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Vietnam, Phu Quoc Island Getaway
Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam is a must-visit destination for any adventure-seeker. The island's crystal-clear waters, fresh seafood, and vibrant culture will leave you wanting more. Explore the lush green forests, relax on pristine beaches, and soak up the laid-back atmosphere. Whether you're into water sports, ancient temples, or delicious local cuisine, Phu Quoc Island has something for everyone.
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Fukuoka in Vietnam: A Hidden Gem Compared to Nha Trang
summarizeEditor's Summary
Fukuoka in Vietnam is a coastal city that stole my heart with its serene atmosphere, rich culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Compared to Nha Trang, Fukuoka offers a more laid-back vibe, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a tranquil getaway. With its convenient airport location and delicious in-flight meals, Fukuoka is a must-visit for any traveler. However, be prepared for some drawbacks, including pricey boat tours and occasional mosquito sightings.
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FazitMükemmel
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Hello everyone!
I'm still traveling through Vietnam, and I've fallen in love with the coastal city of Nha Trang after visiting it a few times. We flew to Fukuoka for a change of scenery, as our friends had raved about it. Plus, we were departing from Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and the flight to Vietnam was only to Fukuoka (although they later started flying to Nha Trang too).
Flight was a breeze!
We opted out of using a tour company, despite the convenience, because we were planning to explore other regions of Vietnam.
We booked our flights a few days in advance through a group chat (Telegram) and paid $390 per person for a one-way ticket. The direct flight from Tashkent to Fukuoka on Qanot sharq airline took 6.5 hours (no delays).
The in-flight meal was surprisingly good – a standard European dinner, except for the national samosa. I was impressed by the service on board – the crew was genuinely friendly and welcoming.
Fukuoka Airport is conveniently located near the center of the island, unlike Nha Trang Airport.
Accommodation was a highlight.
We chose a bungalow format to avoid feeling like we were in a crowded hotel and taking the elevator all the time. Bungalows allow you to live in a separate, atmospheric little house that's as close to nature as possible.
We booked in advance and were met at the airport by a driver who provided a transfer.
The total cost for 7 nights was $270, which included the transfer and breakfast.
Our complex is a bit of a trek from the main tourist street - it's a gentle slope up a path that takes about 7 minutes to walk, which didn't faze any of the keen hikers among us.
When we arrived at the reception desk (around 2 PM), we were asked to wait for 20 minutes while they cleaned the room.
Daisy resort reception The administrator spoke English, and we noticed a fair few Europeans, Koreans, Chinese, and around 40-50% Russian-speaking guests.I was really pleased with the room, which had a beamed ceiling, dark wood furniture, and a private veranda with a hammock. Although the shower and toilet were separate, it wasn't a fully enclosed space, which was a bit of a surprise. There was a 10cm gap between the roof and the outer wall, and insects were happily crawling in and out - even a few frogs made an appearance a couple of times. To be honest, my heart skipped a beat thinking about the possibility of snakes getting in (there are plenty around here). The surrounding area was lush with vegetation, and the gardens were immaculately maintained, with even snake traps in place.
The pool with loungers nearby was a real bonus. In the evenings, most people don't swim in the sea, but the pool's inviting water is hard to resist!
Our bungalow's poolThere's something really special about sitting on the veranda in the evening, watching the sunset.
Daisy resortWildlife was a highlight.
I was surprised by the number of geckos I saw there - almost every day, it seemed. This little guy's a lifesaver, keeping the mosquitoes and cockroaches at bay. They can squeeze into the tiniest crevices and even make the most soothing sounds, like a gentle chirping or croaking.
Geckos - the real bosses of the bungalow!As you'd expect in the tropics, there are plenty of beautiful butterflies and other insects around. At night, you might even hear the occasional bat flying overhead. On the downside, there are some stray rats on the streets, but they're fewer than I've seen in Nha Trang. What's nice is that they tend to avoid humans.Stray cats are virtually non-existent, and the dogs that do roam around are usually friendly and love to sunbathe on the beach.
Head further away from the tourist areas, and you might catch a glimpse of some local cows lazily crossing the road. Local cowsMoney matters.
First things first, tourists need to exchange their currency.
The local currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese dong.
