How to spend 48 hours in Phu Quoc Island

Each room, suite and villa is a curated expression of artistry, adorned with local cultural elements and thoughtful detail. A distinctive shell-shaped pool gazes out to sea, while a collection of refined restaurants and bars completes the picture of indulgence.

Watch the sunset on the sea at Ocsen Beach Bar & Club

As dusk falls, Ocsen is bathed in brilliant orange light. With an Aperol Spritz in hand, sink into a soft pouf chair and take in the cinematic view. Whether you're travelling solo, with a partner, or a cherished circle of friends, let the seaside calm your spirit. Listen to the gentle hush of waves—or, if the moment calls, lose yourself in the revelry beneath a sky studded with stars.

Enjoy breakfast at Tempus Fugit

Set within the JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, Tempus Fugit promises a morning of culinary discovery. Begin with the delicate flavours of Vietnam’s three regions, then venture into Japan with tender sushi, black cod in saikyo miso and velvety tuna. Or follow the call of French finesse—lamb chops, classic cheesecake and rich chocolate mousse await. All served to the sound of jazz drifting over from the sea, as Bai Kem’s waves roll gently ashore.

Cruise the sea and admire the vibrant coral world

As your boat glides across the sapphire-blue waters, the breeze playing softly through your hair, a hidden world unfolds beneath. Vivid coral reefs burst into view—an underwater ballet of colour and life. Watch as curious clownfish weave through the anemones, and shoals of glimmering fish dart past like ribbons in the current. Each glance reveals a new marvel, each moment stirs the senses, inviting you to lose yourself in the magic of the sea’s secret splendour.

The taste of the ocean sublimates with lunch at LAVA

Perched on Phu Quoc’s unspoilt coast, LAVA delivers a refined dining experience that brings the ocean to the plate. Crafted by acclaimed architect Vo Trong Nghia, the restaurant's bamboo-clad architecture pairs beautifully with a striking bar made of fossil coral—an aesthetic that whispers luxury, but remains in harmony with nature.

Here, the menu revolves around the finest seasonal ingredients, showcasing Phu Quoc’s distinct produce—from its famous pepper to the vibrant harvest of the resort’s organic garden. Traditional flavours meet modern techniques, resulting in dishes that speak both to the palate and the eye. For something truly exceptional, the ever-evolving “Chef’s Table” menu offers an intimate culinary tale told through taste, texture and the essence of the island itself.

Read more: Have you ever enjoyed Japanese flavours on the “Milky Way”?

Take the cable car to Hon Thom and capture the beauty of the sunset 

Suspended high above the waves, Hon Thom’s record-holding cable car stretches 7,899.9 metres across the sea—the world’s longest three-wire route, according to Guinness. As you rise in a glass cabin, the sun begins its descent. Hues of tangerine, rose and violet spill across the sky, mirrored by the sea below. It is a stillness that stuns, a quiet embrace of nature’s splendour. More than just a ride, this journey becomes a treasured memory—a glimpse of Phu Quoc at its most poetic.

End the day with dinner at Pink Pearl and sip on Ink 360

At Pink Pearl, Chef Danny Do orchestrates a dining experience where Indochinese culinary heritage meets the finesse of French gastronomy. From impeccable ingredients to artistic plating, every dish is a thoughtful expression—flavours telling stories as elegant as their setting. Surrounded by French-inspired architecture, soft-lit chandeliers and graceful interiors, five private dining rooms offer intimacy and charm. It's a fitting final note to the day: a celebration of taste, style and a little touch of theatre.

Ink 360 is the highest bar on Phu Quoc, perched on the 19th floor of the InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort. The sweeping views are rivalled only by the captivating design of Ashley Sutton—renowned for conceptualising some of Asia’s most imaginative nightlife spaces, including Maggie Choo’s in Hong Kong. Stepping inside feels like diving into a fantastical deep-sea dream. Tentacles curl dramatically from the ceiling and wind across the bar, adding to the surreal ambience as you sip on exquisite cocktails, best enjoyed alongside the bar’s expertly grilled yakitori.

Relax while walking around Bai Truong

As the longest beach on Phu Quoc, Bai Truong stretches more than 20 kilometres, from Dinh Cau Cape to Khoe Tau Ru. This expanse of ivory sand, dotted with rugged rock formations and the occasional tucked-away fishing village, evokes a quiet wonder. In the early morning, the beach is at its most mesmerising—a setting that earns its place among the finest sunrise spots on the island. Walk barefoot across the warm, soft sand, gaze out towards the endless horizon, and witness the sun rising from the sea—a glowing ember lifting into the sky. The gentle rhythm of the waves offers a soothing soundtrack, setting the tone for a day of calm and inspiration.

A new day, energised with Phung noodle soup

Phung Phu Quoc noodle soup specialises in bowls of light, fragrant broth—perfect for early risers or fans of comforting noodle dishes. What sets it apart is the use of mackerel fish cakes in place of traditional pork slices, earning it the nickname “Phung Fish Cake Noodle Soup Restaurant.” The fish cakes, made from fresh local mackerel, are delicately seasoned and pleasantly mild, making them a favourite for both seafood enthusiasts and cautious diners. Prices remain appealing, particularly for travellers who appreciate flavour without extravagance. The broth is naturally sweet, the noodles delightfully springy, and the fish cakes tender yet full of character.

Phung’s famed mackerel noodle soup has become something of a culinary icon. Its signature lies in the clarity of the broth and the balance of flavours—light but satisfying, fragrant yet never overpowering. By using mackerel, a prized local ingredient, each bowl reflects the island’s essence. The noodles hold just the right bite, pairing beautifully with the subtly sweet soup. The fish cakes are soft, aromatic and generously seasoned, resulting in a dish that is as comforting as it is memorable.

Relaxing massage at Chanterelle Spa

Chanterelle—Spa by JW presents an imaginative approach to wellness, offering seven treatment rooms, a private suite and two dedicated Reflexology rooms. The experience is curated around four immersive states—each designed to soothe, renew, energise and refresh. Rooted in intuitive therapies and personalised to the finest detail, every treatment is crafted to guide guests through a deeply personal journey of wellbeing. Notably, the spa features a collection of techniques drawn from traditional healing practices, each one carefully refined through expert methods to offer something truly restorative.

The Tatler Best Vietnam 2025 list and its 23 Best-in-Class awards—recognising the standout names in Vietnam’s hotel, restaurant and bar scene—will be unveiled at the Tatler Best Vietnam 2025 event, taking place on 7 May 2025. The celebration is presented in partnership with champagne house Moët & Chandon, and supported by distinguished sponsors including Sofitel Saigon Plaza, technology solutions brand Speed POS, luxury cosmetics label Menard, floral artistry brand PoDo Flower, event technology specialist Eventista, fine dining destination The Monkey Gallery DINING, and Noriboi Omakase restaurant.

Tatler Best is Asia’s definitive guide to the region’s top 100 hotels, 100 restaurants, and 100 bars, championing excellence across the hospitality landscape. This year’s accolades include 23 Best-in-Class titles—10 for hotels, 8 for restaurants and 5 for bars—highlighting the true luminaries of the industry. The winners are selected through the discerning lens of Asia’s foremost travel, culinary and beverage connoisseurs, whose refined tastes reflect the region’s dynamic and evolving standards.

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