Many ones travel from Bangkok to enjoy a Hua Hin day trip. To be honest, among 5 destinations total, I love only one. What about you?
For my reason to book a Hua Hin day trip. Actually, I and my friend didn’t expect this until the last morning in Hua Hin. He ran into me and pushed me pack up in hurry to join the tour. Originally, a young beautiful chinese girl bought the tour online, but there’s some trouble between her and the driver providing the tour. My friend heard of the conversation and with an intentional mind, he suggested the girl share ride.
So that’s why we had a chance to visit King’s mansion, some Europe style parks and a vintage market at the end – a highlight option for those who love Europe but don’t have a chance to visit.
The tour is only the ride and costs 800 baht in total for a person. We shared ride so we paid 100 baht/ person additionally.
King’s mansion
The first destination in Hua Hin day trip is to visit King’s mansion. This is paid spot, including outdoor or indoor pass, which you can choose to wander around the garden or put your steps on King’s Stilt house.
The fee for outdoor is 30 baht and plus 30 baht if you’d like to Stilt house. You should get dress formally or be requested to wear more appropriate clothes, for me, it’s a black suit, the one usually used in funeral (we were in Thailand during King’s national funeral).
The atmosphere was quiet and green, like a park with a big tree at the center, a green wall rounded a fountain with a chair, a sight that we usually see in Western park.
There’s a Thai band playing traditional instruments with their great dexterity. However I hardly enjoy whole show because they played as if it was a rehearsal instead of a real performance.
There’s a beach rocked to view the horizontal line, sea is even so it’s quite peaceful feelings walking along the tree lines, but it’s not as excellent as Phuket An old well nearby is quite impressive with its mechanic design.
The premises was under construction, an overhaul, so you’d see beams everywhere. On the way to house entrance, we encountered a banyan tree which there were many pieces of paper look like incantations hanging on.
There’s a prohibition on camera, and you have to put your shoes into a bag and carry it whole the journey around the house. The bag was cute. I really would like to take some home as souvenirs
The house was very airy and clean. It wasn’t really impressive for young people except for the historicaholic. If you’re not interested in history pieces, or royal daily life, so the place is not for you. It’s quite boring.
Santorini park
The second place and a lovely spot of Hua Hin day trip is Santorini park. Actually, this is a commercial complex which there are many many shops inside and features tiny water playground. The ticket costs you 150 baht for only a walk around. The ambience was make very colorful, young – a kind of gorgeous western-style background.
I think this is an ideal place for photography: Using white tone, various color – most of them are bright. There are some hand painting on the wall, which is great for selfie. In Hollywood sector, you’ll see more cartoon, dracular or monkeys from movies. I love hulk most, he seems very “handsome” and muscular.
For shopping, the price is quite reasonable compared to other park in Thailand. The normal visit takes you 30 minutes, but posing and shoping may require more time.
Venezia
Venezia complex in Cha-am was modeled on Venice, Italy with all of sophisticated relief, statues and buildings. However, it’s just like other park – nice place to take pictures. No more.
In my opinion, the tourism spot is quite expensive compared to its value. The owner even splits it up into many sectors and sell tickets which the more you pay, the more places you can visit. But the cost makes us agree to just take a look, get some photos and go next.
It’s double or triple the ticket price of Santorini. Yeah, we were quite shocked when receptionist showed us the price list.
Swiss Sheep farm
To hug a sheep, you have to pay 120 baht (Adult) or 80 baht (Child) for entrance ticket. Open everyday. The ticket booth is quite fashionable, but I didn’t get it. Why designers put many not-related items on the walls?
This is an other photography option for ones who love western lifestyle or in case you truly love sheeps.
Plearnwan
I love this most – vintage style market – the final destination in Hua Hin day trip. Free entrance – so budget-friendly. All you have to do at door is open your bag and prove there’s no food/ drink inside. You can obtain a pocket guide-map at desk, offered by a local resort.
The market offer reasonable price with a lot of street food/ drink available. Vintage coffee shops are ideal for sipping a coffee. Plants are put agreeably, harmonize among one another.
The market is small complex, two levels and painted in deep brown tone, along with wooden walk and plus some pieces of old metal roofs, make it more vintage style. There’s a long couch so no worry finding places to get your legs rest. You can book a room and fully enjoy night market (until 9 PM).
In south-east asia region, many of my friends wish one time touching Europe, not only for the modern lifestyle but also gorgeous Roman buildings. After a walk around Intramuros in Manila, I came up with an idea: No need to visit Euro for old buildings because Manila is truly an amazing destination for those who love old European architecture. If you backpack Manila, why not take an old Manila walk tour and you’ll see
Fort Santiago
I bought a ticket to Fort Santiago when it was 4PM. The sunset was so beautiful, reflecting its charming on the water, through tree shades and old buildings. The ticket booth was decorated in Christmas style. It was still New year days.
The Fort was under construction, a lot of steel walls were set up, blocking your sight but creating a clear path for visit. You first see a coffee, then a souvenir shop and the visitor center at last. You can go inside and pick a free tourism map of Manila and Philipines. Nice!
