7 REASONS YOU NEED ADD PHU QUOC ISLAND IN VIET NAM TO YOUR SOUTH EAST ASIA HIT LIST
It’s been described as the jewel in Vietnam’s crown. Phu Quoc Island sits on the west coast of Vietnam and is rapidly cementing itself as one of South East Asia’s hottest holiday destinations. It’s been popular with backpacker crowds for a while but couples – young and old – and even families are descending on the low-key island with its easy access, incredible coastline and laid back atmosphere. While the likes of Hanoi, Halong Bay and Sa Pa offer loads to do in northern Vietnam, it’s down south where the weather is hot all year round that you can really soak up what Vietnam’s all about at a much slower pace. Phu Quoc is home to some of the best beaches in Vietnam and here’s why you need to add it to your itinerary NOW.
1. It’s the perfect place to relax
For many, Vietnam will be a total culture shock. While the country is outrageously beautiful and enchanting it’s also pretty hectic – the roads are chaotic, the language-barrier-struggle is real, and the heat is intense.
But Phu Quoc is a good place to unwind, relax and enjoy the simpler things in life.
Whether you’ve been trekking in Sa Pa or navigating Ben Thanh Market in Saigon, Phu Quoc is the antidote to more action-packed resorts with its remote beaches and chilled vibe.
2. The beaches
If you Google Vietnam beaches there’s some pretty impressive views to behold. Phu Quoc will be among them.
Most hotels are on the island’s west coast on the island’s biggest beach, Long Beach.
Long beach
Make sure you stay in a hotel directly on the beach, though, as the beaches are private and you could get moved on if you settle down on somebody else’s turf.
Because the island is so small you can easily check out all the other beaches Phu Quoc has to offer and Sao beach in the south is a must.
3. Its accessibility
With a shiny new international airport now in place you can fly to Phu Quoc from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Da Nang and Can Tho from as little as £20 each way.
However, it’s also great for people on an even tighter budget as there’s also a number of ferries that can take you 45km to mainland Vietnam or even Cambodia, which is just a stonesthrow away.
Sao beach
4. It’s a place to explore
The island is 90 per cent national park.
You can hire a scooter or a bicycle pretty much everywhere in Vietnam for mega cheap prices.
But the lovely thing in Phu Quoc is that because it’s so small – taking about an hour to scooter around the perimeter – there’s no chance you’ll get too lost.
Plus the roads are relatively quiet – unusual for Vietnam!
5. Snorkelling/diving
As with many places in SE Asia the snorkelling in Phu Quoc is on point. There’s also plenty of diving schools if you’re after a PADI certificate.
Snorkeling at An Thoi Area
6. Squid fishing
If you’re hanging out on the beach in the evening (probably at Rory’s Bar where they light a fire each night) you’re bound to notice all the bright green lights on the horizon which signify that squid fishing is at play – and there’s plenty of sunset trips enabling you to experience it first hand.
Night squid fishing is Favorite activitie
OK, so on my trip I didn’t actually catch any squid, but it was a worthwhile experience nonetheless.
We also got to have a taste of the night’s catch and there was some squid porridge going around which I politely passed on, but you may be braver than I!
7. The food
If you’ve wandered off the beaten track during your stay in Vietnam it’s probably been a while since you enjoyed some hearty, wholesome food.
Luckily, Phu Quoc is a little more tailored to tourists than a lot of other places and there’s a tonne of food options on offer.
Of course there’s plenty of traditional cuisine to go around, including a bustling night market with fresh fish and ice-cream rolls.
Herring salad