Phu Quoc travel guide 2024
Phu Quoc travel guide 2024. Everything you need to know.
Outline
Vietnam visa exemption for Phu Quoc Island
Best time to travel
How long should you stay at Phu Quoc Island?
How to get there?
Where to stay?
How to get around?
What to visit?
What to eat?
Vietnam visa exemption for Phu Quoc Island
Welcome you to Phu Quoc Island, a peaceful tropical paradise on Earth. Phu Quoc Island is a truly ideal destination for couples to enjoy their sweet honeymoon, a right place for family holiday and yes, a perfect choice for individuals to discover the life in their own way. You not only will immerse yourself in natural beauty but also, you will be offered a free Vietnam Visa for up to 30 days which is more than enough to discover the Pearl Island.
Aim at promoting economy and tourism in special economic zone, Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam Government passed a special regulation on Phu Quoc Island entry, exit and residence which applied to Vietnamese oversea and foreigners who visit and reside in Phu Quoc Island.
According to this regulation, all visitors from foreign countries with a valid passport do not need a Vietnam visa if they stay in Phu Quoc for less than 30 days.
Best time to travel to Phu Quoc Island
Any time of year is a good time to visit Phu Quoc. However, you should stay away from the rainy season (June through October) if you don't want to be get bored of rains. Phu Quoc's dry season lasts from November to April and this period is ideal for beach vacations in this Pearl Island.
How long should you stay at Phu Quoc Island?
The length of time you should spend in Phu Quoc will depend on the experiences and activities you choose to partake in. It is usually recommended to stay for a minimum of three to four days in order to properly experience the island's tranquil beauty and visit its main attractions. During this period, you can explore the bright underwater world while diving or snorkeling, visit the immaculate beaches, and go on excursions to picturesque locations like Phu Quoc Night Market and Phu Quoc National Park. Staying for seven days or more is a great way to see the island's less-traveled areas, have spa treatments, and generally decompress on a more leisurely and laid-back holiday.
How to get to Phu Quoc Island?
By plane
Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) is located on Long Beach’s south side, about 9km from the city of Duong Dong. There are many daily flights from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and other major cities to Phu Quoc.
By ferry
Ferries go at least once a day from Ha Tien (1.5 hours) and Rach Gia (2.5 hours) to Phu Quoc and vice versa when the weather permits. Most passengers take the Superdong fast boat, which is efficient, orderly, air-conditioned, and pleasant.
Where to stay in Phu Quoc Island
Being one of Vietnam's top travel spots. The most varied and extensive resort network in the country is found at Phu Quoc. Depending upon your budget, you have the option to select a well-known resort for up to 1,000 US each night. Still, there are plenty of reasonably priced hotels in Phu Quoc mostly located in the downtown of Duong Dong at the price goes from $40 US/ night.
Homestay in Phu Quoc
Homestay in Phu Quoc differ greatly from other parts in Vietnam. Because most of the accommodation on the island is run by people from other places, move to Phu Quoc to do to business. You can find some real homestay in the An Thoi island. Homestay now have been expanded to include hotels, lodges with dorm rooms. These rooms are very suitable for those who travel alone, often move out to go out and just back to the hotel room to sleep.
How to get around in Phu Quoc Island
Renting a motorbike
Most Phu Quoc attractions are quite far apart. Therefore, it will be easier for you to go from one place to another if you rent a motorbike. The rental cost is quite low, from $5/day to $7/day, depending on the type of motorbike you rent.
Renting a car with a driver
For families or groups of friends traveling to Phu Quoc, renting a car will make the journey more comfortable. The average price for this service ranges from $50-$70/day.
Taking a taxi
This is the most convenient option for Phu Quoc tourist groups of 2-3 people. With this option, the cost will be reduced because it is divided equally per person. Normally, the taxi fare in Phu Quoc is about 16,000 VND/ km ($0.7/ km)
You can download Xanh SM app to book electric taxi
Bus: Vin Bus
One of the best thing in Phu Quoc Island is that Vin Bus offer free Vin Bus service. Buses will take you from the airport as well as every main point in the central area of the pearl island to Phu Quoc United Center and vice versa for FREE of Charge.
