A 9X editor advises on indulgent getaways in Phu Quoc

Opting for a select few standout spots rather than overwhelming choices, Hong Nhung had an exhilarating Phu Quoc vacation with many memorable experiences.

A 9X editor recommends Phu Quoc travel itineraries

We stayed at The Garden House (group 1, Windy Cove, Cua Duong commune, Phu Quoc district, Kien Giang province), priced at 270,000 VND per person per night, or 400,000 VND per person for double occupancy.

– The accommodations here are relatively new, with just over a dozen rooms, and they are still adding more. So if you plan to stay, it's best to book your room early.

– The villa-style rooms are spacious, with private bathrooms and charming kitchenettes featuring adorable wooden furnishings.

Surrounded by lush gardens of colorful flowers and foliage, the atmosphere here is fresh, cool, and clean. There are plenty of spots for you to capture those perfect Instagram shots.

There are also larger family units available, with a shared living room and kitchen in the middle, and two bedrooms on either side, each furnished with a single and a double bed.

The pool is sparkling clean and inviting, and breakfast is included. The food is decent, so you can start your day right here.

With a kitchen available, you can even head to the local market to buy fresh seafood and cook up a feast together. You can find fresh seafood at the Duong Dong market, which is conveniently close to the accommodation. Cooking simple seafood dishes at home is not only cheaper but also tastier than dining out.

I find Phu Quoc to be perfect for a relaxing getaway. It's not overly crowded or bustling, which suits me just fine because I feel comfortable and relaxed during my four-day stay here.

Note:

This accommodation is conveniently situated near the heart of the island, requiring approximately 20-25 minutes by car to reach Bai Sao beach. Consider this factor carefully! Nearby, there are several beaches such as Ong Lang, but due to the current rough waves, swimming here is not advisable.

Time:

According to local residents, the ideal time to visit Phu Quoc is from late October to April when the waters are clear and beautiful. There is less rainfall and calm waves during this period.

Food:

- Visit Ham Ninh fishing village: enjoy the sight of clouds descending onto the sea and indulge in fresh and affordable seafood on floating rafts. Here, you have two options: either select and have the seafood prepared on the raft for immediate consumption, or purchase from local vendors nearby and have it prepared on the raft, where the labor cost will be calculated based on weight... Remember to negotiate the price and choose the freshest produce.

- Experience the refreshing sea breeze, cooler than a 16-degree air conditioner.

– The sensation of eating here is like drifting along with the gentle waves.

– If you head to Ganh Dau Cape, there are eateries right at the entrance. I found the food quite delightful.

– Overall, the food in Phu Quoc isn't exactly cheap, folks! If you fancy dining out, check out Trung Duong restaurant for some tasty fish salad!

– Also, when you take a boat ride at Bai Sao, you'll come across numerous boats selling fresh seafood still in nets submerged under the sea. So, remember to bargain if you intend to buy, okay!

Must-Visit Beautiful Spots in Phu Quoc (only listing the ones I've been to):

– Bai Sao: If you're in Phu Quoc, Bai Sao is a must-visit. The water is as clear as jade, the sea is calm without any waves. Stroll along the shoreline, take photos with coconut trees and white sand.

There lies a broken boat abandoned on the shore. Take a right turn and you'll spot it, capturing its beauty through your lens is truly mesmerizing.

I spotted a swing but couldn't capture it. It was on the left-hand side. Besides, there's also the Phu Quoc prison and fish sauce factories, but I chose not to visit.

Note:

- Be wise in selecting a suitable island tour and avoid fishing or lunch-on-board tours, snorkeling as they can be quite dull. Fishing trips involve stopping at a spot to fish, but if you don't catch anything, it gets boring quickly. Snorkeling trips reveal mostly trash instead of vibrant coral reefs. Then, it's lunchtime on the boat, where you can either choose from the menu or bring seafood for the crew to cook... Essentially, it's a few hours of swaying back and forth. You won't get to any interesting islands or shores.

- Before purchasing an island tour, make sure to inquire about the islands included and the itinerary. Opt for Mong Tay Island.

- In Phu Quoc and some islands like Mong Tay Island, Hon Thom, or nearby small islets, tours only begin selling at the end of October or early November when the sea is calmer. Unfortunately, we didn't get to go on this tour, so make sure you go.

If you're fond of fishing and admiring coral reefs, opt for tours to smaller islands and islets. For instance, I embarked on a fishing and coral reef sightseeing tour. Make sure to inquire specifically about the coral reef viewing spots.

Pepper Gardens: Choose a vast and well-grown pepper garden for picturesque shots. The Tượng pepper garden is quite renowned. Along Highway 30/4, there are a few pepper gardens, but in my opinion, they're not particularly beautiful.

Gành Dầu Cape: It marks the northernmost point of Phu Quoc. From here, you can catch a glimpse of Cambodia's islands. Despite the slightly dirty path, this spot is beautiful, and I highly recommend visiting. Watch out for slippery moss-covered rocks! There's a dried tree by the entrance, be sure to snap a photo there.

Tranh Stream: I found this place to be rather ordinary. Admission is 10,000 dong per person. It's an ecological area with plenty of lush greenery and a natural stream. Those who fancy can take a dip, although the stream water is quite cold.

Vinpearland: We decided against visiting as we prefer being closer to nature. However, you can certainly enjoy your time here. It's conveniently located on the way to Gành Dầu Cape, so you can combine these two destinations.

Long Beach: This beach is also among the top beautiful beaches in Phu Quoc, but currently, access is restricted.

Dinh Cau Night Market: I found it quite dull, not much to see here. If you're looking for some late-night snacks, you can swing by.

Safari Zoo: If you have kids, it's worth taking them here for a visit.

If you're buying seafood as gifts, head over to 53 Tran Phu Street (this is a local recommendation). They have a variety of dried and fresh seafood, all locally sourced and much fresher than what you find in the market.

According to Ngôi Sao magazine

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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide