Tag: Vietnam

Travel bucket list: 10 experiences in Phu Quoc, Vietnam

It’s over 6 months since I ‘met’ Phu Quoc island, I still remember ‘her’. The following bucket list is great moments I very enjoyed in the island. I love them all. And I wish them for you.

That was my first time on air to the beautiful island. I put my backpack down and looked up. In contrast to the very cool air flows touching skin inside the airport, the tropical sun then showed up her power. It was hot and dry outside.

I was new guy there, alone, and no idea what would be going on the following days. Indeed, I hadn’t had any plans or itinerary before the trip. All I got just a return ticket for 4 days, a contact, a backpack with sleeping bag and a few clothes, and a travel spirit.

But life is the way we can’t predict. It turned out I was not alone eventually, and my sleeping bag was even not in use, I’ve been to many places that I hadn’t expect to visit and my photos were not just me inside frame but my new friends, too. And I love those experience so much.

Around the island on motorbike

To enjoy full freedom there, you’ve got to rent a motorbike and ride around, even when you’re alone or surrounded by friends, motorbike rides always offer an exciting experience that you won’t regret: deeply explore the local culture through streets and local stores, get to remote region to sense peaceful moments, feelings of freedom every minutes away.

It’s very easy to rent a bike in Phu Quoc. At airport, the taxi-bike offer you a trip to town center or you can hire a bike, pay in advance and ride yourself. I chose the latter and it was the best choice I’ve ever made. By the way, riding a motorcycle should be in your bucket list in Vietnam generally.

Making friend: on road and in dorm

I initially was a lone backpacker and had no ideas how to make friends in strange places. But a event happened and I unpurposely have nights in a dorm. And it changed my experience completely.

The first one, a junior worker – same age as me – is the major factor leading me to dorm, which is a historical decision. (ok, it’s boast a bit). I took him a lift to his apartment. That was his last hard working day in the construction site. He tended to leave the next day but I successfully persuaded him to explore the island with me, because it was actually his first time there. So after long riding,

Most of people taking advantage of low price dorms are inter-to-advanced travellers. They’re full of experiences, information and passions of destinations, foods, cultures and so on. I met a man who has travelled for years – a real full-time wanderlust that made me thought of how easy and joyful a travel life is.

Another guy is a sort of photography lover, and we had beautiful moments together. After the trip, I had a collection of so many nice photos of me. He’s a kind man that teach me how to be a good boy. (laughter). And we’re planning to have our next trip at the end of the year. Hopefully I have another beautiful collection.

The last one is dorm host, older than me a bit, looks like a geek guy. He’s very useful and gives a lot of help. He’s fun and running some outdoor sport. And he can cook. I think one of the reason why I should turn back to Phu Quoc is to meet those interesting people as him.

Trekking in Duong Dong reservoir

Duong Dong forest is just 20-minute riding from town. It’s a quiet place, a reservoir for people living here. The pathway is rough and requires handling well or your face hits surface sometimes. It’s quite terrible but exciting when you finished it.

The trail is amazing. I saw big ants and their loud voice under my foot while I was walking through cracky leaves on the surface. Sometimes tree trunks and bushes blocks the route, you’ll need to use knife to chop off and open path. The air is fresh, love to breathe in.

After a long walking, there’s a stop. The landscape is amazingly silent and natural there. It’s a combination of rocks, water and green surroundings, and blue sky also. The local usually come to fish. I noticed many rods and fishing equipments underwater.

Having an ice-cream rolls in night market

Strolling around night market and you’ll see stalls sell ice-cream rolls. It’s admitted that there’s no significant difference between this one and the other kind of ice-cream, but the way they are created is awesome, so much skillful performance.

From preparing ingredient to mix, slash and then spread out to cut off into equal parts, finally make it roll and ready to enjoy. I bought one pax for 30.000 vnd just to shoot whole the process and it’s completely artful.

Admiring sunset at Ganh Dau

Ganh Dau is at the western point of Phu Quoc, and a great location to enjoy sunset. Far away from the land, there’s several isle playing as focal points for your picture of sunset. There’s a fishing village nearby, and at the end of the day, people riding around on their boat make it perfect for shots.

You can buy a couple of beers, lie lazily on the ancient coral reefs and watching sun goes down, paint the whole sky with its splendid red.

