Buzz
Leaving behind the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City, just over an hour later, my companion and I set foot on the island known as the Emerald Isle of Vietnam. True to its name, everything here is peaceful and beautiful. The locals are accustomed to hosting international tourists, yet they greet domestic visitors with warmth and sweetness, embodying the Southern hospitality.
I've visited many beaches in Vietnam, but there's something uniquely different about Phu Quoc. With an area of approximately 56,700 hectares and a length of 49 km, surrounded by sea on all four sides, your initial sensation will be one of surprise as the sound of waves gently caresses your ears wherever you go. It might seem noisy to the unaccustomed, but it's actually a delightful and refreshing feeling. Truly marvelous!
After checking into our pre-booked hotel and unpacking, which took until nearly 8 p.m., we set out to explore Phu Quoc by night. We indulged in some seafood at the Dinh Cau Night Market and retired early to rest up for the packed itinerary over the next 48 hours.
Day 1: Sao Beach – Ham Ninh Fishing Village
At 7 a.m., we woke up and had breakfast at the hotel. After preparing some sunscreen, bags, phones, chargers, and cameras, we embarked on our island adventure.
By 8 a.m., we rented motorbikes from the hotel and headed to the South Island, which is about 25 km away from our accommodation. The road here is quite pleasant and easy to navigate. However, the last few kilometers leading to Sao Beach are a bit rough, so the driver needs to have a steady hand due to the bumpy terrain.
Close to Bai Sao, there are signs for 3 intersections. In my opinion, you should take the left turn to reach the most beautiful spot, with a swing and a long white bench. The middle intersection will take you to the dining area. However, the food here is usually quite expensive (around 120,000-200,000 VND/small seafood dish), so if possible, you can visit and then find dining areas outside for more reasonable prices while still ensuring quality. The right turn leads to a beach which is also beautiful, although it has not been invested in as much as the aforementioned intersection.
Bai Sao, with its white sand, emerald green water, and fresh air... truly is an impressive destination. You can rent a lounge chair for sunbathing ranging from 50,000-150,000 VND. A small tip for travelers to Bai Sao is to go a bit early, because we went a bit late, arriving around 9 a.m., so the sun was already intense.
Similarly to the aforementioned advice, the food in this area is quite pricey. Since we had a lot of seafood the previous night, we opted for Northern dishes to try. The braised meat dish I chose cost 175,000 VND and was not very generous.
At 2 p.m., after enjoying ourselves, sunbathing, taking photos, and dining at Bai Sao, we continued our journey to Ham Ninh fishing village, where we chose as the final destination of the day to fully admire the sunset in this village. It truly was a very interesting experience.
The locals here are quite pleasant and friendly. The seafood here is 100% fresh and notably inexpensive. Whatever you want to eat, the owner will let you choose directly under the fishnet canopy, utilizing the sea water immediately. After the transaction, the food will be brought up and prepared on the spot.
Not overly complicated in the cooking process, with just a few basic spices combined with the freshness of the seafood caught from the sea, the food in this charming fishing village will surely delight you, no matter how discerning your palate may be. I was quite impressed with the razor clams stir-fried with salt here.
If you ever get the chance to explore, don't miss out on visiting the fishing village of Ham Ninh. There's a pathway there that lets you experience walking amidst the sea, surrounded by vast azure waters and adorable children selling seashells.
At 6 p.m., after indulging in the delicious dishes of Ham Ninh Fishing Village, we headed back to the hotel to change and rest. In the evening, we opted for Phu Quoc night market and a quaint seaside coffee shop to enjoy the nocturnal oceanic atmosphere.
Day 2: Hon Mong Tay Tour – Fishing – Coral Snorkeling – Sunset at Bai Truong
The next day, wanting to visit an island but finding solo travel costly, we decided to join a tour. It's essential to choose a tour that aligns with your interests and fitness level as tours can be exhausting. Despite the lure of Bai Sao, we primarily chose island tours due to our love for the sea.
At 8:30 a.m., a vehicle picked us up from the hotel and transported us to An Thoi port. Since most of the tour takes place on a boat, it's easy to get seasick. Before the trip, we made sure to prepare motion sickness medication and necessary items to avoid fatigue, which could dampen the enjoyment.
Featuring pristine allure with its crystal-clear waters, expansive white sands, and refreshing coconut groves, Hon Mong Tay is considered the epitome of tranquility in Phu Quoc for nature enthusiasts seeking serenity. Here, you can immerse yourself in the pristine waters, snorkel among corals, fish, and squid, and capture delightful moments amidst the idyllic and romantic scenery of this 'wild island'.
Fishing in the ocean is quite an intriguing experience, demanding patience as it's truly challenging to outsmart these sea creatures. Despite our efforts, our boat only managed to catch a single fish on that trip.
Exploring coral reefs underwater was mesmerizing. We were immersed in the vibrant marine ecosystem, witnessing coral reefs swaying gracefully in the water, and colorful fish darting around... things previously seen only on TV were now vividly before our eyes, truly remarkable! A small note of caution: watch your step as some corals can be sharp and may easily scratch you.
Around 4:00 PM, we headed back to Thoi An port to visit Sao Beach. Later, we made our way to Truong Beach to catch the sunset. Located on the west side of the island, Truong Beach is the only place in Vietnam where you can witness the sun setting, it's truly fascinating.
Concluding our second-day journey, both of us were thoroughly exhausted. In the evening, we continued our culinary exploration of Phu Quoc along Route 30/4 and rested to return the next morning.
Some noteworthy tips for traveling to Phu Quoc:
Transportation: To save on airfare, it's advisable to book your tickets 1-2 months in advance. Getting around Phu Quoc is convenient, you can hire taxi or motorbike services by the day. Opting for a motorbike rental gives you more autonomy and freedom to explore, priced at 120,000-150,000 dong per day.
Transportation: Phu Quoc boasts 3 main roads: Tran Hung Dao Street – known for its abundance of hotels and resorts; 30/4 Street – a culinary hub offering exquisite seafood dishes; Hung Vuong Street – leading to various tourist attractions.
Accommodation: Prices range from 200,000 to 500,000 VND per night for 2-star hotels and cozy homestays. It's advisable to research and book accommodations in advance for a smoother Phu Quoc trip.
Dining Spots: Opt for restaurants along 30/4 Street such as Ra Khoi, Song Xanh... These are among the highly recommended eateries by seasoned travelers. Seafood prices here start at just 60,000 VND per plate, offering delicious dishes and enthusiastic service. Don't miss out on trying the seafood fried rice, one of the restaurant's specialties and most popular dishes.
Source: Huu Nhan/Zing news
***
Reference: Travel guide from Mytour
Mytour reimaginedMay 9th, 2018
