When is the best time to go to Phu Quoc Island? Holidays in Phu Quoc (Vietnam): prices

We spent a full seven days in Fukuoka. We drove the length and breadth of the island. We visited basically all the places mentioned in tourist brochures and more. I decided to build this review according to the principle: place - description, abandoning the more familiar structure of a diary by day. Recommendations for choosing an area of ​​the island for accommodation and our hotel will be at the end.

How to get to Fukuoka

Opened in Fukuoka in 2012 new airport(PQC code) which accepts regular flights from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Haiphong and Can Tho. In addition, hundreds of charters fly here from all over the world.

The most convenient way to get to this Vietnamese island is from Ho Chi Minh City. Depending on the season and day of the week, the number of flights per day from Saigon can reach 10 or more. The journey is only 1 hour. Flights operated by: Vietnam airlines, VietJet Air, JetStar. Ticket prices range from 4,000 rubles. up to 20,000 rub. for round trip flight per person. We bought tickets for New Year's dates 5 months before departure (in August). Low-cost airline - JetStar, price - 4,300 rubles (round trip). I recommend booking tickets in advance if you want to save 10-15 thousand rubles. Aviasales to help.

Road from/to Fukuoka Airport

If I'm not mistaken, there is no public transport. You need to get from the airport to the hotel by taxi or a previously booked transfer at the hotel. Taxi stands are located at the exit, also in the baggage claim area. Everything is simple here, show your hotel reservation with the address, pay for travel at the counter, receive a voucher, and go out. We get into the hands of a driver who, using a voucher, takes us to the hotel without any problems or questions. The island itself is not small, so the price of a taxi will be from 100,000 dong to 300,000 - 400,000 dong, depending on the location of the hotel.

Fukuoka beaches

The map below shows all the places we visited in Fukuoka:

Perhaps we should start with what people fly here for 10-15 hours - the beaches. The climate features in Fukuoka are such that:

  • From November to March is the dry season, the wind blows from east to west;
  • From April to October is the rainy season, the wind blows from west to east.

Accordingly, on west bank all the hotels and resorts are located, since in winter, during the season, this coast is quiet, closed from the winds. On the eastern coast in the winter months there are waves and a huge amount of dirt and household garbage washed up from all over the Gulf of Thailand.

Bai Sao Beach is the pearl of the island. Phu Quoc and Vietnam in general

The place is very beautiful. The beach is located in a small bay surrounded by hills covered with tropical vegetation. White sand.

During low tide (afternoon) the coastline increases greatly. The beach, especially in the photo, looks heavenly.

We were not able to enjoy this natural beauty, relax, or swim in the sea. There is so much dirt and garbage here that there are simply no words. Wild trash. The entire coast is strewn with bags, bottles and other nasty things. The desire to swim here immediately disappears when a pack of condoms floats next to you and a meter-long piece of driftwood drags along the bottom.

Infrastructure: along the beach there are several cafes in traditional Vietnamese style - dirty tables, dishes, waiters sleeping on the move. I didn’t have any particular complaints about this, since this is Vietnam.

Each establishment diligently “cleans” its coastline from dirt and debris. It happens like this: a Vietnamese shovels garbage into a bucket, moves beyond the restaurant’s shore area and pours it out where a section of the beach belongs to no one. The sea takes all this garbage again with a wave and washes it down over time. Such is the cycle of idiocy.

One of our compatriots, who has lived on the island for more than 5 years, assured me that after the wind changes, the beach will be cleaned and it will be exemplary. The locals have the following mentality: why clean up today if tomorrow the sea will again bring all sorts of rubbish.

I don’t post photos of the mud so as not to spoil the impression of this place, because it really is amazing. I hope the local authorities will pay attention and put this beach in order; it has no equal in beauty on the island.

Beach - continuation of Bai Sao

If you stand facing the sea on Sao Beach, then on the right there is another beach, which differs in the color of the sand, it is yellow.

There are huge boulders in the water and on the shore. The coastline is slightly narrower than that of Bai Sao. There are no restaurants or sun loungers here. In a way, this is a plus, since there are almost no people, you can throw in a towel and lie in solitude.

The main problem is, again, garbage, but oddly enough there is much less of it here, there is almost none in the water, although it is no more than 1 km from Bai Sao. Apparently the features of the tide.

Ong Lang Beach

The most well-groomed and clean beach in Fukuoka. The sand is fine and golden in color. There are many decent hotels and restaurants on the first coastline, hence the impeccable cleanliness; the surrounding area is regularly cleaned. The sea is very calm and warm.

In some places there are areas with stone banks.

Large areas of this beach are occupied by hotels, mainly of the bungalow type. Since all the beaches in Fukuoka are public, this does not cause problems. You can swim and relax along the entire coastline. Restrictions are only on the use of sun loungers and other beach equipment that belongs to the hotel.

Ganh Gio Beach

Ganh Gio Beach - located south of Ong Lang beach on the western part of the island. Essentially no different from Ong Lang. Is that access to the beach is only possible through the territory of the Shells Resort hotel (one of the most expensive in Fukuoka). You could say the beach is private.

They may not be allowed into the hotel territory, so if you are not staying at this hotel, then there is nothing to do at Ganh Gio Beach.

Other beaches in Fukuoka

The above are places that I have studied well. We spent enough time on these beaches to form a specific opinion about them. In addition to these places, during our stay on the island we were taken to several more beaches, and I’ll say a few words about them.

Long Beach is the center of all beach holidays in Fukuoka. Its length is about 20 km. Probably 90-95% of all hotels and resorts are located on this beach and its surroundings. I try to avoid places where there are such crowds of people, so I won’t give recommendations.

Duong Dong Beach is a garbage dump, not suitable for swimming or relaxing

Thom Beach is a garbage dump, not suitable for swimming or relaxing

What else to do in Fukuoka

Judging by tourist brochures and notes, Phu Quoc is famous not only for its beaches. We had enough time to carefully familiarize ourselves with island life and all the entertainment for tourists. In addition to beach holidays, Phu Quoc offers activities for guests to suit every taste:

  • hiking trails through tropical forests;
  • one-day snorkeling/diving excursions to coral reefs and islands;
  • a modern amusement park with water slides and attractions;
  • safari zoo;
  • rich excursionist. Pepper factory, pearl factory, local fish sauce production
  • Getting to know local traditions and lifestyle (markets, street food, etc.)

Night market

Before going to the island, I read a lot of comments and reviews about the night market. People described this place as a paradise for fans of seafood and street food in general.

The market consists of several streets with street cafes, shops selling nuts, souvenirs and other junk. Every reputable establishment has aquariums and counters with fresh catch.

There are really no questions about the products, everything is fresh. Wide choose shellfish, fish. There is exotic stuff - for example, sharks and other unknown creatures. It’s interesting to look at sea creatures and tap their fingers on the glass. This is, in its own way, a miniature aquarium.

Guests are invited to choose their own dinner. They prepare, without exception, according to three recipes: grilled, boiled, boiled/stewed with local seasonings.

I can’t stand intrusiveness, so I didn’t feel very comfortable walking around the market. The Vietnamese are overwhelming from all sides, everyone offers to sit in his establishment. Cherkizovsky market in Moscow in the nineties, one to one. Only instead of sneakers and tracksuits, they sell shrimp and squid here.

All eateries, and there is no other way to call them, are the same. So we sat down where there were people and the most decent tables and tablecloths.