The frequency of buses runs 24/7, from 10 - 20 minutes during peak hours and 30 minutes during off-peak hours, meeting all visitors' schedules. You only need about 60 - 70 minutes on the bus to get to Grand World
Enjoy a pleasant and stress-free journey with a clean, smooth bus service. The car does not have an unpleasant gasoline smell, is equipped with cool air conditioning and modern facilities so you can rest assured to relax and enjoy the wonderful scenery along the way.
What to visit? What Not to miss in Phu Quoc Island.
Phu Quoc Beaches
Phu Quoc, known as the "Pearl Island," is home to some of the most breathtaking beaches in Vietnam. Ong Lang Beach, Starfish Beach, and Khem Beach are three of the area's numerous beautiful beaches that stand out as particularly lovely.
With its gentle, white beaches and placid ambience, Ong Lang Beach captivates tourists and provides a peaceful haven for rest and renewal.
As the name implies, Starfish Beach enthralls with its colorful marine life and the chance to see starfish strewn all over the beach at night time. This quiet beach is ideal for snorkeling and discovering the hidden treasures beneath the surface.
Renowned for its unspoiled splendor, Khem Beach features kilometers of white sand and dazzling turquoise waters.
VinWonders Phu Quoc
VinWonders Phu Quoc is among the largest theme parks in Vietnam and one of the top-rated theme parks in Southeast Asia. It is located in Phu Quoc United Center - a super complex of resorts and entertainment at Long Beach.
With 6 subdivisions in 12 themes in an area of 46.7 hectares, it is considered one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Phu Quoc. There are a lot of exciting activities here which are suitable for a large number of tourists, especially children.
Grand World Phu Quoc
Grand World Phu Quoc is highly regarded as the epitome of opulent entertainment, unmatched retail therapy, and elegant resort living on the charming island of Pearl Island. Grand World, which covers an area of 85 hectares, has an amazing selection of 1001 luxurious check-in locations spread across four separate zones: Square, Shanghai, Indochine, and Mallorca.
Take in the breathtaking architecture modeled by the grandeur of Europe, where lively business districts faithfully replicate well-known international entertainment hotspots. Savor the globe on your plate as you indulge in the gastronomic delights of the night market, where a plethora of different flavors await. Take in the magnificence of Vietnamese culture at spectacular festivals and riveting performances that highlight this dynamic country's rich past.
Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc
Recognized as the first semi-wildlife conservation area in Vietnam, Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc stretches over an area of 380 hectares with more than 150 species living here. Among them, there are some rare animals such as the South African rhinoceros, the Indian tigers, the Kenyan zebras,... In addition, you will have a chance to enjoy a lot of unique animal shows when visiting this place
Phu Quoc Prison
Located at 350 Nguyen Van Cu, An Thoi Ward, Phu Quoc Prison used to be the place where more than 40,000 prisoners of the Republic of Vietnam were kept. The prison is currently a tourist attraction after being designated as a national historical relic in 1995. You will discover here the historical legacies of numerous heroes who endured a great deal of horrifying torture.
Phu Quoc National Park
If you are a nature lover, Phu Quoc National Park is truly an ideally unparalleled destination to which you have to pay a visit. This place will bring you closer to nature while you lie back on the flat rocks and listen to the cheerful bird songs. All of these will promisingly be unforgettable moments for those who come to this paradise.
Ham Ninh Fishing Village
One of the tourist attractions of Phu Quoc is Ham Ninh Fishing Village, which also serves as the community's primary fish supplier. The village's broad, cool beach makes for a striking backdrop for young people's photography. With so many meals including fresh seafood, this is also a great spot for foodies.
Phu Quoc Night Market
Your trip to the pearl island will not be complete if you do not visit Phu Quoc Night Market. Here, you can savor a lot of tasty dishes and immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of Phu Quoc City at night. Also, you can buy local specialties at the market to give to your relatives after returning from your vacation.
• Pearls: The high-quality semi-artificial pearls available on Phu Quoc Island are exquisite presents that you should get for someone you care about.
