Phu Quoc, Vietnam, called "Pearl Island'', is an enchanting destination that promises a blend of pristine beaches, lush forests, and vibrant local life with tropical escape. Phu Quoc can easily satisfy you, whether you're a beach lover, an adventurer, or a culinary enthusiast. If this island is on your bucket list, this article by the Frontier Travel Viet Nam team is for you to discover more about its weather, top activities, local delicacies, and practical tips to enhance an unforgettable trip.
1. Is Phu Quoc, Vietnam worth visiting?
Absolutely! Phu Quoc is a stunning island located in the South of Vietnam, displaying characteristics of a tropical region. You can immerse yourself in white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lavish national parks. To elevate your adventure, there are various activities, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and exploring the local markets. The rich culture and friendly locals charms the attractiveness of the island.
2. What is the weather like in Phu Quoc, Vietnam?
Experiencing the tropical monsoon climate, Phu Quoc has two distinct seasons:
- Dry season lasts from November to April. This is considered the best time to visit Phu Quoc, with comfortable temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C, equalling 77°F to 86°F. The weather is sunny and dry, ideal for visitors with outdoor excursions.
- Rainy season lasts from May to October, with heavy rainfall and higher humidity. Temperatures are still warm, but frequent showers can disrupt outdoor plans.
3. What things to do and see in Phu Quoc, Vietnam?
Are you worried about being bored in Phu Quoc? No worries! There are many destinations with activities that you can write down to your list here:
- Phu Quoc National Park: This place is designated by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve. Hiking and wildlife spotting are often preferred by visitors to explore the diverse flora and fauna.
- Sao beach: You are a beach lover? Here you have powdery white sand, along with clear blue waters across 7 kilometers of the island. The warm, calm, blue water, along with the majestic rocky capes protruding into the sea, and the soaring coconut rows,... all contribute to the pristine, wild, and pure atmosphere of this wonderful beach. You can spend all day long swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
- Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc: This is the first and only semi-wild animal care in Vietnam, being the home to a wide range of animals. With a total area of 500ha, the park has 2 sub-divisions. One is an open zoo for visitors to go around areas of open animal husbandry. Another is the semi-wild area, called “safari park”, where visitors will be picked up by special vehicles in the unique form of "released animals, captive human". If you are an animal lover, or your family has kids, Vinpearl Safari is really recommended.
- Phu Quoc night market: This bustling market is the trade hub for local stress foods, cooking ingredients, souvenirs, and different stuff. Visiting the place may offer you a view into local culture and people.
- Phu Quoc Prison: This is a historical site that reflects a dark period of Vietnam history, the Vietnam War. Visiting the evidence of Vietnamese revolutionary soldiers sacrificed for the independence, justice, and unity of the country, you may be shocked in front of the fierceness of war. In 1995, Phu Quoc Prison was officially recognized as a Special National Relic by the Vietnamese Minister of Culture and Information.
- Dinh Cau night market: Besides Phu Quoc night market, you can try this smaller but vibrant market, with diverse options of fresh seafood, local delicacies, and handcrafted goods.
- Pepper farms: In Vietnam, Phu Quoc is famous for its high-quality pepper. You should grasp a chance to learn about the cultivation process and purchase fresh spices. You can consider Duc Thanh garden, Ngoc Ha Garden, Huynh Thy garden, Hong Anh garden and Khu Tuong garden. These are 5 most famous pepper farms within the area.
4. What to eat in Phu Quoc, Vietnam?
Frontier Travel Viet Nam suggests some must-try local specialties, and we recommend you to choose local markets and restaurants to experience the most authentic flavor.
- Grilled scad fish: Fresh scad fish is marinated uniquely, grilled with natural fire (from wood or charcoal), then served with rice paper, fresh herbs, and dipping sauce. You will taste the sweetness but not fishy, enjoy the chewy meat enough to melt in your mouth. It is not easy to find this dish in other places besides Phu Quoc, so do not miss the chance to try.
- Herring salad: Fresh herring is carefully selected and gone through preliminary processing, then served with vegetables, and herbs, then rolled with rice paper and dipping sauce. A typical way of tasting in Vietnam!
- Sea urchin: Rarely sea areas in Vietnam serve sea urchin like in Phu Quoc. Locals suggest 3 common ways to enjoy this food. One is scraping the meat inside, stir-fried with garlic and simmering in porridge. Another is cutting the sea urchin in half, grilling on hot charcoal and topping with spring onion grease, roasted peanuts. The last one is eating raw sea urchin with a little lime juice.
- Banh canh Phu Quoc: Thick noodles, various seafood and dense soup are what you can feel when trying this dish. Vietnam has many kinds of “banh canh”, but this one stands out due to the flavor of the sea.
