What to do in Phu Quoc island. Phu Quoc: attractions, excursions, nightlife
Until recently, the quiet Vietnamese island of Phu Quoc, excursions to which rarely attracted tourists, was a sleepy place covered with emerald jungle. But at some point it white sandy beaches have become very popular among Western tourists, as well as among those who prefer to spend cold winters in tropical regions.
general information
This island, which in English is called Phu Quoc, is located in the middle of the Gulf of Thailand. It belongs to Vietnam. With a length of 50 km, it is considered the most big island in the country. It is located just 15 km south of Cambodia. By the way, the island is still the subject of a territorial dispute between states. But tourists are not affected.
The island had a very dismal reputation. For 20 years, the largest Vietnamese prison was located here. In the early 1970s, tens of thousands of prisoners of war were kept here.
However, during the war, many troubles occurred throughout the country. Shortly thereafter, the Khmer Rouge took over the island. The city was sacked. This happened in 1975. Vietnam has since recaptured the island of Phu Quoc. Although relations between him and Cambodia are now going through hard times, for many decades the island has led a quiet life. Tourists are not in danger.
Most of the territory is occupied by a national park. In recent years, tourism has been developing rapidly here. Looking at the new hotels, gambling establishments, golf courses and the new international airport, it's hard to believe that dense virgin jungle is so close by.
This is what Phu Quoc attracts tourists. Many people like to relax where they can admire the wildlife without losing touch with civilization. The island has enough entertainment for every taste and budget:
- athletes will be interested in golf, kayaking and diving;
- lovers of the exotic can go on an excursion to the farms;
- those who like passive relaxation can simply sunbathe on the beach and attend massage sessions.
If tourists go to Phu Quoc for new experiences, they are guaranteed to receive them. Here you can visit the farm and see how black pepper is grown, try the local fish sauce.
You can arrange a trip to the Fukuoka night market: this is a real gastronomic paradise. More than 50 cafes and restaurants operate here. At this place you can try any tropical fruit.(they're even sliced and boxed) and seafood, including barracuda and tiger prawns. Connoisseurs recommend getting acquainted with the local dessert - fried ice cream. You can even watch how it is cooked.
As souvenirs, you can bring spices (the same black pepper), natural pearls grown on the island and various ointments of Vietnamese medicine from here.
Climate and weather
Tourists are interested in whether there are tsunamis and natural disasters in this region. This is logical, if you remember what troubles Japan and Thailand once suffered. However, there have been no such disasters so far.
It is believed that the best time to visit the island is in the middle of winter. At this time it is not too hot here, the weather is dry, the sea is calm. January is a great time to visit this place. The average temperature during the day reaches +30°C, and at night it drops to +21°C. In December, the weather here is about the same. At the end of winter and beginning of spring, the temperature and humidity of the air begin to rise.
As practice shows, most tourists are confused by the rainy season. On the island it lasts from May to November. However, the most precipitation falls from July to October. Even in the rainy season the weather is not so terrible as it might seem. Most of the precipitation falls in the evening and at night. However, during this period, the humidity of the air becomes very high. Sometimes it is even difficult to breathe. So, if a person does not tolerate high humidity, the best option is to rest in January-February.
Routes to the island
Russian tourists have only two route options - either from Moscow or from St. Petersburg. Only from these cities there are direct flights to Vietnam. At the same time, it is easier to fly through Moscow. There is a flight to Phu Quoc with just one change in Ho Chi Minh City. Departure is carried out from Domodedovo. There is a second option - departure from Sheremetyevo. The transplant in this case takes place in Hanoi and is much more expensive.
There is also a more difficult road when you have to fly with two transfers, for example, through the UAE and Vietnamese cities. Check flight schedules and ticket prices in advance.
As for St. Petersburg, there is only one way to get to Fukuoka - with two transfers. The total travel time will be about 18 hours.
It will not be difficult for travelers who just booked a tour to Vietnam to get to Phu Quoc: they can use the ferry.
Areas, hotels and beaches
On the west coast is the city of Duong Dong. It is the administrative and economic center of the island. Shops, cafes, offices of travel agencies are concentrated here. In other parts of the island, these benefits of civilization are practically absent. Also here is most of hotels. The level of hotels here is very different - from very modest places to luxurious apartments belonging to large international chains.
If funds allow, you can book an apartment in Vinpearl. This is one of the most luxurious hotels. Of course, the cost here is the same as it should be for a place with five stars. Tourists also praise other five-star hotels, such as Vinoasis.
There are also enough budget hotels in Fukuoka that provide a fairly high level of comfort and at the same time are designed in eco-style. The guests will live in a cozy bungalow on the seashore. This is real coconut heaven!
There are other options;
- Four star hotels like Lahana Resort.
- Good 3 star hotels. One of the best is Ngan SAO Resort.
The nearest beach to Duong Dong is Long Beach. He is well-groomed and lively. The second most popular beach is Ong Lang. It is located on the West Coast, 8 km from Duong Dong. The infrastructure here is a little worse, but there are many hotels nearby. The beach is located near the tourist center, but there are much less people here.
The best beach in Fukuoka, according to reviews, is considered to be Bai-Zai. It regularly enters the rankings of the best beaches in the world. Once he really was quiet and secluded. Today there are many more tourists here than before, but it did not become worse from this. To navigate the beaches and local attractions, it is advisable to immediately purchase a map. Finding out something from the locals is quite difficult due to the language barrier.
Main Attractions
Of course, tourists want to know what to see in Fukuoka, and what objects deserve attention. The main local attraction is the island itself. There are incredibly beautiful sunsets, especially on the beaches of the west coast. Enough and man-made monuments. An example is the Cau Palace. For the islanders, this is a cult place.
