Phu Quoc has often been called a ‘paradise island’ and when you arrive there, it’s not hard to see why people refer to it as that. Phu Quoc is situated outside of Ho Chi Minh City and close to the border of Cambodia. It’s the largest island in Vietnam  where you can find white sand beaches and crystal clear water. A few years ago, this tropical island was still undiscovered, but these days, you can find plenty of luxurious resorts and hotels. It has now become one of Vietnam’s most popular destinations.

How to get there

The fastest way to get to Phu Quoc is to fly. There are daily flights departing from Ho Chi Minh City and if you book in good time, you might find some really good deals. The other way is to first get a bus to either Ha Tien or Rach Gia, and from there continue your journey with the ferry. It’s the cheaper option, but it takes much longer. Depending on how much time you have and how big your budget is, the flight is the more comfortable and quick option.

Where to stay in Phu Quoc

If you’re backpacking or traveling solo, there’s some very good hostels on the island. One of the most outstanding hostels is 9 Station Hostel. It’s a very affordable, social and spacious hostel. But if it’s luxury you’re looking for, why not stay at the 5 star boutique resort Salinda Resort Phu Quoc. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a romantic sunset and the island’s natural environment.

How to get around

The best way to get around in Phu Quoc is by renting a motorbike. Not only is it very affordable (about 150,000 dong per day), the roads are also well maintained and very easy to ride around in. You can also take a taxi to wherever you want to go, but with the motorbike, you can stop wherever you want to and enjoy the beautiful views.

The 3 best beaches of Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc is home to a number of incredible beaches, but three of them particularly stands out in the crowd. Whether you like bigger beaches with all the amenities such as restaurants and bars, or you prefer the more secluded and private ones, you’ll find them here in Phu Quoc. The three best beaches are:

1. Starfish Beach

Imagine being on a white sand beach filled with beautiful, colorful starfishes. Well, you can get it here on Starfish Beach, in the north of Phu Quoc. The beach tends to be a bit crowded, but not overly. They also have a few spots where you can grab a bite to eat. But it’s for the beach that you should come here. Although the starfishes are very tempting to touch, the best thing is to just admire them and not disturb marine life.

2. Sao Beach

The most popular beach in Phu Quoc is arguably Sao Beach, with its long stretches of white sand beach and palm trees. This beach is incredibly beautiful, although a bit crowded. There’s plenty of resorts here as well, so if you’re not staying in one of the resorts, you must go to the public beach which is the one farthest away.

3. Vung Bau Beach

One of the few secret spots left in Phu Quoc, it’s a haven for those who seek privacy. There is a resort close to the beach, but you still have to either walk or take a motorbike from there to get to the beach, so it’s a bit less crowded because it’s not as easily accessible as the other beaches. The sand here is smooth, the water is very calm and there’s palm trees as far as the eye can see. It’s truly one of Phu Quoc most mesmerizing beaches, but there are no amenities here, so make sure to pack whatever you need before you go here. Also, please be respectful to nature and bring all of your trash with you.

When you’re traveling to Vietnam, remember that you need a Vietnam visa so you can enter the country. There are three options for you: Visa on Arrival, E-Visa or go to your nearest Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate and apply with them. The two first options are the most popular ways to get a visa because you apply online. You can do it from wherever you are in the world, all you need is your computer and internet to fill out the online form. Once the application has been sent in and approved, you need to print out the visa and present it to the immigration officers when you get to Vietnam.