Thinh Pham

Tag: Phu Quoc island

  • Best beaches to visit in Phu Quoc island

    Best beaches to visit in Phu Quoc island

    On my journey to every provinces in Vietnam, I was surprisingly stunned by gorgeously best beaches in Phu Quoc. I do enjoy vitamin-sea, and the beaches in the ‘Pearl’ island are just wonderful.

    Home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Phu Quoc features serene resorts well suited to relax, have fun with family, and experience aquatic adventure. But on the other side, the island also welcomes solo travelers with its natural solitude to immerse into. In this post, we’ll look at some of the best beaches in Phu Quoc.

    Ganh Dau beach (Gành Dầu)

    On the northwest-most point of the island, Ganh Dau is a little serene corner of flour-white sand fringed by the line of coconut. Water is still and shallow, with a cluster of wooden fishing boats anchored offshore. Interestingly, You can even see the several Cambodian islands just a few kilometers away with its blue silhouettes turning fantasies when sun rises and sets. It was exactly what I enjoyed with my travel buddy years ago. We two lay on an ancient coral rock, cheered with cans of beer, some peanut packs and watched the sun disappearing gradually into the skyline. In fact, Ganh Dau is named for the entire northwestern cape, consisting of the picturesque fishing fleet by the calm harbour, next to a bustling fishing town with an active market, local life and, of course, street food. That’s why Ganh Dau is one of my best beaches in Phu Quoc without any doubts.

    Ham Ninh fishing village

    Once a thriving port, Ham Ninh now features fresh seafood and serene landscape. In fact, Ham Ninh doesn’t really have a beach, instead, a cluster of dwellings made out of concrete & corrugated-iron and surrounding a small river mouth, where a long pier reaches into the sea. Nowadays, boats no longer dock here, that pier turns into a seafood-market-cum-outdoor-restaurant. As home to informal eateries and street food stalls, it is particularly popular with budget travelers, who always seek the best and freshest seafood with reasonable price. The pier is definitely an ideal spot for sunset seafood dining.

    Duong Dong town & harbour

    In the middle of the western coast, the sprawling town is a busy, hustling place where you possibly explore specialty food like “bún khèn” without effort. On the harbour anchors the fleet of wooden tour boats while a new narrow pier stretches to the sea to welcome gigantic cruise ships. There is a beach next to Dinh Cau temple, which is perfect for travelers to sunbathe and watch boats moving back and forth, especially at sunset. It is noted that the beach is littered and crowded on golden hours. The nightlife is also a “specialty” of Duong Dong town with a night market consisting of street food vendors and informal food stalls (Rolled ice-cream and flavoured peanut). During the day, you would probably like to visit the ornate Cao Dai temple which is just a stone’s throw away from the night market.

    Long beach (Bãi Trường)

    Stretching for almost 20km along the southwestern coast of Phu Quoc, Long Beach features yellow sand backed with rows of coconut along. Long beach is home to some of the most high-end resorts like InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach (I had a chance to experience in 2019, the beach is ultimately one of the best destinations for sunset, especially viewpoint from the highest bar of Phu Quoc – Ink360), as well as other pampering properties of colossuses like Novotel, Hyatt, etc. Despite the increasing development in construction, you still find serene facets when riding off the main road to the beachward to access some nice swimming spots and enjoy lifestyle bars like Golden Sand Bar, Shri Bar and Sunset Sanato Beach Club,to name a few!

    Khem beach (Bãi Khem)

    It was my first ever trip to Phu Quoc in 2016 that I had a chance to glance at Khem beach at its purest nature along with a few food shacks for the public access. At dawn, you can even buy the freshest seafood from the fishing boats at a very reasonable price. Now, the beach is home to some of the most luxurious resorts on the island like JW Marriott Emerald Bay and Premier Residences that I visited during a fam trip at the end of 2018. I was particularly impressed by the luxury property of Marriott, whose concept is based on the idea of a fictional university “La Marck”. The slender concrete road leads, along a steep and jungled hillside by the sea, to Ong Doi Cape on which upscale property of Premier Village managed by AccorHotels locates. The secluded area features white villas, including some top-ends even built on stilts over the rocky bay and sandy coves. This place is a wonderland to stay, if you can afford the rate!

    Sao beach (Bãi Sao)

    Distinctive turquoise water, a long and attractive stretch of white sand as ice-cream with arcing coconut trees, Sao Beach is one of the best beaches in Phu Quoc and it is accessible to the public. To visit Sao beach at its best, here is the plan: Wake up early at dawn, take a ride to the beach, watch sunrise here, stroll along the stunning sandy bay then you can enjoy a lazy morning with delicious breakfast and fresh coconut before flocks of tourists occupy the beach.

    Dam Beach (Bãi Dăm)

    Accessed via a scenic concrete road, Bai Dam is a wide bay of jungle by the sea. The most popular attraction here is Ho Quoc Pagoda with the colossal statue of Goddess of Mercy (Quan Âm) and a cluster of shrines, sculptures of Buddism deities and staircases. This is where you enjoy the calm of surroundings, do religious practice or just find your inner voice while observing the beautiful landscape. The religious complex looks over the serene bay with a lapping sea, making it a worldwide excursion.

    Dai Beach (Bãi Dài)

    With the long stretch of fine sand and turquoise water, Dai Beach is now occupied by luxurious integrated resorts like Vinpearl, where you will indulge in experiences in recreation park, play with friends in waterpark, try some golf game at green courses, safari, try finding your luck with gambles in casino and stay overnight in glamour villas. This is definitely a place for leisure fans!

  • Phu Quoc Travel Guide

    Phu Quoc Travel Guide

    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.

    More Phu Quoc photography

    Clear-as-crystal water