Buzz
From April to October each year marks the off-peak season for Phu Quoc tourism. However, for avid backpackers, this could be a period that brings many exciting moments for their journey to discover this island in the southwest of Vietnam.
During this time, Phu Quoc Island is usually less hectic and noisy. Locals involved in the tourism industry here often follow a schedule of 6 months working and 6 months off. It's easily noticeable as most tourist spots appear serene. Many services also close with handwritten signs saying, “See you in October” in English.
Yet, if you desire to delve into the island's life and nature, as well as enjoy moments of relaxation and closeness to nature, then this is the perfect time.
To shorten the travel time to Phu Quoc, the only option is to fly from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, or Rach Gia, with flights taking from 30 minutes to two hours. Currently, two airlines, Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air, operate 8 flights per day to the island.
Opting for a high-speed boat from Rach Gia or Ha Tien to the island will be an interesting experience taking almost 3 hours. However, during the rough sea season, the afternoon journey from the mainland to the island is often more tiring for passengers than the reverse. There are usually 6 boat trips daily, but of course, on days with bad weather, the boats won't operate.
Phu Quoc stretches approximately 50 km in length and its widest point is 25 km, featuring a network of roads connecting towns and villages across the island. Currently, the main road system on the island is undergoing upgrades and expansion. So, besides strolling around the center of Duong Dong, the most convenient means to explore the entire island is by scooters.
However, there is no designated parking for scooters on the island. Hence, both tourists and locals park their scooters wherever allowed, enjoying leisurely exploration. Of course, these are mostly old scooters with modest value.
When people think of Phu Quoc, they envision blue seas, white sands, and golden sunshine. The island boasts an extensive system of wide white sandy beaches, surrounded by shallow waters, creating beautiful and ideal beach spots. Apart from some beaches within individual resorts and renowned planned beaches like Bai Sao, Bai Vong, Bai Thom, Bai Dai, tourists can stop at any white sandy beach for relaxation or sea bathing next to rows of coconut and wind-blown casuarina trees.
A prime spot to savor delicious and reasonably priced seafood in Phu Quoc is the night market, offering Vietnamese and European-style seafood dishes to cater to foreign visitors. The market showcases Phu Quoc's famous dishes such as herring salad or sea urchin soup.
In addition to the long-time residents, the number of people moving to the island for livelihoods is increasing, including those from various regions. Backpacking tourists can seek regional cuisine prepared on the island by exploring areas far from the tourist center if lucky enough to encounter locals who have lived on the island for a long time.
Visiting Phu Quoc during the off-peak tourist season, travelers may encounter rainy and stormy days; however, there are also beautiful sunny days to enjoy diverse types of tourism, including mountainous, river, and island tourism in Phu Quoc.
You might also have the chance to wander along the beach at night when the town turns off the lights to save electricity.
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Source: Travel guide from Mytour – By: Tinnong
MytourAugust 8, 2013