Tourists are also advised:
- View Phu Quoc National Park. This is a real jungle with a very interesting views plants. But there are mosquitoes, so be sure to use repellents.
- Ride the Fukuoka cable car. She is listed in the Guinness Book of Records. its length is about 7.9 km. It was built quite recently, in 2018, but quickly became popular. It offers fantastic views.
For children there is an amusement park. On its territory there are not only a variety of attractions, but also an aquarium, a fountain show, and many shops. You can also book an excursion to the safari park.
In this post I will talk about the sights of Phu Quoc (Vietnam), although there are not so many of them. People come to the island just for a beach holiday, there are no significant historical places here, mostly beaches, waterfalls, nature, several pagodas.
On the other hand, a lot of money has recently been invested in the island, the world's largest cable car, amusement parks, newly built temples ... let's go in order.
Phu Quoc attractions
The beaches of Phu Quoc island
There are several beaches on the island and most of them are located on the western and northern coasts. The cleanliness of the beaches depends on the currents and wind, it happens that it brings a lot of garbage, and then they do not look like paradise, much to the dismay of tourists.
Duong Dong city
The main city of Fukuoka (essentially a large village) is located on the west coast, 10 km from. Here you can look at the non-touristic life of local residents, several pagodas (the most famous is the Dinh Cau Temple Dinh Cau) and a colorful fish market, where it is best to come early in the morning. In the evenings, a night market opens in the center, where you can buy inexpensive seafood, souvenirs, and also eat.
Night market
The main occupation of the locals is fishing, and here you can see unusual vessels on which they go to sea every day and return back with an exotic catch.
fishing boats
Closer to the northern part of the city there is an old airport building with a runway nearby, which is now used as a regular road (part of the runway).
Vinpearl Land Amusement Park
Perhaps the main attraction in Fukuoka is Winpearl Land Park. This is a huge "city" with many attractions, water slides, swimming pools, golf courses, cinemas, various shows that take place every day.
Vinpearl is a great place for a family holiday, quite popular among our tourists. Located near the resort of the same name near Bai Dai beach in the north of the island.
Working hours: 09:00 — 21:00
Price:
Vinpearl Safari Park
Another great place for family holidays is Winpearl Safari Wildlife Park. This is not just another zoo, but a real center for the conservation of rare species of animals and plants, as well as a scientific and research institute.
Here you can not only look at wild animals in their natural habitat, but also visit the petting zoo, various performances.
Working hours: 09:00 — 16:00
Price: adult - VND 500 thousand, children from 1 to 1.4 m tall - VND 400 thousand, children below 1 m - free of charge.
You can buy tickets to Winpearl Land and Winpearl Safari both separately and single ticket, which will act both there and there. Such a ticket costs 900 thousand dong for adults, children from 1 to 1.4 m tall - 750 thousand dong, children below 1 m - free of charge.
cable car
In mid-February 2018, a cable car opened in Phu Quoc, which connected the island with the island of Hon Thom and became the world's longest cable car passing over the sea. Its length is 8 km, the height of the supports reaches 180 meters, and the capacity of each cabin is up to 30 people!
You can get to the beginning of the cable car by a special free bus from Duong Dong through Long Beach three times a day, or by taxi or rented transport.
Working hours: 07:30 — 17:30
Price: in both directions adult - 500 thousand VND, child ticket- 350 thousand dong.
southern islands
To the south of Phu Quoc there are 15 islands of different sizes and sizes: the largest is Hon Thom (Pineapple Island), Hon May Rut, Hon Mong Tay, Hon Gam Ghi are also known.
The second option is to rent a boat in the village of An Thoi, it is from the local pier that all boats depart, including sightseeing ones.
"Coconut Prison"
One of the attractions of Fukuoka is the gloomy so-called "coconut prison". I do not recommend coming here to impressionable people and children, since Vietnamese soldiers were kept here during the Vietnam War. Inside, barracks where prisoners lived, instruments of torture and similar exhibits were recreated. Anya did not go, and I somehow felt uneasy inside, but such is the history of these places.
fish sauce factory
The most famous Vietnamese delicacy is fish sauce, part of which is produced here in Phu Quoc. Most of it is supplied to the domestic market, and some is exported to Europe. USA and Asian countries. there are several such factories in Phu Quoc, but it is most convenient to visit the one located in Duong Dong, marked it on the map at the bottom of the post, like other attractions.
pepper plantations
All over Fukuoka you can find pepper plantations. I was surprised to learn that Vietnam is ranked first in the world in the export of pepper! Moreover, it is Fukuoka pepper that is considered the highest quality, so you can’t imagine a better gift and souvenir for the hostess.
On the plantations you can see how pepper is grown and processed, and you can get to them as organized tour, and having arrived independently.
Cao Dai Temple
An interesting attraction of Fukuoka is the temple of the Khao Dai religion. Kaodaism combines features of Buddhism, beliefs in spirits, Taoism, Catholicism and many other religions. According to one version, this doctrine was created by the French colonialists at the beginning of the 20th century. After all, traditional beliefs and the cult of ancestors were strong among the local population, and Catholicism categorically did not suit them and was perceived with hostility. So French intelligence created a similar project - this is one of the versions. According to another, the spirit of Cao Dai appeared to several prominent figures in the south of Vietnam at once during spiritualistic sessions, commanding them to create a new religion.
Khao Dai Temple in Fukuoka stands out for its unusual appearance and bright colors, located in Duong Dong.