I don’t consider myself a squeamish person, but here there is excellent filth everywhere. You can stick tightly to the table. I had to drink beer from a bottle; I didn’t dare pour it into a glass. The seafood is fresh, you can be patient, let's go choose your dinner. We took: shrimp, squid, sea urchins, oysters and some other shells. They didn’t manage to spoil the shrimp, but what the hell were the rest of the dishes was a big question for me.

With a clear conscience I tried everything. Then my stomach ached wildly and we moved away from the Night Market.

Bottom line. The feeling is like resentment for wasting an evening on the island, and also a pain in the stomach after the “delicious” seafood. In my opinion, there is absolutely nothing to do here. As a last resort, if you are completely tired of sitting in a cozy restaurant on the coast with a glass of beer or wine, enjoying delicious and most importantly safe food, then go here to look at the bizarre creatures in the aquarium, but under no circumstances eat anything here. Not tasty and not safe.

Phu Quoc Pepper Farm

There are several pepper factories, or more precisely, pepper farms, in Fukuoka. At least there are about five markers on the mapsme map. We visited the most “touristy” of them. It is located a couple of kilometers from the city of Duong Dong. See map above.

At first, I still didn’t understand whether we had arrived correctly or not, since there were practically no identifying signs of the factory, not counting the sign on the road. In general, the place looked more like an ordinary farmhouse. There is also a shop near the road that sells pepper and coffee. The guy showed us how to get to the farm.

The place is a plantation where peppers are grown - strict rows of climbing plants.

There is a small orchard.

You can buy a lot in the store different options already prepared seasoning. Black and white pepper, peas and ground, ground with garlic and soy sauce.

I guess that's all.

We stopped at a farm on our way from Bai Sao. You won’t be able to stay here for more than half an hour, since, in fact, there is nothing to see or do.

My opinion is that if you are passing by, you should definitely stop to buy pepper for the year ahead and then distribute it to all your friends and relatives as a souvenir. I don’t see any point in coming here purposefully to see the farm.

Fish sauce factory, pearl factory

Both of these establishments are a common ploy by local residents to attract the attention of tourists. You arrive there and all you find is a shop where you can buy pearls or fish sauce. There is nothing more to say. It's not worth going.

Trekking in Phu Quoc (Ganh Dau trail)

There are no tracking routes in the usual sense of the word in Fukuoka. Let me explain a little: on the island there is a huge national park - a tropical forest, where monkeys, parrots and many others live in their natural environment. There are lakes, waterfalls, rivers, hills. Only the infrastructure and access to these nature reserves No. Complete impenetrable jungle.

In total, we had three trips to different parts of the island, with the goal of seeing wild monkeys, listening to caecas, and generally getting to know the local flora and fauna.

In the north (map above) there is a route that is marked on tourist maps - Ganh Dau trail.

It consists of a path about 2 km long through the forest. The route is a dead end. Reached the end and back.

I've seen trees like this a couple of times

On the trail you feel that the forest is simply teeming with insects, snakes and other creatures. We were already close to sunset and completely alone. The feeling is eerie, I'm happy.

This is all. More equipped tourist routes not in Fukuoka. One time we turned off the road and followed a path not marked on the road. tourist map(on my map "Forest")

After 15 minutes we came to a clearing where the Vietnamese were diligently cutting down the jungle. It looks like it's under construction for a hotel or something. They looked at us wildly; apparently it was unusual for them to see white people in the forest and not on the beach.

A couple of times we tried to find a more or less sane road/trail along which we could walk through Phu Quoc National Park National Park). Judging by the maps, there is a trail that crosses the entire park, but we were unable to reach it. Local residents looked at us as if we were plague-ridden, waved their hands and sent us away from the forest.

The DT973 road (Duong Dong - Bai Thom) runs through the jungle. You can ride along it quite comfortably on a scooter to the north and back to look at the local landscape. Along the way we happened to meet wild monkeys.

In general, as I understand it, the national park is a wild and undeveloped place. Even local residents they don't go there. According to verified information, there are over 61 species of reptiles alone. You can read about the park using the link.

My opinion:

To me, as an amateur wildlife it was simply necessary to try to climb into the jungle and see wild monkeys. I was pleased to see the nature of this region. Since the infrastructure on the island is completely unsuitable for such a holiday, not everyone will like such entertainment. For those who are bored of lying on the beach all day, I can advise the following:

  • The Ganh Dau Trail walking route will take 1-2 hours, you can “feel” the jungle a little, especially closer to sunset;
  • Ride a scooter along the Duong Dong - Bai Thom road along the National Park. It will take about 1.5 - 2 hours round trip. You can meet wild monkeys.

Snorkeling/diving in Phu Quoc

There are no living creatures or corals on the beaches of Fukuoka. Travel agencies offer day trips to small islands that are located north or south of Fukuoka. We took an excursion to the northern islands, since conditions on the southern ones were unfavorable due to the wind. It doesn’t matter which islands you go to; the program is the same everywhere and includes:

  • Transfer from the hotel to Duong Dong pier where the boat is waiting
  • The road to the islands by boat is 1-1.5 hours
  • Fishing for about an hour per donk
  • Snorkeling off the islands, about 2 hours
  • Lunch after snorkeling
  • free time on one of the beaches of Fukuoka, which is taken by boat

Price per person per group excursion about 20-30 dollars, depending on the travel agency. We took a private trip for $120 from Phu Quoc Beach Travel, in an office located near Ong Lang Beach. In appearance, this agency was the most decent, you can pay by card, there were even brochures in Russian with a description. Additionally, they offered to take a Russian-speaking guide for $20, but we refused. As a result, the guide was our Russian former pilot, who settled on the island in retirement.

We went to several other agencies: in one the Vietnamese woman still didn’t understand what a Private tour was and just pointed at the brochure, in another there was no one at all.

Since we had a private excursion, we did not have to go to Duong Dong to the pier. The boat itself came to us on Ong Lang beach, next to which we lived.

The purpose of the excursion is small islands: Fingernail Island and Turtle Island. The journey is about an hour in total. Next to them you can fish from a boat to the bottom, swim with fins and a mask.

It is difficult to call them islands. Small pieces of land that can be reached by swimming.

We tried fishing and decided not to waste time on it. firstly, it wasn’t particularly biting, and secondly, catching fish from the palm of your hand is not particularly interesting.

We spent all the allotted time in the water on a coral reef

You can get out onto land and relax a little. There is garbage on the island that comes from the sea, and there is quite a lot of it. Some bottles and flasks look like they have been lying here for years. Since they bring tourists here, why not collect all the dirt. The area of ​​the island is only 100 square meters. But this is Vietnam, no one picks up trash here.

Two hours is enough to swim above the corals and look at small fish.

On the way back from the islands, lunch is offered, which includes local dishes: Pho soup, rice, chicken. The dishes are simple and tasty, especially after 2 hours on the water. For exotic items, you can try sea urchins for an additional fee.

By 15:00 we were brought back to Ong Lang Beach.

General impressions: If in your life you have never seen anything underwater except sand and stones, then you should definitely take an excursion. For beginners, snorkeling in Fukuoka will delight you. It so happened that I first became acquainted with the underwater world while scuba diving in the Red Sea and now snorkeling or diving in other places does not evoke strong emotions in me. The local underwater world is sparse and not so motley and colorful, but it is here. I like active holidays, I’d rather swim for 3 hours and look at the corals than lie on the beach, so I recommend it.