Having a seat on speed boat

Thrilling and exciting, speed boat drops you in adventurous moments. You soon perceive the water surface becoming as hard as rock and the boat just surf above it as a car on a rough way.

On boat, you see floating houses in which families are living, they also feed fish, crab and other seafood in cages underwater.

When you’re out of people living area, a sight of sea birds soon comes. They greets you with sounds and dances in the sky, or just get along your boat. It feels like a sailor.

Snorkel and isle exploration

On “hon Mong Tay” (Finger nail) – a tiny isle far away from the southern port, We had wonderful time exploring the marine creatures hidden beneath clear-as-crystal water.

Many many coral reefs with colorful, moving sense. Sun light penetrated through the water and put their track moving along coral, as a guiding sign for us. We touched, felt, experienced the smooth, living, flowing by our own hands. It was very impressive.

I’d never seen sea fish at close range, watching them moving around, some alone, some gathering into shoal and performing various fantastic transformation. It’s absolutely memorable.

After snorkel, you can even explore the local living in the biggest isle – Hon Thom and then having lunch full of sea food, coconut and cool beers in nearby isle which I even don’t know its name, just a stall, some people, hammocks and tropical sunlight make it sound. They are just minutes far away from one another.

Riding through the forest

There’s national forest in the north of Phu Quoc. Go north and ask for the route to Ganh Dau and experience an amazing trail: full of tropical trees with creeper plants hanging, dust in the wind, rough surface, monkeys welcome you too.

Sometimes the tree covers so thick that you have to go dark for a while, just some tiny sunlight getting through leaf dorm, landing on the path as shiny yellow topazes.

Just a few people travel through so it’s really a lonely moment, you can even listen to bird singing, monkey crying, voice of streams flowing when passing over bridges,… It’s a great idea for a road trip.

Walking on the bridge made of trunk tree

In the north, there’s not only a forest but also a unique bridge to explore. After reaching Thom beach, you should ask the local for Hon Mot (“one isle”). There’s a vestige reveal that it used to be a resort project then abandoned for long and finally ended up as a destination for off-the-beaten-track travelers. There are 2 special things there: the mangrove forest at a glance and a timber bridge over water.

Litte mangrove forest offers quite a still water, as a huge mirrors looking up the sky, great for shooting landscape while the bridge is a wonderful place for posing without wet feet. I think many bridal photography happens there.

Visiting an old fishing village

After a long day of exploration, what should we do? Relax and enjoy food at the end of the day. Ham Ninh fishing village is one of the best choice for this.

The seafood price is so reasonable, and you can buy seahorses (this was the first time I’ve seen them swimming lively) or processed starfishes. Traditional medicines, teas and herbs are also available there such as ganodermas, white seaweeds, …

That’s for souvenirs. For food, you can enjoy food which is as fresh as from-sea-to-table style. Sooo delicious!! Then you can take a seat in coffee shop and feel the breeze. Huhm, it’s great, right?

19 January, 2025
2016: A travel year to look back

My travel year 2016 look back all my travel memories, where I traveled, friends I met and experience i did. A useful post to glance at a travel blogger life

January – Tay Ninh, Vietnam

I started the new year with a trekking to Black Virgin summit via challenging Ma Thien Lanh route. Imagine you have to try with all your body and strong mind to get to the top. That’s what I love in mountain hiking. The moment when you see the peak after dozens of time you told yourself “I can’t do it” is really melting.

The night was not comfortable, the ground was rough, cold and hard to sleep well though the whole day was really stamina-draining. But it was worthy for a breathtaking sunrise. That was one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen.

Another small trip was to Bamboo stream in the dry season with my close friend. The landscape was very brown dried.

February – Vinh Long, Vietnam

I had no idea what my life would be at that time. I doubted what I was doing. So I rode unintentionally and my instinct guided me. I stepped away from main route – 1A highway. Instead, I chose unbeated-path to follow.

At first, I was afraid that maybe I didn’t want travel anymore, that my joy in road was exhausted. But the roads, people, landscapes and somethings new raised me up. After the trip, whenever I don’t feel alright, I think that I am just too “old” and need somethings fresh. Travel is one of my cure.

March – Phu Quoc, Vietnam

This was my life-changing trip. I hadn’t flied before, so I broke my virgin. The first time flight was memorable. When the plane nearly descended, many rocks hit the hull made me think of the death for seconds. Finally, it was alright. Thank god!

