Ideal Time for a Phu Quoc Getaway
Plan your Phu Quoc trip at any time of the year, but the optimal period is during the dry season from November to April. This time offers pleasant weather, ideal for various tourist activities, sightseeing, and beach fun. Personally, I scheduled my visit in May, during the onset of the rainy season. Luckily, I only encountered morning showers, which didn't hinder my journey at all.
Getting Around in Phu Quoc
Reach Phu Quoc by air or land combined with sea routes
Air Travel to Phu Quoc
The quickest and most convenient way to reach Phu Quoc is by air. Domestic airlines currently operate flights to Phu Quoc from several cities, with a flight time ranging from 1 to 2 hours. Details include:
- Hanoi to Phu Quoc: Ticket price approximately 1,300,000 VND/way, inclusive of taxes and fees
- Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc: Ticket price around 500,000 VND/way, inclusive of taxes and fees
- Can Tho to Phu Quoc: Ticket price approximately 1,500,000 VND/way, inclusive of taxes and fees
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Flight ticket prices to Phu Quoc may vary depending on check-in time, airline, departure point, and booking period. To secure a reasonably priced ticket and have flexibility with your schedule, consider booking early.
Traveling to Phu Quoc by land and sea
While this combined approach doesn't save much compared to flying and involves a lengthy journey, it is a cost-effective option. From Ho Chi Minh City, you can travel by road to Rach Gia (210 km from Phu Quoc) or Ha Tien (45 km from Phu Quoc), then take a high-speed boat or ferry to Phu Quoc.
In my opinion, air travel is the optimal choice, providing you with enough time and energy to comfortably explore the beauty of Phu Quoc.
Getting Around Phu Quoc Island
To explore Phu Quoc district, the most suitable means of transportation is a scooter due to its convenience, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. Rental fees range from 120,000 VND to 200,000 VND per day, depending on the type of scooter (manual or automatic), excluding fuel costs.
Additionally, the island has a well-established public transportation system, including taxis, buses, and electric vehicles. You can easily choose according to your preferences and needs.
Choosing Hotels and Resorts in Phu Quoc
When visiting Phu Quoc, consider staying in the Dương Đông town area, where 90% of the island's hotels and resorts are concentrated, providing easy access to all the famous landmarks on the island.
Here are some recommended hotels and resorts in Phu Quoc:
Gaia Phu Quoc Hotel
Gaia Phu Quoc Hotel
Address: 71 Trần Hưng Đạo, Ward 7, Dương Đông town, Phu Quoc
Starting from approximately 935,000 VND per night
Brenta Phu Quoc Hotel
Brenta Phu Quoc Hotel
Address: 118 Trần Hưng Đạo, Dương Đông, Phu Quoc
Starting from approximately 902,000 VND per night
Lahana Resort Phu Quoc
Lahana Resort Phu Quoc
Address: 91/3 Tran Hung Dao Street, Dương Đông town, Phu Quoc district
Starting from approximately 1,605,000 VND per night
Sol Beach House Phu Quoc
Sol Beach House Phu Quoc
Address: Zone 1, Duc Viet Tourist Area, Bai Truong Complex, Dương Tơ Commune, Phu Quoc Island, Kiên Giang Province, Vietnam
Starting from approximately 1,626,000 VND per night
VinOasis Phu Quoc
VinOasis Phu Quoc
Address: Bai Dai, Ganh Dau Commune, H. Phu Quoc, T. Kien Giang, Vietnam
Starting from approximately 2,500,000 VND per night
During this 3-day, 2-night trip, I chose the 4-star Lahana Resort Phu Quoc located on the main road Tran Hung Dao. The most appealing feature of Lahana is its lush green space and diverse entertainment facilities. As a group of 3, I booked a Deluxe Triple Garden room for 1,760,000 VND/night, and the hotel included a spa service discount voucher during the stay. The room faces the garden, surrounded by greenery, with a balcony and seating for enjoying tea or coffee in the refreshing air. The resort offers free electric shuttles for touring the grounds or reaching the restaurant and pool area. The service was exceptional, and I felt it was the perfect choice to stay at Lahana.
You can explore other hotels in Phu Quoc at: https://www.Mytour.vn/khach-san/phu-quoc
Phu Quoc 3D2N Itinerary
To make the most of your trip and visit the island's prominent attractions, it's essential to create a well-planned itinerary. Take a look at my travel schedule for inspiration.
Day 1: Explore Dương Đông Town
Dương Đông Town, also known as the Eastern Hub, is renowned for its attractions:
- Dinh Cau: Perched on a rocky outcrop facing the sea at the mouth of the Duong Dong River, Dinh Cau is a unique architectural structure where locals come to pray for favorable weather, calm seas, and a bountiful harvest of shrimp and fish. It's also a famous spot for sunset watching in Phu Quoc.
