Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc is a mountainous, densely forested island of 574 km² with approximately 103,000 residents. The island is famous for producing the world's best fish sauce (nuoc mam), high-quality pepper, and fantastic seafood. Its beaches were voted 'The Cleanest and Most Beautiful Beach in the World' by ABC News in 2008, though pollution outside resorts has become a concern. The island offers a mix of rapid development with high-rise resorts and quieter natural areas.

Phu Quoc International Airport (IATA: PQC) serves flights from Ho Chi Minh City (about 1 hour) with Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, Pacific Airlines, and Bamboo Airways. Vietnam Airlines also flies to Rach Gia, Hanoi, Can Tho, and internationally to Siem Reap. Visitors arriving by cruise ship do not need a visa for stays up to 15 days with 45 days passport validity. Those arriving by plane receive a 30-day tourist visa free of charge.

Motorbikes can be hired for 150,000 dong/24 hr (automatic scooter) or 120,000 dong/24 hr (manual motorbike) as of May 2024. Motorbike taxis cost 200,000-400,000 dong for a day trip. Taxis use meters with a 5,000 dong flag fall. Grab works in main population centers. Free Vinbus operates six routes connecting major resort areas. Bicycle rental is available at Mr Nhat Store for US$2-4.

High season runs November-March with sunny skies and temperatures around 31°C day, 23°C night. Shoulder season (April-May) has higher temperatures and 80-85% humidity with fewer crowds. Low season (July-September) is dominated by monsoons. January-February are the busiest months, making advance booking essential for affordable accommodations.

Budget accommodation concentrates at the south end of Long Beach, with en suite bungalows from USD10 in low season. Budget options include Viet Thanh Bungalow (USD6-15), Little Garden Bungalow (from USD35), and Paris Beach Resort (USD20-40). Mid-range choices like Mai House (USD50-90) and La Veranda (USD25-250) offer good value. The cheapest lodgings are Nhat Lan, Viet Thanh, and Lien Hiep Thanh, located 10-20 minutes by motorbike taxi from Duong Dong.

The Night Market on Vo Thi Sau in Duong Dong opens from 18:00 with fresh seafood from 20,000 dong. Dinh Cau Night Market near the ferry landing offers seafood, pearls, and local goods. International options include Ganesh Indian Restaurant (97 Tran Hung Dao) and The Dog Bar (88 Tran Hung Dao) serving Western, Vietnamese, and seafood dishes. Rory's Beach Bar has draught beer around 35,000 dong and cocktails around 100,000 dong.

Sao Beach on the southeast corner is the prettiest beach on the island with a restaurant/cafe. Suoi Tranh Waterfalls is a major attraction when it has been raining, with a 2-m waterfall and pool for swimming. The Phu Quoc Prison History Museum (350 Nguyen Van Cu) offers free entry and documents the French colonial and Vietnam War periods. Sunworld Cable Car takes a 30-minute trip (300,000 dong roundtrip) to Hon Thom Water Park with water slides, pools, and snorkeling.

The biggest risks are getting sick or being involved in an accident. Locals actively communicate safety information over social media. When renting motorbikes, note there is no paperwork, no insurance, and no deposits. Roads are mostly red dirt with potholes, and traffic rules differ from Western standards. Carry a basic first aid kit and your hotel telephone number when exploring.

SIM cards and mobile data are readily available from local providers. Most hotels and resorts offer free Wi-Fi. Power outlets use standard Vietnamese two-pin round plugs (Type C/F). The Rabbit Hole Irish Sports Bar offers free Wi-Fi for patrons.

Budget travelers can find en suite bungalows from USD10 in low season. Motorbike rental costs 120,000-150,000 dong/day. Street food and night market meals start from 20,000 dong. Diving at Flipper Diving Club costs US$65 for fun dives, with PADI courses starting from US$300. Island tours and snorkeling trips start from US$15.

Island tours organized by hotels may include visits to fish sauce factories or the nature reserve. Ganh Dau in the northwest offers colorful fishing boats and access to dense forest areas. The southern tip near An Thoi has fishing boats and small islands accessible by hired boat. Pearl farms on the west side south of Duong Dong have cafes and shops.

From Phu Quoc, visitors can take ferries to Ha Tien on the Vietnamese mainland (about 45 km east). International connections include flights to Siem Reap in Cambodia. The island serves as a transit point between Vietnam and Cambodia for some travelers.