Phu Quoc

Location: 40km west of Ha Tien

Population: 103,000 (2012)

Area: 574 km²

Phu Quoc is a nearby island, located in Gulf of Thailand, just 45 kilometers far from Ha Tien coastal town of Vietnam. Also being known as Ngoc island, Phu Quoc – the largest island of Vietnam is a part of Kien Giang province. Phu Quoc is well known for its stunning beaches, untouched natural environment, relaxed atmosphere and friendly locals, fantastic scuba.

Phu Quoc has tropical monsoon climate with 2 seasons: dry and rainy season with average temperature from 22 – 35^oC. Nowadays, it is invested with seaports, resorts, hotels and restaurants. However, it still keeps its primitive beauty of an offshore island. It is also famous for many beautiful beaches, streams and seafood. It can be said that Phu Quoc is endowed with many beaches as beautiful as picture which can compare to Hawaii. Blue sky, blue sea, white sand sparkling in the sunshine and tropical coconut swaying in the wind are ready to hold tourists’ footsteps. Especially, Phu Quoc has a dozen of beaches such as: Vinh Dam, Xep Nho, etc.

Like Cat Ba, Phu Quoc possesses a national park where reserves many rare and precious kinds of trees. Several streams such as Da Ban, Tranh with spectacular scenery will be great places for visitors to take photos.

It would be a pity if visiting Phu Quoc without mentioning food here. This place is abundant of marine resources with fish, shrimp and crabs. Nothing will be greater than sitting on the beach, hearing sound of waves, watching the sea and smelling the fragrant aroma of baked oysters, grilled squid.

Thanks to beauty of nature and good services in Phu Quoc, absolutely you will have unforgettable memory in your travelling life.

Things to see

Vinpearl Land Amusement Park

Vinpearl Land Amusement Park features thrilling water slides, rollercoasters, outdoor and indoor arcade centres. The star attraction of this place is the water park, which combines a manmade beach, amusement rides, family section and kids’ zone.

Tickets to Vinpearl Land Amusement Park are priced at 500,000 VND for adults and 400,000 VND for children above 1.

Duong Dong Market

Duong Dong Market is Phu Quoc island’s busiest and largest outdoor market, where travelers can experience the local lifestyle and purchase a wide range of fresh products. Like almost Asian markets, Duong Dong market is also a house of food stalls serving fruit juices and Vietnamese cuisine. There are some must-tries such as banh tet, echinus porridge and raw herring salad. The best time to visit the market is in the early morning, when you can see the locals bargaining for their items. Thanks to this, visitors can have chance to know more about daily life of local people.

Ham Ninh fishing village

Ham Ninh fishing village is an ideal destination for visitors to experience the daily life of local fishermen as well as authentic regional dishes at affordable prices. Widely known as one of the oldest villages on Phu Quoc island, its residents’ main resources of income include diving for pearls and sea cucumbers, fishing and even selling handmade souvenirs to tourists. This village is also renowned for its unique seafood dishes. Let’s go to Ham Ninh market to enjoy sea cucumber soup, tram mushroom and boiled flower crab as well as medicinal drinks made with seaweed, seashore and rice wine.

Best restaurants

The Pepper Tree

The Pepper Tree at La Veranda Resort Phu Quoc occupies an all-white terrace with stunning views of the beach and garden, where travelers can enjoy premium wines and fine-dining cuisine by award winning chefs.

Opening hours: Daily 6:30 – 23:00

Address: La Veranda Resort Phu Quoc, Phu Quoc island

Khanh Ly Vegetarian Restaurant

This is an affordable eatery with an extensive buffet of vegetables, soups, noodles and mock meat dishes. Located near Cao Dai temple in Duong Dong, this self-service dining spot attracts mostly locals and travelers looking to enjoy meat-free Vietnamese cuisine during their holiday.

Opening hours: Daily 10:00 – 20:00

Address: 35 Nguyen Trai street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc island.

Vuon Tao Restaurant

It is a rustic seafood joint on Phu Quoc island that is renowned for its “goi ca trich” (raw herring salad). Served with a side of fresh green, this local dish combines fresh herring, lemon juice, chillies, onions, sliced vegetables and shredded coconut wrapped in rice paper. This open air restaurant is a good choice for travelers looking to enjoy a light lunch before exploring Phu Quoc island.

Opening hours: daily 7:00 – 21:00

Address: Cua Lap Hamlet, Dong To, Phu Quoc island.