What does the world's leading travel magazine write about Phu Quoc?
Báo Thanh niên•15/07/2024
Lonely Planet, considered the compass of worldtourism , has an article advising tourists to explore Phu Quoc - a destination that has been criticized by domestic tourists in recent times.
Phu Quoc, an archipelago of 22 islands, is also the largest island in Vietnam. Blessed with 150 km of beautiful coastline, dense forests (more than half of the island is a national park) and abundant seafood, it is also the only place in Vietnam where tourists of all nationalities can visit visa-free for up to 30 days. As a result, Vietnam has set a goal of developing the island into a world- class beach destination with excellent roads, a wide range of accommodation and dining options, and plenty of places to explore. The island is home to around 146,000 permanent residents and welcomes 3-5 million tourists each year. If you are visiting Phu Quoc for the first time, here is everything you need to know.
Trao Beach on Hon Thom Island
TN
When should I go to Phu Quoc?
Tropical Phu Quoc has essentially only two seasons: six months of dry sunshine from November to April and six months of rain from May to October. During the wet season, the southwest monsoon brings frequent, sometimes heavy rains, interspersed with patches of sunshine. If you choose to go during the wet season, consider a hotel with a pool for a quick swim between showers. Phu Quoc also has a garbage problem, generating more waste (an average of 190 tons per day) than the island can handle (usually by landfill or incineration). Around October and November, northeast winds can sweep rubbish from fishing boats, islands and other places around the Gulf of Thailand onto Phu Quoc’s eastern beaches. Most mid-range to high-end hotels and resorts do a good job of keeping their beaches clean, but this is something to consider.
How many days should I spend in Phu Quoc?
If you’re looking for a short beach break to end your trip to Vietnam, three days is enough to see the island’s highlights while also taking in some other activities. Those looking to spend more time should consider splitting their trip into two parts: a few nights in Duong Dong and a few nights at the Vinpearl complex in the north or south, with its stunning beaches.
Famous Kem Beach on Ngoc Island
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Is it easy to get around?
There are direct domestic flights to/from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Hai Phong as well as several larger cities in the region including Seoul, Taipei and Bangkok. Flights from Ho Chi Minh City take just one hour. There are also ferries from Ha Tien or Rach Gia in the Mekong Delta. It is only a 15-20 minute drive (14 km) from the airport to Duong Dong. Most hotels will include at least one-way transfers; otherwise, taxis are cheap and plentiful. Taxis or ride-hailing apps (Grab and XanhSM) cost just a few dollars for short distances. However, longer distances can add up. If you have a motorbike license, scooters are available for hire.
What to do in Phu Quoc?
Take an island hopping snorkeling tour. Extremely affordable full-day snorkeling tours usually take you to two or three islands, allowing you time to snorkel, swim and relax on the beach. You can fish along the way (although you’ll only need a reel and a hook instead of a rod). Lunch is a fun meal served family-style with your fellow day-trippers. At this price point, be prepared to share a full boat. Other options include visiting more islands, going in smaller groups, or ending on Hon Thom and returning to the main island by cable car.
Cable car on Hon Thom
NMT
Cable Car to Hon Thom The trip to Hon Thom takes about 15 minutes, covering nearly 8km via the world’s longest three-wire cable car. The views of fishing boats and forested islands alone are worth the price of admission. On the island, a family day awaits with waterslides, wooden roller coasters, observation decks and more. Sea walking, parasailing and kayaking are available for an extra fee. Sunset Town Opening in late 2023, Sunset Town recreates a slice of Italian coastline on tropical Phu Quoc. While it sounds completely kitsch (the cable car station facade resembles the Colosseum in Rome), the town is surprisingly well-built, complete with pastel-coloured houses and terracotta roofs, cobblestone streets and cute shops and cafes. Aside from the surreal setting, the draw here is its myriad tourist attractions, including the Kissing Bridge, nightly fireworks displays, free water puppet shows and street performances, a beachside night market, and the multi-sensory Kiss of the Sea show with acrobatics, fireworks, and lights projected onto falling water.
Sunset Town and Kissing Bridge
NMT
The best beaches in the area Phu Quoc has nearly 20 – the best beaches in Vietnam – ranging from pristine and secluded to picturesque stretches of fine sand with crystal-clear waters. Two of the best are in the southeast of the island. Sao Beach is home to restaurants and beach clubs, making it popular with tour groups who often hit the sand just before noon for a few hours. The next beach, Kem Beach, is quieter. Phu Quoc Specialties Phu Quoc has an incredible array of specialties. Tours to the south of the island often visit a sim wine factory, pepper gardens, a pearl farm with demonstrations of the pearl cultivation process, and a fish sauce factory. Drive through the national forest at the north end of the island to sample local honey and have a seafood lunch.
Gorgeous sunset in Phu Quoc
TN
Catch a great sunrise or sunset The Pearl Island is known for its sunrises and sunsets, which are often a fiery orange, pink and purple. Wake up early on the east coast to catch the sunrise or head to the west coast for a spectacular sunset. Any spot on the beach will do... After a day at the beach, there is nothing better than sitting down to a delicious seafood meal cooked to order. You will find a few seafood restaurants at the night market, but Vietnamese tourists tend to prefer the row of seafood restaurants in Ham Ninh fishing village or the more conveniently located Phu Quoc Fish Village seafood restaurant right in town...
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