Phu Quoc, Vietnam is a travel destination known for it's beach vibes and superb seafood offerings.
TRAVELING DATES
The best time to travel to Phu Quoc, Vietnam would be from November till March, where skies are blue; no signs of rain; plenty of cool sea breeze, with temperature hovering comfortably at 30°C. I was there from 28-30 Nov 2019, peak season if you may.
GETTING AROUND
In Phu Quoc, I went around mostly using the local taxi services, if not by free shuttle provided by the hotel. All taxi's go by meter here. GRAB or Go-Jek (the Uber equivalent in Asia) also operates in the island, at a similar fare rate. I'd highly recommend sticking to the latter as communication in English may be an issue with the locals here.
A 30-minute ride would typically cost about VND200K, or book a driver for 8 hours for a full day, at VND800,000K. Everything was paid for in cash.
KEEPING CONNECTED
Throughout my stay, I was kept connected by Travel Recommends international pocket WiFi, at only RM9.00/day.
In this write-up, I will be highlighting some of the places to visit in Phu Quoc, alongside some of the food to eat while in Phu Quoc. And here're my Top 10 compilation for Things To Do in Phu Quoc, Vietnam.
1. STAY AT NOVOTEL PHU QUOC RESORT HOTEL
Novotel Phu Quoc Resort HotelSet on one of the island's most well-known beaches, Truong Beach, the 5-star Novotel Phu Quoc Resort Hotel in Phu Quoc offers a spectacular beachfront location. The resort boasts a variety of luxurious room types and bungalows with private pools. It also features restaurants, bars, swimming pools, spas, kids clubs, tennis courts and meeting facilities. The resort is an idyllic setting for family gatherings, couples, intrepid travellers, weddings and corporate events.Location : Duong Bao Hamlet, Duong To Commune, Kien Giang Province, 91000-9200, Phu Quoc Island, VietnamPhone : +842976260999
Email: h9770@accor.comWebsite: https://www.novotelphuquoc.com/
WHY I 💛 NOVOTEL PHU QUOC RESORT HOTEL
✔️ Award winning Leading Family Resort 2019
✔️ The resort is humungous - with a private buggy to chauffeur you around
✔️ The private beach w seaside hammock and swing
✔️ Infinity Pool (very insta-friendly)
✔️ Infinity Walkway (very insta-friendly)
✔️ Stay in either Room, Villa or Bangalow
✔️ Five F&B outlets here : Food Exchange, Tropicana, Phu Quoc Seafood Restaurant, Lounge Bar, Beach Bar
✔️ Free airport transfer from and to Phu Quoc International Airport
✔️ 10 minutes away from Phuc Quoc International Airport
✔️ Check-in at 2pm / Check-out at 12pm
Being a huge beach side resort, there were plenty of hidden chillout spots within the area.
The place weren't as crowded while I was there, hence I felt relaxed and at ease throughout my stay.
Plus, one thing I really like about Novotel, is their private beach, which was far more cleaner and serene at this part of the island.
If I were to return, I'd definitely stay here again.
✔️ The resort is humungous - with a private buggy to chauffeur you around
✔️ The private beach w seaside hammock and swing
✔️ Infinity Pool (very insta-friendly)
✔️ Infinity Walkway (very insta-friendly)
✔️ Stay in either Room, Villa or Bangalow
✔️ Five F&B outlets here : Food Exchange, Tropicana, Phu Quoc Seafood Restaurant, Lounge Bar, Beach Bar
✔️ Free airport transfer from and to Phu Quoc International Airport
✔️ 10 minutes away from Phuc Quoc International Airport
✔️ Check-in at 2pm / Check-out at 12pm
SUPERIOR TWIN OCEAN VIEW ROOM
I stayed at Novotel Phu Quoc Resort Hotel for 2 nights. The hotel is located about 20 minutes ride away from the bustling Phu Quoc Night Market, or 8 minutes ride to the ever popular Sunset Sanato.
What's great about this room? The magnificent ocean view, where I slept for 2 nights at the Superior Twin Ocean View Room, at approximately RM550.00/night, or VND3,000K.
Tip : In the month of December, the sun sets at 6PM in Phu Quoc Island. I'd highly suggest arriving a little earlier, perhaps at 4PM, with ample of time to take photographs before the sun sets. I, for one, arrived a bit too late, hence I missed most of the sunlight moments. More the reason to come back.
What's great about this room? The magnificent ocean view, where I slept for 2 nights at the Superior Twin Ocean View Room, at approximately RM550.00/night, or VND3,000K.
2. WATCH THE SUNSET FROM SUNSET SANATO
Sunset Sanato Beach ClubFor the seaside sculptures - with plenty of photo taking opportunity. Possibly the most popular tourist hotspot in Phu Quoc.