Waterfalls Suoi Tranh andSuoi Da Ban
In Fukuoka, there are two not very large waterfalls, which originate from underground sources somewhere in the depths of the national park. Entrance fee is 5000 VND. The first is located north of the airport, the second is east of Duong Dong. The best time to visit them is the months from May to October (the rainy season), when the waterfalls are full of water and you can swim in the makeshift baths nearby. The rest of the time the falls are very small.
national park Phu Quoc National Park
Rainforests cover most of the island, and the national park covers more than half of its area. In 2010, it was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. In total, more than 50 species of animals, 300 species of birds, 500 species of plants, as well as rare marine life live here. To get to the park, it is best to book an excursion; the place is popular for ecotourism and hiking.
Ho Quoc Pagoda
A new building on the east coast, a little north of Bai Sao beach, but it offers a cool view of the sea and surroundings. A lot of money was invested in the temple, and it turned out really big - the pagoda is considered the largest temple in the Mekong Delta.
Phu Quoc attractions on the map
Separate post with maps of the island.
Phu Quoc is south island Vietnam, whose sights and excursions attract every year a large number of tourists from all over the world. There are a lot of fresh seafood at attractive prices, snow-white sand and warm sea make the rest special. The island has many beautiful mountains and wild forests where you can see interesting plants and animals.
Phu Quoc is located in the north of the Gulf of Thailand. The area of the island is more than 560 km2. Its length is about 50 km, and its width is 25 km. The island is located between two major islands– Ho Chi Minh City (250 km) and Ratja (115 km). Phu Quoc is considered the westernmost point of Vietnam.
The only way to get to the island is by plane. The nearest airport is in Duongdong. Phu Quoc is allowed to visit without a visa, but not more than 15 days. For more long term a visa is required.
Climatic conditions, the best time to travel
Phu Quoc, whose sights and excursions represent an acquaintance with unusual nature, is gaining great popularity among tourists. the island is characterized by a mild climate - this is due to the mountain range, which protects from the penetration of cold winds.
The air temperature throughout the year is kept at +290C - +310C, the water in the sea is constantly in the range of +260C - +280C.
Tour operators advise to come to the island in the winter months - comfortable air temperature with little precipitation will allow you to have a good vacation. But from December to April, the cost of tours increases significantly, especially during the New Year holidays.
Phu Quoc Vietnam, monthly temperature.
From May to June, the air warms up to + 320C - + 370C, it rarely rains. During this period, the intense heat and the presence of jellyfish in the sea spoil the rest a little, the sea also warms up to maximum temperatures. The rainy season starts from July to October. Precipitation can fall for 14 days in a row, so there is a risk not to swim in the sea, but to spend the entire vacation in a hotel.
Vacation on Phu Quoc Island
The resort is associated mainly with beach holiday. Tourists with children or newlyweds come here who are looking for peace and solitude. The beaches of Phu Quoc are considered one of the most beautiful in Vietnam. Here you can find a place where no one will disturb you. For lovers of communication, there are also beaches with developed infrastructure and big amount vacationers.
Along with the beaches, the island is characterized unique nature which you rarely see anywhere. You can sign up for an excursion to the rainforest or mountains, to waterfalls with rivers and see local animals.
national park
Created on June 8, 2001, the national park occupies the northern part of the island, which includes the mountains of Gan Dua, Ham Rong and Kua Kan. Wildlife overlooking the ocean and clean beaches have made the park the main attraction of the island.
The area of the natural zone occupies more than 32,000 hectares. This also includes the maritime area - about 20,000 hectares. Large-sized trees, forest orchids, thickets of mangrove bushes, forests with ancient plants sprout in the park. The beaches consist of white sand and are adjacent to wild forests where you can watch animals.
More than 50 different animal species and about 365 bird species live in the park, the rarest of which are wolves and the white monkey.
Over 1000 different plants of high value grow here. In the waters of the island, more than 100 different corals were found - hard and soft, about 125 species of fish, more than 100 mollusks, over 60 species of algae were found, rare snails live - Trochus nilotichus.
Expanded flora and fauna with an untouched ecosystem attracts locals and visitors to the country. This is one of the rarest natural museums where you can see the rarest representatives of birds, animals, fish and plants. The territory of the park is under state protection from the intervention of local rangers and is constantly multiplying.
There are several endangered species here. Therefore, the authorities create a safe zone in the park for the development of a valuable ecosystem. Tourists are invited to dive into the waters of the park and watch the underwater life of valuable species of fish, corals, algae and other molluscs.
In the mountains you can enjoy the singing of birds, the scent of wild flowers. Here they arrange trips to the mountains or the forest, where you can go fishing with a fishing rod. Here, on the fire, it is allowed to cook the caught fish and eat it, which will allow you to experience all the delights of a wild holiday.
For those who are especially hardy, they arrange an excursion to Mount Nebo, which lasts about 4 hours. The path goes through the forest, then there will be a climb up the bamboo stairs - at a height of 10 m. You can book a tour in Duong Dong or take a motorcycle and drive to the village of Gan Dau on your own. The roads here are dirt, so you need to drive carefully.
Entrance and a tour of the park is free, you will only need to pay for the services of a guide and a taxi (if ordered).
Beaches
Phu Quoc, whose sights and excursions consist mainly of relaxing on the seashore, is famous for its beautiful beaches. Tourism infrastructure is developing near popular beaches and brings the main income. The tides and low tides here are insignificant, so this does not affect the rest of tourists in any way.
The most famous and popular are the following beaches:
Leisure
Phu Quoc also offers several options for extreme tourists. Many beaches offer jet skiing, parasailing and many other adrenaline-fueled activities.
