Top Destinations in Vietnam: A Tropical Getaway to Phu Quoc Island
Just a 50-minute flight can take you from the hectic, bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City to one of Vietnam’s most beautiful destinations: Phu Quoc Island. Located off the southwestern coast of Vietnam, this tropical escape is filled with stunning beaches, interesting attractions, local charms and so much more. Drawing in everyone from luxury travelers and penny-pinching backpackers to international honeymooners and domestic tourists, Phu Quoc Island is one of the country’s ultimate holiday spots.
What to Do on Phu Quoc Island?
The most popular thing to do on Phu Quoc Island is visit the beaches. Endless stretches of golden sand shores leading into the pristine, warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand… Phu Quoc is a real paradise retreat. From Long Beach, Ganh Dau and Vung Bau on the west coast of the island to Sao, Bai Thom and Bai Vong Beaches on the east coast, sun-seekers will have a huge range of options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for fun, entertainment and loads of accommodation options (look around the Long Beach area) or peace, quiet and total isolation (Bai Thom), Phu Quoc has it all. Another of Phu Quoc’s main attractions lies right off the coast of its idyllic beaches…
Diving and Snorkeling in Phu Quoc
Warm, nutrient rich waters and undisturbed, protected marine regions help produce the perfect conditions for Phu Quoc’s exotic, tropical marine life to thrive in. The two main diving spots on the island are off the coast of Duong Dong (in the north) and around the An Thoi Archipelago (in the south). Divers can expect to see a huge variety of colorful, tropical fish, mackerel, tuna and grouper, as well as a wide array of coral reefs, sea sponges and other exotic underwater creatures. With a number of professional & certified dive operators working on the island, beginners, intermediates and veteran divers can all safely and comfortably enjoy their time underwater. Not interested in going so deep? There are also snorkeling options available that still expose some of Phu Quoc’s underwater beauty.
Cultural Attractions of Phu Quoc
Not interested in spending all your time on the beach or in the water? Phu Quoc has a number of exciting cultural attractions that will have visitors of all ages and interests captivated and intrigued during their stay. The Dinh Cau Rock Temple (built into the rocks at the mouth of the Duong Dong River) and Nguyen Trung Truc Temple are some notable and picturesque religious destinations, or for a walk through the island’s history, the Coi Nguon Museum and Phu Quoc Prison/War Memorial are a few other educational must-sees.
Phu Quoc is famous not only for its natural beauty and tropical appeal… but also for something a bit more pungent. The country’s best fish sauce (a staple ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine) is produced in Phu Quoc, and visitors (who can handle the smell) are allowed to tour these incredible fermentation factories. If you’re looking for an extremely unique souvenir to bring home from Phu Quoc, its internationally acclaimed fish sauce is it! Phu Quoc is also famous for its production of white and black pepper, so if you’d prefer to bring something a bit less stinky home, this might be your best bet.
When to visit Phu Quoc? Phu Quoc’s peak season is from November to April when the weather is at its best, though May & June are quite nice as well, if you don’t mind the heat!
Phu Quoc has a number of other notable attractions from national parks and pearl farms to delicious seafood restaurants and some great nightlife. If you’re looking for the ultimate getaway during your trips to Vietnam, Phu Quoc Island is the destination for you!