Tip : In the month of December, the sun sets at 6PM in Phu Quoc Island. I'd highly suggest arriving a little earlier, perhaps at 4PM, with ample of time to take photographs before the sun sets. I, for one, arrived a bit too late, hence I missed most of the sunlight moments. More the reason to come back.
Do not miss the SIX photography hotspots here :
✓ Elephant sculptures in the sea
✓ Colorful steps leading to the sky
✓ Two-faced stone structure
✓ Bamboo fishing village
✓ Fairy in the middle of the ocean
✓ Rattan house
3. TRY THE RAW HERRING SALAD AT HAM NINH FISHING VILLAGE
Ham Ninh Fishing VillageFor the fresh seafood offerings in a traditional setting
The meal I had at Ham Ninh Fishing Village was probably the most memorable one in this trip. Raw Herring Salad, a must have in Ham Ninh Fishing Village. It came with a huge portion of raw herring salad + salad + rice paper roll + sauces, all meant to be eaten in one mouthful. It was surprisingly delicious. The portion can be shared between two, at VND150K. The humungous cracker was purchased from a random seller going from table to table, at VND20K. My meal was worth every penny.
4. DROP BY DINH CAU ROCK TEMPLE FOR A QUICK PICTURE
Dinh Cau Rock TempleFor the temple experience. Situated very near Phu Quoc Night Market, I'd only suggest dropping by if you happen to be nearby
5. HAVE DINNER AT PHU QUOC SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
Phu Quoc Seafood RestaurantThe Phu Quoc Seafood Restaurant offers the island's best seafood catches, such as a fresh-caught Kingfish and also Phu Quoc's famous black pepper and fish sauce. A contemporary and intimate restaurant designed for a unique experience.Location : Novotel Phu Quoc Resort HotelPhone : +842976260999
Email: h9770@accor.comOpening Hours: 12pm - 2.30pm (Lunch) 6pm - 10.30pm (Dinner)
Situated within the Novotel Phu Quoc Resort sanctuary, I had dinner at Phu Quoc Seafood Restaurant during my stay here. As usual, I over-ordered, but managed to stomach almost everything up. Seafood offerings were fresh and the ambiance were comfortable.
The Phu Quoc Seafood Plate (VND760K) came with a plethora of barbecued seafood offerings; the Blue Crab Fried Rice (VND180K) was unexpected scrumptious with loads of crab meat hidden beneath; the Whole Grilled Tilapia (VND250K) was flaky and fresh. The tab came up to about VND3,600K including drinks and dessert.
The Phu Quoc Seafood Plate (VND760K) came with a plethora of barbecued seafood offerings; the Blue Crab Fried Rice (VND180K) was unexpected scrumptious with loads of crab meat hidden beneath; the Whole Grilled Tilapia (VND250K) was flaky and fresh. The tab came up to about VND3,600K including drinks and dessert.
6. I EXPERIENCED A HOLIDAY SCAM AT BAI SAO BEACH, PHU QUOC
Bai Sao Beach, or Star Beach'For being the must visit beach in Phu Quoc.
It all started with a dishonest taxi driver, which brought me from Dinh Cau Rock Temple to Ham Ninh Fish Market, then to Bai Sao Beach.
The journey from one place to another felt way longer than anticipated, hence I suspected that he went on a longer route, and brought me on a joy ride. I still remembered clearly that during my ride to Sao Beach, the taxi driver rerouted to a very secluded one way road surrounded by only trees, to a back entrance of a private property called Paradise Inn. There were no other cars apart from ours.
Just when I thought I was on safe grounds, upon arriving at Paradise Inn, I was passed a paper ticket and asked to pay for a parking fee of VND200K. I refused profusely, obviously, but was then told that I can either pay, or take the taxi and re-enter via the public entrance. The beach was just a few steps away from where I was. I was left with no choice, paid by ordering two pathetic drinks from the restaurant. At the back of my eye, I noticed the restaurant staff passing the taxi driver a slip of paper.
I didn't like the vibes here at all, I didn't even finish my drink, then left.
At Sao Beach, almost all of the major photograpraphy spots have a 'fee' to it. In simple terms, you have to pay the guy who 'takes care' of the swing or hammock, etc. There was a VND20K 'fee' to sit and take pictures on a public swing, and another VND30K to go up the grass carpeted steps. Apart from the one below, I didn't pay a single cent.
The beach weren't as beautiful, clean and serene as I thought it would be. Clearly it needed some upkeeping. Perhaps I'm already biased like that.
I left Sao Beach within 30 minutes of arriving, and took a GRAB back instead. This time, at the designated public entrance, which was just a few steps away from the private dropoff earlier.
The experience at Sao Beach wasn't pleasant to begin with, and clearly wasn't worth my trip altogether. I'd highly advised against coming here and just stay at the private beach at your hotel, if you happen to stay at a beachside resort.