For lovers of extreme sports and movement on the island, you can try the following recreation options:
Nightlife
Phu Quoc is an island whose sights and excursions offer tourists different options for relaxation. Initially night life was concentrated on the territory of the night market, but now nightclubs are open on the island. They are located mainly on Tran Hung Dao Street in Duong Dong.
The resort offers the following clubs where you can spend the evening and part of the night:
Attractions of Phu Quoc Island
Phu Quoc offers tourists not only the beach and the sea. There are enough places to visit which will bring special pleasure. You can visit the most beautiful and unusual Buddhist temples, a fish sauce factory and other establishments. Visiting the villages will allow you to get to know the life of the locals. In the national park it is allowed to walk and observe the life of the local flora and fauna.
Dinh Cau rocks
Rocks are a symbol of faith of the locals. Here they offer prayers for success in business, family happiness, peace, fishermen ask for good luck in the upcoming journey. There is an ancient temple on the cape, which is often visited by Vietnamese and tourists. From the heights of the rocks, a beautiful view of the harbor opens up.
To get to the shrine, you need to overcome 29 stone steps. Inside, you can hear the sound of the sea breeze, while outside you have a panoramic view of the local market. You can come to the temple from 7:00 to 18:00. The rocks are located at: Bach Dang, Khu 1, Duong Dong.
Suoi Tran Waterfall
The height of the waterfall is more than 4 meters and is located 10 minutes from the city of Duong Dong. Water flows down among the picturesque forest and rocks. Here you can have a small picnic or camp, which is combined with a walk along the forest paths for birds and animals.
Not far from the waterfall is the Hang Doi cave with beautiful stalactites. Tourists are allowed to swim under the streams of the waterfall. Waterfall address: Duong To, Phu Quoc. Entrance to the waterfall is paid and is 5000 VND.
Sung Hung Pagoda
This is one of the oldest pagodas on the island and is very popular among tourists. Initially, these were two different pagodas, but then they were combined. The building is surrounded by unique trees that create comfort and silence. Restoration work was carried out here twice - the last in 1960. This is a beautiful building with an interesting interior and exterior decor.
The courtyard is decorated in the national style, which strikes with beauty and luxury. Tourists are allowed to visit the pagoda for free, pray and just relax from the hustle and bustle. But modesty in dress is required - this is a tribute to the monks. The pagoda is open every day from 7:00 to 18:00. Located at: Duong To, Phu Quoc.
Winpearl Land Amusement Park
This is one of the largest entertainment centers in Vietnam, where almost all the guests of the country come. There is a huge range of outdoor entertainment, a water park, a number of attractions for adults and other types of recreation. The park often hosts various shows with music and competitions, to which everyone is invited.
To access the entertainment at the entrance you need to purchase a card for a fee. The park is open every day from 9:00-21:00. The complex is located on the street. Bai Dai, Ganh Dau city.
Khao Dai temple
The temple has existed since 1919 and is located in the city of Duong Dong. Caodaism is practiced here, which includes several religions of the world. The building impresses with its architectural style, representing a techno-color solution with several religious symbols.
The temple is allowed to be visited by people practicing Caodaism, local residents and visitors to the city. Religious ceremonies are held daily from 6:00 to 12:00. It is recommended that you wear appropriate clothing when visiting. The temple is open every day - 7:00-18:00. Located at: Ba Muoi Thang Tu, TT. Duong Dong, Phu Quoc.
The fishing village of Ham Ninh
The village is located 15 km from Duong Dong. Here you can get acquainted with the life of local residents, see the process of catching fish and other marine representatives, try dishes prepared according to national recipes. Tourists are offered a gorgeous view of the mountains, the coastline with the archipelago and fishing boats against the backdrop of the sea.
Fishermen live very poorly, but they are always glad to have guests. For tourists, soup with sea cucumber is prepared here, crab is boiled with local flowers, drinks from ginseng, sea horse, and rice wine is also offered.
Su Muon Pagoda
The pagoda is located near the city of Duong Dong - 4 km to the east. The secluded location attracts a large number of tourists and locals. Here you can safely pray, pay respect to the local gods. For those who wish, they tell fortunes in the pagoda for a fee.
A staircase of 60 steps leads to the main hall of the building. When visiting, it is recommended to dress modestly and behave quietly inside. The doors of the pagoda are open to the public daily from 7:00 to 18:00. The pagoda is located at: Duong To, Phu Quoc.
coconut prison
During the war, a prison was built here by the French, where Vietnamese soldiers were kept. More than 40,000 prisoners were placed here. Now there is a museum in which photographs of prisoners, types of torture - crucifixion, electric shock with deprivation of food act as exhibits.
Here you can also see the tiger cages in which the arrested were kept. Unbearable conditions were created for them - complete darkness, exhausting heat or severe cold.
The move for visitors is paid - 3000 dong per person.
Working hours: Tue-Sun - 7:30-11:00 and 13:30-17:00. The prison is located at: 350 DT46, An Thoi, Phu Quoc.
Dinh Than Temple Nguyen Trung Truc
The temple stands next to the river, surrounded by beautiful trees. It was opened in 1970 and has been preserved unchanged. The design is made in compliance with all the traditions of Vietnam and religious symbols. Tourists are attracted by the unique type of structure where you can make beautiful pictures for memory. It offers free medical services for everyone.
Regular celebrations are held to honor the memory of the famous hero. The temple is located at: 07 Nguyen Cong Tru, Vinh Thanh ward, Rach Gia city, Kien Giang, Vietnam.
