Are you a couple going on holiday in Vietnam and looking for someplace scenic and secluded for the last leg of your trip? Forget the beaches of Nha Trang and Da Nang; Phú Quốc is where it’s at for adventurous couples seeking a remote nature retreat after sightseeing in congested Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
Phú Quốc is a gorgeous tropical island that’s seen increasing popularity in recent years for its unspoiled qualities. It is relatively less developed than most places along the country’s coastline, making for an experience that feels more rugged and authentic somehow. If this sounds like you and your partner’s cup of tea, make sure to consider booking a Phu Quoc travel combo with Traveloka, a convenient and economical way of reserving affordable flights and accommodations to this beguiling Vietnamese destination. After all, being able to save those extra funds will allow you to take full advantage of the memorable experiences you and your significant other can share on the island. Here are some of them.
Shell out for a stay at a beachfront resort
Phú Quốc is currently undergoing rapid development, and great resorts and hotels are starting to pop up all over its expansive coastline. You don’t have to stay at a five-star luxury hotel, but don’t you want to start this last phase of your holiday right? Your significant other will surely appreciate the extra pampering and better service that comes with checking into a more upscale establishment than your usual homestay or inn.
Having easy access to the beach, nicer amenities, and overall better facilities are well worth forking over your hard-earned cash; if nothing else, it’ll give you more time to focus on each other, rather than your surroundings, right? Check out the very highly-recommended Salinda Resort or Sofitel’s La Veranda, which are both on private beaches strictly for the use of checked-in guests.
Hop around the islands
Island-hopping is a popular activity here, as are other water-related sports and amusements. You’ll need to hop on a boat to get to the best snorkeling and scuba diving spots anyway, so why not make a day out of the experience?
Hòn Xưởng island, an islet off the southern coast of Phú Quốc, has been compared to the Maldives for its sheer idyllic beauty; it’s a 45-minute boat ride out of An Thoi port and is part of the Hon Thom Commune, a group of 15 islands between the Gulf of Thailand and mainland Vietnam. Most of these islands are uninhabited, while others are privately owned. Most of them are fantastic sites for deep sea fishing, snorkeling, and other activities.
Ride the cable car from Phú Quốc to Hon Thom
If you aren’t fond of boats but would still like to visit another island, you can ride the Phú Quốc Cable Car over to Hon Thom’s Pineapple Island. At 7899.9 meters, this is the world’s longest nonstop three rope cable car as per the Guinness Book of World Records. From the gondola, you get a breathtaking 360-degree aerial view of the archipelago as you soar above the turquoise waters.
The ride lasts 15 minutes and puts you in Sun World Hon Thom Nature Park, which is not yet fully developed but nonetheless quite charming. There’s a sweet stretch of golden sand beach equipped with deck chairs, the palm trees have been outfitted with swings, and there are a couple of restaurants on the premises.
As of early 2019, however, the amusement park that is being built on the island is yet to be completed. Still, cuddling with your partner and witnessing the sublime landscape as you ride the cable car makes the ascent worth it, right?
Check out Phú Quốc after dark
You’ll find many articles online about Phú Quốc calling it “the next Phuket.” In terms of the island’s nightlife, though, we’ll say “close, but no cigar.” No, Phú Quốc after dark isn’t nearly as exciting as the party scene on the beaches of the popular holiday destination in Thailand. The atmosphere here is chill and laidback, ideal for couples looking for a quiet evening with a nice dinner, and then relaxing on the beach with drinks in hand.
There’s a colorful night market over at Phú Quốc‘s main town of Dương Đông if you and your beloved are looking to try regional delicacies and local eats: the Dinh Cau Night Market. Open from 5 in the afternoon, it’s hands down the best place for a seafood dinner on the island . Here, you pick from the most freshly caught available offerings, and they’re cooked to order for you. You can also pick up souvenirs, pearls, and the famous Phú Quốc fish sauce from here before going for a nightcap at any number of watering holes on the island. Choose a spot with a view of the ocean to take advantage of the balmy breeze coming up from the water.
You can fly into Phú Quốc Dương Đông airport directly from Ho Chi Minh city, so it might be a good idea to see these two places back-to-back when planning your trip. Check with your hotel if they offer airport transfers. To get around the island, most tourists rent motorcycles or scooters to zip from location to location. This is by far the most economical option, and many resorts offer them. Jeeps are available for rent with a driver, or you can choose to hire taxis for the entire day. However, keep in mind that these last two options can be costly.
We hope you enjoyed this short guide to Phú Quốc! Travel safe!