Phu Quoc: Vietnam's Maldives, a beautiful and relaxing destination

Phu Quoc, often referred to as Vietnam's Maldives, was selected by as one of the 'must-visit destinations before it becomes too famous.' I made sure to visit it again before it gets even more popular. My impression of Phu Quoc is that the hospitality here feels genuine and understated, unlike the overly polished friendliness often found in major tourist spots. It's not unfriendly, but it avoids being overly accommodating, which I found refreshing. One of the reasons I returned to Phu Quoc is its relatively quiet roads, with fewer cars and motorbikes compared to places like Da Nang or Nha Trang. This makes it feel more pleasant and less crowded. However, this also means that the tourism infrastructure is still somewhat underdeveloped compared to other regions in Vietnam. If you're tired of the hustle and bustle of typical tourist destinations, with honking motorbikes and cars, Phu Quoc might be the perfect place to unwind. As budget travelers, we opted for cost-effective accommodations. Using Trip.com, we stayed at Muong Thanh and Sonaga resorts. Here are some of the places we tried: - VinHolidays Fiesta (walking distance to Grand World) - Muong Thanh Luxury Hotel (recommended with some reservations) - Sonaga Beach Resort (affordable villas, though some facilities are slightly outdated) Phu Quoc is divided into three main areas: North, Central, and South. **Northern Phu Quoc** Key attractions: VinWonders, Safari, Grand World, Starfish Beach, basket boats, etc. Local food spots: - Co Oi (best sweet Bun Cha) - Pho Tam Banh Cuon - Madam Tao - Food Court - Cafe Green (my favorite mango shaved ice) - Miss Saigon **Central and South-Central Phu Quoc** Key attractions: Duong Dong Night Market, King Kong Mart, The Peak (popular among influencers), Sailing Club, Ho Quoc Pagoda, Ice Jungle, Sonasi Night Market, and various restaurants. Local food spots: - Meo Kitchen (my favorite Banh Xeo) - Banh Xeo Co Oi 3 - Tom House - Mister Seafood - Bong BBQ - Chubby Girl - OK Bistro - Ricordo (pizza) - Miss Saigon (Grab delivery available, amazing Banh Mi) **Southern Phu Quoc** Key attractions: Hon Thom Cable Car, Sao Beach, Sunset Town, Bui Festa Night Market, Kiss of the Sea, etc. Local food spots: - Com Gia Dinh - Pho Nuong Seafood & Meat Grill (outdoor dining, some dust) - Banh Xeo Co Oi 2 - Lu Nam Cafe (great for enjoying the Kiss of the Sea performance) - Nhà Hàng Cơm Niêu Việt Xưa - An Thới **Highlights of Northern Phu Quoc** VinWonders, Vietnam's Disney-like theme park, is a must-visit. It includes rides, a water park, and an aquarium, while the Safari requires a separate ticket. Don't miss the 2 PM mermaid show at the aquarium and the 6:45 PM fountain show, "Once Show." For the Safari, I recommend either an early morning visit or a night safari tour. At Grand World, the water taxi (gondola) and Dinh Hoa Show are not to be missed. Unfortunately, we missed the Dinh Hoa Show but plan to catch it next time. The fountain show at Grand World is a highlight you shouldn't skip. To fully enjoy it, search for nearby cafes and restaurants in advance to secure a good spot (note: fireworks are suspended during the rainy season from June to August). **Highlights of Southern Phu Quoc** Sun World Hon Thom Cable Car, the world's longest cable car, includes access to a water park and amusement park. While the shower facilities are somewhat worn, the wave pool and lazy river are perfect for kids. Although the water slides looked thrilling, we were too scared to try them. The wave pool and lazy river alone were enjoyable enough. The rides are said to be fun, but we didn't try them due to fear. Near the locker room, I highly recommend the pizzeria for black beer, pepperoni pizza, and fries. After the Kiss of the Sea performance, the fireworks display is truly spectacular. While there are many more attractions, I've only listed the ones we've personally visited and can vouch for. If you find this guide helpful, please show your love with a heart and thumbs up! ♡