I planned to play very tight budget plan: rest in sleepbag, ride motorbike along the main island and never think of cruising to far far away isle, it’s expensive. But my fate happened in a very way, that made me believe that if I was born to travel, then I would travel.

I met a guy, we rode together, he was sick, we found and lived in a dorm, with 2 travelers. We soon made friend, next morning, we cruised to a paradise isle, one became my guru in budget travel, one became my companion and photographer, one is a chain to connect us together. I’ve believed my travel life since then.

June – Tay Ninh, Vietnam

An environmental incidents happened in the country – Viet Nam. Four provinces witnessed a severe destruction of a Taiwan company. The whole sea water contaminated resulted in millions of fish floating dead.

So I held a small program to clean some typical sightseeing spots, one of which is Bamboo stream, near Dau Tieng lake – a natural border of Tay Ninh – Binh Duong province.

The stream was stunning, the flow was amazing, the water was cool, but people littered everywhere. I and my friends, we tried to collect as much as we could to make it clean a bit, then made a clip to raise people’s awareness of the environmental issue.

July – Dalat, Vietnam

I wasn’t planning for the trip, just a friend invited me to join her ride because of the lack of vehicle. That’s my chance to first visit Dambri waterfall, which did amaze me with its natural beauty.

I met new friends, they were all wanderlust souls. We did many crazy things memorably.

I learnt much about riding, biker world,… Dalat was also a good place: good food, wonderful landscapes, dozens of spectaculars. I loved Dalat, for thousand times.

August – Bao loc, Vietnam

My friend held a trip to Bao Loc, I just simply sat in the back, following his plan. The roadtrip was perfect. We had lunch – Pho – in the most famous local restaurant in town.

Next, we headed to Linh Quy Phap An pagoda, an very attractive spots at the time, which offered a incredible panorama. It was not easy to reach the place and when we were there, I thought we was not lucky because it was cloudy. The photography was very bad.

But as a compensation, the following ride was very interesting, we took sequent turns in Da Mi pass, watched the sunset in hydropower reservoir, enjoyed the moments time stood still.

I caught a speed accident, which made me think much of the safety in my trip, and how my death may cause distressing consequences to my family. I started to stay more safer in my planning trip.

September – Can gio festival – Dalat, Vietnam

I hadn’t attended a Can Gio festival before, so I was very surprised when the experience was far more than I expected. I watched human chess matches, boat races, water puppet shows,… Those I’ve never seen before.

The stunning moment was I had courage to embark to a festival boat, and enjoyed the very different angle. That night, I slept so adventurously: no dorm, outside and on a hammock, swinging, completely local.

I helped two girls and received a snack for breakfast, which made me come up with a idea that I would help people for free and just take whatever they help or not.

At the end of the month, I also attended another trip to Dalat but in very more painful way but very memorable. Friends were great, roadtrip was amazing, especially the night in Omega pass. That was really a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

October – Bau trang, Vietnam

Another roadtrip to Dalat and back via Bau Trang, a mass desert road in Vietnam. I do love this road, very panoramic, very freedom, very open, very (sometimes) lonely. At some points, I see it as a road to heaven, when it slope upward to the sky.

The road is in perfect condition at the time I went through, and white sand is another plus point. You can ride max speed there, as you can see anything from far away, few roads offer that experience in Vietnam, so I highly recommend it for that.

November – Thailand

The very fateful trip. At the beginning, I planned to visit Chiang Mai for Yi Peng festival, but an distress event happened – Thai King passed away, so the lantern festival was cancelled. I joined my friend’s plan to Hua Hin, and had wonderful time here in recreational park and peaceful beach.

in the final day in beach town, we met a Chinese girl, and she told me that the festival was resumed but in smaller scale. So I headed back to Chiang Mai, conquered the roof of Thailand – Doi Inthanon summit. However, as my return flight was very conflicting, so the night when people flied their lanterns, I just watch them from my seat on the bus back to Bangkok. So sad!

December – Con dao, Vietnam

Con dao is a remote beautiful island. There are many interesting natural trails, if you love outside activities, especially wildlife, so Con dao is definitely a must-go destination.

There are also a pretty dorm I love very much. There are many books, woods and plants there. The island is also a historical landmark, so when you travel Con dao, don’t forget to visit the prisons, scary a bit but you’ll stunning walk around there.