100 USD is equivalent to 2.6 million dong.
Hands down, the exchange rate at the airport was the worst. But we found some great currency exchange spots on the main streets of the island, where the rates were a bit more favorable - even if the difference wasn't huge.
Food, cafes, and restaurants were amazing.
The hotel breakfasts were a real treat, with a great variety of options, background music, friendly service, and big smiles from the staff. I have to say, I love the locals - their laid-back attitude, their work ethic, and their overall vibe.
Breakfast at the resortEvery morning, I was excited to have an omelette with tomatoes and onions - and the chef would even whip up some pancakes for me if I ordered them. The rest of the food was a mix of a buffet-style spread, with fruits, veggies, local noodles, rice with veggies, sausages, sweet potatoes, and sometimes some slow-cooked chicken or meat, boiled eggs...
BreakfastI just had a little bit of everything, making sure to grab some veggies. The fruits were amazing - I have to mention that the watermelons were always sweet and refreshing, and the pineapples were a rare treat in this country. The pitaya, or dragon fruit, was also delicious, and the king of tropical fruits - mango - was a real highlight.
The coffee was unbeatable, just like in any Vietnamese establishment.
Occasionally, we'd get coffee delivered to our little bungalow. And check out this interesting star-shaped apple below.
Fruit breakfast I have to admit, I cut it the wrong way - lengthwise. But if you cut it across, you'll see a little star pattern in the middle, and it's really cute!
Star-shaped apple The only edible part is the white flesh, and it tastes like a caramelized apple. Restaurants and cafes were plentiful.
Russian cuisine 'Cheburashka' Let's start with the most positive experience, in my opinion, at a local cafe called Hao Phat restaurant. It's like a cozy family cafe, with charming waiters and delicious food. We often dined there - the menu is diverse, and the prices are very reasonable. On the photo - squid in batter and a popular salad with sour mango and carrots.
Hao Phat restaurant - a must-try! I still remember the lunch on the beach, which was also in a traditional Vietnamese style, right on the shore. The grilled fish was cooked to perfection - it was a small, translucent white fish that I'd seen swimming in the shallow waters. Every eatery on the island offers a wide variety of seafood dishes, including oysters, scallops, mussels, clams, lobsters, and langoustines. And the best part? The prices are super reasonable compared to what you'd pay in Europe. Many restaurants even have aquariums where you can pick the seafood you want to try.
Grilled fish to perfection! And if you're looking for a traditional Vietnamese dish that you absolutely have to try, it's got to be the Pho Bo. It's also one of the most affordable options, with a portion costing between 40,000 to 60,000 dong.
Pho Bo soup The beef noodle soup is a must-try, with a rich bone broth, slices of beef, noodles, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Don't forget to squeeze the lime into your bowl, add some soy sprouts, and a dash of chili for extra flavor. The soup is filling, flavorful, and not too calorie-heavy.
We really wanted to try the cold soup called Kuksi, which is a staple in Uzbek cafes. We hit up a few places, but it wasn't on the menu everywhere. Luckily, we found it at Uz.Bek, a local favorite. Kuksi is a Korean-inspired cold noodle soup with meat and veggies, and it's surprisingly integrated into the traditional Uzbek menu. We ordered a small serving, but it was a letdown - it was super bland and lacked any real meat. What a bummer.
Restaurant Uz.BekCoffee was a highlight.In the coffee department, we weren't disappointed - Vietnam's a major coffee producer and exporter, and Fukuoka's got a ton of cafes. The most popular spot's Cafe Sadah - their black coffee with local condensed milk is sweet, aromatic, and gets the job done. I usually stick to a simple black coffee over ice, since I'm watching my calories.
Coffee at its finest!Alcohol was readily available.
Vietnam's Saigon beer's a popular choice among tourists - it's light and cheap. There are other options available, but I wasn't a fan of the Saigon myself - it's too sweet, and I'm not a fan of the brand either.
Local favorite beerAs for wine, Dalat's got some decent options. The rum's cheap everywhere, but the quality's not great. You can also find imported drinks in shops. There aren't too many bars around, either.
Few bars with a show Shopping was a breeze.
I was surprised by how few supermarkets there are on the island, but the most accessible one is King Kong, right in the center. We stocked up on drinks, snacks, and even picked up some fruit and smoothies from the street vendors.
Market Beaches were stunning.