- Ham Ninh Fishing Village: This simple, rustic village nestled at the foot of the Ham Ninh mountain range offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in the authentic life of the local fishermen. Experiences include coral viewing, fishing, swimming, rowing boats, and don't forget to indulge in the incredibly fresh and affordable seafood, especially the famous green crab of Ham Ninh priced from 100,000 VND to 150,000 VND/kg.
- Sunset Sanato Beach Club: I visited around 4:00 PM, the perfect time to enjoy the ambiance while anticipating the sunset. Located at Bai Truong, open from 9 AM to 9 PM daily, entrance for adults is 70,000 VND. With a plethora of unique scenes, you can capture numerous stunning photos. Don't miss the wonderful experience of relaxing on the beach chairs, sipping a cocktail, and admiring the breathtaking sunset views.
Day 2: Explore the Southern Part of the Island
After breakfast, we were ready for a day of exploration in the Southern part of Phu Quoc Island. Must-visit landmarks include:
- Phu Quoc Prison: This place vividly recreates the intense sufferings of wartime, depicting the cruel punishments and horrors that Vietnamese soldiers endured in captivity. Admission is free for visitors, and you can explore between 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM - 5:30 PM.
- Fish Sauce Factory: Explore and witness the processing of the famous specialty of Phu Quoc
- An Thoi Station: The station for the Hon Thom cable car - impresses with ancient Roman architecture, making you feel like you're stepping into a real Roman arena in the West. From An Thoi Station, take a 30-minute cable car ride to explore Hon Thom Island. The cable car operates from 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM - 7:00 PM, with ticket prices at 300,000 VND for adults, 250,000 VND for children (1m - 1.4m), and free for children under 1m. You can book cable car tickets with buffet combo or tickets for the Aquatopia Hon Thom Water Park, which will be more economical than purchasing individual services.
Check in at An Thoi cable car station
Concluding a day of exploration in the South, we returned to the hotel, had dinner, and explored the Dinh Cau Night Market.
Day 3: Explore the Northern Island
- Vinpearl Land & Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc: Amusement park and wild animal safari part of the Vinpearl Phu Quoc system, suitable for families with young children. Vinpearl Land opens from 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM daily, Vinpearl Safari is from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, combo ticket prices for both parks are 900,000 VND for adults, 680,000 VND for children 1m - 1.4m, and free for children under 1m. If you're in the city center, you can take Vinpearl's free bus to the amusement park during specific hours.
>> Reference: Fun guide at Vinpearl Land and Safari Phu Quoc
- Nguyen Trung Truc Temple: A place honoring the hero Nguyen Trung Truc, where people come to seek knowledge, career success, and peace
- Phu Quoc National Park: A preserved area of primeval forest conserving a rich ecosystem of wild flora and fauna
Delicious dishes in Phu Quoc
Based on my Phu Quoc travel experience, you should try some of these dishes:
- Sea Urchin: Also known as sea hedgehogs or sea urchins, a distinctive seafood of Phu Quoc, can be enjoyed raw, in porridge, grilled with scallion oil, etc.
Recommended eatery: Nho Seafood - Located in Dinh Cau Night Market
- Anchovy Salad: A dish made from fresh anchovy fillets, served with a dipping sauce of garlic, chili, and roasted peanuts
Recommended eatery: Trung Duong Marina Restaurant - 30/4 Street, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang
- Razor Clams in Ham Ninh: Fresh, firm meat, requires simple cooking, just steamed or boiled, then enjoyed with salt, pepper, and lime for an exquisite taste
Recommended eatery: Blue Sea Restaurant on Provincial Road 47, Ham Ninh, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang
Razor Clams in Ham Ninh
- Tram Mushroom Soup: A rare mushroom type in Phu Quoc, usually found during the rainy season. Locals often prepare tram mushrooms with shrimp, squid, etc., creating a delicious and nutritious seafood tram mushroom soup
Recommended eatery: Ngan Ha Seafood, on Tran Hung Dao Street, across from Ngoc Hien pearl showroom
- Grilled Salt and Chili Mai Snails: Mai snails in Phu Quoc can be steamed, cooked in hotpot, stir-fried sweet and sour, or made into soup, but they are best enjoyed grilled with salt and chili, offering a salty and spicy taste that stimulates the taste buds of any traveler
Recommended eatery: Song Xanh Restaurant - 30/4 Street, Ward 1, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc
Ask the locals for the right addresses of famous eateries
>> Explore useful information for traveling to Phu Quoc here: https://www.Mytour.vn/blog/diem-den-8/phu-quoc-16.html
This article will be very helpful for those who enjoy independent travel, self-discovery, and planning their own itinerary. To save time booking services, you can opt for a Phu Quoc travel package that includes round-trip airfare and hotel accommodation. For first-time Phu Quoc visitors who are not confident in their solo travel abilities, consider booking an all-inclusive tour to Phu Quoc for a hassle-free journey from A to Z.
Wishing you all a delightful journey!
Thang Ha
Image source: Internet