Yeahhhhhhhh!

19 January, 2025
Black Virgin pagoda near HCMC, Vietnam

Fed up with crowd? Like to enjoy quite and religious, read my experience in the Black Virgin pagoda complex in Tay Ninh, Viet Nam and make your own choice.

If you travel to Vietnam, and stay for a week in HCM city, trekking around should be in your check list. There’s a mountain considered as the highest peak in East-southern legion at 996 m. It’s Black Virgin.

Black Virgin from far view

On a trekking to the peak of Black Virgin mountain, it’s nice to stay a night at the pagoda on the hill side. It generally offers travelers a peaceful atmosphere and good accomodation to reach the top through the “pagoda track” in the morning. The mountain is located approximately 90 kilometers to the north-western of the HCM city.

When you get there, a big gate welcomes you with big words “Khu di tích lịch sử văn hóa – danh thắng và du lịch núi Bà Đen” (cultural, history prestige – scenery and tourism zone Virgin Mountain). Well, many things in one, right? Leave the gate behind and enjoy the clean air and mass scenery. There’s a old map, if you need one:

On top of that, the pagoda is famous for its stairs. It’s about 1850 steps to reach complex, maybe you can verify it. Stalls and stops are at both side. Along the route, you observe the “cars” moving across the cable. It costs 4 dollar for an one-way ticket.

The stairs are enjoyable for a trekker. However, if you’d like to reserve your strength for the next day trek, using the cable service to quickly get to the pagoda is advised, then, on the way back, you’ll enjoy it later, when the steps take less stamina due to the sloping downward.

On the way to reach the pagoda, there is a fork and you’ll encounter a bridge over the waterfall. It’s flowing in the rainy season, usually from May to November. I loved the waterfall at first sight, and jumped down to reach it, touched it with my hand, felt the flow slipping over my fingers. It’s cool and as soft as a invisible silk. You can drink a draught, wash your face, or sit beneath a falling stream to get massaged by water. Well, everything is amazing, except for the only thing to notice: if you’d love to drink water, take it from a running flow, not a standing water area because harmful parasites are likely to reside there.

A draught from the waterfall

At the intersection, you can turn left and follow the other stairs leading to the Hang (Cave) pagoda. This route is narrow and sparse people. The landscape is clear and you can see to the horizon and plots, the massive lake nearby, and a lot of … tiny things.

Landscape from the stair view

After reaching the complex, there’s some options. If you’re tired and would like to get shower, take right turn, there’s a public shower area with rooms and WCs are included. The water sources from the streams flowing down the mountain, so it’s quite cold if you go to shower at night. It’s completely free of charge. However, if you’d like to pay for the service, there’s a donation box outside to collect money from the users.

In the late afternoon, when sun sets, you should find some resting box along the stairs and watch the beautiful cable cars moving up and down in the colorful sky. Take pics, that’s one of the most desirable moments when you’re at the pagoda complex.

Cable cars moving around

Over night requires a indentification confirm, which you have to ask for at the first room on the right, near the entrance to shower area. There’s a old man sitting there to proceed. Usually, if you plan to stay for a night only, there won’t be any inconvenience. The procedure takes only few minutes to fill out the forms. In some case, the man happily let you free from this responsibility.

By following the stairs, you would be surprised by a lot of interesting stuffs, people and stories. With a large number of people who visit here for worshiping and entertainment, making a great demand for goods. Porter service has been established. Those man who carry up to 50 kg can earn 1-1.5 usd.

The main-route stairs

And there’s also a rumor that if a person steps and then be at kneel in row until he reaches the pagoda, he might be blessed by god (or the Black Virgin). Therefore, when you see someone who’s performing strange actions like that, it’s likely he/ she is making a great effort to fulfill their wishes.

Some stalls along the stairs offer the viper’s fat, which is said that can cure burn or joint pains or whatever. They are yellow strings and swinging lightly. The other are toys, refreshment, souvenirs,…

The vegetarian meal is free of charge and will not be available after 6 PM, so if you wanna have dinner, be in time. There’s also a chamber for passengers, It’s large and you can take a rest there with a sleep bags. Because it’s a public room so be careful with your stuffs.