After that, few steps will take you through a picnic area. A ruined building plays as a landmark, with some statues depicting the Spanish missionary men and a wall of memory.
I quickly processed through the sector, followed the path leading directly to Fort Santiago (and Rizal statue also). You’ll cross a bridge and see a pool of lily pads floating peacefully below, glowing in sunset light.
The atmosphere is very astonishing. A rocky gate welcomes you, a signboard explaining the destination history, a bronze-step line guiding you to the center. But you can choose to go along walls to take a clear seeing how good Pinoy preserve the historical sites like this.
I first chose to follow the walk on walls, there were some buildings closed, which was a bit pity. I just enjoyed the exterior while the interior remained still unknown. I really loved the ambience and how ruins were maintained perfectly, offering a credible experience.
Price is 75 php/ pax.
The Manila Cathedral – Basilica
Not too far from Santiago Fort is Manila Cathedral – an beautiful gothic-style church, which have been rebuilt for … eight times. What you see is eighth version.
I was impressed at first sight. It’s so religiously charming and somehow, sacred also. I entered through an arch gate. There was a guard but he looked like very sleepy (it’s nearly evening), so though there’s a sign telling the visitors to claim their baggage, he just yawned and gave me passing waves.
The first chamber includes a Holy Marie statue and a Christ on Cross, lit up in warm yellow. I think that the major elements make it magnificent is colorful glass window. So gorgeous, so charming, so noble and you would accept my opinion: can’t take our eyes of them for the first time.
The walls are also made of big rock blocks all so they create successfully senses of everlasting. Statues of saints like Peter are set up on a base. It’s after Christmas for days so there are still a background with Holy family representing on the hall.
I followed the side-walk to explore the rest. The ceiling is very high, Archy and lit up on column. The benches are wooden brown, smells new.
The main gates are closed so you have to enter through side gate. This is a free-entrance destination but you can donate as your will.
San Agustin Church
The third place I suggest you to visit in Old Manila walk tour is San Augustin church. It is a Roman Catholic church located inside the historic walled city of Intramuros in Manila. When I reached it at 10 AM, it’s not quite crowded. The entrance fee is 200 PHP. There’s no guide map issued at the entrance so you’d better take a photo of maps in the walls. Just look up!
The ground floor is dedicated to exhibit the history of St Augustin missionaries while the upper one is to showcase the relics and other works generated once upon the time.
Here you see and very enjoy not only the Roman architecture but also the historical ambiance from rooms to rooms, along corridors and in main chamber.
The first room you encounter is installed a big ship at the center and walled with beautiful paintings. They tell the story of how Christ messages coming to Philippines. The room also features a movie corner where you can have a seat and watch documentaries. Quite useful and you can relax yourself in a dark air-conditioned atmosphere.
I do love the paintings on the walls, they are so historical and fantastic. You can have more materials to live in Catholic history for a while, especially the St Augustin friars lives.
There’s a garden at the center of the church, where a fountain continuously flows night and day, make it a bit noise intentionally. Indeed, friars use this place to communicate with God. I felt very peaceful there, really nice for a relaxation after a long walk around ground floor.
There’s a room displaying the statues made of woods and ivory. They are very delicate. Most of bodies are made of wood while hands and heads are crafted from ivory. Really impressive!
To get upper floor, you’ll step on stairs made of big rock blocks shipped from China, with some paintings depicting friar executions during their mission spreading God message in Philippines.
Once visiting the church, don’t forget to enjoy the ceiling because they are very worthy a look. The most beautiful is in main chamber, you can also see others in the stair to upper floor.
This floor is mainly to showcase the artifacts or relics collected in missionary journey from China, Europe to Philippines. It suggests the science aspects in church world, featuring Mendel and other priest doing science.
The sense of harmony between religion and science make me feel that, instead of fighting against each other, the two factions can have an agreement.
There’s a large garden at the back of the church. However there’s nothing significant to see.
First time to Chiang Mai and wanna check in Doi Inthanon at best price. My Doi Inthanon budget travel guide will hopefully help you well.
There are two Doi (mountain) nearby Chiang Mai, which is ideal for people loving trekking or nature-oriental mind. They are Doi Inthanon and Doi Suthep. While the later is quite close by, the former locates 100 km far from Chiang Mai.
Doi Inthanon is a complex of 482 km square and 2565m in height, known as “the roof of Thailand” – the summit is the highest spot in pagoda country and “the tail” of Everest mountain, so it’s worth a visit.
This is a large area, so you’re likely not to cover whole the place in one day. 2-day trip is advised.
Travel to Doi Inthanon
There’s no direct bus to Doi Inthanon, so you have to choose one of four popular ways: 1. Rent a motorscooter for 200 baht/ day 2. Rent a sedan for 800 baht day (you’ll drive yourself) 3. Rent a songthaew that you have to bargain for the best price (usually 1500-2000 baht/ day trip) 4. Take songthaew to Chom Thong, then find another one routing to Doi Inthanon headquarters, which is the most challenging options, but budget-friendly. I chose this one, with a bit change.
