What does the world's leading travel magazine write about Phu Quoc?

Lonely Planet, considered the compass of world tourism, has an article advising tourists to explore Phu Quoc - a destination that has been criticized by domestic tourists in recent times.

Phu Quoc, an archipelago of 22 islands, is also Vietnam's largest island. Blessed with 150 km of stunning coastline, dense forests (more than half of the island is a national park) and abundant seafood, it is also the only place in Vietnam where tourists of all nationalities can visit visa-free for up to 30 days. As a result, Vietnam has set a goal of developing the island into a world-class beach destination with excellent roads, a wide range of accommodation and dining options, and plenty of places to explore. The island is home to around 146,000 permanent residents and welcomes 3-5 million visitors each year. If you are visiting Phu Quoc for the first time, here is everything you need to know.

Trao Beach on Hon Thom

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When should I go to Phu Quoc?

Tropical Phu Quoc has essentially only two seasons: six months of dry sunshine from November to April and six months of rain from May to October. During the wet season, the southwest monsoon brings frequent, sometimes heavy rains, interspersed with sunny spells. If you choose to go during the wet season, consider a hotel with a pool for a quick swim between showers. Phu Quoc also has a trash problem, generating more waste (an average of 190 tons per day) than the island can handle (usually by landfill or incineration). Around October and November, northeast winds can sweep trash from fishing boats, islands, and other places around the Gulf of Thailand onto Phu Quoc’s eastern beaches. Most mid-range to high-end hotels and resorts do a good job of keeping their beaches clean, but this is something to consider.

How many days should I spend in Phu Quoc?

If you’re looking for a short beach break to end your trip to Vietnam, three days is plenty of time to see the island’s highlights while also taking in some other activities. Those looking to spend more time should consider splitting their trip into two parts: a few nights in Duong Dong and a few nights at the Vinpearl complex in the north or south, with its stunning beaches.

Famous Kem Beach on Ngoc Island

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Is it easy to get around?

There are direct domestic flights to/from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Hai Phong as well as several larger cities in the region including Seoul, Taipei and Bangkok. Flights from Ho Chi Minh City take just over an hour. There are also ferries from Ha Tien or Rach Gia in the Mekong Delta. It is only a 15-20 minute drive (14 km) from the airport to Duong Dong. Most hotels will include at least a one-way transfer; otherwise taxis are cheap and plentiful. Taxis or ride-hailing apps (Grab and XanhSM) can cost just a few dollars for short distances. However, longer distances can add up. If you have a motorbike license, scooters are available for rent.

What to do in Phu Quoc?

Take an island hopping snorkeling tour Extremely affordable full-day snorkeling tours usually take you to two or three islands, allowing you time to snorkel, swim and relax on the beach. You can fish along the way (although you’ll only need a reel and a hook rather than a rod). Lunch is a fun meal served family style with your fellow day-trippers. At this price point, be prepared to share a full boat. Other options include visiting more islands, going in smaller groups or ending on Hon Thom and returning to the main island by cable car.

Cable car on Hon Thom

NMT

Cable car to Hon Thom The journey to Hon Thom takes about 15 minutes, covering nearly 8km via the world’s longest three-wire cable car. The views of fishing boats and forested islands alone are worth the price of admission. On the island, a family day awaits with waterslides, wooden roller coasters, observation decks and more. Sea walking, parasailing and kayaking are available for an extra fee. Sunset Town Opening in late 2023, Sunset Town recreates a slice of the Italian coastline on tropical Phu Quoc. While it sounds completely kitsch (the facade of the cable car station looks like the Colosseum in Rome), the town is surprisingly well-built, complete with pastel-coloured houses and terracotta roofs, cobblestone streets and cute shops and cafes. Aside from the surreal setting, the draw here is the myriad of tourist attractions, including the Kissing Bridge, nightly fireworks displays, free water puppet shows and street performances, a beachside night market, and the multi-sensory Kiss of the Sea show with acrobatics, fireworks and lights projected onto falling water.

Sunset Town and the Kissing Bridge

NMT

The best beaches in the area Phu Quoc has nearly 20 beaches – some of the best in Vietnam – ranging from pristine and secluded to picturesque stretches of soft sand with crystal-clear waters. Two of the best are on the southeastern side of the island. Sao Beach is home to a concentration of restaurants and beach clubs, making it popular with tour groups who often hit the sand just before noon for a few hours. The next beach, Kem Beach, is quieter. Phu Quoc Specialties Phu Quoc has an incredible array of specialties. Tours to the southern part of the island often visit a sim wine factory, pepper gardens, a pearl farm with demonstrations of the pearl-growing process, and a fish sauce factory. Drive through the national forest at the northern end of the island to sample local honey and have a seafood lunch.

Gorgeous sunset Phu Quoc

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Catch a great sunrise or sunset The Pearl Island is known for its sunrises and sunsets, which are often a fiery orange, pink and purple. Wake up early on the east coast to catch the sunrise or head to the west coast for a spectacular sunset. Any spot on the beach will do… After a day at the beach, there’s nothing better than sitting down to a delicious seafood meal cooked to order. You’ll find a few seafood restaurants at the night market, but Vietnamese tourists tend to favour the row of seafood restaurants in Ham Ninh fishing village or the more conveniently located Phu Quoc Fish Village seafood restaurant right in town…

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Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tap-chi-du-lich-hang-dau-the-gioi-viet-gi-ve-phu-quoc-185240715112534453.htm