When it comes to island hopping in Vietnam, Phu Quoc sits atop the bucket list of many travelers. Known as a crown jewel located off the Southern coast of Vietnam, Phu Quoc is a booming tourist destination where passionate beachgoers brace the waves and kick back on the sandy beach under the tropical sun. New to Phu Quoc and not sure where to start? Read on to reveal our local insider’s guide!
An Insider's Guide to Phu Quoc Islands!!!
Best Ways to Travel to Phu Quoc
Do you know that you can fly directly to Phu Quoc without a visa required? Yes, you’ve heard it right! There’s no application needed and you’ll get a stamp on your passport right after landing. Departing within Vietnam? Opt for one of the domestic flights from Hanoi, Danang, or Can Tho operated by Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, and Pacific Airlines. Riding a two-hour speed ferry from Ha Tien or Rach Gia is another top option if you depart from the Mekong Delta on a budget.
The pristine waves pampering Phu Quoc coastline (Photo via Unsplash by Anton Shuvalov)
6 Top-Rated Things to Do in Phu Quoc
Soaking Under the Sea
Swimming amid the colorful coral reefs and marine life is the first thing that springs to my mind when asked what to do in Phu Quoc. The pristine water pampers your body as you weave under the waves with schools of fish swimming around solid coral reefs.
Phu Quoc is a year-round destination and you can snorkel or dive anytime in the year. However, my favorite time in Phu Quoc is from November to April when the sea is at its calmest.
The pristine water in Phu Quoc
Smell the Soul of Vietnamese Cuisine with an Insight into a Fish Sauce Factory
Its bizarre smell may knock you off at the first steps into the factory. But trust me, once you fall in love with Vietnamese cuisine, you will understand why fish sauce is the “nectar of God”!
The making of Vietnamese fish sauce in Phu Quoc is painstaking just like how wine is distilled in a winery. Stroll through a vast collection of barrels stacked one after another and learn the magic behind how each drop of fish sauce is carried from the factory to your table.
Soak in the Scenic Landscape from the World’s Longest Cable Car Ride
Spanning nearly eight kilometers, Phu Quoc cable car is one of the longest cable car rides in the world. Hover in the air as you’re zipping from Phu Quoc to Pineapple Island (Hon Thom). The cable ride lasts for 15 minutes. And don’t forget to snag your camera along as it’s going to be a lifetime experience to capture this sweeping panorama up above the sky!
Rock VinWonders Phu Quoc in Your Own Way
Embrace a sunny day in VinWonders Phu Quoc
Traveling to Phu Quoc with kids? It’s time to put a bright smile on their faces with a day trip to VinWonders Phu Quoc! Encompassing 170.000 square meters, Vinwonders Phu Quoc peps up your holiday with a wide array of adrenaline-fueled activities and outdoor leisure.
Screaming your heart out from the sudden loops of a roller-coaster ride, dipping in the water park, and exploring the vibrant marine life at the aquarium are a few to be named!
Reconnect with Nature at Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc
A Safari ride at Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc (photo via Facebook)
Lounging in the sea and sipping on a cocktail from your airy hotel balcony get you closer to the pristine nature but Vinpearl Safari is the only place to take your experience to a whole new level.
Home to over 3000 species of fauna, Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc encompasses 500 hectares where you can get in touch with the rare species deriving all the way from South Africa, Oceania, and Europe. Hop on a safari ride and wander through the vibrant wilderness to get a sense of what mother nature has to offer.
Sway to Your Favorite Jam at Sailing Club Phu Quoc
A night party at Sailing Club Phu Quoc (photo via Facebook)
Now the sun beams down and you’re seeking the coolest way to rock Phu Quoc in your own way? Head to Sailing Club Phu Quoc and you won't be disappointed. Sailing Club is an all-day beach club where you can dine out with a scenic view, sip on your favorite ale at a beer garden, enjoy a live music show, and dance with the DJ. That cool, trendy hip vibe truly gives Sailing Club a distinctive and modern ambiance that you should never let it go to waste.
What to Eat in Phu Quoc?
3 Delightful Local Delicacy to Wake up Your Taste Buds
Slipper Lobster
Suck out that sweetness and tender strands of meat from that big slipper lobster on your plate! It’s time to perk up your dining experience with a generous serving of slipper lobster that goes above your imagination!
The way I enjoy slipper lobster is by having it boiled, then rub a thin layer of black pepper salt on the meat, squeeze a bit of lime juice all over and wake up my taste bud with this whole combo sliding into my mouth! Otherwise, you can choose to have it grilled with green onion, cheese, or butter and garlic.
Raw Herring Salad
I’m about to delight your palate with a serving of fresh, raw herring salad native to Phu Quoc Islands! A generous portion of raw herring comes with a prosperous blanket of thinly-sliced herring, mixed with lime juice, and wrapped inside rice paper. Each roll is paired with fresh herbs such as fresh lettuce, cucumbers, and young papaya to finish the overall tasting profile.
Sea Urchin
Game up your seafood hunt in Phu Quoc with an authentic treat of sea urchin! Each sea urchin serves as a bowl itself and all you need to do is watch it grilled atop charcoal fire, peppered with green onion and roasted peanuts, top it with some pepper salt and lime juice, then consume with a full spoon sliding straight into your mouth. Rich, hearty, and flavorsome, sea urchin is a must-try that’s widely available from the night market to high-end restaurants.
I hope you enjoy Phu Quoc as much as I do! No matter which season you’re visiting, Phu Quoc is still a dreamy paradise that makes you want to come back for more. Bookmark this insider’s guide today and enjoy Phu Quoc to your heart’s content!