Starting point from Chiang Mai, I located yellow songthaews at the southern gates. You should just speak “Doi Inthanon” loud (don’t speak anything else because few drivers can speak English, don’t confuse them). If they nod, then ask “how much”, they won’t say anything but collect money to show you how much you have to pay for the ride. For me, it’s 40 baht.
The ride will take you 3-4 hours, depending on how many times the driver collects passengers. The less he does, the more quickly you get to Chom Thong. You’ll see a T-junction heading toward Doi Inthanon, but remember do not jump off the songthaew, the driver will get you to the bus station, which you’re finding songthaew for Doi Inthanon more easily.
While I was asking for any songthaew to Doi Inthanon, kinds of hop-on-hop-off. Then I found a yellow pick-up running tourism package mode, which means they will offer you typical routes and destinations and price.
The more destinations you go, the more you have to pay. My Thai friends initially pay 1300 baht/ trip to 3 places and it’s only 200 baht charging me as addition.
Note: If you’d like to know more details about the vehicle taking us to the peak then: It’s a yellow songthaew, number 39, and the driver is a man forty-something, dark skin and short hair with a gentle smile. He parks his car right at the station in front of the central Wat (Phra That Si Chom Thong Worawihan).
When should we visit Doi Inthanon
In theory, we can travel to Doi Inthanon whenever we’d like to. However, if you’re looking for some true experience and better weather, then knowing which months are the best for your planning is valuable.
There are 3 period: – Dry season (December to April): Your trekking will be more safe and hardly cancelled because of the weather condition. – Rain season (May to November): dozen of rains make it ideal to watch waterfall in their full power and beauty. – Bird season (March to May): Various flocks of birds parade over the national park, your chance to meet and photograph them is high.
Get around
Map of Doi Inthanon National Park. Via chiangmai-chiangrai.com
You’ll see many places to visit in the map above. Let’s pick up something typical: 1. Wachirathan waterfall: a tall waterfall with high humidity. 2. Doi Inthanon summit: Cool breeze and a beautiful ancient wooden walk 3. Twin pagodas: Colorful pagodas with nice view spots and beautiful garden 4. Agricultural education center: A culture learner will love this place: living inside tribes, drinking traditional coffee, studying how King Rama VII – Bhumibol Adulyadej – help his people getting rid of drug farming.
First, you have to pay at Doi Inthanon #1 checkpoint, 50 baht for the local adult (Child for 20 baht) and 300 baht for foreigners (150 baht for kid). If you ride a car, it will be charged 30 baht, a motorscooter for 20 baht and bicycle for 10 baht.
Note: So my experience shows that if you’re an asian, South-east asian is far more better, and enable to speak Thai, or with a Thai friend’s help, you will easily get local tickets. But, this is black-hat method, so it’s not encouraged.
My tour including 3 spots: Wachirathan waterfall, Doi Inthanon summit and Twin pagodas. Most of them are free entrance. The only paid destinations is Twin pagodas, which costs you 40 baht/ person.
Stay in Doi Inthanon and nearby area
It seems there’s few dorm/ hostel options, so you’re likely stay in hotel in Chom Thong, which is quite costly. My choice at first was to sleep overnight at Doi Inthanon camp site. A tent for 250 baht/ night, night-share will only cost you 50 baht. You can also use your own tent, price is around 50 baht.
Other than that, the food is reasonable, so spend on tasty roasted pork, sweet potatoes or buy some souvenirs is advised. You’ll love the way produce are displayed. They look colorful, fresh and cute.
Travel from kota kinabalu to brunei by ferry is really awesome experience, and you can avoid most of annoying of bus route because of many custom borders between Borneo Malay and Brunei to reach the BSB.
Ferry Kota Kinabalu – Muara, Brunei
First, you buy ticket at Jesselton port, the ticket booth opens from 7AM to 4PM and the combo ticket from KK to Muara is 60 RM, you’ll also pay 3.8 RM as terminal tax in KK and another 5 RM at Labuan. So totally you spend 6.88 RM to travel from KK to Muara (Brunei).
You’re request to check-in 30′ before departure. So keep yourself in time. If you’re not sure about the schedule and what ship to board, kindly ask the officers, maybe they wear normal clothes, not a kind of uniform, but still bring a radio at bell.
The ferry is quite fast. It took me 3.5 hours from KK to Labuan (8AM-11.30AM) and 2 hour from Labuan to Muara (1.30PM-3:30PM) . Some people said that they arrived in Brunei port at 4PM, I think that it’s just in stormy day or rough sea. The better weather is, the more quickly you get to Muara.
When boarding, you have to show the conductor your ticket and passport also. When you’re boading in Labuan, you’re departing out of Malaysia, so it takes a little custom procedure.
When onboard, you receive a custom to fill in very basic information to summit custom officer. 5′ done! The officer will take the coupon and let you keep the rest, hold it carefully because it maybe in need when getting out of the country.
Though I read that you have to prove any evidence (flight tickets) of leaving Brunei then. But in my experience, they are not likely to ask. It’s so easy to get into Brunei.