Winpearl Safari Wildlife Park
The park was created to preserve endangered species of plants, animals and birds. The Vietnamese make a lot of efforts to ensure that the local flora and fauna remain unchanged. More than 400 species of plants grow in the park, about 3,000 animals listed in the Red Book.
Some of the animals live in comfortable enclosures, where guests are allowed to walk by. There is a separate area where animals live freely and visitors move around in secure vehicles. Guests are allowed every day from 9:00-17:00. The park is located at: Bai Dai, Ganh Dau, Phu Quoc.
Excursions around the island of Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc, whose sights and excursions are interesting for their national identity, is becoming a popular resort among tourists. guests are offered a wide range of entertainment in addition to relaxing on the beach and swimming in the sea. You can take a trip to the sea, to the mainland or on the island to visit interesting places.
There is a variant of an extreme excursion, familiarizing with the history and life of the people, as well as complete exotic.
A ticket for the tour can be purchased immediately upon registration of a tourist voucher at the office. It will cost a little more, but the company will provide a guide who speaks the language of the tourist and there will be an appropriate company with which the trip will be more interesting.
You can buy an excursion on the island at a specialized kiosk - here the cost is lower, but there is a risk of not having a guide with a native speaker of the group that is traveling. There will also be a motley company, which can cause some discomfort.
Each excursion takes place according to the standard schedule - in the morning, departure from the hotel to sightseeing bus, visit selected places, return to the hotel. Upon returning, tourists are usually brought to shops, farms and factories to purchase local goods - pearls, tinctures, spices and other souvenirs.
The following excursions are offered on the island:
Hotels on Phu Quoc Island
Vietnam is actively developing in the tourist direction, which makes it more attractive in the eyes of tourists. Lovers of quiet rest and fans of extreme sports and exotics come here. Soft sand, warm water, jungle with unique flora and fauna will make your stay on the island unforgettable and interesting.
Phu Quoc offers enough options for accommodation:
| Name | The address | Description | Rooms | Price |
| Fusion Resort Phu Quoc - All Spa Inclusive 5* | Phu Quoc, Vung Bau, Cua Can | The hotel is close to Cua Can Beach. The territory has its own swimming pool, beautiful garden, internet, restaurant, terrace. The rooms are made in soft colors, have air conditioning, TV, mini-bar, kettle, refrigerator, toilet, bathroom-shower, hairdryer, safe, hygiene items. Towels and bed linen are changed daily or upon request. Designed for wealthy tourists. | From 48 912 rubles. | |
| Long Beach Resort Phu Quoc 4* | Phu Quoc, Group Of Households 4, Cua Lap Hamlet, Duong To Commune | The rooms are designed in different styles with the use of wood in the interior. Equipped with the necessary items - TV, refrigerator, hair dryer, internet. On the territory there is a soy pool, spa, restaurant. Breakfast is included in the price. You can order additional excursions and services. | From | |
| Vela Phu Quoc Resort 3* | Phu Quoc, Group 3, Ong Lang Hamlet | Located next to the diving center Soso. The restaurant has a restaurant serving delicious food from national cuisine. The rooms have a TV, kettle, refrigerator, laptop safe. The shower and bathroom are equipped with hygiene products, towels and bathrobes. There is a bike rental service. | 1-, 2-bed rooms, family, suites and junior suites. | From |
| Elwood Resort Phu Quoc 4* | Phu Quoc, Ong Lang, Cua Duong | On the territory there is an outdoor pool, a restaurant with a varied menu. The bungalow has a mini-bar, TV, kettle, refrigerator, safe, toilet, bathroom, hair dryer, towels, soap accessories. You can order laundry, massage, excursions. | Bungalows of different capacities. | From |
| Nam Nghi Phu Quoc Island 5* | Phu Quoc, Group 5, Le Bat Hamlet | The hotel has its own beach and outdoor pool. There is a restaurant where national dishes are prepared. The villas are equipped with TV, necessary furniture, refrigerator, dining area, terrace, mini-bar. The bathroom has towels, bathrobes, toiletries. There is Additional services– excursions, SPA-salon, massage. | Villas with 1, 2, 3 bedrooms | From 14 698 rubles. |
Where to eat
Phu Quoc, whose sights and excursions consist of natural sites, offers tourists a large number of cafes and restaurants where you can have lunch and dinner. Experienced tourists are advised to visit establishments where locals dine. These places are usually cheaper and the food is better. In general, tourists are offered dishes from local cuisine, european, fast food.
You can eat at the following places:
How to get around Phu Quoc Island
There is no public transport on the island. Traveling in Fukuoka for tourists is offered mainly by taxi or by sightseeing bus. There are no car rentals. It is forbidden for tourists to move independently behind the wheel of a car.
As an independent movement, guests of the island are offered a scooter for rent for 150,000 dong per day. This does not require filling out insurance, contracts and other documents. Many tourists prefer this type of transportation around the island.
Cost of tours to Phu Quoc island
Families with children, newlyweds and exotic lovers prefer to go to the island. Phu Quoc is rapidly gaining tourist momentum, so it is constantly developing, building new hotels and other entertainment venues.
Tourists are offered the following types of recreation on the island:
Phu Quoc is an island with gorgeous vegetation and landscape, the sights and excursions of which will be remembered by every tourist for a long time. A walk through the national park or sea fishing will give you an unforgettable experience that will remain in your memory for a long time.
Warm water in the sea with soft, crumbly sand will make your vacation fabulous. On the beach you can find a quiet secluded place where you can be alone in silence and watch the local flora and fauna.
Article formatting: Lozinsky Oleg
Video about Phu Quoc Island
Vietnam, Phu Quoc island, its sights:
Introducing the Top 10 best attractions and excursions on the island of Phu Quoc. The sights of Phu Quoc Island are, but also excursions to historical sites, Buddhist shrines, fishing villages that have stood the test of time.