Safari Zoo in Phu Quoc (Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc) + Vinpearlland Amusement Park

Since we had plenty of time on the island, we decided not to bypass the recently opened Vinpearlland amusement park and Safari Zoo. They are located in the north of the island. We traveled around the island for the entire seven days on a rented scooter, so we didn’t encounter any problems getting to one or another part of the island, but there also seem to be free buses from Duong Dong several times a day.

At the ticket office of the zoo, general tickets for 1 day (Vinperalland + Vinpearl Safari) were purchased at a price of 850,000 Dong per person. It was decided to start with the zoo, since its opening hours are shorter, from 09:00 to 16:00. The park is divided into 2 zones:

  1. Animals in cages;
  2. Safari Park.

The zoo is very decent. The territory is well-groomed, everything is thought out and worked out to the smallest detail.

Animals are nice to look at. Clean, well-fed. Their cages are very large, there is room to roam around.

The second zone is the safari zoo. Tourists are transported by bus from one zone to another. In each zone there are certain animals. The downside is that this is an ordinary bus, the same as on the city route to MSC. You have to look at the animals through glass. Need a tall one here double-decker with an open second floor.

We couldn’t stay here for more than two hours; the scorching sun was simply unbearable. Moreover, we got here at the very peak of the heat, we arrived at 12 and walked until 2.

Next about Vinpearlland. It's a 10-minute scooter ride from the zoo. The park is divided into several zones and offers the following entertainment: water slides, attractions, an aquarium, a show of dancing fountains, etc. In a word, we have collected everything that is possible. We walked here using the previously purchased single ticket in zoo. I’ll say right away that we were only interested in the park with water slides, we didn’t go anywhere else, we didn’t see anything. So they are a solid 4k. There are no queues. There are enough slides, there is somewhere for children and adults to ride. You can read more about the park.

General impression of Vinpearlland + Zoo.

I can only recommend spending a day on Vinpearl if you have visited all the other places on the list above and still have time on the island. Also, such parks will probably be of interest to tourists with children. You can spend the whole day here. It’s better to start in the morning (from 9 o’clock) at the zoo, while the heat can still allow you to walk under open air. There is little shade in the zoo. After 12 you can move to Vinpearlland to water slides and attractions.

Asia is famous for its sunsets, and Phu Quoc is no exception in this regard. You can watch a beautiful sunset anywhere west coast islands. The spectacle is truly impressive. We planned every day so that at 17:30 we would be at Ong Lang Beach with a bottle of Tiger. Comments are unnecessary here.

By 18:00 the sun sets in Fukuoka, people begin to disperse to their hotels and by 18:30 - 19:00 decent restaurants are full. It will be possible to sit down, but not always at a comfortable table.

Where to stay in Fukuoka

When choosing a hotel in Fukuoka, you should immediately ignore the eastern coast of the island. There is no infrastructure here, the coast is one complete garbage dump.

95% of hotels are on the west coast. For myself, roughly speaking, I divided all the hotels into 4 zones (from north to south):

1st zone: North-west of the island. vicinity Vinpearl

At the time of our trip, this territory was actively being developed. Huge multi-storey premium chain hotels were built here. In addition to Vinpearl amusement parks, a casino should open here in the near future. For whom all this will be built and who will live here, I have no idea. Europeans and Americans will not come here when they have Las Vegas, Miami, Ibiza, and Nice at home. Especially considering the mentality and service of the local residents. I do not recommend this area of ​​the island. Anyone who wants luxury should go to Dubai, and in no case to Phu Quoc.

2nd zone: Hotels located along Ong Lang Beach

We lived in this area and I can safely say that this the best place to stay in Fukuoka. Long Beach is the cleanest on the island. Local hotels have large green areas, almost all of them have bungalows and houses. This allows you to be closer to nature. Local residents do not live here, peace and quiet. This area is located in the very center of the island, making it very convenient to make forays into other parts of Fukuoka.

Zone 3: Hotels in Duong Dong and its surroundings

I won't pay much attention. It’s only suitable for backpackers, and even then you can find more impressive options in other parts of the island for little money.

Zone 4: Hotels located along Long Beach

Long Beach is not much inferior to Ong Lang. The coast here is also very clean, a large number of hotels for every taste and budget. The difference from the Ong Lang area is that the concentration of tourists here is several times higher. Hence the bustle, the constant movement.

For those who value tranquility and privacy, I would advise staying in the Ong Lang Beach area; for everyone else, Long Beach.

We stayed at the Palm hill resort. Mid-priced place, about $60 per night. The hotel is not located on the first coastline, about 10 minutes walk to Ong Lang Beach. It has its own green area and a small swimming pool. Accommodation is exclusively in bungalows. The cuisine in the local restaurant is nothing, the only thing I can recommend is the fruit milkshakes, very tasty. Overall, the place is cozy and worth the money.

For myself, I noted the two most attractive hotels in which it is best to stay in Phu Quoc near Ong Lang Beach:

Coco Palm Beach Resort & Spa - the same price category, about $60 per night. The hotel is located on the first coastline. Excellent green area, 20 meters from the sea. There is a restaurant main feature which is again the location, it essentially stands on the beach. We dined here most often. It’s better to arrive early; between one and three you’ll hardly be able to sit down. All the people from the beach come here. The kitchen is a solid four. For the money, this hotel can be called one of the best on the island. There are only 4 bungalows on the territory, the demand is huge. To get here during the season, you need to book 6 months in advance.

Mango Bay Phu Quoc Resort is the best hotel in Phu Quoc. If I return to the island again, I will definitely come here. The hotel has a huge green area. The beach in front of the hotel is quiet and secluded. Lots of sunbeds and hammocks. The Mango Bay restaurant is another reason to shower you with compliments. Located, naturally, on the shore. There is a veranda where you can sit at a table and watch stunning sunset pictures. Menu, service, food - everything is in the best European traditions. During the season, a night in this hotel starts from $200. The price is decent, but it's worth it. You need to book a room probably a year in advance. 7 months before our travel date there were no rooms available.

How to get around Fukuoka

There is no public transport on the island. You cannot rent a car, since in Fukuoka it is legally prohibited for tourists to drive.

The most convenient way to get around the island, in my opinion, is a scooter. You can rent it at any hotel. Price 150,000 dong per day. No documents, contracts, insurance. It's simple, take the bike and go. Traffic on the island is not as crazy as in Ho Chi Minh City or any other metropolis, so you can move around calmly and without fear.

If for some reason the option with a scooter is not suitable, then the only option is a taxi. You can call it at the reception of any hotel. Taxi rides according to the meter.

General impression of Fukuoka

Is it worth visiting Phu Quoc? Most likely my answer will be no. IN South-East Asia there are much more beautiful and interesting places where you can spend your vacation: Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia.

If you still decide to visit this Vietnamese island, then I would recommend spending no more than 5 days on it. This will be enough to relax on the beach and see Phu Quoc. My recommendations:

  • Hotel: Mango Bay or Coco Palm
  • Beach: Ong Lang
  • Excursions: Snorkeling to the islands
  • What to see: Bai Sao Beach, pepper farm, walking route, Vinpearl Zoo

Phu Quoc Island is a beautiful, mountainous, lush island and the largest in Vietnam. It is located in the Gulf of Thailand 45 km west of Ha Tien and 15 km south of Cambodia. This island is increasingly attracting tourists with its beautiful and pristine beaches and its tropical wildlife.

The island has beautiful beaches, which, according to ABC News in 2008, were recognized as “the cleanest and most beautiful beaches in the world.” All beaches belong to the state and are only assigned to hotels, which monitor and clean them.