Another important information is if you hold Israelis passport or have your passport Israelis stamped then you’re not eligible to receive visa. I didn’t have that chance, you can confirm, please do in comments below.
Ferry experience
Life vests are availably put under each seats so it looks professional and safe. The TV plays some films for entertainment. I saw a real-based movie “Eddie the eagle” to kill time, it includes English subtitle so no worries if you can’t read local language. Other travelers choose to put on earphone and enjoy their music world.
It’s very loud onboard, mostly from engine. My luck was bad because there was even a baby crying. So you’re advised to use earphone for more comfortable. I was listening to music while watching films and it seemed perfect.
The ferry (actually it’s a hydrofoil) is very steady. You just feel it dizzy a bit, so somehow people with seasickness can conquer it easily.
Because there’s no cabinet onboard so there are areas right at stair for your belongings if you mind. I don’t know whether the seat back is able to curve, so you’d better try with your seat for more comfortable (if any).
The crew will serve some food and drink after departure 15′, the price is a bit higher in land and they only do it once.
The toilet is quite clean, but going toilet in a swinging situation is likely to be very challenging. So you can do it at dock, more relaxing.
This is the next chapter of my Con dao travel story-day 1, which cover how I had bun rieu for breakfast, hiked Dam Tre bay, visited the prison complex and managed to get onboard back home.
I woke up early, and got out of the bed quickly to check the weather. The cloudy sky outside was not promising. My friend even said that there was a serious storm coming from Philippines, which drew the cloud and rain.
Though the dorm offered free breakfast, we still decided to explore local food with bun rieu. Frankly speaking, it was not as good as ones in HCMC, the the price was nearly double. I guess the cost of living in the island was high so it affected the food price.
Another annoying issue was ticket. The ticket agency was not friendly, and when I asked for the seat option, she said that the it was sold out, only bed available. However, at night, when no one was on deck, I saw a great number of availability in seat room. I thought she was a cheater.
Back to dorm, my friend said that the hostel owner, which was a young but experienced trekker, promising to guide us through a wild trail, couldn’t make it because of the Christmas Eve party hangover. So, I went on my plan to explore the Dam Tre bay trail. Everyone joined excitingly.
That was the chance for me to explore the rest of the beautiful coastal road, via incredible Tau Be cape, luxurious Six sense resort,… But the temperature was very cool with cloudy sky and grey cloud. I didn’t enjoy the landscape much. It was a little sad.
Finally, we got a sign showing that turning right to get to Dam Tre bay. We were confusing a bit in the beginning, then decided to take an off-road challenge, left the bikes and hiking 2 kilometer on wild seashore to reach the trail entrance.
Because of the far distance, very few people get here. All people we met were 3 local guys going back from a wild pineapple collecting and my next-bed room mate, who had help me go trails previous day.
It was kind of isolation. And the beach was full of trash at first. The closer I we got to the entrance, the cleaner it was. When we were hiking, there was a man riding over us, which made my friend regretful because of not riding bike on the beach.
Honestly, as a young traveller, I preferred hiking for fresher and challenging experience, while some older ones in the group was likely to choose relaxing way. It struggled a bit. But when we reached the entrance, it was alright.
We crossed over a stream in low water level, nothing difficult. The trail was naturally preserved, so I was exciting to explore it, but my teammates was exhausted and looked like they were not interested in trail hiking. So we turned back.
On the way, my friend spotted a dead corpse of sea turtle. We didn’t know what killed it. The corpse was in decomposition, so it looked scary a bit. What a poor guy. My friend said that if a man killed sea turtle, he would be in jail for 5-7 years. Oh oops.
We rode back to town, the older ones rested at dorm while the two younger kept explore the famous vestige of the island: the prison complex.
Prison complex
In contrast to the noisy outside, there’s a great silence behind the metal door. Though it was in the late noon, walking around the prison with empty prison rooms, some filled with wax figures in very painful gesture. It was so creepy, like I was exploring a ghost house, even a “click” sound in my camera echoed walls to walls.
I was walking carefully and it was tensed a bit. I didn’t try to get inside jails, my mind was full of idea of wax man would move and the door jail would close like ones in horror movie. I think it is a must-try experience, though it was frightening at first. War is bad, come to Con Dao jail to understand that. We visit for 2 more prison then heading to the port to get onboard in time, which another trouble came up.
Managing to have a vehicle ticket
That was, after reaching the port, I managed to find a booth ticket to buy vehicle ticket. It was not easy to locate it at all. I asked the nearby local and after 5 minute conversation, I was pointed to ride to the back of the barrier station. Most of the door was closed, no sign of any banner “ticket” on any rooms. I was confusing.
There was a man nearby, wearing blue shirt, I guessed he was an officer or a guard, so I asked where the ticket booth was. He pointed toward a room with half door closed. There were 2 women inside, I provided the bike license and she quickly gave me vehicle ticket, 50000 vnd, the same price as the land.
I turned back and my fellow asked me why it took me so long. “Well, it was quite complicated to find out” I said.
