Phu Quoc Island Review: Unforgettable Adventure in Vietnam

My Unforgettable Adventure on Phu Quoc Island

summarizeEditor's Summary

I spent an unforgettable week on Phu Quoc Island, and I'm still reeling from the experience. The island's unique blend of Vietnamese culture and stunning natural beauty had me hooked from the start. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the island's laid-back atmosphere and the warm hospitality of the locals. But what really made my trip stand out was the incredible value for money – I got to experience so much without breaking the bank. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or simply a taste of island life, Phu Quoc has something for everyone. With its stunning beaches, vibrant night markets, and delicious local cuisine, this island is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a unique and unforgettable travel experience.

settingsSpecifications

VerdictMükemmel

Scooter Rental Fazla8/10

Ho Quoc Temple Kalite9/10

Souvenir Shops Kalite4/10

Tea/Coffee/Alcohol Tasting Fazla8/10

I had to break my review into multiple parts due to the photo limit, so I'll start with the link below.

A straightforward story about what it was like. Minimal costs, maximum emotions.

Now, let's continue.

DAY 4

Today, I happened to visit the night market, but that was in the evening, and the day started with a free guided tour from a local guide. The bus departed from our hotel, and then we spent an hour cruising around the island, picking up tourists from other hotels. I'd say the tour officially kicked off then.

The first stop was a temple on the southern part of the island, and it's literally right on the beach. Admission is free.

Vietnam, Phu Quoc Island Ho Quoc Temple

The temple complex was officially opened in 2012. The site features the main temple, a meditation center, small prayer pavilions, a lake, residential areas for monks and pilgrims, a cafe, a souvenir shop, restrooms, and a large parking lot.

Girls, be sure to cover your knees, so you can borrow a skirt at the entrance.

Vietnam, Phu Quoc Island Ho Quoc Temple The complex is quite large, and we were given 30 minutes for the tour. It was enough to explore everything and even make it down to the beach.

Vietnam, Phu Quoc Island Ho Quoc Temple By the way, this island has its own breed of dogs, with fur growing in the opposite direction on their backs, and they look like they're sporting mohawks.

Vietnam, Phu Quoc Island Ho Quoc TempleI was already pretty happy with the tour at this point.

Vietnam, Phu Quoc Island Ho Quoc TempleEspecially considering there was a good chance I might have ended up without a scooter, I probably wouldn't have come here on my own.

Ho Quoc Temple is located in the southern part of Phu Quoc in a remote area behind Dam Bich beach. The road to the temple is paved, but buses in Phu Quoc don't go there, so you'll need to take a tour, taxi (around 200,000 dong each way), or rent a vehicle.

Vietnam, Phu Quoc Island Ho Quoc TempleThe next stop was a bunch of overpriced souvenir shops - I'd say you can skip those. If you're interested, just Google the logo below.

Vietnam, Phu Quoc IslandAfter that, we headed to a tea/coffee/alcohol tasting session, and that was actually pretty interesting.

Vietnam, Phu Quoc Island Aroma House - Phu QuocAroma House - Phu Quoc is the location we visited, here's some info from their website:

Aroma House is one of the largest coffee companies in southern Vietnam, with production and plantations based in Bao Loc city, Lam Dong province.

I want to give a special shoutout to the tour guide, who was an absolute sweetheart. She told us all about the different types of fruits and vegetables, even the artichoke, which we also got to try.

Vietnam, Phu Quoc Island - Aroma HouseWhile we were there, I took a stroll around the property and even spotted some cacao trees growing (check out the photo above).

Next up was a visit to the pearl farm, which was a bit of a letdown for me. I won't go into too much detail, but basically we just got a brief intro and then were ushered into a shop to buy some stuff.

Vietnam, Phu Quoc IslandAfter the tour, we headed back to the hotel just as the sun was setting. By the way, here are some prices from a local market - as you can see, the green grapes are actually cheaper than back home (that's around 495 rubles per kilogram).

Vietnam, Phu Quoc Island

Vietnam, Phu Quoc IslandAnyway, it's getting late, so I'll finally get to the review part. We headed out to the night market in Phu Quoc, which is located right in the center of town.