There is a large construction project going on on the northern part of the island. Construction of a casino and golf course is planned. On this moment Hotels and amusement parks are being built on the island. The main road between Bai Thoi and An Thoi has been upgraded to a two-lane highway, constructed and new road from Duong Dong to Ganh Dau.

To get to Phu Quoc Island from St. Petersburg, Moscow or Russia, you must first buy an air ticket to Ho Chi Minh City; as a rule, there are direct flights there without transfers. And from Ho Chi Minh City you can already get to the island in two ways.

Flight time from Moscow to Ho Chi Minh City

The flight from Moscow to Ho Chi Minh City takes quite a long time, lasting about 10 hours.

It is better to book tickets immediately to Fukuoka. It is not worth purchasing tickets separately, since if the flight from Russia is delayed, you may not be able to catch your flight from Ho Chi Minh City to the island. And if you are still late, then you will definitely be sent to Phu Quoc, but on a different flight and the airline will cover all expenses.

From Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc by ferry

The second way to get to the island is to take a bus to the city of Ha Tien, and then after purchasing a ferry ticket, take the ferry and swim to it. You can view prices and schedules for ferries on their website - http://superdong.com.vn/dich-vu/

This method is much longer than flying from Ho Chi Minh City by plane, since it takes about 6 hours by bus and an hour and a half by ferry, plus the time spent waiting for the ship itself.

Climate

Holidays in Fukuoka are possible all year round. Its climate can be divided into two seasons:
— The rainy season that lasts here is from May to October(this does not mean that it will rain all day and night; it may rain for only half an hour a day, or it may drag on for a day or two. And even on such days the sun will definitely come out, and the temperature will always be high). This is a favorable time for those tourists who want to save money. Hotel prices will be low and the beaches will be uncrowded.
- The most favorable time for rest is from the middle November to Start May.

Weather in Phu Quoc now

Attractions and entertainment in Fukuoka

  • Pearl Factory (Phu Quoc Pearl Farm)

In this museum you will see how prisoners were kept. All figures of jailers and prisoners are made in life size and reflect the horror of that period. In the corners, along the entire perimeter of the prison, stood watchtowers, on which a guard with a machine gun was stationed. Over the course of 4 years, more than 4,000 people died here.

This park has an aquarium, an amusement park, a water park, and a whole castle of slot machines. There is also a family and children's area. Games on fresh air. There is also a 5D cinema, a Ferris wheel, fairy garden and much more. There is also a whole network of cafes and restaurants in the park where you can relax and have a snack.

This is one of the most quiet places on an island where the noise from cars and other bustle is inaudible. The temple itself is located in a picturesque place on a hill. Although it is a modern building, it seems to be of great antiquity. Climbing its steps to the top, you will see the view of the sea from this site, and you begin to understand why you chose this particular place to build the temple.

Pearl Farm (Phu Quoc Pearl Farm)

The pearl farm was founded in 1998. Having visited it, you will see how the Vietnamese in front of you is cutting an oyster and taking pearls out of it, you can even hold it in your hands. Next, you can walk around the store, where you will see a wide variety of products made from pearls, and you can also purchase them. Although I must warn you right away that everything here is not cheap!

In addition to the national park and beautiful beaches, Phu Quoc is also famous for its allspice farm. Here you can go on an excursion where they will show you how different varieties of allspice grow, have a delicious lunch, and also drink pepper tea. And of course, you won’t leave here without buying some souvenir.

One of the main natural attractions of Fukuoka is its national park, located in the northwest of the island. More than 900 species of different plants grow in this park, and more than 140 species of animals live. In 2010, UNESCO declared it a biosphere reserve.

The national park contains the highest point of the island, Mount Chua. Climbing up it will give you a magnificent view of the park itself.

The museum is located near Duong Dong. This museum houses exhibits related to the culture and life of the island itself. The cost of visiting it is not high and is only 20,000 dong.

The Coy Nguon Museum is one of the largest private collections and is worth a visit if you are interested in the history, culture, and nature of Phu Quoc Island.

Opening hours of the museum itself: from 07 – 17-00

If you are vacationing in Fukuoka, be sure to also visit the safari park; it will be interesting for both adults and children. Children under three years of age have free admission. For adults it is 500,000 dong.

The park was opened in 2015 and was the first in Vietnam. Located in the northwest of the island, it is divided into two parts:

  1. The zoo itself
  2. Safari Park

In a zoo, animals are kept in enclosures, and in a safari park all animals live in their natural habitat, without any visible fences.

Travel throughout the safari park is organized by comfortable buses. The park tour takes 30 minutes.

Russian travelers have recently discovered the wondrous beauty of the Vietnamese island of Phu Quoc. Located in the southeast of the country and washed by the azure waters of the Gulf of Thailand, the archipelago for a long time was a secluded, quiet oasis. The eternal peace was disturbed only by local residents and a few European tourists. In recent years, the picturesque resort has become especially popular.

When is the best time to go to Phu Quoc?

The island has a tropical monsoon climate. The air temperature throughout the year is even, comfortable and ranges from 27° to 31°.

Unlike the generally accepted four seasons, the Vietnamese resort of Phu Quoc distinguishes 3 seasons:

  • from November to March – the most comfortable weather conditions;
  • from April to June – heat, short-term heavy showers are possible;
  • from July to October is the rainy season.

The weather in Fukuoka is determined by the monsoons. Twice a year huge air masses, moving, change direction. During the dry season, they move towards the sea, and during the wet season, on the contrary, from sea to land.

Interestingly, the rainy season gives way to the dry season quite quickly, usually at the very end of October. The transition to the wet period occurs gradually and occurs in April and May.

The water in the Gulf of Thailand is considered cool when its temperature drops to 26°. In the hottest season, 31° at sea is normal.

Let's look at the weather on Phu Quoc Island by month at our usual seasons

Winter

The winter season, which we associate with snow and frost, is considered high season here in the southern part of Vietnam.

Weather in Fukuoka December– one of the most favorable for a relaxing beach holiday. The water in the bay is warmed up to 28°. The air temperature is 29° during the day, cooler at night – about 22°. Precipitation falls up to 60 mm, which is 4-7 rainy days per month. Tourists from all over the world come here for Catholic Christmas and subsequent holidays. Celebrate the New Year on the snow-white beach of Fukuoka under the palm trees - what could be more exotic?

IN January The celebration of life continues in Fukuoka, and hotels are actively increasing the cost of living. The island has wonderful warm weather. Over the course of a whole month, it will rain a maximum of 2-3 times, which will amount to 30-40 mm of precipitation. Tropical showers are heavy but short-lived. The clouds disperse very quickly, the sun warms up, and you can swim and sunbathe to your heart’s content. The weather is clear and calm, 27° during the day, 20°-21° at night. Pampered locals call January the coldest month. But for visitors, 27° in the water and in the atmosphere are very comfortable conditions.

IN February in Vietnam and on the island of Phu Quoc they meet New Year according to the eastern calendar. Those lucky ones who can afford to spend the whole winter at the resort live in an atmosphere of eternal holiday. The weather promotes a joyful mood. The amount of possible precipitation is no more than 20 mm. Cloudless sky, light breeze, water in the bay 28°, air warmed up to 29°. Even at night the thermometer does not drop below 24-26°.