The southern part of the island has some of the most developed beaches.
Take this one with the bent palms, just a short walk from the airport – we caught some amazing sunsets there.
Bent palms We went back a few times and witnessed some incredible sunsets.
Sunset on the south Khem beach - the most developed beach with a long shoreline, soft sand, and plenty of cafes and restaurants. The only downside is that it's a bit shallow – you'll need to wade a bit to reach deeper water. The sea in Fukuoka is warm and calm, with minimal waves throughout the island.
Star fish beach.
I was exhausted by the time we arrived at this beach, which is home to starfish and located on the northern part of the island. We took a rented bike to get there.
Honestly, the experience was a letdown because we weren't expecting to see the same old dead sea creatures everywhere. The starfish were all the same - this reddish-brown color. And it turns out they're imported from the Philippines and scattered along the beach to attract tourists.
Beach with sea starsThere's not much to order in terms of food, just fruits, ramen, and chips.
We also visited some lesser-known beaches in different parts of the island.
Public beach
Fishing pierThings to see and do were plentiful.
If I hadn't been to Nha Trang before, I would've definitely visited the famous Vinpearl complex.
Vinpearl's VinWonders parks, which are the most famous ones in Nha Trang and Fukuoka, offer water parks, attractions, and aquariums.
But knowing it's a chain and I'd probably see the same thing, paying $60 isn't worth it. The safari park, which is basically a zoo, is also part of this massive complex.
I regret not visiting the bee farm - the photos were really impressive.
Buddhist temples were a highlight.
As you'd expect, Buddhism is the main religion in Vietnam, so temples big and small are scattered all over the country. And you'll often find these little prayer nooks with offerings of flowers, fruits, and incense in shops, hotels, and just about anywhere else.
These 'Buddha corners' are everywhereThe crowds are crazy!
Ngoc Hien Treasure - a hidden gem.
I stumbled upon Ngoc Hien Treasure, a seaside amusement park that's flying under the radar. The main draw is the pearl hunt - you choose a closed shell, and the staff opens it, then you try to find the pearl with your fingers. Although it's not a must-do.
We took a private boat to get there, and the boatman charged us 500,000 VND for the round trip.
They grow pearls hereThe staff at the dock greeted us warmly and helped us disembark - it was just the three of us, so they were happy to have some company!
Then, a lovely girl who spoke English showed us to the screen, where we could see footage of a dive to the bottom in special gear and check out the colorful fish - I'm pretty sure they were planted there for us.
PresentationI thought the whole experience wasn't worth $50-60, but I'd come here for the pearl hunt. They offered options ranging from $24 to $520.
PriceThey took me to a special 'cutting table' where they opened up the oyster I'd chosen. To my surprise, the first two were barren - I guess I got lucky with the third. Lucky with the thirdAfter that, they grilled up some of the oyster's meat (I had no idea you could eat oysters too!) and served it with a sauce - it was a really tasty surprise!
Grilled oyster snackI really enjoyed this impromptu snack!
I decided to have the little pearl I found set into a pendant or a ring. I opted for a ring, and we sent the design to a well-known jewelry store in Fukuoka. I had snapped a picture of the design from a magazine, and they were happy to work with it.
Pearl quality is on par with calamariAfter paying 600 Thai baht, the pearl was carefully set into a silver ring in about 5-8 minutes. The consultant had already determined the correct size. I was over the moon with joy!
I really love the ringThe center of the ring was stunning, with an abundance of pearl jewelry, different stones, and even mother-of-pearl inlays. The consultants spoke fluent Russian.
Jewelry storeOut of curiosity, I asked how much a pre-made ring with a pearl of that size would cost. The salesperson replied, 'Around 5 million baht.' Meanwhile, I got this exciting experience for just $50. Plus, I enjoyed the thrill of the hunt.
What to buy in Fukuoka.
I also picked up a silk scarf with a lotus flower and blossom design.
Fukuoka is actually known for its black pepper cultivation. And, of course, there are exotic fruits like dried fruits or candies, coffee, various keychains, and bamboo or sea-inspired trinkets.
Comparing Phu Quoc to Nha Trang.
And for dessert, I'm saving the comparison between these two most popular spots for travelers on the Vietnam map.