Vegetarian meal in the evening

When sun sets and night’s high. Everything seems quiet and peaceful, it’s great time to find some place and take a zen. It’s great to put all back and let your mind light. Deep breath and open your ears, enjoy the bell ringings, praying voices, and even, your inner voice.

You should set alarm to get up at 5:30 AM, as first sun lights begin to touch the ground. It’s so historical and sacred. The yellow as sun rises, the red roofs, trees turn to green after a long dark night and you can see a monkey jumping over above. Take a seat and observe the scenery change. It’s a moment like your life is lit up again!

19 January, 2025
Nghinh Ong festival in Can Gio

I got the agenda by chance when I was on the ferry. It shows that the event will take place in Can Thanh town.

By the way, I think the event is good opportunity to explore local culture as well as the mangrove ecosystem nearby. A good bargain, right?

Nghinh Ong festival 2016 agenda

The below are some shows which I think they’re interesting.

Festival agenda (with only suggested activities)

13/09/2016

8h: Pentaque tournament (Local Arena)

14/09/2016

7h: Visiting Rung Sac martyrs cemetery. (Rung Sac cemetery)

8h: Food fair (Le Thuong street)

9h: Human chess (Can Thanh market)

19h: Profesional Cai Luong shows – a kind of local musical theater performance (Lang Ong Thuy Tuong – “Whale temple”)

15/09/2016

7h30: Stilts racing (Can Thanh park)

8h30: Children drawing exhibition and lanterns making fair (Children center)

11h: Canoe racing (Can Thanh park)

15h: water puppet performance (Can Thanh park)

16h: Kite flying (Can Thanh park)

18h: Lion dance performance (Children center)

19h: Full-moon ceremony (children center)

19h: street circus performance (Le Thuong street)

20h: Light kite flying (Can Thanh park)

21h: Floating latern flower ceremony (Whale temple)

23h: Cannon art (Can Thanh park)

16/09/2016

8h: Football on stilts (Can Thanh park)

11h: Kite flying performance (Can Gio market – beach area)

13h: Boi singing (musical performance) (Whale temple)

17/09/2016

9h: Grand traditional ceremony (Whale temple)

Remember: You can ride/ drive direct there via Nha Be district (map here)or catch bus 75 – direct route to Can Thanh town (20.000 vnd/ pax, start from 7h30 to 16h30 in 23/9 park near Bui Vien street).

I’ve never taken part in the festival before. So much expecting!

19 January, 2025
Roadtrip at night to Vung Tau

I took a “red-eye” ride – roadtrip at night, from HCM city to explore Vung Tau at dawn and somethings interesting came up. Here is some facts:

1) How clean it is!

The first trial offered an exciting experience. I started the journey at 8PM, when the city was still very busy. However, 20 kilometers away from the center, on the highway, the traffic was not as dense as it’s on the day.

There’s no sunlight, no harmful fume and dust, even annoying people (if any), just you, your motorbike and the night landscape. It’s no need to wear mask like we usually do when moving around the city. Everything is quiet, clean and clear!

2) It’s scary, a bit!

Imagine just you, and maybe your partner behind, were riding alone, in the very dark cold night. Most of the time, noone were around. From time to time, you came across some people were on their way, some trucks were rushing to the port.

If you’ ve got flat tires, you must be very lucky to meet a guy who can help you fix that. Oh, one more thing, it’s believed that robbery usually happens at night. A lot of unknown dangers are out there, making night roadtrip become more thrilling.

3) And sleepy too

After a long long time riding, your body turn cold, the fairly cool atmosphere gradually get into your vessels, and it turns on the hibernation mode: you get sleepy. This is one of the reason why red-eye ride should be considered with caution.

You’re riding, but actually, it’s like an auto-pilot mode. Your reaction is slow, though you still handle it – turn left, right or keep straight- very well but should something comes up suddenly, you’re like to get into trouble.

In the first ride I happened to it, felt like I was watching TV, the scene pictured blurred landscape, fantastic motion, lights on and off somewhere as a thriller movie, you’re both actors and audience. The difference between the movie and your red-eye experience is that the ride is real. Everything is possible, and accidents should not be ignored.

4) Hot food is delicious

However, you will catch up with food vendors somewhere, with hot steam rising from the delicious-smelt soup. Park the motorbike and order a dish, wait for a while and the hot soup with rice noodle and well-done pork is served, you can ask for addition if you’d love to, adding spices and enjoy!

