"Phu Quoc - go as soon as you can" Top 5 Page for this destination Phu Quoc by Stepwalk

Phu Quoc Travel Guide: 108 reviews and 233 photos

First impressions

Arriving in Phu Quoc on a flight from Ho Chi Minh City my wife and I found an island paradise like Bali was 50 years ago! Very few tourists, no English spoken, friendly locals whose culture has not been diluted, ridiculously cheap, and pristine in most areas despite some rubbish issues typical of much of Asia. In the week we were there we saw 2 other western couples at our resort and perhaps a handful wandering the markets and other sites. We happened to be there in just about the only wet month they have but it didn’t really spoil it for us.

All in all Phu Quoc is a wonderful place but I worry that unbridled tourism will tarnish it. Go before its too late, I know it has already changed quite a bit since we went in late 2005.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Beautiful, untouched, cheap
Cons:None but fear future development
In a nutshell:Natural beauty, friendly people, quiet getaway.

Last visit to Phu Quoc: Oct 2005
Intro Updated Oct 30, 2009
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Reviews (4)

Markets Things to Do (2)

Duong Dong markets were typical of genuine local Vietnamese markets. There was a fresh seafood section, fruits and... more travel advice

Beaches Things to Do (2)

Bai Sao beach was heaven on earth with virtually no-one there and just a single local shed serving quick bites and cold... more travel advice

Seaside Resort Hotels (1)

We stayed at Saigon Phu Quoc Resort right on the beach in a clean, air-conditioned room with a balcony. This resort... more travel advice

Fresh seafood everywhere you look Restaurants (1)

Apart from a seafood barbecue buffet one evening at the resort (whole fish, crabs, lobster, shellfish, squid, and... more travel advice

Comments (3)

Durfun Nov 23, 2010 at 12:47 PM Report Abuse

Hey, You seem to be an authority on how places change, esp if you've seen Bali 50 years ago! In that case Phu Q deserves a look-in ;-) Any pics/videos of a live fish being cooked for you??
Greggor58 Nov 7, 2009 at 3:13 PM Report Abuse

Is it really this quiet..Seems Im following in Betts footsteps..Im looking forward to my five days here in January...Your photos make it look like a whole lot of Peace and Quiet..Looks like a great place to nap!!
betska Nov 5, 2009 at 1:17 AM Report Abuse

Thanks for the tips, Steve! this place does still look like paradise-can't wait-3 weeks,3 days....!!! cheers betts,xx