Vietnam is home to various islands and is often alluded to as a tropical paradise. With stunning beaches, beautiful lush green landscapes and vibrant blue waters, the beauty of the islands in Vietnam doesn’t require any further introduction. Among them all, Phu Quoc Island stands out to be one of the absolute best spots to spend your vacation in. It is Vietnam’s largest island, often infiltrated with tourists and has a variety of beach resorts where you can relax and unwind.
Phu Quoc Island Location
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Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s largest island, situated in the southern Kien Giang province. It’s a part of the Gulf of Thailand, sharing maritime borders with Cambodia and Thailand. The central and unique location of this island explains why it offers a unique blend of Southeast Asian influences, reflected in its culture, cuisine, and natural beauty.
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How To Reach Phu Quoc Island
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Reaching Phu Quoc primarily involves sea travel. There are a few different options, depending on your comfort and budget:
By Ferry: Among the variety of different transport options, ferries are the most accessible of them all. The most popular routes are from Rach Gia and Ha Tien, enabling you to soak in the surrounding views of the coastal beauty.
By Speedboat: Up next on the list of transportation is a speedboat, which offers a quicker transfer. They are available from various points on the mainland and are ideal for the ones looking for a thrilling ride.
By Private Yacht: If you are looking for a more luxurious and exclusive experience, chartering a private yacht can be a great option. It is usually a pretty expensive option though, so you’d have to opt for it at your convenience.
Things To Do On Phu Quoc Island
Beyond soaking in the views of the surrounding island, there are several unique adventure activities and water sports along Phu Quoc Island tourism:
1. Snorkelling And Diving At An Thoi Archipelago
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The most engaging and adrenaline-pumping activity that you can sign up for on the island is to indulge in snorkelling and scuba diving at the An Thoi Archipelago. The underwater world here is vibrant with colourful coral reefs, diverse marine species. It has clear waters that offer excellent visibility. Opting for the comprehensive tour packages is always the best option.
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2. Exploring Vinpearl Safari
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For travellers interested in exploring the rich biodiversity of a region, you can indulge in a safari experience at Vinpearl Safari Phú Quốc. This is a popular wildlife park, which is located near Vinpearl Land on the island. The park is home to a wide range of wildlife including lions, tigers, giraffes, and zebras. One of the best ways to explore this is via guided tours, allowing you to observe animals in a naturalistic setting. Also, the park emphasises on conservation and education, making it a great spot for families and animal lovers.
3. Trekking In Phu Quoc National Park
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If you are a hiking or trekking enthusiast, plan a hike through the Phu Quoc National Park. The national park covers half of the area of the island and is a haven for nature lovers. You get to hike through dense tropical forests, diverse wildlife, and several trekking trails, adding to the adventure. Hiking trails vary in difficulty and offer stunning views of the island’s natural beauty.
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4. Visiting Dinh Cau Night Market
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To appease the shopaholic in you, step out to indulge in a shopping experience at the Dinh Cau Night Market. It is known for its vibrant atmosphere and wide variety of local products, including food, souvenirs, and handicrafts. Not just shopping, the night market is also a great spot for you to try some of the staple Vietnamese street food options. The lively ambience and diverse offerings make it a must-visit for those wanting to experience local culture.
Places To Visit Around Phu Quoc Island
Look on the Phu Quoc Island map for several other nearby spots that you must add to your itinerary as well:
1. Phu Quoc National Park
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You can start the exploration with one of the most popular spots, which is the Phu Quoc National Park. It is located on the northern side of the island and is spread across an area of 31,400 sq.m. The expansive area is covered in evergreen forest and is home to a wide range of flora and fauna that you can explore. For some adventure activities like hiking and camping, visit Khu Rung Nguyen Sinh Forest Reserve around the national park.
Distance From The Centre Of Phu Quoc Island: 13.1 km
Timings: 24*7
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2. Phu Quoc Pepper Garden
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Another must-visit spot around Phu Quoc is their pepper garden. This agricultural spot enables you to get a look into the beauty of the natural ways the spice is grown and then harvested. The spicy flavour paired with the rich aroma makes your visit to this garden worth the time. Also, if you want to take back unique souvenirs for your friends and family, you can buy fresh and dried pepper from here.
Distance From The Centre Of Phu Quoc Island: 6.6 km
Timings: 8 AM to 4 PM
3. Ong Lang Beach
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If you want to experience the charm of Maldives in Vietnam, this is the beach you must visit. With a small slope and shallow water sea, the waves are fairly calm and perfect for you to swim in. It is a great spot for families, especially those with small children. You can indulge in swimming and scuba diving to witness the coral reefs around.
Distance From The Centre Of Phu Quoc Island: 10 km
Timings: 24*7
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Where To Stay
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Phu Quoc boasts a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly guest houses to luxurious resorts. Some of the popular accommodations that you can book for your stay are Phú Quốc Countryside Farm, M Hotel Phu Quoc, Phu Quoc Eco Beach Resort, Wave Sound Beach House Phu Quoc and Mövenpick Villas & Residences Phu Quoc.
Where To Eat
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Phu Quoc is a culinary paradise, offering a delightful array of fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and local delicacies. From beachfront shacks to upscale restaurants, there’s something to suit every palate. Some of the popular restaurants and bars you can check out are On the Rocks, Khanh Ly Vegetarian Restaurant, The Pepper Tree Restaurant, Winston’s Burgers & Beer, and Vuon Tao Restaurant.
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Best Time To Visit
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Usually, the best time to visit Phu Quoc Island is between November and April, during which the Phu Quoc weather is quite comfortable to explore. The main reason why this period is considered the best is due to minimal rainfall and plenty of sunshine along the way. Phu Quoc Island weather makes it a great option for beach activities and outdoor exploration too. Book your vacation in advance since the availability of the tickets becomes a hassle, especially during peak season.
Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam is one of the most beautiful, offbeat yet enriching islands that you will visit. With different vibrant spots, you get to indulge in a lot of unique experiences on the island, including scuba diving, nighttime shopping, and exploring different restaurants and beachside resorts too. If you don’t want to miss out on the charm of this island, ensure that you secure your vacation bookings with TripXL for the most exhilarating experience.
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