Phu Quoc island
Phu Quoc Island in the Gulf of Thailand is located about 50 kilometers from the Vietnamese mainland in the south and can be reached in a one-hour flight. The largest island in Vietnam is a veritable paradise with beautiful beaches, unspoiled environment, and a laid-back culture.
Phu Quoc is becoming increasingly popular among Danes looking for a beach vacation in Vietnam or elsewhere in Asia. Many people have visited Thailand multiple times and want to experience something new. Phu Quoc also provides options for diving and snorkelling.
In addition to the beautiful beaches, Phu Quoc Island offers a variety of additional activities to enjoy.
Facts about Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s biggest island. It has an area of 574 km². It is approximately 50 kilometers from the north to the south tip of the island.
The population might vary substantially depending on whether it is peak tourist season or not. The island is home to an estimated 180,000 people.
Phu Quoc Island has its own kind of dog, which used to roam the island freely. It was then utilized for hunting, and despite their vicious fangs, they are now relatively tame and can still be found all across the island.
It is distinguished by a “owl” band of fur down the center of the back.
Phu Quoc is world-renowned for the production of Vietnamese fish sauce “Nuoc Mam”.
400 tons of excellent pepper
Because of the island’s poor agricultural land and the inaccessibility of the mountainous sections, pepper cultivation has made it famous for fishing.
Good prayer beaches
Phu Quoc has many beautiful beaches that wrap around the entire island. Choose your beach wisely based on the season.
Phu Quoc´s sights
In addition to the fantastic beaches, Phu Quoc Island offers a myriad of activities that you can indulge in.
Snorkeling & diving on Phu Quoc
There are a few dive centers on Phu Quoc, and we recommend Rainbow Divers. Contact us or them for additional information. The north and south sides of the island offer excellent diving opportunities.
If you’ve dived and snorkeled in other lovely areas, don’t expect anything wild on Phu Quoc – although there is the potential of diving and snorkeling on the island.
Every day, snorkeling trips depart for various small islands surrounding Phu Quoc.
Diving on coral reefs provides numerous options, including on the little island of Hon Thom. The island is noted for its seasonal winds, thus most local families have two homes, one on the west and one on the east.
The completion of the expeditions is dependent on weather and wind, so check with the diving companies upon arrival and learn what they expect from the weather in the coming days.
The prison on Phu Quoc
The French colonists erected the Phu Quoc Prison between 1949 and 1950. The prison is recognized as a unique historical relic of national significance. The 40,000-square-meter prison was closed after the country’s unification and later opened to visitors.
Dinh Cau Rock Temple & Da Ban Spring
Dinh Cau Rock Temple, located near the mouth of the Duong Dong River, combines a Buddhist temple and a lighthouse. Dinh Cau Rock provides an opportunity to watch the small fishing boats in the estuary and along the coast. Locals flock to the area in the evening to watch the sunset.
Swimming at the Da Ban spring, located 16 kilometers east of Duong Dong. As it meanders through the landscape, the stream appears almost poetic. Locals use the location as an excursion spot, bringing their own food.
Beaches & beach holidays on Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc has an unlimited amount of beaches throughout the entire island. Some beaches are better in certain months than others.
The majority of larger resorts and hotels are positioned close to the water. We typically stay in hotels and resorts on the west side of the island. There are numerous good resorts throughout the entire route from north to south.
Ganh Dau Beach
Ganh Dau Beach is not to be missed. It is located on the northern part of Phu Quoc Island surrounded by pristine forests and mountains. From Ganh Dau you can see to Cambodia.
Dai Beach & Sao beach
Phu Quoc Island has some well-known beaches that you should definitely see. Dai Beach is one of the most gorgeous and is around 1500 meters long.
Sao Beach, on the eastern side of Phu Quoc Island, is relatively remote and difficult to reach, yet it is well worth a visit during the right season.
Phu Quoc National Park
The Vietnamese government established Phu Quoc National Park, which encompasses more than 50% of the island, in 2001. The park, and parts of it, were previously designated as Natural Protection Areas and Nature Reserves.
There are 23 orchid species and other unusual plants here. The park has over 200 recorded animal species, some of which are endangered.
Phu Quoc National Park can be explored by motorcycle or hiking. The trek is especially enjoyable for getting away from the heat because the foliage blocks the sun’s rays.
Read about renting and purchasing a motorcycle in Vietnam.
When to travel to Phu Quoc?
Many people wish to visit Phu Quoc during the summer holidays, but I don’t encourage it because it’s typically rainy. In contrast, we propose Hoi An and Danang for beach vacations during the summer.
Phu Quoc is one of Vietnam’s top beach vacation locations. The island is best visited between December and April, when it is mild and dry.
More information on beach holidays in Vietnam can be found here.
The beach trip is right around the corner; all you have to do is go where the pepper grows!