Night market in Phu Quoc is located at 6 Bach Dang Street (Bach Dang), in the heart of Duong Dong city on Phu Quoc Island. Open daily from 6 pm to 11:30 pm.

Vietnam, Phu Quoc IslandYou've got to come here to try the local cuisine - the selection is just massive.

Vietnam, Phu Quoc IslandI had this grilled banana, these little skewers, and ice cream. The banana was 90 rubles, and the ice cream was around the same price.

Vietnam, Phu Quoc IslandEverything tasted great and was safe to eat - I didn't get sick at all. And get this, a can of Pepsi from the vending machine costs 10,000 dong, which is just 30 rubles! We could use prices like that back home.

Vietnam, Phu Quoc IslandAfter the market, I headed to the waterfront. It's all really beautiful - the sea, the boats, and even a temple on a rock.

Vietnam, Phu Quoc IslandI have to say, the motorbike was a huge plus in this trip. The speed, the mobility, and it's ridiculously cheap.

Vietnam, Phu Quoc IslandI'll get my thoughts together and write about the fifth day and the trip to the beach with the starfish - stay tuned, it's not over yet)

Links to my other reviews:

Archiz When unmet expectations are a good thing. What to see in one day in the mountains?Lago-Naki A source of inspiration and unforgettable impressionsGuanca Weekends in Guanca? Super! What you need to know before the trip, not during, like it happened to us. What didn't go as planned?Dagestan A spoonful of bitter in our journey through the Caucasus.Chechnya A journey through the most contradictory republic in the country.Ingushetia Not what you'd expect from a republic declared bankrupt. (Furtog, Armkh, Dzhayrakh, Tsay-Loam pass)

Vietnam, Fuco Island

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What's the best time to visit Phu Quoc Island?

The best time to visit Phu Quoc Island is during the dry season, from December to April. The weather is sunny and dry, making it perfect for outdoor activities like snorkeling and hiking.

What's the island's currency?

The official currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). You can exchange your money at the airport or withdraw cash from ATMs throughout the island.

Can I use credit cards on the island?

Yes, many restaurants, shops, and hotels on the island accept major credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.

What's the island's language?

The official language of Vietnam is Vietnamese, but many locals on the island also speak English.

Can I drink tap water on the island?

No, it's not recommended to drink tap water on the island. Stick to bottled or filtered water to stay safe.

What's the island's tipping culture?

Tipping is not expected but is appreciated for good service. Aim to tip around 5-10% of the total bill.

Can I use my phone on the island?

Yes, most phones work on the island, but be aware that signal strength can be weak in some areas.

What's the island's emergency number?

The island's emergency number is 112. You can also visit the local police station or hospital for assistance.

What's the best way to get around the island?

The best way to get around the island is by taxi or motorbike. You can also rent a car or take a bus, but be aware that public transportation can be limited.

check_circlePros

•The island's free guided tours are a game-changer – they're a great way to explore the island and learn about its history and culture.
•The night market is a must-visit – it's a fantastic place to try local street food and shop for souvenirs.
•The Ho Quoc Temple is an absolute must-see – its stunning architecture and beautiful surroundings make it a truly unforgettable experience.
•The island's beaches are some of the most beautiful I've ever seen – with crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand, you'll feel like you're in paradise.
•The locals are incredibly friendly and welcoming – they'll make you feel right at home with their warm smiles and kind hearts.
•The island's food is amazing – from fresh seafood to delicious street food, you'll find something to suit every taste and budget.
•The island's laid-back atmosphere is perfect for relaxation – whether you're looking to unwind or recharge, Phu Quoc has got you covered.
•The island's natural beauty is breathtaking – from the stunning sunsets to the lush green forests, every moment is a photo opportunity.

cancelCons

•The island can get pretty crowded during peak season, so be prepared for large groups of tourists.
•Some of the roads on the island can be a bit rough, so be prepared for a bumpy ride.
•The island's power grid can be a bit unreliable at times, so be prepared for occasional power outages.
•Some of the accommodations on the island can be a bit basic, so be prepared for a no-frills experience.
•The island's public transportation can be a bit limited, so be prepared to walk or take taxis.
•The island's internet can be a bit slow at times, so be prepared for occasional connectivity issues.