✅️In Phu Quoc, everything's more expensive - food, accommodation, tours, and even bike rentals are a bit lower for some reason. All products and goods, except for fruits, are shipped from the mainland.
✅️It's warmer in Phu Quoc during winter - 33-35°, while Nha Trang is around 26-27. The sea is also warmer and calmer (which I love for surfing).
✅️Nha Trang stands out for its more developed infrastructure, especially catering to Russian speakers. I love strolling along the long, beautiful waterfront. Phu Quoc, on the other hand, is more like a tropical village (reminds me of Panglao Island in the Philippines, where we lived for three months).
In the villageTakeaways:
If I were to fly in for a short vacation (a week or two) with a tour package, Phu Quoc would blow me away with its lush greenery, warm sea, and authentic charms.
Soft sandNha Trang, however, would be the better choice for long-termers, winter enthusiasts, and remote workers - it offers more economic benefits. Apart from that, I personally prefer Nha Trang - it's more lively, has a more vibrant nightlife, and the chaos somehow feels more appealing than being isolated on a remote island. As my friend put it, comparing Phu Quoc and Nha Trang: 'Phu Quoc is like a dacha!' Staying in a dacha for too long can get dull.
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Thanks for reading! I'd love to hear your thoughts and feedback!
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Check out my other reviews for more travel inspiration!
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The Philippines: our unexpected move and sea adventures
Dominican Republic: a haven for laid-back travelers
Uzbekistan: Tashkent's hidden gems
A memorable trip to the Black Sea: Gelendzhik
live_helpFeatured FAQ
What are the best things to do on the island?
The island offers a wide range of activities, including boat tours, hiking trips, and exploring the local markets. Be sure to check out the farm on the island, which is a real treasure trove of natural beauty.
How do I get around the island?
The island's airport is conveniently located near the center of the island, making it easy to get around. You can also rent bicycles or take a taxi to get to your destination.
What kind of accommodations are available on the island?
The island offers a range of accommodations, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury resorts. Be sure to book in advance, especially during peak season.
Can I get a good meal on the island?
Yes, the island offers a range of dining options, from local street food to upscale restaurants. Be sure to try the in-flight meals on Qanot sharq airline, which are surprisingly good.
Are there any health concerns on the island?
Yes, mosquitoes can be a problem on the island, especially during peak season. Be sure to bring insect repellent and take necessary precautions.
Can I get a refund if I cancel my trip?
Yes, most tour operators on the island offer a refund policy in case of cancellation. Be sure to check with your tour operator for their specific refund policy.
What is the best time to visit the island?
The best time to visit the island is during the dry season, from November to March. Avoid visiting during the rainy season, from April to October.
Can I bring my pet on the island?
Yes, most accommodations on the island allow pets. Be sure to check with your accommodation provider in advance to confirm their pet policy.
What are the island's opening hours?
The island is open 24/7, but some attractions and businesses may have limited hours. Be sure to check with your tour operator or accommodation provider for specific hours.
check_circlePros
- •The farm on the island is a real treasure trove of natural beauty, with lush greenery and a serene atmosphere.
- •The island offers a wide range of interesting excursions, from boat tours to hiking trips.
- •The natural cosmetics available on the island are top-notch, with a focus on sustainable and eco-friendly practices.
- •Fukuoka Airport is conveniently located near the center of the island, making it easy to get around.
- •The in-flight meals on Qanot sharq airline were surprisingly good, with a standard European dinner and a national samosa.
- •The crew on board were genuinely friendly and welcoming, making the flight a breeze.
- •The island's laid-back vibe is perfect for those seeking a relaxing getaway.
- •The local markets offer a great selection of unique souvenirs and handmade crafts.
cancelCons
- •The island can get a bit dirty, especially after a heavy rain, which can be a turn-off for some visitors.
- •The boat tours on the island can be quite pricey, which may not be suitable for all budgets.
- •Mosquitoes can be a problem on the island, especially during peak season.
- •There's not much of a nightlife scene on the island, which may appeal more to those seeking a relaxing getaway.
- •Some areas of the island can feel a bit deserted, which may not be suitable for those seeking a lively atmosphere.
- •The island's lack of modern amenities can be a drawback for some visitors, especially those used to city life.
- •The island's remote location can make it difficult to get around without a car.
- •The local healthcare facilities may not be up to par, so it's essential to have travel insurance.
