Phu Quoc paradise: Sea cable cars, dreamy sunsets, and white-sand beaches

Beaches to dream about

"Phu Quoc offers everything at once: comfort, adventure, and peace. It's ideal for families, honeymooners, or anyone who wants to pause and breathe in the beauty," says Natalia Yakymenko.

Phu Quoc is known for its beaches, where everyone can find their perfect spot by the sea. The most famous is Bai Sao, or Star Beach, known for its white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. For a family-friendly beach, Khem Beach is ideal with its calm, shallow waters.

Long Beach (Bai Truong) stretches over 20 km and is lined with beach bars, cafes, and golden sunsets.

Ong Lang attracts visitors with its quiet, romantic atmosphere, making it the perfect choice for couples. In the north, near fishing villages, lies Ganh Dau, where you can see authentic Vietnamese life.

Perfect climate for relaxation

It's summer year-round on Phu Quoc Island, with temperatures ranging from 28 to 32°C and the water between 27 and 30°C.

The dry season lasts from November to April. During this period, there is no rain, gentle sunshine, and a warm sea. From May to October, tropical showers appear, but they're short and leave a pleasant freshness in the air.

Phu Quoc is a paradise on Earth (photo: Wikipedia)

The island is washed by the waters of the Gulf of Thailand, so during the season, there are no strong waves or tides. It's safe to swim even with young children, and snorkelers can enjoy excellent visibility. During the off-season, waves get higher, making swimming riskier.

Taste of the sea

Phu Quoc is a paradise for food lovers. Fresh fish, shrimp, crab, and squid go straight from the boat to the plate. Try Vietnamese classics like Pho, Bun Cha, and Banh Mi, bursting with the flavors of lime, cilantro, and ginger.

A must-visit is the Duong Dong night market, where the air fills with the scent of seafood, music, and glowing lanterns. Prices are pleasantly low: a hearty dinner for two costs about $10-15, with generous portions.

Places worth seeing

The island's most famous attraction is the Sun World cable car, the longest in the world, stretching 8 km over the sea. It connects Phu Quoc with Hon Thom Island, home to Paradise Beach, a water park, and restaurants.

In the evening, visit the Kiss of the Sea Show in Sunset Town, an open-air multimedia performance with fire, lights, fireworks, and hits from Queen and ABBA. Tickets cost around $40.

Phu Quoc will pleasantly surprise you (photo: Wikipedia)

For peace and reflection, visit the Ho Quoc Pagoda, carved into a seaside cliff. Watching the sunrise here feels like meditating.

Tourists also enjoy visiting farms that grow black pepper, produce coconut honey, and cultivate pearls. Tastings and shopping are available.

Romance above the clouds

At an altitude of about 700 meters, you'll find The Peak park and restaurant. From here, you can enjoy incredible panoramic views of the island and the flower gardens, Love Bridge, and the Couple Statue. It is a perfect spot for taking pictures and watching the sunset.

For those who enjoy strolling, there's Grand World, or Fake Town, where replicas of Venetian canals, European-style facades, and bridges create the illusion of being in Rome or Verona.

Safari, attractions, and relaxation

VinWonders, Vietnam's largest theme park, features castles, water slides, pirate ships, and laser shows.

Next door is Safari Phu Quoc, the country's first open zoo modeled after African parks. Home to over 150 animal species, from giraffes to lions, visitors can observe them directly from safari buses.

After a busy day, unwind with a relaxing foot massage right on the beach as the waves crash and the sun sets. It is a true local ritual of calm.

Phu Quoc's beaches impress with their cleanliness (photo: Wikipedia)

Practical tips

Grab taxis are cheap and safe. Traffic drives on the right, but renting a car or scooter is not recommended as it can be dangerous. The island is small. The longest transfer takes about 1-1.5 hours.

A local SIM card costs about 20,000 VND, but Wi-Fi is available almost everywhere. Power sockets are standard, so no adapter is needed. The exchange rate is roughly 1 USD = 24,000-25,000 VND.

Most hotels include breakfast. They require a deposit of $50-100 per room or villa, either in cash or as a hold on your card, which is refunded at checkout.

"Phu Quoc strikes a perfect balance. It's exotic yet comfortable, wild yet well-organized for tourists. You can stay in a five-star resort and a minute later enjoy street soup with locals," adds Natalia Yakymenko.

Phu Quoc has everything in one place

This island isn't just about beaches and cocktails. You can see giraffes, find pearls, glide over the sea, swim among fish, and make a wish at a cliffside temple.

Phu Quoc is the Vietnam you'll want to stay in a little longer. It is a warm, welcoming, and harmonious place, perfect for relaxing and rejuvenating your soul.

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