© bittermelon / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0

Spring

IN March On the island of Phu Quoc, dry, clear weather remains, the thermometer readings gradually creep up and reach 31° in the daytime. At night the heat drops to 25°, but it is still quiet and warm. Tourists enjoy swimming in warm water (29°) and admire beautiful scenery. There is little rain, only 4-5 per month. This is approximately 50, maximum 80 mm.

IN April the heat intensifies and reaches 31-33°. Even at night the air does not cool below 25-27°. The water is almost not refreshing - the same 31°. But the demand for water activities. The amount of precipitation increases to 200 mm, that is, there are 6-8 rainy days per month. This begins the transition period from dry weather to the rainy season.

May– the hottest month of the year. If at night the air temperature is 24°-26°, then by the middle of the day the temperature rises to 32°, and in the afternoon it reaches an annual maximum of 34°-35°. Sea water still very warm, 30°-31°. Despite the heat, there is more precipitation: 230-250 mm. The weather in May is capricious and unpredictable. If you're lucky, there won't be any rain in 2 weeks. But then it can be not just rains, but real tropical downpours, and they can last for several days in a row.

Summer

IN June monsoons bring heavy, long rainfall (270-280 mm). Wind speed can reach from 10 to 15 m/s. In total, this month has up to 16 rainy days. The rest of the time, tourists continue to swim and sunbathe in the warm water of the bay. During the day it’s 31° in the air, at night up to 26°, at sea it’s still the same usual 30°.

July– the peak of the wet season, when a record amount of precipitation falls: 400-500mm. Showers occur intermittently for most of the month. At 30° in the atmosphere, humidity reaches 85%. Night temperatures drop to 24°. The water in the bay is 29°, but there are few people willing to swim due to the wind and strong waves.

August in Fukuoka - the most unfavorable time for a beach holiday. Although precipitation falls slightly less, about 380 mm, the number of rainy days is large - from 19 to 22.

At the same time, the wind intensifies, its speed reaches 15, sometimes 18 m/sec. The temperature in water and air is approximately the same - 29-30°.

© meenaghd / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0

Autumn

IN September The wet season continues. The sky is mostly covered with clouds, but the sun appears more often, and a third of the month consists of completely clear days. The rains are less intense and fall mainly in the afternoon or late evening. The water in the bay is cloudy after rainstorms, the temperature remains 28-29°. The air is 30° during the day and 24° at night.

October– the last month of the wet season. During the first 2 weeks, heavy but short-term downpours are still possible, and approximately 200 mm of precipitation falls. The end of October is already a dry period, the wind subsides, the clouds dissipate. Although at night it is cool by local standards (24°), during the daytime it is 30° in the air and 28° in the water.

IN November The weather on Phu Quoc Island is getting better and the holiday season begins. There is less precipitation - about 100-150 mm. The water is warm and pleasant - 27°, in the air at night 23-25°, during the day no higher than 28-29°. The weather becomes comfortable for the most spoiled traveler.

Tourists, wanting to prolong the passing summer, fly to Phu Quoc, a wonderful island where the sky is blue, the sea is clear, and it is always warm.

Introductory image source: © rocrowley / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Part of Kien Giang Province, the Phu Quoc area includes the island itself and 105 wonderful islets of varying sizes. The island is located 46 km from the city of Ha Tien, the closest city in the “mainland” of this province.
Most of the territory is occupied by beautiful sandy beaches, but there is also mountainous region, which contains 99 mountain peaks; the highest of them is the peak of Mount Chua with a height of 603 meters. There are six on the island major cities and villages such as An Thoi town, Kia Can, Duong Dong, Ganh Dau village, Ham Ninh and Rach Vem. Each of these towns and villages carefully preserves its own traditions, characteristics and attractions, which undoubtedly contribute to a wonderful time on the island. We will tell you about the best of them in our review.

How to get to Phu Quoc Island

There are no direct flights from Russia to Phu Quoc. The most optimal time would be to fly on flights Vietnam Airlines, with one change in Ho Chi Minh City. If you are looking for a budget trip, then the most attractive fares for a two-stop flight to Phu Quoc Island are with Air France And Emirates.
Airlines operate domestic flights daily Air Mekong And Vietnam Airlines from Ho Chi Minh City Airport, Hanoi, as well as from Cann Tho to Phu Quoc Island. Flights last between 50 and 60 minutes, and one-way tickets start at $40.
Airport Duong Dong located in the center of the island just 2 km from Duong Dong city, so the city can be easily reached by various means of transport. Getting to the hotel by taxi costs only $1.5-2.

Advice: When planning a trip to Phu Quoc, stop for a day in Ho Chi Minh City on your way there and back. This will make it more convenient to get there (you will be freer to choose the time of departure from Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc) plus you will visit a wonderful city.

Ways to get around the island


By car. Most travel agencies offer car rental with a driver. Depending on your wishes and the required number of seats, you can rent either a car with 7 seats - $100 for 3 days (a good option if you are traveling in a large group or on vacation with the whole family), or a bus with 46 seats. seats— $300 for 3 days (a reasonable option if you are planning to hold corporate meetings in Phu Quoc). If you need a car for just 1 day, the cost of renting a 7-seater car will be about $35.
By taxi. Taxi can be the most comfortable view transport for those who want to arrive exactly where they need to go without problems or escorts. The fare is 60-70 cents per kilometer. The most reliable carriers are taxis from Sasco and Mai Linh.
On a motorcycle or bicycle. Most hotels often offer motorcycle and bicycle rentals. Consult with the administrator to clarify rental conditions. The rental cost will not exceed $8 (excluding the cost of gasoline) depending on the type of motorcycle. Bicycle rental prices are calculated based on the principle of hourly payment.
On the boat. It's convenient vehicle when traveling around Phu Quoc Island for sightseeing and especially if you decide to go fishing. For a group of up to 4 people, boat rental will cost $80 per day for 1 boat. For each additional boat passenger you will have to pay an additional $8.
By bus. For budget travel You can use the public transit bus. There are three bus routes on Phuket Island: No. 27 (Cua Can - Ganh Day - Rach Vem - Rach Tram route), No. 28 (An Thoi - Ham Ninh route), No. 29 (Duong Dong - North Island). The cost of a ticket in any direction is about $2-2.5.
And, of course, you definitely need to do walking through the Duong Dong market and enjoy watching the life of the locals, stopping at the stalls of street vendors or shops.

When to go. Best time to visit Fukuoka

The Emerald Isle's climate is subequatorial monsoonal, with two distinct seasons: a dry season from November to May and a rainy season from June to October (rains can last for 20 days). And despite the fact that the weather in most cases allows one way or another to travel around the island all year round, it has been experimentally proven that best time for a trip to Phu Coc Island - from about the end of October to mid-April, during the dry season, when the sky is blue and clear and the rains have already passed. The hottest months of the year are April and May.

Where to live. Best hotels on Phu Quoc Island

The variety of hotel facilities on the island offers a holiday for every taste and budget. Most of the hotels on the island are “like three stars” (in Vietnam there is simply no star rating for hotels as usual in Europe, so everyone sets their status at their own discretion). At the same time, for 1500 - 2500 rubles per double room per night you can get the highest European level service, beautiful views of the garden or sea from the panoramic window and the absence of any complaints about your vacation. Basically, the hotels are cozy, comfortable bungalows with thatched roofs in the traditional Vietnamese style.
Excellent living conditions can be found in any of the best hotels Fukuoka. Many people will enjoy a holiday in Arcadia Phu Quoc Resort, Coco-Palm Resort Phu Quoc, and Saigon Phu Quoc Resort & Spa. One of the lowest prices for accommodation offers Lang Cau Homestay, a stay in a bamboo hut here will cost no more than 500 rubles per day for two.

