and Khem Beach where the white sands are a stark contrast to the deep blue waters.
The tourism boom of high-end accommodations and sultry rooftop bars are located at Duong To (between Duong Dong and An Thoi) with most of these institutions located on the longest beach on the island, Long Beach.
How To Get There
There are two ways to get to the island which is through air or sea. You can take a ferry from two major ports, one in Rach Gia (2 hours & half hour journey) and another from Ha Tien (1 hour 15minute journey). Major airports like Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City have domestic flights direct to the island.
Where To Stay
Homely accommodations of Vietnamese design comes in the form of Lan Anh Garden Resort. When their spacious rooms are not facing the pool, it is equipped with quaint balconies overlooking lush gardens. Closer to the airport is the Miana Resort with bungalows to accommodate big groups or your family. The grounds have a more tropical garden decor which is great for relaxing, especially by the pool. Do not forget to nosh on some traditional Vietnamese dishes at their restaurant and bar.
What To Eat
When on the island, expect the freshest of seafood. The Vietnamese love their spring rolls or gỏi cuốn but the ones served in Phu Quoc are filled with raw fish and shredded coconut dipped in locally made fish sauce. Try some at Trung Duong Restaurant where you can taste many local fares under cute cabanas.
Dinner with a sea view can be experienced at Mango Bay Resort that is popular among foreigners and locals alike. The restaurant serves seafood from poached mackerel to freshly made crab cakes, a feast of east meets west.
Good To Know
1. Some locals on the island worship a whale God called ‘Ca Ong’ believing a legend that these giants protect fishermen during rough storms.
2. The 2nd largest island in Phu Quoc is called Hon Thom or Pineapple Island which has an oversea cable car spanning 5.7km from the main Phu Quoc island.
3. Phu Quoc produces some of the best fish sauce and pepper in the region. It’s a great souvenir from the island if you love cooking.
Words by Aishah Azali