We were sitting next to a booth, see loading activities and chit-chat to kill time. My friend was a hard-core traveler, having been to many places, behaving appropriately and respecting people opinions. I appreciated her for those.
It’s time to get on the ship. She was seasick, so she took some spills to prepare for the “night struggle”. On the deck, I saw Con Dao for the last time. It was nice moment, though the grey sky reminded me of the night of disturbance.
Epilogue
In the evening, the ship was swinging heavily, which made some people vomit continuously. Imagine you tried to sleep but that sound kept annoying you, made you turn to vomit and all you had to do was to tried to neutralize it. That was completely uncomfortable at all.
That’s disturbing night because of the storm. I couldn’t sleep well, just jumped into dream for a while and opened eyes. Then I blogged to kill time. It was one of my longest, worst night that I wouldn’t forget.
If you do adventurous travel, so you know what expects you. Be ready for that!
My Manila quick guide will help you deal effectively with the first hours in the strange city, which is usually very tense because you have to get used to many things: transportation, language, people, things to do,…
Custom gates
To be accepted, you have to prove that you have friends, booked hotels and on top of that: the paper proving you have a ticket getting out of the Philippines.
I usually use e-booking, then show e-ticket. However, I made a big mistake when at custom gate of Ninoy Aquino airport. I didn’t have screenshots or printed e-ticket, while the booking app requiring internet connection to show the ticket status and information. It was very time-consuming because the free 3G signal was very weak. Even more sadly, it only lasts for 1-2 minutes then you have to reactive it.
So when you fly to, remember to prepare any relevant papers to quickly get through custom procedure.
Taking Jeepney from airport to downtown (I stayed in Malate)
Usually, budget flights land on Ninoy Aquino airport at early dawn. So you can stay for a while, take a nap until morning, which is safer to travel to downtown via Jeepney.
At the ground level, you step out of the gate, crossing a small road used mostly by taxi and transfer buses. In case you need to travel to the other internal, just ask the kind officers standing nearby, they would point you. I asked them jeepney, they pointed me to the highway.
The highway is under a big skyway. When you are on one, speak “Baclaran” loudly, and give the driver 8 peso. If you sit close to the backdoor and cannot give money directly, just give it to people on cabin, they will take it to right one. Then looking through window to enjoy street culture of Manila. I mean, it’s very chaos but you soon get used to it.
When you see the Baclaran – a place like a square, where there are dozens of jeepneys, taxis gathering. Sign the driver to stop, get out and catch another Jeepney. Repeat the process: speak loud the destination, if Jeep go through, people node and go on, if no, had better chang to the others. Filipinos are good at English, so no worry with local communication.
Note: I calculate the Jeepney fee is around 5 peso/ km, the minium fee is 7-8 peso and the maximum is not over 20 peso. So you estimate the distance and give driver exact amount of coins/ cash, it’s very easy. If you cannot estimate how far you go, or how much you have to pay, so just give jeepney 10-20 peso, they give you correct change.
Should I buy 3G SIM in airport?
My answer: No, for your wise. When I ask the Globe/ Smart “free” SIM counter, the seller asked me how many days I stayed in Manila. Then they showed me the package table: 300-500 peso. Ok I’m not a kid! But actually, just take free SIM, but don’t buy load.
I read a blog post mentioning that one can buy a SIM for only 50 peso, plus 100 peso load and register for 3G (or “Surfing” in Filipino style). You have nearly 1Gb in total for 3 days. But ridiculously that, the coverage is so unstable that hardly can you use 3G in need. Get used to the situation and you will be better adapt to traditional ways like maps/ notes to get from A to B than taking advantage of electronic devices as we usually do.
Where do you get the SIM for good price? Simply, in seven-eleven stores. Speak loud “Globe SIM”-> “40 peso” -> “100 load” and receive two card: one is SIM and the other is load.
Load your SIM into your cellphone, try to establish the first connection (I emphasize that the coverage was very weak and unstable in my case), then you tear load plastic cover layer, reveal the code (both two box, one is 10 digits and the other is 6 digits).
Press *143# to access the main menu, reply 2 to load, follow the guide.
After the load, you press *143# again, choose “surf promo” -> “go surf” -> package 50 php (recommended), then choose freebie (I chose facebook, haha)
Now you have a 3G SIM ready to serve you. But wait, remember that strong coverage is mostly nearby modern buildings like malls, hotels. Even when I was strolling around Intramuros and trying to surf web to read more about the ruins and old buildings, I couldn’t make it due to the poor signal.
Where to go first in Manila
If you don’t have a certain itinerary, I recommend you get jeepney drop at Intramuros area. You can take a little walk for street breakfast and take a look at Fort Santiago, Intramuros, Manila Cathedral and St.Agustin church. If you are still free after that short trip, then Rizal park will fulfill well.
In the afternoon, remember to locate the Manila university, where you can have local lunch at local price. It’s very shady and cool. Crowded and dirty a bit in a very local way.
After lunch, take a jeepney to Manila ocean park to watch beautiful wild creatures. No doubt that this is the best place to run-away from Manila daily high heat.
