Cover Why you need to add Phu Quoc to your must-travel list (Photo: Getty Images)
Why you need to add Phu Quoc to your must-travel list (Photo: Getty Images)
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Don’t overlook this humble island, there’s more to Phu Quoc than meets the eye
Ho Chi Minh City isn’t the only popular tourist destination to visit in Vietnam. Take a short one-hour flight from Ho Chi Minh City and you’ll find yourself in Phu Quoc island, the country’s latest up-and-coming destination.
From its charming beaches to family-friendly experiences, there are plenty of reasons why the island is not to be missed by tourists of all ages. Over the years, Phu Quoc has slowly garnered attention worldwide, and for good reason. In 2022, it was named the world’s leading nature island destination at the World Travel Awards.
In an email interview, Ben Schumacher, Wyndham Hotels & Resort’s vice president of operations South East Asia Pacific Rim, highlights how the island has quickly emerged to become “one of the country’s premier tourist spots” in just a few years.
In case you missed it: Review: Inside Wyndham Grand Phu Quoc, the hotel brand’s largest property in the world
Above Vinpearl Safari
Vinpearl Safari
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The attractions
Whether you’re looking for a solo beach escape or a holiday with the family, the island offers a plethora of activities and experiences suitable for every traveller.
Looking for a place to relax? The island is known for its charming beaches—visit Bai Sao for its clear blue waters and soft sand, or take a trip to Ganh Dau beach (also known as Starfish beach) and find thousands of starfishes lying around.
Little ones won’t feel left out on this trip either. Pick from a wide array of family-friendly activities like the Vinpearl Safari, Vietnam’s largest semi-wildlife park. Hop on the enclosed safari bus in the park that takes you around the enclosures—look out for lions, bears, giraffes and more. Schumacher adds that VinWonders Phu Quoc is another spot that tourists of all ages should visit. It’s one of the largest theme parks in Vietnam and features a water park, aquarium, rollercoaster and more.
Above Crab House Nha Ghe
Crab House Nha Ghe
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The food
While the island is famous for its idyllic white beaches and clear blue waters, Phu Quoc’s food scene is equally impressive. Seafood fans will revel in the island’s delicious offerings. Visit the Phu Quoc Night Market in the heart of Duong Dong Town and find 100 stalls serving up fresh seafood, Vietnamese street snacks and refreshing drinks. Seafood vendors serve up dishes cooked to your preference, whether it be deep-fried, grilled, boiled or steamed. When it comes to sweets, look out for classic ice cream rolls, chouchou (caramelised) peanuts and Vietnamese grilled bananas wrapped in sticky rice.
Apart from the night market, the island is also filled with plenty of restaurants for you to choose from. Crab House Nha Ghe is a favourite among tourists and locals, serving up classic seafood dishes with a Vietnamese twist. While you’re here, you can’t miss out on sampling its famous local blue crab, glazed in a fragrant housemate crab sauce and accompanied by a fluffy baguette. The housemate sauce is a crowd favourite, comprising an aromatic mixture of lemongrass, chilli, cajun and garlic butter.
Another popular spot to visit among locals and tourists is Bittersweet, the island’s first and only speakeasy. The cocktail bar specialises in bespoke cocktails, allowing bartenders to create a concoction based on based on the palate of each guest. With tantalising cocktails, elegant interiors and ambient lighting, the cocktail bar is the best spot to visit to relax after a day of exploring.
Above Wyndham Grand Phu Quoc's Suite
Wyndham Grand Phu Quoc's Suite
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The hotels
Being Vietnam’s largest island, Phu Quoc boasts a wide selection of hotels—the latest additions being Wyndham Grand Phu Quoc and Wyndham Garden Grandworld Phu Quoc.
The former is currently the world’s largest Wyndham grand in the world. With a casino, spa, beach, shopping street and indoor cinema all within its premises, there’s plenty to keep you entertained without having to leave the resort. Of course, you can still head out and explore the rest of the island. It isn’t hard to do so either, with an abundance of attractions that conveniently surround the resort.
While at Wyndham Garden Phu Quoc, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to activities. The hotel is complete with a kid’s club, fitness centre and an outdoor swimming pool. Its rooms are also elegantly designed and offer breathtaking views of the island.
Schumacher shares that the island’s tourism infrastructure has “significantly upgraded over the years,” and it’s not stopping anytime soon. “In addition, the local government has also been actively looking to strengthen Phu Quoc’s tourism offerings through various support measures and partnership opportunities,” he continues.
With so many offerings available, a trip to the island will never be a boring one.
Amanda Goh was the former senior writer for Tatler Singapore.
