How to spend 48 hours in Phu Quy Island

Begin your island escape at Ri Rao Homestay, a charming retreat that lives up to its name—“ri rao”, meaning the soothing murmur of waves. Minimalist yet contemporary in design, each room features expansive glass panels that open out to the endless blue of the ocean. The experience is anchored in comfort: plush bedding, subtle aromas, and a view that heals. The homestay is also an advocate for sustainable living, encouraging guests to bring their own essentials and minimising linen changes. A stay here feels not only restorative, but also meaningful.

Envision yourself on a cub motorbike, sea breeze on your face, laced with the faint, briny scent of the ocean. The winding coastal road unravels between rows of whispering casuarinas and the glittering sea beyond. Drift past sleepy fishing hamlets and sweeping sandy shores. As dusk arrives, pause at the Lang Co embankment where the sun, bold as a flame, slips beyond the horizon, casting the bay in amber and violet hues. Rest on cool boulders with a fresh coconut in hand, the stillness of nature wrapping around you like a quiet spell.

Experience the local fish market in the early morning

Rise early and wander into the heart of local life at the island’s fish market. At dawn, fishing boats dock one by one, their hauls glistening beneath the golden light. The air is a sensory tapestry—laughter echoing, salt in the breeze, and the warmth of breakfast vendors grilling seafood pancakes. Meander through baskets brimming with ruby-red lobsters, opalescent grouper, and squid still silver with the sea. Stop for a chat with a fisherman, hear tales of open water, or select your own seafood to be cooked on the spot. Perched on a cliff, enjoying a plate of perfectly grilled delicacies, you’ll feel the pure, unfiltered, unforgettable pulse of island life.

Specialty squid pancakes for breakfast

If you’re still not full, the squid pancake is a must-try. This local favourite leaves visitors smitten. The pancake, golden, crisp, and feather-light, is delicately stuffed with baby squid, the sweetness subtly offset by bean sprouts and spring onions. Wrapped in fresh herbs and dipped into a piquant bowl of fish sauce, its rich, sweet, and spicy layers evoke a melody straight from the sea.

Visit Tam Thanh fishing village

If you’re fond of the Korean drama Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha, Tam Thanh fishing village will stir a sense of familiarity. The setting resembles a painted postcard: houses nestled closely together, each brushed in vivid, joyful tones. Flowering shrubs sway gently at the doorstep, golden light drifting through the canopy overhead. There’s a quiet, lyrical beauty here, where the rhythm of waves mingles with children’s laughter. For a quintessential island moment, make your way to the ‘Lonely Tree’ near Villa Bien Xanh, a much-loved landmark that ushers you into the heart of the village.

Read more: Eating history: Where to experience Asia’s most revered culinary traditions

Lunch at Casa Mar

Casa Mar’s breezy, sea-facing layout invites a rare kind of calm: sunlight streaming through the trees, the hush of the tide nearby. Lunch here is a tribute to the sea, offering dishes that feel both grounded and refined. Sample the wild boiled greens, sweet and crisp, paired with traditional fish sauce. A seafood soup, tart and cooling, is the perfect foil to the midday warmth. For something more indulgent, opt for the grilled pork ribs or a tenderloin of elegantly plated American beef, marrying maritime freshness with modern flair.

Take a cruise to Hon Tranh and dive to see the coral

As the boat moors at Hon Tranh, you’re greeted by flour-fine sand and a mosaic of coral beneath the surface. On the diving excursion, you’ll be kitted out with fins, goggles, and a guide who leads you through a kaleidoscopic underwater world, where schools of fish dart through sunlit coral gardens. For those seeking a touch more thrill, take to a paddleboard and coast across the gentle sea, camera in hand for a flawless island frame.

Beachside dinner at Sea La Vie and drinks at Hidden Beach

As dusk falls and the sky over Phu Quy blushes pink, indulge in a final island feast at Sea La Vie. Perched on Long Hai’s poetic shoreline, the restaurant combines open-air elegance with tactile wooden design, creating a setting that feels both serene and refined. The uninterrupted view of the sea, where powder-white sand meets azure waters, is its greatest luxury. As the warm glow of lanterns flickers on, the mood softens, ideal for a quiet dinner shared with someone special. The menu fuses East and West with ease: cheesy grilled oysters, silky handmade pasta, and rich shaking beef, each dish more tempting than the last.

Possessing the charm of a Mediterranean hideaway, Hidden Beach is defined by sweeping arched windows that open directly onto the sea, offering a seamless sense of space. It’s the kind of place where time slows: a sanctuary from the noise, perfect for quiet conversation and thoughtful sipping. Whether you choose a refreshing cocktail, a well-pulled espresso, or a favourite indulgence, the gentle breeze, the hush of waves, and the vast, star-drenched sky of Phu Quy create a setting that invites you to linger.

Discover Van An Thanh, the oldest marine culture museum on Phu Quy Island

Begin your final morning with a visit to Van An Thanh, a remarkable 240-year-old marine heritage museum located on the soft white sands of Trieu Duong village. The museum houses over 100 preserved skeletons of whales and sea turtles, varying in size and form. Most striking of all is a colossal whale skeleton, stretching more than 17 metres in length, its 50 vertebrae and 30 lower jaw teeth a powerful reminder of the ocean’s majesty. The name ‘An Thanh’ embodies a wish for peace and prosperity, echoing the island’s deep-rooted spiritual traditions. Here, you can browse weathered relics, listen to tales of sea journeys against the elements, or, if the timing is right, take part in ancient rituals during festival season. It’s an experience that offers more than sights—it reveals the soul of this pearl island.

Conquer Cao Cat Mountain and visit Linh Son Pagoda

No journey through Phu Quy feels complete without a visit to Cao Cat Mountain and the revered Linh Son Pagoda. Located in the island’s northern reaches, Cao Cat stands tall at around 106 metres above sea level. It’s often referred to as the “Vietnamese Grand Canyon,” thanks to its dramatic cliffs sculpted by millennia of elemental change.

Climbing to the summit does demand a little effort. The staircase winds steadily upward, but the reward is nothing short of breathtaking. From the peak, Phu Quy unfolds in a spectacular panorama: silky coastlines, swaying coconut groves, serpentine roads and boats scattered like stars across the blue expanse. It’s the ideal vantage point to absorb the island’s charm, catch the breeze, and snap one-of-a-kind shots against a backdrop of rugged natural beauty.

Perched at the mountain’s highest point is Linh Son Pagoda, a temple with over a century of history. Long regarded as a spiritual anchor for islanders, it’s where prayers are sent for calm waters and good fortune. The low hum of the bell, softened by the whispering sea air, creates a sense of stillness—a brief escape from the everyday, and a gentle return to inner peace.

Tatler Tips:

• March to July is the most favourable time to visit Phu Quy. The skies are clear, the sea calm, and the island at its most welcoming, ideal conditions for swimming, snorkelling, and relaxed exploration.
• When diving among coral reefs, take care not to touch or disturb them; their beauty is fragile, and preserving this delicate ecosystem is essential.

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