Next, you can take Jeepney go south, to Botanical garden to continue animal observations or to Cultural center to explore. You can expand destination list anytime because there are dozen of points of interesting surrounding.
When it’s evening and you feel hungry, so getting to Harrison plaza is the best suited. Jeepn(ey)-ing and you standing right in front of the big building. Enter the Shopwise and have dinner, you can also choose other food stalls along plaza but there’s a built-in food court in Shopwise food area, so I strongly recommend there to have good cheap food and drink instead of finding it difficulty looking for a suitable places for a dinner.
After dinner, you can take a walk around Harrison Plaza for sales, but I recommend massages. It’s incredible. You feel fatigue and tired after long walks so massage is the best (and sometimes cheap) therapy for you.
After 4 days riding around Phu Quoc, now I’m feeling a bit regretful for people who came to Viet Nam without any chances to visit the beautiful Pearl island (yeah, it’s nickname!). How lovely it is !
This guide follows my findings and real experiences so it’s quite personal. Hopefully it’s useful for world travelers who tend to be in this south-east asian country for a time.
1. How to get to Phu Quoc
There are 2 ways to set your foot on the beautiful island: on boat and on air.
Boating: first you need to catch a open bus to the Rach Gia – Kien Giang, it usually costs you 8-9 usd, you should take the night bus. Because you’ll be there in the early morning and take a speed boat (3-4 hour, 10-12 usd) to the eastern port of the island.
Flights: this is easier way to get to Phu Quoc, it’s cheap (if you seek successfully a cheap ticket like me, just 35 usd for a return one, cover many fee, my roommate claimed that he’d gained a 25-usd return ticket, such a good bargain) and very fast (just 1 hour and you’re definitely walking on the beach then if you can’t stand sunbathe once you’re there, I think I fall in love with the tropical sunlight at first sight, so do you). Vietjet Air, VN Airline and Jetstar share their schedule of 2 flights/ day. Feel free to book perfect time.
That’s enough for getting to. Now we move to getting-around session.
2. How to get around Phu Quoc
It’s just 50 km in length, theoretically, you can walk across it for deep experience. I haven’t had that, if you did, feel free to share, I’m keen on listening to sport-spirit people.
Amazing road trips around Phu Quoc island
I chose a motorbike ride for 4 days there. In Viet Nam, if you don’t take a ride on motorbike, it’s particularly wasteful, it’s a once-in-a-life experience, without the rides, you’re likely to be considered having not been to Viet Nam. Just kidding, but you should put the key into the lock and get full throttle, it’s absolutely truly deeply lovely. It costs me 6 usd/ day ride plus 2 liter gasonline available.
Otherwise, you can take motor-taxi for approx 3 dollar/ 10km or original taxi at 8 usd for the same distance.
Bikes are also available in Phu Quoc and it costs as same as motorbike price. Ask the receptionist if you’d love to pedal around.
A smile from the vendor in Pineapple isle, the South of Phu Quoc island
3. Where to live – accomodation
I was surprised. The island witnesses the rising in price (even in 2020s). I’ve come to many places in Viet Nam and many time there are always low cost motels. However, in the island, often you have to pay 15-20 usd/ day/ bungalow.it’s expensive completely compared to the standard equipment. As a budget traveler, I don’t like the situation much.
If you’d love to the luxurious style, there are many high quality resorts with stars under their brand.
Though the I was lucky enough to homestay with 3.5 usd/ person/day in a dorm room full of travel lover. I think that’s one of the memorable experiences making up the trip.
Phu Quoc is a safe place. Initially I planned to have dreams inside my sleeping bag on abandoned beaches (there are many ones in Phu Quoc). Fatefully I ended up in a dorm room.
4. Where to go
Many points of interests to explore. I list below and you can check it out.
a) In the center
Dinh Cau Night Market is mentioned in most Phu Quoc travel guide
Duong Dong is a crowded town, including Dinh Cau/ Bach Dang night-market, Dinh Cau port, local entertainment at Nguyen Trung Truc – Nguyen Hue intersection, flying kites on Vo Van Kiet street, Duong Dong Sea Food market.
In the Nguyen Trung Truc port, you can buy service of catching squid or fishing on boat. Cost: 8-12 usd. From my experience, it takes 45 usd for a full boat for the squid option. So if you can team-up many members, you’re likely to have better cost optimization.
A seed in the forest, Duong Dong lake
Duong Dong lake is beautiful and quite place to trek, while Tranh stream is famous destination shouldn’t be missed.
b) To the south
Local lives on Pineapple island, southern Phu Quoc
Discover how pearls are created on manufacturers along the Long Beach. An Thoi is a coastal town, you can take tourist boat to get a tour to the cluster of isles. They are often Hon Thom, Hon Dua, Hon Roi. The historical prison is also a good choice to understand other aspects of the island.
Travelling to Fingernail Island in the South of Phu Quoc island
With an adventurous spirit, taking a small speed boat fully equipped with safe vests and snorkel sets to explore quite isles far far away and enjoy floating on sea and vivid coral reef below offering satisfactory feelings. I’ve been to Mong Tay isle and it’s definitely a must-go destination in your check list.