Despite the emergence of many elite beach resorts with modern conveniences, you can still enjoy various interesting excursions during your holiday.
For example, more than half of Phu Quoc Island is occupied by the National Park, included in the UNESCO list.
Local markets, fishing villages, agricultural plantations are great for exploring the features of local life.
So, before you - 10 main attractions and the best excursions of Phu Quoc Island. And which of them deserves the first place - you decide.
1. Phu Quoc National Park.
The park occupies more than half of the area of the island. It is located 26 kilometers north of Duong Dong. Here you can enjoy activities such as hiking, camping, wildlife, photography, bird watching.
If you want to test your endurance, then a rather difficult 4-hour trek through the jungle is prepared for you, after which the ascent of the bamboo stairs to Heavenly Mountain will follow.
The highest peak in Phu Quoc National Park is Mount Chua, which is located at an altitude of 600 meters above sea level, but currently hiking trails and viewing platforms for excursions are still being built there.
Not all areas national park open to tourists. The permitted tour route passes through the village of Ganh Dau. You can book a day trip or just rent a motorbike to get here on your own. Also keep in mind that the road leading here is not paved and quite bumpy.
2. Kau rock.
Cau Rock is located next to Duong Dong harbor. On this rock there is a lighthouse and a Buddhist temple with a rooftop terrace. That is, the temple simultaneously performs the function of a lighthouse thanks to a small turret on the roof. This temple was built in 1937 in honor of Tien Hau (goddess of the sea) who provides protection to local fishermen heading out to sea.
29 stone steps lead to the top of the temple. From here you can enjoy sunset views and picturesque views of the nearby islets.
The temple is relatively quiet for most of the year, apart from annual festivities such as Tet ( New Year) and the Dinh Cau Festival (October 15-16), when locals offer prayers and burn incense sticks on the Tien Hau altar.
Visiting this attraction of Phu Quoc Island is free. At the foot of the temple there are several shops with snacks and drinks, so you will feel quite comfortable. However, out of respect for the locals who frequent this place, it is recommended that you dress appropriately and respect the customs of the country where you are only a guest.
3. Waterfall Suoi Tranh.
The Suoi Trankh waterfall is 4 meters high and is surrounded by lush greenery. There are several small natural caves around, as well as shallow pools in the rocks, where you can even swim. Numerous walkways lead to the waterfall. Therefore, an excursion to Suoi Tranh is both a walk through the jungle, as well as a light picnic in nature. Of course, on the way you can watch the local fauna, especially the birds, which are very numerous here.
This local landmark of Phu Quoc is located about 10 minutes drive from Duong Dong - a distance of about 7 kilometers.
Not far from the waterfall is the fishing village of Hamn Ninh, where you can look at the life of local fishermen, as well as taste very delicious local cuisine. Everything is fresh, very tasty and inexpensive.
As with most waterfalls, the best time to visit them is during the rainy season. In Phu Quoc, this is from May to September.
The tour costs VND5,000 and parking is available for an additional VND10,000.
Due to its close proximity to the island's main town, Phu Quoc, the Suoi Tranh waterfall area is usually crowded with locals during weekends and national holidays, so we highly recommend heading there early for the best picnic spot.
4. Duong Dong market.
Duong Dong Market is Phu Quoc Island's busiest and largest outdoor market.
This is not only an interesting attraction, but also useful. Here you can once again see the local way of life and buy fresh produce. Located on Tran Phu Street, Duong Dong market is conditionally divided into 2 parts - water and ground. The water side is adjacent to the port of Duong Dong, and here many fishing boats unload fresh seafood such as eel, squid, mackerel, barracuda and shellfish early in the morning, which are immediately put up for sale.
The ground or “dry” part of the market sells the famous fish sauce, mushrooms, peppers, nuts, spices, various souvenirs, household items, sweets and fruits from mainland Vietnam.
Like most Asian markets, there are also many shops selling juices and Vietnamese dishes at fairly reasonable prices.
The best time to visit the market is early in the morning.
5. Sun Hung Pagoda
Sun Hung Pagoda is a combination of two Buddhist shrines that were built in the early 10th century, making it the oldest of its kind in Phu Quoc.
At the beginning of the 20th century, 2 more pagodas were built next to them - Sung Ngia and Hung Nhan Pagodas, in which local residents prayed for the departed. Well, then they were all united into a single entity called Sun Hung Pagoda.
Sun Hung Pagoda has undergone two major restorations, but much of its original architecture has remained unchanged over the years.
The inner courtyard is full of Bodhi trees, there is also a statue of the Goddess of Mercy standing in the middle of a lotus pond, and a sanctuary house containing a bronze bell, numerous sculptures, and red lacquered plaques engraved with writing.
The main prayer hall houses three Buddha statues (Amitabha, Mahathamapratta Bodhisattva and Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva) and intricate paintings of Buddhist mythical creatures and legendary characters.
The temple is open daily and admission is free. Visitors are advised to dress conservatively out of respect for the monks and locals who frequent Sun Hung Pagoda.
6. Amusement Park Vinpearl (Vinpearl).
Vinpearl Land Phu Quoc Amusement Park is a large entertainment center that consists of several parts. This is the most famous and popular attraction of Phu Quoc Island. And it doesn’t matter at all that in our review of sights and the best places in Phu Quoc, it is in 6th place. We think that many will put a visit to Winperl in 1st place and in their own way they will be absolutely right.
An artificial 24-meter mountain hides a huge amusement park with amazing rides for kids and adults.