The journey from one place to another felt way longer than anticipated, hence I suspected that he went on a longer route, and brought me on a joy ride. I still remembered clearly that during my ride to Sao Beach, the taxi driver rerouted to a very secluded one way road surrounded by only trees, to a back entrance of a private property called Paradise Inn. There were no other cars apart from ours.
Just when I thought I was on safe grounds, upon arriving at Paradise Inn, I was passed a paper ticket and asked to pay for a parking fee of VND200K. I refused profusely, obviously, but was then told that I can either pay, or take the taxi and re-enter via the public entrance. The beach was just a few steps away from where I was. I was left with no choice, paid by ordering two pathetic drinks from the restaurant. At the back of my eye, I noticed the restaurant staff passing the taxi driver a slip of paper.
I didn't like the vibes here at all, I didn't even finish my drink, then left.
At Sao Beach, almost all of the major photograpraphy spots have a 'fee' to it. In simple terms, you have to pay the guy who 'takes care' of the swing or hammock, etc. There was a VND20K 'fee' to sit and take pictures on a public swing, and another VND30K to go up the grass carpeted steps. Apart from the one below, I didn't pay a single cent.
The beach weren't as beautiful, clean and serene as I thought it would be. Clearly it needed some upkeeping. Perhaps I'm already biased like that.
I left Sao Beach within 30 minutes of arriving, and took a GRAB back instead. This time, at the designated public entrance, which was just a few steps away from the private dropoff earlier.
The experience at Sao Beach wasn't pleasant to begin with, and clearly wasn't worth my trip altogether. I'd highly advised against coming here and just stay at the private beach at your hotel, if you happen to stay at a beachside resort.
7. VISIT PHU QUOC NIGHT MARKET
Phu Quoc Night MarketFor the night market experience
Phu Quoc Night Market wasn't as bustling as I thought it would be. Great. I'm not huge on night markets, but having the additional breathing space was definitely a plus. Here, the food vendors sells mostly the same things, with a handful of dine-in seafood restaurants within the stretch. Don't bother with bargaining - everything costs the same. I enjoyed what I had nevertheless. Do try their local desserts.
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| Stall #1 : Phu Quoc Seafood & BBQ stall, at VND30K/each. |
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| Stall #2 : Phu Quoc Dessert Stall |
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| Stall #3 : Phu Quoc Fried Ice Cream Stall |
8. GO FOR A MASSAGE AT IN BALANCE SPA
In Balance SpaIn Balance Spa takes advantage of earth's best ingredients using natural AZIAL products for your amazing spa experience. Balcony and beach sunset massages are available upon request.Location : Novotel Phu Quoc Resort HotelPhone : +842976260999Email: h9770@accor.comOpening Hours: 9am - 10pm
I went for the signature Bamboo Detox Full Body Massage (VND 1,500K) at In Balance Spa, located within Novotel Phu Quoc Resort Hotel. It was a full-on 90 minutes of pure bliss. Spa time always come part and parcel of a beach vacation. Don't you agree?
9. COCKTAILS IN THE POOL AT OCEAN BAR
Ocean BarThe Ocean Bar sits right by the stunning Truong Beach, with indoor and outdoor seating available for 50 pax at any one time. The bar is designed to display the traditional look of coastal fishing village homes, and hence creating a warm and inviting atmosphere after a long day out. A live band plays in the evening.Location : Novotel Phu Quoc Resort HotelPhone : +842976260999
Email: h9770@accor.comOpening Hours: 10am - LATE
10. HAVE BRUNCH AT FOOD EXCHANGE RESTAURANT
Food Exchange RestaurantThe Food Exchange Restaurant portrays the open kitchen concept, with multiple stations occupying the space. The place can occupy 250 pax for daily dining. They serve an international array of cuisines.Location : Novotel Phu Quoc Resort HotelPhone : +842976260999
Email: h9770@accor.comOpening Hours: 7.00am - 10.30am (Breakfast Buffet) 10.30am - 10.30pm (a la carte)
I hopped in and out of Food Exchange numerous times throughout my stay here, sometimes for breakfast; sometimes for a snack in the evening; sometimes for a drink at night at the Lounge Bar right opposite. On that note, tthe drinks menu are pretty much the same in all of the F&B outlets in Novotel Phu Quoc. I don't remember having as many coconut drinks in any other beach holidays apart from this one. Who can say no coconut drink?
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| Or grab a snack or drinks at the Lounge Bar right opposite. |
Despite my not so pleasant experience in Sao Beach, I had a fantastic first time here at Phu Quoc, from my amazing stay at Novotel Phu Quoc Resort Hotel, to the raw herring salad at Ham Ninh Fishing Village, and not forgetting the sunset experience at Sunset Sanato.
Will I return? Yes, definitely, for another short and sweet beach getaway. I'm not a beach girl, but I love the beach vibes so very-very much. Till my next trip.
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