Snorkel in far far isle aroud Phu Quoc
Sao beach is a wonderful place to enjoy tropical sand and sea. There’s no doubt that this is one of the best beach in Viet Nam. The sand is fine and white, while the water is as clear as crystal and when the sun is high, and you’ll sense how beautiful the three-color sea is! There are some bar here, offering beach chair and tropical fruits and beverage. Nice place to sunbathe and rest.
A trip to Southern isles of Phu Quoc island
While Sao beach is for rest. Khem (or Kem) beach is for eating. There are a lot food store here, and you can buy fresh sea food from the fishermen and have them cooked in the store.
Don’t miss to have fresh, delicious seafood in Kem beach
It’s very reasonable there but the only disadvantage is the road to this place is quite rough and somewhere on the beach is heavily littered.
c) to the north
There’s also a wild trail route through a part of the national garden Phu Quoc. It’s the most beautiful when it’s in sunset and you notice the orange sunlight somewhere on your track, sometimes, the monkeys go out of their shelter and cry as a greeting for human guests. I love the peaceful moment there. I prefer a bike trip to explore this place.
A dirty trail route in Northern Phu Quoc island offers a sense of solitude for travelers
The quite road along the national garden is a good experience, I love riding here, enjoy solitary moments on a motorbike, taking photographs somewhere. The north of the island is remote area, offer original scenery in Phu Quoc (remember that the island now is a HUGE construction site).
Little trees in the mangrove area near Hon Mot islet
The nearby Hon Mot islet is like a deserted resort project, it is the only place to admire mangrove trees.
Don’t miss a chance to pose on an Eucalyptus-mde bridge
There was also a bridge made of Eucalyptus trunk. You would love to steps and pose on it for instagrammable shots. Clear water and also fish crowds right below.
Starfish selling at Ham Ninh, Phu Quoc
d) To the east
Ham Ninh fishing village is a best place to have seafood in overwhelming level. The road is in good condition, so it’s nice to circle around and buy souvenir.
Seahorse trading near Ham Ninh port
This is the first time I’ve seen seahorse, how cute they are. However, they’re traded as a ingredient for liquid. I prefer they’re in my aquarium.
The rocky dragon in Ho Quoc pagoda
If you love pagodas, there’s one nearby. Ho Quoc pagoda with cemented road easily to get in, and a stunning sculpture that your camera just shoots continuously. The high terrain here give you a nice perspective to the sea.
e) to the west On the route to the west, you’re enjoying many many pepper gardens than anywhere else in the island. I recommend you visit in the sunset for better photography shot. Imagine how beautiful it is when orange sunlight penetrating through rows of peppers, leaving its trace as shadow on the ground.
I think that’s Vinpearl Land is a choice for recreation. but for deeply indulging in local living and culture people, Ganh Dau is preferred. To observe a fishing village with naive children running along main road, playing in a little school yard, adults prepare for fishing trips or just gossip after a long day of trade and catching, to visit a traditional market where you can buy original goggles and other unique equipments,.. are unforgettable moments.
Ancient coral reef at Ganh Dau
5. Things to do in Phu Quoc island
There’s also a small racing field for mini F1 racing model, it’s like a hit-and-run style we usually play in recreation park. Go there to hit our friends, of course, by these little and funny cars.
Vinpearl land is available here. From far sight, you see a tall rolling wheel, reaching for its leg and the entertainment park is right in front of you. It cost 25 usd/ticket. At the opposite site is vinpearl safari. This kind of experience is still very fresh. Total costs the same as her sister: 25 usd/ ticket, it’s said that you will get into a protected SUV and go around with rare species wandering outside.
Speed boat plus snorkel is great experience, I love it. Trekking in the Duong Dong forest is also exciting.
6. What to eat in Phu Quoc
Seafood, seafood, seafood everywhere, you’re soon purposefully overwhelmed in seafood. How fresh,cheap they are. A set of steamed king crab is just 6 usd/ 1kg. Many seafood offer good bargain, especially in Ham Ninh port.
Seafood, seafood, seafood everywhere in Phu Quoc island
Go there to explore the world of seafood and you won’t feel any regrets (except that you’re indifferent to seafood for a long long time, haha, because you’re eating too much there).
Roll ice-cream in Phu Quoc night market
Rolling ice-cream is also good, I’m interested in how they are made, skillful and artful. The caramen peanuts with variety of tastes, burned seaweed with garlic, skillful cakes,.. all can be explored in Dinh Cau night market.
Nice beaches, fresh seafood with reasonable price, many interesting place to visit make it become one of the most famous destination for travel. The Pearl owns very unique aspects that nowhere else is available. If you travel to Viet Nam, Phu Quoc island is a great recommendation.