The territory of Winpearl Park is divided into several zones: water park, shopping area, amusement park, indoor play area, amphitheater and shopping street.
It is also the most fun attraction and is the absolute best way to have family fun in Phu Quoc. A 20-minute drive from Ong Lang Beach, Vinpearl Land Hotel offers exciting performances with fire shows, music and acrobatics at the local amphitheater, while the indoor game center features 120 arcades such as horse racing, car racing and shooting.
The local aquarium will not leave anyone indifferent.
No less exciting adventures await you in the play area under open sky. Test your courage by swinging on a flying swing, ride an elephant swing, feel the thrill of sports on a flying bike, travel on a pirate ship or a high speed train. And to top it off, visit the Animal Circus and Outdoor Musical Theatre.
In the evenings there is a fountain show. Especially for this purpose, an amphitheater with 5,000 seats was built in the park. The performance is very colorful and bright, with excellent musical accompaniment.
Three 4D cinemas are open for you, a fabulous garden for toddlers, a "children's paradise" for older children, a "game supermarket" for fans of dynamic games that you can play alone or with friends, as well as karaoke rooms for those who want to showcase your vocal talents.
In addition to water slides, pools and an aquarium, there is also a standard set of entertainment inherent in an amusement park - from roller coasters to carousels and a Ferris wheel.
The attractions of the water park are standardly represented by many water slides with different names: "Black Hole", "Tsunami", "Kamikaze" and others. There is a 500-meter "lazy river" on which you can leisurely ride while sitting on an inflatable ring. Another interesting entertainment is the reservoir, where sea weather is simulated - from a slight swell to a strong storm.
Attractions and slides in the water park are divided into three zones: children's, family and extreme zone. For children there is a special shallow pool.
The Vinpearl Land amusement park also offers a wide range of restaurants, including European and Asian, national Vietnamese dishes at Ba Mien Restaurant, and fast food stalls set up throughout the park. Prices are quite high, but this is always the case in amusement parks anywhere in the world.
Ticket to visit amusement park Winpearl costs VND600,000 for adults and VND500,000 for children. The price includes the possibility of using all the attractions in the water park and the "Underwater World". This ticket can also be used for the cable car or ferry ride (round-trip).
In addition, a food card, a fast food card, a taxi boat card, a guest card and a Vinpearl Resort Nha Trang visit card are on sale.
A park Entertainment Vinpearl- very big. If possible, set aside two days for entertainment: one for visiting the water park, and the second for the amusement park and slot machines. If you are going only for one day - come early in the morning.
You cannot bring your own food and drinks to the island, so you should not take food with you. The park has inexpensive cafes and restaurants where you can eat delicious food.
The cable car ride to the island takes 10-12 minutes. Cabins are designed for eight people, but often go half empty.
On weekends, there are always long queues for attractions - it is better to come on weekdays to the very opening of the park (08:00).
Please bring your swimsuit, sunscreen, towel and money for food. You won't need anything else.
7. Cao Dai Temple.
Cao Dai Temple is a very interesting religious symbol, as well as a real and must-see attraction of Phu Quoc Island.
It is notable for its catchy appearance, as well as the fact that you can see the distinctive elements of famous religions from around the world in it.
Founded in 1919, the Cao Dais religion, of which Cao Dai is the temple, is a monotheistic religion that combines Hinduism, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Christianity, and Islam. Basically, the basis of this religion is that we can all follow different religions, but we all share the one true God.
At present, over two million people in Vietnam are followers of Cao Daiz. It is certainly one of the most interesting and intriguing religions found in South-East Asia and has a certain appeal to most people.
Considered the birthplace of the Cao Dais religion, Phu Quoc Island has two temples located in Duong Dong. Located along Nguyen Trey Road, the newest and most visited temple was built in 2008 and has a similar architectural style to Cao Dai Temple in Ho Chi Minh City.
The main symbol of this religion is the left eye of god, which is widely known in all temples in Vietnam.
Cao Dai Temple also easily stands out from other temples in Phu Quoc as it houses not only Buddhist symbols and statues, but also Christian crosses and Islamic crescents.
Cao Dai Temple on Phu Quoc Island is open to the public, with worship ceremonies held from 06:00 to 12:00 every day. As with any temple in Southeast Asia, guests are encouraged to dress appropriately out of respect for the worshipers who frequent this temple.
8. Ham Ninh Fishing Village
Ham Ninh fishing village perfect place excursions for tourists who want to see the daily life of local fishermen, as well as taste real national Vietnamese dishes at more than affordable prices. This is one of the oldest villages on Phu Quoc Island. The main sources of income for local residents are diving for pearls and sea cucumbers, fishing and, in recent years, selling handmade souvenirs and gourmet seafood dishes to tourists.
Not far from the village is a jetty that juts out into the sea and where cargo ships stop in the early hours of the morning with a wide range of fresh food, seafood and household items from mainland Vietnam.
Travelers can also enjoy relaxing sunset views against the colorful fishing boats, Ham Ninh mountain range and coastline.
9. Su Mun Pagoda
Su Mun Pagoda is located on a hill about four kilometers east of Duong Dong. It is one of the oldest Buddhist shrines in Phu Quoc. The temple was built by local residents in 1932.
Here you can see many Buddha statues, lots of greenery, worshipers and monks who pay their respects to the Buddha. Very calm and quiet place.
You need to climb 60 steps of stairs, and from the platform near the temple you will have a wonderful view of Phu Quoc Island itself and its coastline.
10. Phu Quoc Prison Museum
Phu Quoc Prison serves as a grim reminder of Vietnam's turbulent past, when thousands of people were imprisoned and tortured during the Vietnam War.
