Phu Quoc Island – Pearl of Vietnam
One of Vietnam’s most popular holiday destinations, Phu Quoc Island rises from the country’s slender southern tip like a genie released from a bottle. Its soft-sand beaches, swaying palms and limpid waters have been casting spells on visitors ever since its tourism potential was finally realized in the late 1990s. Progress was initially slow – it’s almost impossible to believe that electricity from the mainland only arrived in 2013 – but a recent glut of construction, and a volley of flights arriving from the mainland and beyond, means that Phu Quoc is now challenging Nha Trang as Vietnam’s top beach destination.
1. Best time to visit Phu Quoc
The best time to visit Phu Quoc is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny with low humidity and little rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
The peak tourist season in Phu Quoc is from December to February when the weather is at its best, but this also means that the island can be crowded and prices may be higher. If you are looking for a quieter time to visit, consider traveling in November or April when the crowds are thinner, and prices may be more reasonable.
May to October is the rainy season in Phu Quoc, with occasional heavy rainfall and occasional typhoons or tropical storms. While this may not be the best time for sunbathing and outdoor activities, it can be a good time to experience the island’s lush green landscapes and take advantage of the lower prices and smaller crowds.
Overall, the best time to visit Phu Quoc depends on your preferences and interests, but the dry season from November to April is generally considered the best time to visit for most tourists.
2. Things to do in Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam has many attractions and activities to offer for visitors. Here are some of the top things to do in Phu Quoc:
1. Relax on the beaches: Phu Quoc has many beautiful beaches, including Long Beach, Sao Beach, and Ong Lang Beach, where you can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy water sports such as snorkeling and scuba diving.
2. Visit the night market: Phu Quoc’s night market is a bustling, colorful place where you can shop for local handicrafts, enjoy street food, and experience the island’s lively nightlife.
3. Explore the national park: Phu Quoc National Park is a UNESCO-listed site and offers a unique opportunity to explore the island’s dense jungle, waterfalls, and diverse flora and fauna.
4. Visit the pepper plantations: Phu Quoc is famous for its black pepper, and you can visit pepper plantations to learn about the cultivation and production of this valuable spice.
5. Explore the historical sites: Phu Quoc has a rich history, and you can visit sites such as the Phu Quoc Prison Museum, the Cao Dai Temple, and the Dinh Cau Temple to learn about the island’s past.
6. Go on a boat trip: Take a boat trip to explore the surrounding islands, such as the An Thoi archipelago, where you can swim, snorkel, and enjoy the stunning scenery.
7. Try the local cuisine: Phu Quoc has a unique culinary scene, with fresh seafood, aromatic herbs, and exotic spices. Be sure to try local specialties such as fish sauce, seafood hotpot, and banh canh noodle soup.
3. What to eat in Phu Quoc island?
Phu Quoc is known for its unique and delicious cuisine, which is heavily influenced by the island’s coastal location and abundant seafood. Here are some of the must-try dishes when visiting Phu Quoc:
1. Fish sauce: Phu Quoc is famous for its high-quality fish sauce, which is made from anchovies and is an essential ingredient in many Vietnamese dishes.
2. Seafood: Being an island, Phu Quoc offers a variety of fresh seafood, including grilled, steamed, or stir-fried squid, clams, oysters, and shrimp.
3. Phu Quoc pepper: Phu Quoc is also known for its black pepper, which is used in many dishes, such as grilled meats and seafood, soups, and salads.
4. Banh Canh: Banh Canh is a thick rice noodle soup that is popular in Phu Quoc, usually served with seafood or pork.
5. Bun Quay: A specialty of Phu Quoc, Bun Quay is a noodle soup made with pork, shrimp, squid, and fresh herbs, topped with crispy rice crackers.
6. Banh Mi: Phu Quoc has its version of the popular Vietnamese sandwich, filled with a variety of local ingredients such as grilled pork, pate, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs.
7. Nem Nuong: Nem Nuong is a type of grilled pork sausage served with fresh herbs, lettuce, and rice paper for wrapping.
These are just a few examples of the many delicious dishes to try in Phu Quoc. Be sure to also sample local fruits such as rambutan, jackfruit, and durian, which are abundant on the island.