- Phu Quoc fish sauce: The production of fish sauce is famous across Vietnam due to the superior quality. This ingredient is a staple, must-have in Vietnamese cuisine. The odor may be unpleasant at first, but when you are familiar, you will fall in love with this flavor.
5. FAQ about Phu Quoc, Vietnam
If this is the first time you visit Phu Quoc, or want to experience something different from your last times, those suggestions below regarding transportation and accommodations may be helpful.
How to get to Phu Quoc, Vietnam?
There are many ways to arrive in Phu Quoc, but we highly recommend you to choose flights to keep your trip fast and convenient, along with guaranteeing your health. Here are some of other suggestions as well:
Mode of Transport | Duration | Pros | Cons |
Air | 2-3 hours from Hanoi | Fast, convenient | High cost |
Air | 1 hour from Ho Chi Minh City) | Fast, convenient | High cost |
Ferry (from Ha Tien) | 2-3 hours | Scenic route, affordable | Long travel time |
Bus + Ferry (from HCMC) | 8-10 hours | Budget-friendly | Long and tiring journey |
Private car + Ferry | 6-7 hours | Comfortable, flexible | Expensive |
What to buy as gifts for family and friends in Phu Quoc?
Phu Quoc island, besides the reputation of charming beaches, has various unique local souvenirs. Pepper, fish sauce, pearl jewelry, and sim wine are often preferred by visitors.
- Phu Quoc pepper: Phu Quoc is famous for peppers with a restricted cultivating process and unique flavor. You can purchase from gardens or local markets, but buying from gardens can offer you an opportunity to experience harvesting peppers.
- Fish sauce: This is a premium product famous throughout Vietnam, which you can purchase after visiting craft villages. However, if you travel by airplane, remember to find information if you can bring fish sauce, along with packing requirements.
- Pearl jewelry: Locally harvested pearls are crafted into beautiful jewelry, making these accessories more unique and affordable when purchased in this destination.
- Sim wine: A sweet wine is made from local sim fruit, which is unique to the island. Also, like fish sauce, remember to find information if you can bring wine, along with packing requirements.
Where to stay in Phu Quoc, Vietnam?
Here we suggest some accommodation options, including resorts, hotels and homestays as a reference.
Resorts are highly appreciated for luxurious relaxation experiences. Typically, resorts in Phu Quoc offer world-class amenities, along with huge swimming pools, 5-star restaurants, spa, fitness center and private beach.
- JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa
- Vinpearl Resort & Spa
- InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort
- Salinda Resort Island
- Fusion Resort
- La Veranda Resort - MGallery
- Premier Village Resort
- Nam Nghi Phu Quoc Island
Hotels seem to be more affordable than above resorts, but still provide full amenities. Some below contain “Resort” in the name, but they are mentioned as hotels due to the price and level of luxury.
- Sea Sense Resort
- Eco Beach Resort
- Ocean Pearl Hotel
- Valley Sen Bungalow
- Dusit Princess Moonrise Beach Resort
- Mango Bay Resort
- Eden Resort
- The Shells Resort & Spa
Homestays are considered the most affordable option. Some suggestions below contain “Resort” or “Hotel” in the name, but we categorize them as homestays due to the price and level of luxury.
- Coconut Tree Homestay
- Thuy House Resort
- Peace House Homestay
- Mai Phuong Phu Quoc Homestay
- Homeland Resort
- Green House Homestay
- Viet Thanh Resort
- Coco Valley Garden Hotel & Homestay
- Huong Giang Homestay
- Kim Bungalow
Besides those suggestions, you can refer to reputable travel agencies, like Frontier Vietnam, for detailed consultation. We can help to advise the option fitting your experience desire, and budget, and even help you to book the accommodation in advance and deal with the bargain.
Things to note when visiting Phu Quoc, Vietnam
To help you get the best of your Phu Quoc journey, here are some small but helpful tips recommended by Frontier Travel Viet Nam:
- Respect local customs: Please remember to dress modestly when visiting religious, cultural, and historical sites. Otherwise, you will be negatively judged, or even restricted from visiting the place.
- Stay hydrated: Tropical climate and seafood can make your body more intense, so drinking more water compared to normal days is recommended.
- Be mindful of the environment: Coming to the land of fauna and flora preservation, along with breathtaking beach scenes, you should avoid littering and respect wildlife.
Being a tropical paradise, Phu Quoc, Vietnam is a fusion of natural attractiveness, rich culture, and diverse activities. The island offers you a thriving natural base, a magnificent beach and mouth-watering local delicacies. If you are considering Vietnam, recommended by Frontier Travel Viet Nam, Phu Quoc should be noted in your list.
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