How delicious it is! The soup flows into your body, defrosting all the cell and soon later, you’re refreshed. Your eyes open wide and your mind become more conscious, the roadtrip should be safer than before.

It’s noted that there’s no 24h shops on the way to Vung Tau, though some food stores open overnight, the price ranges from 1-3 dollars, depends on the certain dishes and kind of stores. At that occasion, I have “Hu tiu” ( a clear rice noodle soup), which cost only 0.8 dollar. So much cheap. Hopefully you’re lucky enough to get one.

5) You’re free to do crazy things

I mean we can sing loud, do freaky poses, even… lying on the road (just kidding). At that night, we rode around the city first, the beaches were sleepless, people still wandered back and forth. Barbecue smelt delicious and looked tasty.

However, the city center looked like a ghost town, all the building, houses, stores were closed. We were two of the few people still outsite at midnight. It reminded me of “Inception” movie when the actors was walking across the street which he made himself. Sense of loneliness and freedom.

How a lovely ride!

19 January, 2025
Condao Hostel Review: Uyen’s house dorm & bed

If you are looking for a Con Dao hostel in budget style, I recommend Uyen’s house for its very relaxing and romantic experience.

As the only one hostel in the island, I loved its wooden style at the first sight. There’s a mid-size signboard “Uyen’s house – Bed & Room” at front with some bird-house-like props on.

The house looks like a garden in a-style-of-no-style, various plants, put in various places, along with some art installation. The typical materials are woods, glass and metal mainframe.

the ceiling at lounge

There are many plants in both exterior and interior details. A rolling bench is put at front, with a table made from a timber block, a wooden ashtray on, watching small fish pool. If you’d like to do some fitness, there’s a weight lift and a horizontal bar at the corner of the hostel yard.

The hostel is a two storey building. Downstairs is dorm room while upstairs is private room. When standing by the balcony, I felt it shaking a bit because of the wind blows. I thought it needs to strengthen the structure a bit while still reserves beautiful aspects.

Yard Top-down view from balcony

The lounge is more attractive, most of furniture are wooden, from the long bench, wall covers to plate shelf. It’s also decorated with a dry creepers hanging on ceiling, some lights on. That’s for looking up, if you look down, a various cement tiles would amaze you.

There is a kitchen with full of tools and spices to make meal. I was impressed by the fact that the nearby Infinite coffee and the hostel belongs to the same founders, which are said to be cooks in Six Sense resort.

the timber table

The dorm is designed very nature-friendly with brown tone of woods and forest leaves hanging up. I sense that every things above my head were hung artfully: fans, lights, private lamps,… Books are piled up right beside your head bed, so no worry if you are a book digester.

At the lounge, near receptionist, there’s a map of national park which provides a lot of useful information of the wild life in the island. Remember to consult it before go out for a wild day.

Dorm room at night

The hostel is at the town center, so you’re likely to walk around to visit all historic building, complex at very relaxing pace. In the morning, it’s great to shoe up and take jogging along the shoreline pavement.

Once I requested some food but there’s nothing, even instant noodle available. However, you can buy anything in the nearby grocery at very reasonable price. Uyen’s house is also very close to Con Dao market, so it’s ideal to collect some ingredients for cooking.

For the price range, it’s quite high compared to the average dorm in Vietnam, but it’s still very budget compared to the hotel, resort in the island. That’s why I chose it for the first time visiting Con Dao.

Dorm bed: 9$

Private room: 28-32 $.

Free breakfast and good wifi coverage.

19 January, 2025
Con Dao travel story – the prologue

The prologue of my Con Dao travel story covers how I manage to get onboard a ship at budget price and first glance of the beautiful Con Dao

Getting onboard

I had few days off and a plan for Con Dao. There are 2 options to get to the island: flight or boat. Airline is not a budget choice, there’s no cheap ticket at all, so it must be getting on a boat for more reasonable price.

When I got to Vung Tau, I thought that the port routing to Con Dao and HCMC was the same. I was wrong. They are two places independently, and 10 kilometer away from each other. It’s was late afternoon so I rushed to the port, in hope of the tickets were still available.

It’s not a large-scale port. On the contrary, the ticket station was very small, divided into 3 sectors: ticket booth, passenger lounge and goods transfer ticket booth. Though, I highly rate the restroom for its neatness and cleanliness.