  • DISCOUNTS AND SPECIAL OFFERS FOR ACCOMMODATION IN FUKUOKA HOTELS

The best beaches and attractions of Phu Quoc Island

FUKOKA BEACHES
The first, and for some, the only reason to visit Phu Kok is its pristine coastline with several heavenly beaches. They have not yet been fully explored, and this is what gives the island’s coast a romantic appeal and beauty that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

The beaches of Phukok Island stretch along the coast from north to south. You can only admire them and take a long time to decide which one you like the most. In order not to be tormented by choice, we suggest paying attention to the best beaches of Fukok.
Truong Beach. This is a very attractive corner with white sandy beach, extending for 20 km: from Dinh Cau Beach before Tau Ru beach. The coastal waters are home to many inhabitants of the deep sea, and fishing conditions are ideal. There is an opportunity to watch local fishermen and taste seafood right on the beach.
Ganh Dau Beach located in the north of Phu Quoc island on the border with Cambodia. Starting in Duong Dong, the coastline extends north across National Park Phu Quoc Islands - and all this is a beautiful beach with blue ocean depths and white sand. From Ganh Dau Beach on a clear day you can see Mount Ta Lon in Cambodia. Don't miss the opportunity to taste delicious seafood.
Sao Beach located in the south, near An Thoi pier and 30 km from Duong Dong. The beach is very quiet. There are few merchants here, so nothing will prevent you from fully enjoying the magnificent views. The quality of service on the beach is beyond praise: from basic amenities (sun loungers and umbrellas) to the restaurant.
Vung Bau Beach- an idyllic beach in the north of the island near Dai Beach, 40 km from Duong Dong and will appeal to those who would like to discover an environmentally friendly beach in Vietnam.
Bai Thom Beach- a deserted beach in the north of Phu Quoc island, 35 km from Duong Dong. This beach is quite secluded, making it ideal for adventure seekers.
Bai Vong Beach located 8 km from Duong Dong. It is a wide and shallow beach with white sand and a long avenue of palm trees. There is good infrastructure and, as a bonus, it is on Bai Vong Beach that most people take the best photos.

TASTE THE ISLAND'S ATMOSPHERE
Phu Quoc became famous for two things: beautiful beaches and national cuisine. Particularly famous on the island is the “nuoc mam” fish sauce, which has become popular throughout Vietnam and in the world in general. You can watch the sauce making process at the factory Phu Quoc Fish Sauce, located near the market in Duong Dong. Entrance to the factory is free for everyone, but it is better to be accompanied by a guide who will tell you in detail about all the stages of creating the sauce. And be prepared for... the ever-present fish spirit. Opening hours from 8.00 to 11.00 and from 13.00 to 17.00. In addition, there is something else that is worth seeing and trying: spicy black pepper, with a spicy but quite original taste. Local farmers conduct tours of their plantations for a small fee. You can take a walk through the black pepper bushes at any time of the year, but the best time to visit is from February to July, when the harvest takes place.
Phu Quoc Island has a huge selection of seafood, and it is not only fresh, but also delicious in taste. Caught from the sea and immediately cooked, shrimp, fish and shellfish are a genuine delight among travelers when visiting the island.
Three must-try dishes when traveling to Phu Quoc

Nkhum
One of the most bizarre shellfish that you should try is probably nkhum - sea urchin. It is brown and looks like a coconut. There are two options for eating this dish: raw, or after careful heat treatment. If raw food does not cause discomfort, do not miss the opportunity to taste nkhum raw. When you order nkhum, the seller cuts the whole nkhum in half horizontally like a coconut. After this, sprinkle it with lime juice and use a spoon to remove the meat from the shell, dip it in wasabi sauce and enjoy. Fresh taste and sweet aroma combined with wasabi sauce and the sourness of lime - you will hardly be able to resist a second serving.

Nhong
Phu Quoc is also famous for its Nhong fish dish. It can be prepared in different ways: fried, boiled, stewed. Nhong fish is also used to make cha ca, a fish pastry. A slice of rice cake, vegetables and fish cake is a good combination for rolls.
Nhong fish will also serve as a good decoration for salad. It is used to prepare “goi ka” - fish salad. The secret of a good salad lies in making the right choice fish and preparing the sauce. The fish should be fresh, and the fillets should be cut very thin. Before eating the fish, sprinkle it with lime juice. Then place the fish and some vegetables on a slice of rice cake and dip into the sauce. The sauce is a mixture of garlic, chili, peanuts, lime juice, fish sauce and a little sugar.

bang kang
Bang Kang (a type of noodle) - takes on a completely different taste when combined with fish and is considered a feature of the traditional cuisine of Phu Kok Island. The dish is served hot and consists of a bowl of noodle soup garnished with thu fish fillets. On your plate you can find this fish in three versions: boiled, fish balls and pieces of well-fried fillet. Different ways cooking and serving this fish gives this dish a more fanciful taste. The most best options You can try bang kang in a cafe Banh Canh Lady Phung, located on a small alley near the street Nguyen Trung Truc.

What to see in Phu Quoc

SUNG HUNG PAGODA
According to the Mahayana, Sung Hung Pagoda is one of the oldest pagodas in Phu Quoc. It is located at the foot of the mountain near the center of Duong Dong. There is no exact information about who and when exactly the pagoda was built. Old-timers talk about two different pagodas, which were called “Sung Nghia” and “Hung Nhan” and were built long before her; then these names merged together, and today the whole thing is called “Sung Hung Pagoda”. According to rumors, it was built at the beginning of the 20th century. The pagoda was restored twice: in 1924 and 1960.
Sung Hung Pagoda has an architecture unique to ancient pagodas. Its doors face north. The pagoda is surrounded by huge trees, and its structure resembles a staircase, which gets higher and higher with every step. It has an impressive triangle-shaped gate leading to the statue of "Avolokitesvara Bodhisattva" (the embodiment of the infinite compassion of all Buddhas or the Goddess of Mercy) located in the middle of the courtyard. Inside is a carefully decorated main hall. The altar of the temple is located in the main hall, in which three Buddhas sit on a dais: Amitabha in the middle, Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva on the right and Avolokitesvara Bodhisattva on the left. Behind the statues is Cao Sanh's famous masterpiece, the Flying Dragon.
There are also many other decorations inside the pagoda, such as the "Dai Hong Chung" - a large bell, and many engraved quotes on the philosophy of Chinese Buddhism.
Visiting Sung Hung Pagoda is quite easy as it is located near the center of Duong Dong. Free admission. The pagoda is open to the public from 7.00 to 17.30.

KAU PALACE
One of the most famous attractions of Phu Kok is located on the west coast of the island. The palace was erected relatively recently, in 1937, in honor of the goddess of the seas, Thien Hau. It’s worth getting to the palace if only for the picturesque views of the mouth of the Duong Dong River. A special spectacle is in store for those who enter the palace at the end of November (15-16 day of the tenth lunar month according to the Buddhist calendar), when the palace hosts a festival dedicated to Thien Hau.

