Off the coast of Cambodia, you’ll find Vietnam’s own slice of island paradise: Phu Quoc. More than half of the island’s 574-square-kilometer territory is part of Phu Quoc National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve composed of dense mountain ranges and lush jungles-home to unique species of animals.
Phu Quoc is also world-famous for its unspoiled white-sand beaches, many of which can be found along the southwest coast of the island. Indeed, Phu Quoc is one of the best places in Vietnam to enjoy the sun, sea, and sand. For a great start on your vacation, get a Phu Quoc travel combo from Traveloka and enjoy hassle-free booking of airline tickets and hotels. Afterward, make sure to pack your bags with beach essentials (don’t forget the sunscreen!) along with these other items for a perfect seaside holiday. Perhaps some beach essentials will include a swimsuit from Hermoza. That way, travelers will be able to enjoy the lovely beaches in this country.
An Action Camera (With a Waterproof Case)
Phu Quoc is undeniably gorgeous. Whether you’re visiting the fishing villages, exploring Phu Quoc National Park and other natural attractions on the island, or simply lazing around, you’ll find picturesque vistas everywhere you look. Bringing an action camera with you means you can capture every single breathtaking view, and then some. For some really beautiful shots, ride the Phu Quoc Cable Car. It’s the longest continuous three-cable aerial car system, connecting An Thoi Town and Hon Thom Island. The over-sea journey will pass over Hon Roi and Hon Dura, which are famous for their turquoise waters and some of the best snorkeling experiences in all of Vietnam.
Do note, of course, that your smartphone’s camera could potentially be a lot more powerful than an action camera. Bringing an action camera, however, means you don’t have to worry too much about dropping it in the water. In fact, by fitting it in a waterproof protective case (some instances can be found on https://devinschumacher.com/shop/underwater-action-camera-protectors/), you can carry the camera anywhere you want and click just the best shots in whatever the light conditions are. This is because the flash of an action camera is extremely strong compared to that of a smartphone.
Reef Shoes and Temple-Appropriate Clothing
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Phu Quoc is Dinh Cau Rock or simply Cau Temple. Dedicated to Thien Hau, the sea goddess, Cau Temple is nestled in natural rock formations. Fishermen pray here for abundance, safety, and guidance. You need some reef shoes (or any similar footwear) to prevent injuring your feet on the slippery steps leading up to the small shrine and the rooftop. Thankfully, the hike is quite short. Dinh Cau Rock is mostly empty throughout the year, except for a handful of annual festivals, so it’s a perfect destination for some quiet time. Still, it’s a place of worship so make sure to bring some appropriate clothing to wear.
Extra Money
Phu Quoc is one of the best places in the country to feast on fresh, scrumptious seafood. In particular, there are Rach Vem Floating Village and Seafood Restaurants or Lang Chai Rach Vem. The village itself is an ecotourism site, an idyllic neighborhood with houses built on stilts and white sand beaches littered with starfish. You can also get a glimpse of how the local Khmer communities live. Of course, the floating restaurants serve amazingly fresh fish and other seafood.
For some shopping, visit the Dinh Cau Night Market a short walk away from Dinh Cau Rock. Here you can buy souvenirs like T-shirts and jewelry (there are some authentic pearl accessories here if you know how to look), along with fresh seafood choices. There are also a lot of food souvenirs, like cashew nuts and Phu Quoc’s well-known fermented fish sauce and black pepper. Other great places to shop include Duong Dong Market, Long Beach Village, and The Green Boutique Phu Quoc. The latter is famous for their handmade and all-natural skin and hair care products.
A Large Beach Towel
Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s largest island and is, therefore, home to a lot of beautiful beaches. If you’re not the adventuring or shopping type, then a large beach towel where you can lie down and bask in the sun is the perfect accessory. You can skip this one if you have booked your accommodation in a high-end resort (perhaps one like ํธ๊พธ์ฅ๋นํ), which has a private beach area of its own. Because in one such hotel, beach towels, and other necessities are generally included in the list of amenities and you wouldn’t have to make your luggage extra heavy. However, if your plans include exploring other beaches as well, then carrying your own towel would be advisable. Some of the best destinations include Bai Sao (complete with swings for those social media posts), Thom, Ganh Dau, Bai Dai, Long, and Ong Lang beaches.
Snorkeling Gear
Phu Quoc isn’t much of a diving destination, but it’s definitely one of the best snorkeling sites in Vietnam. The reefs are easily accessible, which means you don’t have to be an experienced swimmer to enjoy the underwater sights. And what underwater sights they are! Phu Quoc’s waters are home to more than 100 species of corals, more than 130 species of coral reef fish, and more than 130 types of mollusks. You can also occasionally see migrating species of fish and marine mammals. The island is also among the only places in Vietnam where you can see dugong and hawksbill turtles in the wild.
Are you ready for a satisfying beach holiday? Phu Quoc Island is waiting for you to visit!