What to buy in Phu Quoc (and bring them home like souvenirs)
A natural pearl presented inside a showroom located on the Eastern bay of Phu Quoc
You may know Phu Quoc’s nickname is “Pearl Island”. So it’s definitely that pearls are the popular souvenirs (and pricey gifts) to buy. The peppers are also among the specialties in the island, not to mention rose myrtle fruit products (like syrup or wine). Last but not least, the Phu Quoc fish source is well known for the high quality and flavor.
Da Quy (wild sunflower) was brought by French last century. Since then, it’s grown rapidly and become one of the most famous attractions of Dalat and some of northern highland in Viet Nam. This quick travel guide will reveal best flower routes and some useful tips. It’s also a roadtrip recommendation because biking via these is extremely exciting experience.
Compared to sunflowers, Da Quy is smaller though they are forming bushes so thick that cover most of the roads on the highland, help warm up the ambiance. It’s also an indicator which shows that is at the end of rain season and dry one is coming.
In 2015, I randomly started a roadtrip and luck caught me with a morning full of beautiful wild sunflower shrubs sides. That was lovely moment. So if you plan to visit Dalat, you should try once touching these plants.
When is the best time to enjoy the flowers
The flowers start to shine from late September to December. The best time to visit them are October and November, when they are in full growth.
You should start your day at 8 AM, and go around 9-10 AM or 3-5 PM, which are best time to shoot photography.
It’s also noticed that November is hot time for tourism so expected to prices up and lacking of rooms for rent.
The 3 best routes to enjoy wild sunflower
As a wild plant, Da Quy is quite popular in rural surrounding areas. There are 3 well-known routes to experience:
Dalat – Lien Khuong – Elephant waterfall – Nam Ban – Van Thanh – Ta Nung.
Da Lat – Dankia – Langbiang.
Dalat – Cau Dat – D’ran – Don Duong – Tu Tra – Phi Nom.
Da Quy is also popular in other highland of Vietnam, such as Moc Chau, Ba Vi and Gia Lai.
You should rent a bike and ride around for better experience than just get bus.
People think of money too much instead of enjoying a travel lifestyle.
The short talk with Lorenzo, an Italiano boy in my night trip to Vung Tau, reveals an fascinating opinion of travel, especially of the budget.
It’s was an beautiful, clean dawn in Vung Tau. A walk along the shore was my first experience here. I met the guy there, sitting on a rock, playing guitar with his whole attention. Lorenzo, a young Italiano, was composing a song as a gift for his college roommate birthday. How lovely his voice and music were, as well.
However, what I impressed that he shared his thought that travel expense was actually cheaper than most of people thought, and there were many ways to fund for trips. For him, his work as an electric engineer provided chances to travel around the world. In Viet Nam, after long weekdays of labor, the weekend came and he would find some interesting pieces in the city to explore.
Work fuels the trip, there’s no worries but work pressures, which just happens sometimes.
Then we talked about the time when he was living in England. What an incredibly expensive country! After listening to his story, I had a little thought: that amount of money is likely to afford a lot of trips outside the high living cost country. But finally I had to agree with him that we used money to buy experiences. Sometimes it is bitter one but worthy. He wouldn’t experience highly saving lifestyle than anywhere else but England.
We shouldn’t judge but enjoy as it is
I think that travellers should consider money on the preparation. How much (perfectly in exact numbers) to fuel the trip, compared to the expected experiences. If you’d really love to do it, make a choice and go with it.
For more, you can get some back-up plans if you still worry about your upcoming journey. And then, put them in the backpack, have the courage to look up, step out of safe zone and enjoy travelling.
Beside packaged products, L’angfarm features buffet-style tasting experience that are definitely worth trying and surprisingly valuable.
L’angfarm is a well-known brand in Da Lat. If you wander around Dalat market, you will find no fewer than four Langfarm stores offering a variety of jams and teas—premium Da Lat specialties. But just some of them offer sweet buffets.
Where to find Buffet Langfarm
There are two L’angfarm outlets in the Dalat market that serve buffet. Look for a L’angfarm store and head to the second floor where you see the “Buffet” sign. Be sure to ask the staff about the tickets before going up to enjoy the experience.
How much for a L’angfarm’s Buffet Experience
The ticket for the buffet costs 79,000 VND per person. I find this price quite attractive for the variety of Da Lat specialties you will enjoy, including:
The seating is spacious and airy, but tables near the windows tend to be filled up quickly. You’d better reserve in advance for a good spot. The buffet outlet would be likely to get crowded around 8 PM, so early birds is recommended.
The wooden, curvy architecture provides a stylish and cozy atmosphere. The seating height varies depending on the certain location, don’t forget to choose the comfortable seats to easily access to food.
Tips for a truly joy
Be mindful to take small portions to avoid wasting food. For ice cream, staff will take a maximum of two scoops at a time to prevent it from melting and becoming unappetizing. If you choose ice cream, prioritize tasting this before trying other dishes.
The cherry, salted peanut, rum raisin, and kiwi ice creams may have unusual flavors, so it’s best to sample them in small amounts first.
Some teas like bitter melon and reishi can be quite bitter, and pairing them with jam may not be pleasant at all.
There is a sandwich grill available, so toast your bread before spreading fruit jam for a more delightful experience.