COCONUT PRISON
Coconut Prison, also known as Phu Coc Prison, is located in An Thoi City. The name “coconut” arose during the Indochina War and the rule of French colonists in Vietnam. At that time there were four sectors in the prison: “A”, “B”, “C” and “D”; the prison is believed to have housed up to 14,000 prisoners. However, at the end of the Indochina War, most of the prisoners returned home under the Geneva Accords.
With the outbreak of the Vietnam War, American troops built a new prison under the same name. The new prison had separate sectors for men, women and the elderly. Over time, another part of the prison was built in 1966, intended for Vietnamese soldiers serving their sentences. In the new part of the prison there were 12 separate sectors. Each sector was divided into four more sectors. The prison was guarded very strictly, surveillance was carried out around the clock.
Nowadays, since 1986, the “Coconut Prison” has been recognized as a national historical heritage and now serves as a place for excursions, being a living testimony to war crimes. Some instruments of torture that were once tested on prisoners are kept here to this day. For example, you can see the “Katso Tiger Cage”, in which the prisoner was in complete darkness for a long time and after being released from this tiger cage, the prisoners most often went blind.

MAGIC WELL
Magic well Giếng Ngự located 2 km from An Thoi. The beautiful landscapes of the lake and the green mountain slopes of the island undoubtedly cause genuine delight among tourists. On the mountain there is a small temple and a throne made of pink stone, known as the “Royal Throne”. When approaching the Magic Well, you can see a stele in the place where the “Royal Sword” entered, and from where a cool spring later gushed out.
The magic well has not only historical, but also mystical significance, which travelers to Phu Kok should not lose sight of. In the 17th century, fleeing from the pursuing troops of Tai-son, King Nguyen and his warriors were exhausted from thirst due to lack of fresh water. To survive, the king had no choice but to raise his sword to the heavens and pray to the Almighty: “If the Almighty still wants to see me as king, then may he send us food and water.” As soon as the king plunged his sword into the ground after this prayer, a stream of clean water began to flow from under the ground to everyone’s amazement.
Choosing Phucoc Island as a refuge to rest and recover from his defeat in the Thai Son rebellion, King Nguyen was able to defeat Ty Son's troops and a few years later take control of the Saigon-Gia Dinh region.

SOURCE TRANG
The 15 km long spring originates in Ham Ninh Mountain and flows through forest thickets, forming waterfalls. Sparkling waterfalls cascading into the green forest undoubtedly complement the picturesque landscape that appears to the amazed gaze of the traveler. Perhaps the very name of the source, the name Tranh (“picture”, “view”) comes from the magnificent view of this source and the surrounding area.
After a 15-minute motorcycle ride from Duong Dong city, you will find yourself on Tranh Alley - ideal location for a picnic. You can take some food with you to rest at the spring, and then go into the forest and watch the birds and other local flora and fauna along the winding paths and rocky steps along the stream. After a long walk, during which you enjoy the singing of birds and the beauty of orchids, you will see Hang Doi Grotto(Bat Grotto), located in the mountains at an altitude of 200 meters. It is home to beautiful stalactites and can become another hospitable place for tourists. And after an exciting walk, you can relax, immersed in cool waters source. The cost of visiting the source is VND 30,000.
And be sure to listen to the story about a mysterious fish weighing 10 kg, caught in the spring by local residents in 2008. This fish has strange dots on its head, making its head resemble a monk's head and its tail like a float on the water. They say that this fish is so rare that local residents have not seen anything like it for a long time. Although one foreign tourist offered $1,000 for the fish, local tourism industry leaders still display it as an exhibit at an exhibition. So, you can look at it for free.

FISHING VILLAGE HAM NINH
Located 20 km northwest of the city of Duong Dong, the fishing village of Ham Ninh is famous for its charming scenery and the calm, measured life of local fishermen.
Initially, the residents of Ham Ninh village were engaged only in fishing, but in Lately The main source of income for the local population was tourism and the sale of seafood and souvenirs.
When visiting Ham Ninh, travelers get a rare chance to taste refreshing healthy drinks and seafood - such as ginseng and seaweed tincture, tram mushroom (a special island mushroom), and seahorse tincture. And, of course, admire the enchanting sunsets, and before returning home, buy crabs, a bottle of seahorse tincture or shell souvenirs as a gift to family and friends.

DIVING IN THE WATERS OF ANTHOUY ARCHIPELAGO
Archipelago An Thới, located opposite the southern tip of Phu Quoc, is made up of 15 tiny islets, the largest of which is only three kilometers long. A visit to the islands of the archipelago and a dip in the coastal waters is a must for fans of snorkeling and diving fishing, as well as for those who want to spend time in the image of Robinson Crusoe (small fishing villages are only on the largest of the islands, all the rest are uninhabited). Boats to the islands depart from the pier in the city of An Thoi, but you can always save yourself from searching for the right vessel and book a trip to the archipelago by contacting the hotel administrator. It is important to remember that at the height of the rainy season - from July to September, it is almost impossible to get to the archipelago; boat traffic in Fukuoka is seasonal.

Top Travel Agent. This does not oblige you to anything, different travel agents will send you answers and you will receive an objective picture of prices. It also makes sense to contact Top Travel Agent for those who do not have time to organize their trip.

They call it Phu Quoc. The map of Vietnam shows that this is the south of the country. The area of ​​the island is 574 square meters. km. The highest point is Mount Chua (565 m), located in the north of the island. The population of the island is more than one hundred thousand people. The closest city to the island is Ha Tien, which is located on the border with Cambodia.

Phu Quoc is located three degrees south of the Thai resort of Pattaya, and two degrees north of Phuket. The island has a somewhat elongated shape. Its length is 62 km, width - from 3 to 28 km.

How to get to the island

Vietnam and its resorts are not yet very popular among Russian tourists, although every year more and more people want to spend their holidays here. The most famous among Russians who have visited Vietnam is Phu Quoc. How to get to this exotic island From Russia? Quite simple, although the journey will take a lot of time.

From Moscow you will take a direct flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Phu Quoc is a fifty minute flight from this city.

Nowadays, the tourism industry on the island has begun to develop rapidly. Naturally, passenger traffic to Phu Quoc is increasing every year. The airport (the only one on the island) can no longer cope with the load. It was built in 1930 and underwent some changes during its operation. At the beginning of its operation, it had a runway of 996 meters. After the liberation of Saigon (1975), the airport began serving commercial flights. In 1983, its length runway was increased to 1496 meters.

The government of the country has decided to build a new international airport. Its maximum throughput Initial operation will amount to seven million passengers per year.

Many vacationers prefer to get to the island by sea. You can make this route from the cities of Rachza or Ha Tien. You can reach these cities from Saigon by bus or taxi in about eight hours. Then you will be asked to transfer to a boat that will take you to the island in two hours.

We can say that the road to Phu Quoc (tourist reviews indicate this) is quite tiring. This is especially true for those who decide to relax on the island with children.

Climate, weather

For monsoon, subequatorial climate. Weather is determined by two factors. This is a dry season that lasts almost the entire year (from November to September) and an unfavorable rainy season (October). You can relax here all year round, but it is undoubtedly better to exclude October. In other months it is very comfortable here.

All year round, the water temperature ranges from +28 to +30 degrees, and its average value is +27 degrees. Naturally, these indicators can different years change somewhat on Phu Quoc Island. In August 2014, the air temperature ranged from +24 to +31 degrees, and the water temperature remained +28 degrees. As you can see, for Russians who are accustomed to last years Despite the sweltering heat in the summer months, the weather is very comfortable on Phu Quoc Island. Reviews from tourists say that the heat is practically not felt here even at 30 degrees.