When I asked for ticket, the ticket seller requested my ID card, which I was surprised at first. I didn’t think it must be strict like that. But it’s OK, I gave her my ID and soon she provided my the ticket, 85000vnd. Nice!

The next task, buy another ticket for my motorbike. At first, I was down when I was told that it cost 50000vnd, more than the number I’d researched before, only 30000vnd. He pushed me to bring my bike to the docking bay in hurry because it was nearly departure time.

I showed the vehicle ticket for an officer who was in charge of loading goods onboard. He said I had to pay 30000vnd for loading fee, so my bike cost total 80000vnd, mostly as same as my ticket price. The officer then used a big bottle and plastic pipe to draw fuel out and reminded me to keep the ticket to take my bike, along with fuel, also. I was regretted a bit when my bike was full fueled, it’s quite wasting.

16:30, I was embarking, just like other people. There were 2 conductor guarding the only way to the ship. They requested the boarding ticket along with ID card. There was a old man stuck with the problem that he didn’t have ID card. He insisted so much, I thought he was successful, because I saw he sitting on deck and chatting with the other later. So it seems the procedure was not completely strict.

A night on the ship

Passing the ticket gate, people were walking in queue to the basement. It was very noisy, the engine roared every time. But the cabin was very clean, I spotted no trash on the ground. There are 3 room for beds but only one room equipped seats.

I heard some one suggested hanging hammock for more comfortable night. It was perfect truth. The desk performed up-and-down while the basement make you sick with left-right-swinging, the hammock will keep you balance, which is nice if you are a seasick guy.

I seated a while, but the closed atmosphere forced me to go out for fresh air, so I staired toward deck. Wind flows welcomed me, I saw the last light of the day, a blend of orange-red and blue color, it was beautiful, simply.

On the second time, the ship was on water, not far from the shoreline, it got darker, the lamp posts were lit and city was drown in warm artificial orange light. People gathered on deck to chit-chat, enjoy windy ambience, photography, or just have dinner. The canteen offered hot soup with scallions, a boiled egg, a slice of pork bologna roll. They only sold purified drink. I think the next time I would bring some cooler beverages.

The third time I’d reached the deck, there was no one there, the city was far far away, the ship was swinging strongly with stronger winds and higher tides. It’s resting time.

I came back to my seat then, and tried to sleep. But it was not a comfort night, though my room was not air-con equipped, the cold flew from the next room. The whole night turned completely hell when I had to manage to keep body warm.

The ship was swinging continuously. Some one had seasick, I heard the sound of vomiting in the next door, then a guy had seat at the center line with some ones like his parents. They used medicated oil to ease him, which the smell even made me possibly turned to vomit as a crowd affect. It’s hard to hold on.

Having toilet in the ship was more terrified, your body remained frontward-and-backward making it extremely difficulty to do the job.

My sleeping was interrupted sometimes. When I opened my eyes, and looked at the watch, it showed 1:30, 3:30 and the last time at 5:30, I decided to go on deck to watch sunrise. It was the cloudy sky, winds blew powerfully, twilight sea. Few people there, but soon after, more ones joined.

The island finally appeared. When the sun was high and everything was clearer then it’s time to disembark. I stepped down and few minutes later, my bike was brought out of the ship. I paid loading fee (30000 vnd) and guided to the barrier station to refuel.

First glance of the island

The landscape was astonishing. Ben Dam port was a large area, covered by several islets, making it still enough to be perfectly docking. The distances from the ship disembarking location to the refuel place was around 500m. I loved that 500m, giving me a glance at how beautiful the island was.

At the barier station, I showed the vehicle ticket to a man, and he was back to the room, then brought out a big bottle of gasonline, he poured into my bike just one litter, which was enough for a journey to the town center, where I should do a full refuel.

The road was rough, some holes appeared accidentally, requiring my full attention. However, the weather was great. Sunlight on everything, green lines of tree, lamp posts with linking wires, free ride on a coastal road, where I was excited by what I see.

I stopped near a monument, where the best view on the turquoise beach and wild shorelines, somewhere mountains meeting the sea in stunning shape. That was amazing! A sense of adventurous blood run in my heart.

19 January, 2025
Con Dao trip – day two

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.

(read the prologue)

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!

19 January, 2025
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

19 January, 2025