Vietnam Islands Travel
Vietnam Islands Overview
A once war-torn country, Vietnam in South East Asia, has started becoming popular as a travel destination for both budget and high-end tourists. Amongst Vietnam’s many hotspots, the island of Phu Quoc stands out because of its white sands and cobalt waters along with a rugged jungle. November to late April is the best time to enjoy clear skies and warm weather while May to late October sees moderate to heavy rains and rougher seas.
Vietnam Islands Main Attractions
Phu Quoc is surrounded by more than a dozen beaches and bays with either yellow or white sands, a jungle covered interior, some islets off its south coast and a few fishing villages.
Many beaches dot this island and Bai Truong or Long Beach is the longest beach on the island with grainy yellow sand and an occasional fishing hamlet. The stunning Bai Sao beach with turquoise waters and white sands feels like a semi-abandoned spot and is ideal for solitude lovers. Bai Khem beach’s beauty is unparalleled but, it is a military zone and tourists are not permitted here. It is possible to sneak a peek at this beach by climbing over some boulders from the Bai Sao beach.
For absolute solitude head to the Ong Lang Beach and for picnics and paddling Bai Vong beach is most suitable as it is shallow and broad. Other beaches are Bai Thom and Bai Dai and the islets of An Thoi are great for snorkeling and diving. Phu Quoc has a national parkland and waterfall ( Suoi Tranh) in the interiors and its fishing hamlets are interesting to explore.
Vietnam Islands Activities
Snorkeling, diving, paddling, swimming is the usual beach activities you can do over here but you can also explore the island on a motorbike. Three simple loops can be done over three days. Many tour operators offer a night time squid hunt which is very popular. Once the squid is caught, it is prepared by the onboard chefs in several ways.
Vietnam Islands Accommodation & Dining
The majority of the hotels and guesthouses are situated on Long Beach while other beaches have a smattering of accommodation options. As far as food goes apart from the hotel restaurant, there are a few standalone restaurants on the beaches which serve decent food. Some specialize in Asian food and you can have good seafood and tangy Vietnamese salads there.
Vietnam Islands Shopping & Nightlife
Shopping is limited to a few buys of pearls at the Pearl Farm although the prices are a bit higher on the island. Nightlife in Vietnam is usually not as lively as other Asian island destinations, but some destinations have some after dinner night spots particularly in the more upmarket hotels.
Getting To & Around Vietnam Islands
Flights from either Rach Gia or Saigon will take you to Phu Quoc Island and boats and hydrofoils are also used to reach the island. To get around the island the motorbike is the best option and 4 WDs also can be hired with drivers.