This military museum houses real torture instruments, photographs of ex-prisoners, and exhibits of cruel punishments. In 1949, French colonists are believed to have held and tortured over 40,000 Vietnamese soldiers and politicians in this prison who opposed French and American forces.
The prison was declared a National Historic Site in 1995 and is open to the public and tours. Phu Quoc Prison has a shop selling souvenirs, local snacks, and books about the Vietnam War. In the courtyard of the two-story exhibition center, numerous life-size wax dummies depicting graphic torture scenes can be seen.
This Phu Quoc Island attraction attracts mostly ex-prisoners and foreign visitors who want to learn more about Vietnam's history. It is a 45-minute drive from Duong Dong.
The entrance ticket to Phu Quoc Prison costs VND 3,000 per person and includes a guided tour in English, French and Vietnamese.
As you can see, the Vietnamese island of Phu Quoc is not famous for its beaches alone. Visit at least some of these attractions - and your vacation will become much more diverse.
In reviews about the island, you can often find the statement that “there is nothing to see in Fukuoka” ... This is usually written by those who spent the entire vacation in a hotel, or went on one tour from a tour operator, which includes 50 percent lured shops, and the second 50 percent are Sao Beach and Ho Quoc Pagoda. Friends, yes, Phu Quoc is not yet so developed that every hundred meters there would be transvestite shows, a bar for Australians or a minigolf course, like in Pattaya. But that's no reason to be upset.
People go to Phu Quoc after another - beaches, cozy bungalows in the jungle, peace and quiet of a family or romantic vacation. And this does not mean that there is nothing to see on the island, there is very much. And every day we write about interesting places and sights on the island, we know and love this place, so we want to correct the unfortunate ignorance of the guests. So, our brief review is what to see in Fukuoka, or rather its first part.
Fukuoka attractions: a must-see
Despite the fact that the site has a whole section with this name, in which there are already more than thirty articles, we have compiled our top places in Fukuoka where you should definitely stop by. The best option for this is to rent a bike. It is expensive to take a taxi around the island, and there is almost no public transport here.
If you are not a fan of motorcycles, are afraid or do not want to travel around the island with children, then we recommend reading about excursions in Fukuoka, in a separate section of the site, the routes are selected so that you can explore all corners of the island as fully as possible, and leave only good impressions from the rest . But back to what is worth seeing in Fukuoka. We will divide our small (actually the largest on the Internet) guide into several parts, and this is the first part.
The most popular tourist places:
Cable car to Khon Thom Island
This place is unrivaled, we recommend it to all guests of Fukuoka. Beautiful view, which opens from a height of 100 meters, fascinates anyone! And the Thom beach, which the road leads to, deserves to be the best beach on the island, although it does not formally belong to it. The cable car in Fukuoka opened in February 2018, but has already become a must-see for tourists.
Winpearl amusement park
A real tourist magnet: a full-fledged amusement park with a water park, various attractions, fountain shows and costumed performances. Paradise for kids and adults. By the way - definitely, here you can spend the whole day!
Vinpearl Safari
It is part of Winpearl Land Park. You can buy a ticket to both parks at once, but you should not do this. In Safari you will spend half a day: a petting zoo, feeding a giraffe, a show of African dancers and much more.
Camel in Winpearl Safari Park Night market in Fukuoka
Tourist centre with dozens of restaurants, shops and souvenir shops. Here you can try different marine "reptiles" or buy a string of pearls. But be careful - the prices bite! Everything can be found much cheaper if you walk around the city itself, and do not stay in the tourist "ghetto".
Religion: temples and pagodas of Phu Quoc
Ho Quoc Pagoda
The largest Buddhist pagoda in the Mekong Delta. Huge complex with a total area of 110 hectares. The new spiritual center of Buddhism for all of southern Vietnam. Located on the east coast of the island.
Dinh Cau Lighthouse (Dinh Cau Temple)
Three in one: a small rocky cape, a lighthouse at the entrance to the mouth of the Duong Dong River and a Buddhist pagoda. Located in the heart of the city and is considered a symbol of Fukuoka
Hung Ko You Pagoda (Hưng Cổ Tự)
Pagoda of the Kin community, the Chinese who left their homeland in search of a better life in the 15th century and settled throughout Southeast Asia. Hung Ko Tu Pagoda is an important cultural center for the Kine people who have lived in Phu Quoc for hundreds of years. It is located in the city and you can visit it while walking around the city.
Khao Dai Phu Quoc Temple
The most mystical cult in Vietnam. The syncretic sect gathered three different religions and absorbed the spirit of the era: communication with spirits, mysterious rituals and bright clothes. It's worth it, because they have saints ... Leo Tolstoy and Vladimir Lenin.
Trung Trak Hero Pagoda
This place is located in the north of the island, in the village of Ganzau. The pagoda is dedicated to the national hero Din Nguyen Trung Trak, who during the first Franco-Vietnamese war fought against the colonialists in the area of Phu Quoc Island.
Fukuoka past and present: the history of the island
Coi Nguon Museum
Perfect place to learn about the history and culture of the island. Four floors of rarities and curiosities. It's a pity there are no Russian signs, but you can always order a Russian guide for the whole group and find out everything you need about the island.
coconut prison
Monument to the era of colonialism and civil war. A terrible monument to human cruelty, war and politics, in which the victims are always ordinary people. The place is interesting and informative, but with an age limit. It is not recommended to go there with children.
Well, is it enough for the first time? And that's not all, wait for the second part of our selection of "What to see in Fukuoka". It will include plantations and farms, beaches, waterfalls and something else.