Holidays on the island with children

Despite the not entirely simple road, many tourists claim that a holiday in Fukuoka with children will bring great pleasure to both adults and children. young tourists. There are a number of objective reasons for this statement. First of all, this is, of course, a mild favorable climate. In addition, there are immaculately clean, gently sloping beaches with white sand. Many hotels on the island are designed for family holiday. Let's introduce you to some of them.

Phu Quos 4*

Here you will be offered the services of a professional nanny, and upon request you can order a special diet or children's menu. Children under six years old stay at the hotel free of charge. For them, the rooms have cribs, and there is a well-equipped playground where experienced teachers work with the kids.

Resort Phu Quos 5*

It must be said that many hotels are happy to welcome young travelers. Phu Quoc (Vietnam) strives to create comfortable living conditions for young tourists. This hotel, unlike the previous one, offers free accommodation for children under twelve years of age (provided they sleep in existing beds). In addition, here you can use the services of a nanny, and the hotel restaurant has developed a special children's menu.

The Vietnamese love children very much and highly value family values. Whatever hotels you choose, Phu Quoc (Vietnam) amazes all guests of the island with the warm and friendly attitude of the local population towards children, and the desire to help parents in case of any problems.

Other hotels

It should be noted that the luxury island of Phu Quoc has hotels of different levels of comfort on its territory.

The original complex consists of fourteen bungalows Mai House Resort 2*. Available private beach. Vacationers receive free sun loungers, umbrellas, and beach towels. There is a restaurant serving Vietnamese and European cuisine. There is an outdoor swimming pool. The complex's staff is multilingual. Vacationers can use the services of a beauty salon, bicycle and motorcycle rental.

Eden Resort 4*

Eden Resort 4* - new hotel, which welcomed its first visitors in 2010. This is a multi-storey building and detached bungalows. The hotel offers 64 rooms - standard, suite, junior suite, apartment. Has its own beach. All necessary beach accessories are provided free of charge. The hotel has a restaurant with European and Asian cuisine, a cafe, bar, snack bar, and barbecue. Can I have breakfast in my room.

A tour desk has been created for vacationers, and you can use free Internet. There is a car rental point, free parking, a souvenir shop, night club, non-smoking rooms are available. The hotel rooms are serviced around the clock, have an LCD TV, air conditioning, satellite TV, safe, and minibar.

There are many more hotels on Phu Quoc Island. Reviews from tourists about staying in them are different. Some believe that the service provided does not reach the European level, others, on the contrary, are confident that the service in the hotels is well organized, and therefore living in them is very comfortable.

Entertainment for children

The island has a small amusement park with carousels, trampolines, cars and very modest animation. This park is located in Duong Dong city. There are also several stores where you can buy children's clothing and shoes, toys, and hygiene products for babies.

Medical service

There are several private clinics and a hospital on the island. If the need arises, each hotel can call you a doctor or take you to an appointment. Many people who have visited Phu Quoc Island note the high level of medical care. In addition, they consider the cost of medical services to be very affordable. There are many pharmacies on the island, and prices for medicines are low. However, it is better to take a certain set of medications (especially if you have chronic diseases) with you from home.

Beaches in Phu Quoc Island

This paradise has many attractions, but most tourists who visit Phu Quoc Island attribute their (rave) reviews primarily to the luxurious beaches. It is for the sake of relaxation that people from all over the world come here.

Phu Quoc is a clean, quiet and incredibly cozy and beautiful place. This is a very young but rapidly developing resort. Not here yet shopping complexes, water parks, entertainment centers and zoos. So if you prefer leisure with stormy nightlife, - this is not the place for you.

Amateurs will feel very comfortable here have a relaxing holiday, privacy, sea ​​trips and bright colors of pristine nature.

"Bai Chiong"

This is the largest beach on the island. Its length is more than eighteen kilometers. Along sandy shore There are hotels, guest houses, bungalows and cafes. Exactly this popular place Fukuoka. At the same time, even at the height of the holiday season there are not too many people here, which will certainly appeal to those who like a quiet and secluded holiday.

"Bai Sao"

This beach is located near the port. It features incredibly white sand and a bright blue sea. No photograph can convey the beauty of this place. There are very few vacationers here.

Wild beach

If you drive to the north-west of the island, you will see fishing villages, and then you will come to almost no one even knows its name. True, recently several hammocks and a tiny cafe have appeared on the shore here. This is very beautiful beach, many people like it even more than the famous and popular Bai Sao.

Island attractions: pearl farm

This company appeared in 1998. Today it is the most visited attraction in Fukuoka. Here you can watch how pearls grow and how they are processed, completely free of charge. In years past, these valuable stones were mined by professional divers. Today they are grown artificially in the waters of the Gulf of Thailand. Experts consider this place ideal for this procedure.

Natural pearls in these places are quite small and do not always have an ideal shape. But stones grown artificially are distinguished by their ideal shape, large size and beauty.

To obtain such specimens, particles cut from shells no larger than four millimeters in size are placed into the body of the oyster. To grow a pearl measuring 10-18 mm, the mollusk takes from one and a half to two years. It depends on the water temperature and some other conditions.

National Park

This is a huge territory, covering an area of ​​31,400 hectares. Having arrived here, you should first climb Mount Nyutua. Its height is more than 500 meters. This highest point reserve. Most of the park is occupied by rugged tropical forests. The temperature here never drops below +25 degrees. Increased humidity may seem uncomfortable at first, but this feeling disappears a little later.

The most beautiful section of the park is in the north. Here tourists find themselves in a real place without any traces of civilization. In the park you can see thousands of exotic plants that amaze Europeans with their shapes, colors and subtle scents.

More than fifty species of mammals feel quite comfortable here, including quite friendly primates. Besides, in national park you will have a unique opportunity to see a rare animal of a very touching appearance - a sea cow (dugong).

You can arrive to the reserve by taxi. The fare is 5-10 $.

Cao Dai Religion Temple

It was on the island of Phu Quoc that a new religion was born. The former governor of the island had a vision - the image of the Third Eye. This may surprise some, but the most revered saints of this religion are Victor Hugo, Vladimir Lenin, Leo Tolstoy, Benito Mussolini, William Shakespeare. Today, this religion is preached by more than ten million Vietnamese. The main belief is the concept of the third salvation. According to Caodoists, humanity has already been saved twice - the first time by Amitabha and Moses, the second time by Confucius and Jesus. Caodoism preaches that this is the sure path to the third salvation of mankind.

Tourists can attend services in the temple, which are not held every day, but according to a special schedule. During it, monks in snow-white robes praise the huge eye to bewitching music. Then the ceremony participants, accompanied by quiet and calm music, begin collective meditation.

The easiest way to get to the temple is by taxi. A trip from anywhere on the island will cost you no more than $10.

Vietnam: holidays, prices

Anyone who wants to spend a vacation in Vietnam is undoubtedly interested in the prices for such a trip. If you are going to use the services of a travel agency, then it will be useful for you to know that last-minute tours are much cheaper. And one more piece of advice - book your tour several months before your intended trip. This will significantly reduce your costs - by an average of forty percent.

The average price of a tour to Vietnam per person for 7-10 days is from 35,000 to 85,000 rubles (without discounts). The cost of the tour largely depends on the time of the trip, the chosen resort, the level of comfort of the hotel, etc. For example, a tour to Fukuoka, which we describe, will cost 49,000 rubles for ten days.

If you want to visit Vietnam, go to Phu Quoc Island. Feedback from tourists suggests that here you can truly relax and unwind, body and soul.