9 Best Things To Do While You're In Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc is a small island off the Southern coast of Vietnam. In the past decade, Phu Quoc has been rapidly growing, from a simple fishing to a resort filled, modern and robust island in collective local effort in pushing Phu Quoc to become a world class beach destination. From golf courses, amusement parks, national parks to snorkeling spots, visitors coming to Phu Quoc will not be disappointed with the amount of daytime activities one can participate during their stay. Here are 9 of the highly recommended ideas for one to spend their day if they intend to travel to Phu Quoc.

Exploring Phu Quoc’s Northern Region

The simplest way for one to spend the day is to explore the geographical marvel of the island itself. Located in the gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc is famed for its white-sand beaches and its rich fishing history. Drive along the North path of Phu Quoc as you reach Dai beach, regarded as one of the top 100 beaches in the world. Take your time and feel the sun hit your skin as the white beach and clear sea reflect the sunlight giving a pristine feel to your morning. Later on, learn about Phu Quoc’s long history of fishing and agriculture, a culture centuries older than the tourism and resorts that it is recently known for, by visiting a dried fish factory, understanding the process and story behind the practice.
Photo: vietnamtravelguide.com 

Exploring Phu Quoc’s Southern Region

Another obvious way to spend your day is to just, instead of heading upwards, travel down to the South regions of Phu Quoc. Compare to the North section of Phu Quoc, the Southern part is a more urban location, thus traveller can use this chance to visit many well known historical sites such as Coi Nguon Museum, where you can learn historical pieces about Phu Quoc’s past and also it’s growth over the decades. Another great historical site would be the Phu Quoc Prison, built in the 1950’s by the French Colonists in order to hold political prisoners. But it won’t be called a Phu Quoc day trip without a chance to visit one of Phu Quoc’s many marvelous beaches. In the southern part of Phu Quoc, travellers can visit Sao Beach, where they can relax and enjoy the view or have lunch at a nearby local seafood restaurant.
Photo: phuquocislandexplorer.com

Snorkeling in Thom island and Dam Ngang Island

Get away from the main island of Phu Quoc and take a boat ride to Thom Island and Dam Ngang. Enjoying your day under the sun in peace and later on have the chance to go snorkeling and see the amazing marine ecosystem that lives under Phu Quoc. A unique and exciting experience that is recommended for all
Photo: kkday.com

Cooking Classes

A basic day trip for many, but always a must try. Vietnam is famous not only for it’s natural beauty but also for it’s amazing food, so visitors should not miss the chance to see what a simple day of a local Phu Quoc resident is like. Wake up early as the tour guide walk you up and down the local wet market, showing you where the freshest of produce are at, learning the common herbs that are used and seeing price haggling first hand. After the long shopping tour, depending on the tour guide, you can either visit the fish market or circle around the countryside, guaranteeing to provide you with an amazing experience of the local life. After that, gather back as the local chef teaches you the simplest recipe in the traditional Phu Quoc cookbook, using the ingredients that was gathered earlier.

VinWonders Amusement Park Phu Quoc

Located on the opposite side of the National Park, VinWonders offers magnificent underwater world of Phu Quoc, with huge variety of water sport games to enjoy in the theme park. The Ocean world is only separated by a pane of glass, allowing visitors to see the amazing sea life that goes on under Phu Quoc. The Amusement Park also has a Food Village, where people can enjoy a huge variety of cuisine, both traditional and western, made from the top-class chefs. Definitely worth a visit when one intends to travel to Phu Quoc.
Photo: threemartlocal.com

Golfing at Vinpearl Golf Course

Golfing enthusiasts everywhere knows that Vietnam is worth a visit solely because of its 35 operational world class golfing courses. Designed by the famed Greg Norman, Colin Montgomerie and Luke Donald themselves, by the next 5 years, Vietnam intends to build another 65 courses, making it one of the top destination for golf tours. And among the top, is the Vinpearl Phu Quoc’s golf course. Managed by IMG, visitors can expect only the best in terms of service if one intends to spend a day playing golf here. Dividing itself into 3 sections: the Forrest, the Sea or the Mountain, ensuring savvy golfer to not feel bored and tiring from the same back drop.
Photo: casicotage.com

Food Tour

One of my personal favorite way to spend the day. The island of Phu Quoc is known for its fishing culture and why waste that potential by not trying the freshest and most delicious seafood dishes that Phu Quoc has to offer. Take a cab or rent a motorbike and drive yourself 20km from downtown Duong Dong to Ham Ninh, where the flower carbs are to die for. After that, dont hesitate to stay there for a while and get a few skewers of Bien Mai grilled scallops. Foodies can also indulge themselves in a fancier treat such as the freshest mouth watering sea urchins, grilled on the spot or the recently caught abalones. More risk-taking individuals can try the local favorites, fresh crab blood, drink directly from the pincers of a crab. All of this will ensure travellers, no matter who, a worthwhile day and a full and satisfied belly
Photo: onetour.com 

Biking Tours

Want to explore Phu Quoc on your own leisure? Not afraid of a little tan? A bike tour might fit you perfectly. Rent out a bike for cheap and start sketching out your road plan. Give yourself up to a bit of adventure and see what and where google maps lead you as you travel along the coastline, passing through local workshops and markets, and visiting coast to coast. A great way to spend the day, burn the excess calories gained from all the eating the past few days while exploring new locations on the way.

Phu Quoc National Park

Consisting of more than 50% of the total land, the National Park is developed in 2001 as a way to preserve endangered species and fauna. The thick and tall rain forest is probably the only place that one can escape the sunlight. Take in the environment as you slowly walk the 5km trail, where lines and lines of decades-old tree cover your path, and if you travel early, you might see signs of wildlife in the corner of your eye. Though as of 2005, a majority of the national park was closed of for reconstruction, the park is still worth a visit though. Under the rapid growth of resorts, this might be the only place that one can enjoy the untouched Phu Quoc of the past.
Photo: asianopentour.com