Buzz
Côn Đảo and Phú Quốc, both exquisite and alluring islands, await your exploration. However, each island possesses its own unique charm, leaving many travelers in a dilemma when choosing their ideal Tet holiday getaway.
Today, Mytour will compare these two islands based on various factors. Hopefully, these assessments can help travelers resolve the age-old question: Is it better to travel to Côn Đảo or Phú Quốc?
Distinguishing Features of Côn Đảo and Phú Quốc
1. Regarding Transportation
Travelers heading to Côn Đảo or Phú Quốc can opt for either air or sea transport.
Phú Quốc International Airport, a newly constructed airport, aims to cater to the needs of travelers and is expected to attract a significant number of tourists for vacationing and sightseeing in the near future.
From both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, there are direct flights to Phú Quốc. This is the longest domestic flight route. Three airlines—Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar, and Vietjet—operate continuous flights to Phú Quốc, and the ticket prices among these three airlines are almost identical.
The flight duration from Tan Son Nhat Airport (Saigon) to Phú Quốc ranges around 1 hour and 5 minutes depending on the airline. Additionally, flight times may vary due to weather conditions.
As for Côn Đảo, there is currently only a small airport due to the rugged terrain of the island, limiting the size of aircraft that can land there. Hence, Vietnam Airlines is the only airline operating flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Côn Đảo. On average, there are 4 flights per day with prices around 150 USD for a round trip.
If traveling to Phú Quốc by sea, travelers can depart from Rach Gia or Ha Tien. For Côn Đảo, Vung Tau port is the only option.
Taking a taxi or renting a motorbike in Phú Quốc and Côn Đảo is quite easy and affordable. After a day of sailing, travelers can treat themselves to a stroll around the town to experience the local life.
2. Comparing Service Costs
Like other islands, services on Côn Đảo and Phú Quốc are pricier than on the mainland. Particularly, prices on Côn Đảo are significantly higher than elsewhere in Vietnam, contributing to the slow development of tourism there.
Even expenses for accommodation, resorts, dining, transportation, and exploring small islands are higher on Côn Đảo compared to Phú Quốc. Living costs in Phú Quốc are considered luxurious, but the quality of services such as food and accommodation remains reasonable. During peak seasons, prices for most services here increase by about 50% compared to normal rates.
3. Comparing Facilities
Phú Quốc offers a wide range of prices suitable for various service levels, while Côn Đảo is limited to around a dozen hotels and one luxurious resort that meets international standards.
When visiting Phú Quốc, you can choose to stay at Long Beach Resort, Mango Bay, Pepper Beach Resort, or accommodations in Duong Dong area.
Almost all dining and lodging options on Côn Đảo are concentrated on the main island. Travelers can choose some guesthouses like Côn Đảo Camping, Côn Đảo Resort, for a night sea view. With a bit more budget, visitors can also visit Six Senses Hideaway, an internationally standardized resort.
4. Comparing Cuisine
Both Phú Quốc and Côn Đảo are renowned for their delicious and enticing seafood dishes. The best place to enjoy cuisine in Phú Quốc is at the Dinh Cau Night Market. Additionally, there are luxurious restaurants offering a wide variety of cuisine, including dishes from Indian, Italian, and Spanish culinary traditions.
When it comes to cuisine, Côn Đảo is the only place in Vietnam not well-developed in terms of street food stalls and dishes. To experience the coastal cuisine, besides restaurants, visitors can also visit a small night market near the town center.
5. Which Has More Beautiful Beaches: Côn Đảo or Phú Quốc
While most beaches in Phú Quốc are surrounded by white sandy shores, Côn Đảo consists of small islands dotted amidst the sea, characterized by rugged rocks with peculiar shapes.
Visiting Phú Quốc offers travelers the chance to unwind on pristine beaches, with smooth white sands stretching alongside captivating azure waters. Phú Quốc tourism boasts an abundance of stunning beaches scattered across its network of 16 diverse islands, along with untouched natural ecosystems.
