Travel to Phu Quoc – Phu Quoc is a beautiful island located in the Gulf of Thailand, an ideal destination for those who love the sea and pristine nature. With long white sandy beaches, clear blue water, and many exciting activities, Phu Quoc is sure to be a memorable experience for travelers.
1. Introduction to Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc is the only place in Vietnam where tourists can enjoy watching the sunrise and sunset on the beach. Besides the beautiful beaches, the local specialties here are also one of the factors that create a unique characteristic for Phu Quoc tourism.
Phu Quoc is the largest island in Vietnam, located in the Gulf of Thailand, belonging to Kien Giang province, bordered by Cambodia to the northeast, Rach Gia to the northeast, and Ha Tien town to the east.
It is known as the “pearl island” of Vietnam with many famous beaches and tourist attractions such as Bai Sao, Suoi Tranh, Suoi Da Ban, Vinpearl Land, Vinpearl Safari, Hon Thom cable car, Phu Quoc ancient house, Ham Ninh fishing village, Bai Khem – Mui Ong Doi, Ganh Dau Cape, Hon Mong Tay…
2. When is the best time to visit Phu Quoc?
Located deep in the Gulf of Thailand, surrounded by the sea, Phu Quoc’s climate is cool with two distinct seasons: dry season and rainy season.
Dry season in Phu Quoc: lasts from November to April of the following year. The weather is sunny and dry, making it an ideal time to travel and enjoy the best moments on the “pearl island.”
Rainy season in Phu Quoc: starts from May to October, with the most rain occurring in September and October, which can last all day. During this time, the beaches on the west coast of the island may have big waves and the sea can be rough, while the beaches on the east coast are often cloudy.
In addition, November is the transitional period between the two seasons, so the weather can be unpredictable, with a cool temperature of around 25 to 28 degrees Celsius.
3. Means of transportation for traveling to Phu Quoc
* Modes of transportation to Phu Quoc
Airplane
The fastest and most convenient way to travel to Phu Quoc is by airplane. Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Pacific Airlines, and Bamboo Airways all have flights to Phu Quoc.
By bus & ferry/ high-speed boat
If you have more time and are looking for a way to experience more, you can take a bus to Rach Gia or Ha Tien and then take a ferry or high-speed boat to Phu Quoc. This method of travel is suitable for those departing from Ho Chi Minh City or provinces in the Mekong Delta. If you are traveling from Hanoi and want to experience this mode of transportation, it is also recommended to fly to Ho Chi Minh City first.
* Transportation options in Phu Quoc
Renting a motorbike in Phu Quoc
Once you are in Phu Quoc, the most convenient means of transportation is still a motorbike. Based on the experience of independent travelers, the motorbike rental service on the island is very diverse. You can inquire about renting one at your hotel or homestay or contact local rental agencies directly.
Renting a car in Phu Quoc
If you are traveling with family or a large group of friends, renting a car may also be a suitable option. There are two choices for renting a car in Phu Quoc: with or without a driver.
Car with a driver: This option allows for round-trip travel with a limited number of kilometers for each area such as the North Island (100km), South Island (90km), East Island (60km), and North + South Island (150km). The price starts from 600,000 VND for a 4-seater car with a rental time of 10 hours per day.
Self-driving car: The price starts from 700,000 VND per day, with a rental time of about 12-14 hours. If you plan to rent for a longer period, it is recommended to rent for more days.
Grab
Smart transportation services have been available in Phu Quoc since January 2021, so you can travel around the island worry-free. However, there is a scarcity of drivers at some remote locations, so you should plan your itinerary accordingly. You can also ask Grab drivers about their daily rental prices to save costs and enjoy the advantage of having a local person to show you unique and interesting places to eat and visit.
Taxi
As a popular tourist destination, taxis in Phu Quoc are readily available, with prices equivalent to those in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Some popular taxi companies include Vinasun (tel: 0297.3.8.27.27.
4. What are the delicious dishes to try in Phu Quoc?
Seafood mushroom soup: This is a specialty of Phu Quoc, a soup made from mushroom and various types of seafood such as shrimp, squid, and clams. The soup has an excellent sweet taste that can only be found in Phu Quoc.
Grilled fatty onion snails: This is another must-try dish in Phu Quoc. Similar to grilled fatty onion scallops, the snails are cleaned and grilled with a layer of fatty onion and spices on top. Once cooked, they are served hot and spicy. Besides grilled snails, you can also enjoy grilled oysters, abalones, and razor clams.
Fish salad with ca thich: This dish is made from fresh ca thich fish meat taken from both sides of the ribs. The fish meat is then mixed with other ingredients such as onions, coriander, and chili to create a sweet and sour taste without any fishy smell.
Tuna noodle soup: This is a popular dish in Phu Quoc, made from fresh tuna fish and noodles with a sweet, salty, and slightly spicy taste. It’s a perfect dish for a delicious breakfast in Phu Quoc.
5. Some tourist attractions in Phu Quoc
Suoi Trang
Suoi Tranh is beautiful with small streams hidden in the majestic natural mountain forest scenery. It is very suitable for camping and outdoor activities.
Khu Tuong Pepper Garden
The land of Phu Quoc pepper cultivation is famous for its hot and distinctive flavor.
VinWonder Phu Quoc and Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc
If you love to explore exciting games and unique architectural works, you cannot miss this destination. There are many famous amusement parks such as water park, aquarium, cinema, fairy tale castle, and food street. In addition, when you visit Vinpearl Safari, you will discover the largest open zoo in Vietnam with an area of up to 500 hectares, gathering 130 species with more than 2,200 rare animals.
Hon Thom
Hon Thom is located in the south of Phu Quoc island, where the longest cable car system in the world and the famous Aquatopia water park are located. Here, you will discover Phu Quoc in the most unique way with activities such as snorkeling to see coral reefs, visiting aquaculture areas and pearl farms.
Bai Sao
Bai Sao is a beautiful beach in Phu Quoc with a length of over 7km, curved like a crescent moon.
Sunset Sanato Beach Club
Located on the most unique beach in Phu Quoc – Bai Truong, Sunset Sanato Beach Club is a romantic restaurant and bar complex for those who love to explore. At sunset, the scenery here suddenly becomes dreamy and poetic.
6. Where to stay when visiting Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc offers a range of accommodations, from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts of international standard. If you want to save on costs, you can opt for homestays. If you are traveling with your company or family with young children, the best option for you is a hotel in Duong Dong town, which is convenient for exploring tourist attractions and shopping.
The most prime locations must be mentioned to resorts such as Vinpearl or JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay. Most of these premium resorts are located in remote areas but also the most exquisite beaches on the island such as Bai Khem and Bai Dai.
New World Phu Quoc is a resort that features a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity in its sophisticated design. Each villa consists of 3-4 bedrooms, offering spacious open areas, private swimming pools, and extensive gardens. Based on the experience of traveling to Phu Quoc, it is highly recommended for tourists who are interested in a nature-inspired style.
7. Pocket-friendly Travel Tips for Phu Quoc
- Besides beachwear like swimsuits or lightweight clothing, you should also prepare 1-2 sets of formal attire for visits to places with strict dress codes such as Dinh Cau and Phu Quoc Prison.
- It is important to keep an eye on the weather forecast before setting off, especially during the rainy season.
- Booking in advance for services such as flights, hotel rooms, or tours, around 1-2 months early, can help you secure the best deals.
