Brilliant Reasons To Visit Phu Quoc, the Pearl Island
You are a fan of white sandy beaches and the magic of the underwater world. Nothing will stop you from immersing yourself to the azure waters of Phu Quoc, the Pearl Island of Vietnam.
While hectic cities seem to overwhelm peaceful vibes, a beach escape to one of the most beautiful islands in Vietnam will put the finishing touch to your journey. On the one hand, it is lively with a similar beach atmosphere just like other beach destinations, but on the other hand, it has never stopped bending over backward to become a top tourist attraction in Vietnam. Here are some brilliant reasons to add Phu Quoc to your checklist.
Phu Quoc — the Pearl Island
Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s largest island in southern Kien Giang Province, and Duong Dong town is the heart of the island with developed infrastructure. Just like most tropical destinations, Phu Quoc has high temperatures throughout the year with dry and rainy seasons. The best time to visit Phu Quoc island is between December and March when the weather is at its best though you can practically reach the beach at any time of the year.
You can easily get to Phu Quoc by plane and land at Phu Quoc International Airport. Domestic routes include Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Danang and Can Tho. See A Traveler’s Guide to International Airports in Vietnam. Alternatively, travelers can take fast ferries from both Ha Tien and Rach Gia to Phu Quoc.
Phu Quoc is dubbed Vietnam’s pearl island for its celebrated pearl farming industry. The island has gained worldwide popularity in recent years with the rapid growth of resorts and entertaining facilities.
7 Reasons To Visit Phu Quoc
Plenty of sunny days with warm rays almost all year round means there is a good chance you’ll love the sun during your trip here. In addition to its tropical climate plus, the warmth of friendly people with smiles on their faces is about to give you a warm welcome. Here are some more reasons you should leave everything and head to Phu Quoc.
1. Scenic beaches
It must be the beach to make you feel the calling to visit Phu Quoc. Many visitors are in awe at crystal clear waters, fine waves and soft sands. This place is exactly where to take endless photos of sunrises and sunsets that every Instagrammer can ever dream of.
Out of the most gorgeous beaches in Phu Quoc, Bai Dai and Bai Sao are favored for their picturesque sceneries with palm trees highlighting the whole area. You don’t have to look hard for a paradise, it is right there, just a few steps from you.
» Are you looking for Top Attractions in Phu Quoc Vietnam?
2. Endless fun-filled activities
You can’t visit a beach destination and leave without enjoying any water sports. The tantalizing glimpse of the beach will make you get out there and have a go whether it is swimming, snorkeling or scuba diving, you definitely have fun.
If you are indulged in a water park, hop on a cable car to head to Hon Thom Island where houses Sun World Hon Thom Nature Park. There are plenty of water slides, splash pads and all kinds of facilities that will satisfy your whole family.
A fan of the wonderland will never miss out on a chance to walk under the sea and discover the magical beauty of colorful reefs and unique fish. Just get your underwater camera ready to capture the best moments of you and maybe a clownfish or a butterfish. Are you also interested in best water sports in Vietnam?
Phu Quoc is filled with energy even after the sunsets. Squid fishing will break the silence of the night and give you an experience to remember for a lifetime. You don’t even know fishing before, just a few minutes to learn some basic skills and you can catch enough squid for a bowl of squid porridge.
See more on Hon Mun Island, Nha Trang: Discover a Snorkeling Paradise
3. Alluring nature
It’s not just the beach that gives Phu Quoc the nickname ‘the pearl island.’ There are evergreen forests and gigantic waterfalls that never fail to lure visitors to the place. If you visit Phu Quoc in the summer then this is the perfect time to find your way to Suoi Tranh and Suoi Da Ban waterfalls. These places will give you a great chance to resonate with nature and listen to the calling of the wild.
One of the most valuable features of Phu Quoc lies in its tranquility and simplicity. You don’t need to be in a hurry, go with the flow and get lost in your own world. No more horns, no more traffic jams in big cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh, just the birds singing and you can even hear the wind blowing peacefully.
4. Amazing food
Seafood is a staple for the island. Phu Quoc offers a wide range of seafood and places to eat catering to all your interests. From the local markets to street food stalls to restaurants, you will be served fresh off-the-boat seafood. It may worry you just because you don’t know what to order from the unique menu. As most locals suggest, try raw herring salad, slipper lobster and thick noodle soup with fish cakes.
Where to eat:
- Ham Ninh fishing village Restaurant: Rach Ham, Ham Ninh
- Dinh Cau night market
- Zen Restaurant: 30/4 Street, Duong Dong
- Trung Duong Marina Restaurant: No. 136, 30/4 Street, Duong Dong
- Song Xanh Restaurant: 30/4 Street
As a tropical island, Phu Quoc provides a tonne of fresh fruit from rambutan to longan and mangosteen. If you are a fan of unique flavors, don’t forget to give durians a try! Just swing by any garden and you can choose your favorite fruits.
5. World-class resorts
Contrary to its untouched nature, there are incredibly polished resorts to stay here. You both get closer to nature and enjoy high-end facilities. Most luxury hotels and resorts on the Pearl Island provide private beaches with exciting activities including swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, to name a few. Your stay will be nothing short of perfect.
Here are some five-star suggestions: Salinda Premium Resort and Spa, JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa, Vinpearl Resort & Spa Phu Quoc, InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort, Fusion Resort Phu Quoc.
» Also Best Beach Resorts in Vietnam for Your Next Escape
6. Cultural discoveries
Your trip is culturally rich with some pit stops at pepper tree gardens or fish sauce factories to learn about the local industry. You will have a chance to witness the manufacturing process and taste fish sauce and rose myrtle fruit wine. Also, there are several pearl farms where you can buy quality pearls.
Phu Quoc these days is covered with gorgeous sights, but there is a prison that recalls its troublesome history. Coconut Tree Prison or simply Phu Quoc Prison used to keep up to 40,000 communist soldiers. Be aware that this may not be a pleasant experience for all visitors as you will see brutal war crime scenes. Check out this Full Day Phu Quoc Island Discovery that brings you to local factories and the Coconut Tree Prison.
For peace searching, climb the stairs of Ho Quoc Pagoda. This Buddhist Temple offers a panoramic view of the sea and mountains. Visitors flock here for the breathtaking sunrise in Phu Quoc. Try to get there around 5.30 AM and you can witness the magnificence.
7. Fantastic nightlife
Save some energy to soak up the nightlife. Visiting night markets is the best way to discover another side of Phu Quoc. It’s lively and energetic with hundreds of food stalls offering fresh seafood, snacks and beverages. You can also get some lovely souvenirs and clothes to bring home. So, take note of Dinh Cau and Bach Dang night markets.
If you are a fan of traditional performance, a water puppet show at Dao Ngoc Water Puppet Theatre will show you the magic behind curtains. Though this art form originally comes from northern Vietnam, the performance here is not less intriguing.
For those who miss DJs and hip tunes, Phu Quoc has ample stylish bars for you to grab a cocktail and settle down in. Get ready to join the party with fun-loving locals, expats and tourists. Consider these options: Coco Bar, Happy Buddha Club, Lion Garden Beer Club, Rabbit Hole Irish Bar, to name a few.
Phu Quoc holidays can be spent lying on the beaches, exploring local markets, taking in beautiful vistas and dining tempting dishes. You will never get tired of the variety of activities that’s on offer on the Pearl Island of Vietnam!
© Maika Tours
Written by Trinh Tran