• Phu Quoc marine gifts: dried prawns, dried squid, dried lychee, dried flea fish, dry mackerel, dried barracuda, and so on.
• Rose myrtle wine: well-known for its medical properties, such as relieving aches and pains and aiding digestion.
• Kheo cake: This is a rustic cake prepared with wheat and various fillings such as taro, green beans, coconut, etc. It has a delicious flavour that you will never forget.
• Phu Quoc pepper: Because of its outstanding spicy and fragrant flavour, Phu Quoc pepper is one of the best presents to consider.
Phu Quoc 4 islands
You’ve probably heard of Phu Quoc’s four islands: Fingernail Island, Dam Ngang Island, May Rut Island, and Pineapple Island. These islands are near the southern tip of Phu Quoc Island. These islands, particularly Dam Ngang Island, are known for their spectacular underwater ecosystem under their immaculate beauty and clear water.
If you’re looking for a convenient way to explore the four islands, taking a tour is a great option. There are plenty of local businesses offering 4-island tours to choose from.
What To Eat When Traveling To Phu Quoc
Fresh Seafood
Fresh fish always holds the top spot when it comes to must-try foods in Phu Quoc. Here, a joyful seafood feast is unavoidable. . Crabs, lobsters, shrimps, clams, snails, fishes, etc. all you can think about when talking about seafood can be found in Phu Quoc. You can try a salad with raw fish or shrimp prepared in the regional style, or order the most popular dishes that are cooked to perfection and served grilled, boiled, steamed, fried, or stir-fried. Furthermore, in addition to placing your order at a restaurant, you can also select the fresh seafood you want to cook at raft houses and ask for assistance at a very affordable fee.
Best places to eat seafood in Phu Quoc:
There are hundred of choice along Tran Hung Dao street from fancy restaurants to local food stalls.
Below are some of recommendations for feeding your stomach in Phu Quoc Island.
• Phu Quoc Night Market: Bach Dang St., Duong Dong Town (Price: from $10)
• Xin Chao Phu Quoc Restaurant: 66 Tran Hung Dao, Duong Dong Town
Ot Ngot Restaurant: 129 Tran Hung Dao, Duong Dong Town
• Ham Ninh fishing village
Steamed Ham Ninh crab
Ham Ninh crab has firm meat and a natural sweet taste. It can be processed into many delicious dishes such as crab porridge, crab hotpot, beer steamed crab,... The most popular dish made from Ham Ninh crab is probably the steamed crab. It is most delicious when being dipped with salt, pepper and a thin stream of lemon juice.
Grilled sea-urchin
Sea urchin is one of the famous Phu Quoc specialties and a must-try dish when you visit Phu Quoc night market. The people of Phu Quoc pearl island liken it to the ginseng of the sea because of not only its delicious taste but also its health benefits.
Crab rice
When you come to any restaurant in Phu Quoc Island, you will see that crab fried rice is always on the menu. It is a combination of fragrant white rice, fresh boiled crabs, fried eggs and a special sauce. All are blended to create a rustic flavor that visitors should not miss when traveling to this beautiful island. On average, this Phu Quoc food has a price range of 100,000 - 200,000 VND. ($4-$8/ dish)
Stirring vermicelli (bun quay)
Stirring vermicelli, or “bún quậy” in Vietnamese, is an extremely well-known dish of Phu Quoc cuisine. Fish paste and shrimp paste are finely ground, mixed well, and then pressed around the bowl. Boiling water is added immediately to cook the paste so that the freshness and sweetness of the broth can be maintained.
Interestingly, the meaning behind its name is that customers have to stir (quậy) the dipping sauce themselves to enjoy the noodles.
Best places to eat Bun Quay (Stirred Noodles):
• Bun Quay Kien Xay: 28 Bach Dang St., Duong Dong Town (Price: $2 - $3)
• Bun Quay Thanh Hung: 77 Ba Muoi Thang Tu, Duong Dong Town (Price:$2-$3)
Hopefully, this detailed post will convince you to travel to the Pearl Island in thesoonest time. We are sure that you willhave a great time exploring this island with your beloved. If you have any questions, please leave us a comment.
