Phu Quoc National Park: Exploring the Tropical Jungle
🌼 Preparations Before Departure
Phu Quoc National Park has lush vegetation and many mosquitoes, so I prepared mosquito repellent in advance to avoid being bitten while playing. I chose lightweight and non-slip sneakers for easy walking on forest trails. Considering the large area of the park and the long playing time, I brought plenty of drinking water and some energy-boosting snacks, such as chocolate and nuts. In addition, sun protection products such as sunscreen and sun hats are essential, as the outdoor sun is strong. Of course, there's also a camera, ready to capture the wonderful moments in the park.
🚗 Transportation
I departed from my accommodation and chose to take a local tuk-tuk to the national park. Sitting on the tuk-tuk, I could feel the local atmosphere of the island along the way, and by simply communicating with the driver, I could also learn some interesting local stories. If you are traveling with a large group, you can also choose to charter a car, which is more comfortable and free, allowing you to stop and take pictures at scenic spots along the way.
🌳 Entering the Park
As soon as I walked into Phu Quoc National Park, it was like entering a green world. Tall trees shaded the sky, and sunlight streamed through the gaps in the leaves, forming patches of light. The fresh air was filled with the fragrance of earth and plants, making people feel refreshed. The sounds of birds singing and insects chirping filled the air, interweaving into a beautiful natural symphony.
🌲 Activities
1. Hiking the Rainforest Trails
I chose a moderately difficult hiking trail to go deeper into the park. Along the way, the soil under my feet was soft and elastic, and the surrounding trees were of various shapes. Some tree trunks were so thick that it would take several people to hug them, while others had winding branches, as if showing people the years they had gone through. I also saw many peculiar plants, such as giant ferns with leaves like green fans, and some vines entwined around tree trunks, as if telling their stories. As I walked, I encountered some small waterfalls, where clear water flowed down the rocks, splashing white spray. I couldn't help but reach out and touch the cool stream, instantly dispelling the fatigue of the hike.
2. Birdwatching Tour
Phu Quoc National Park is home to many birds. I joined a birdwatching group and followed an experienced guide to look for various birds. The guide was very knowledgeable about birds and could accurately identify the species based on their calls. We saw a colorful woodpecker pecking at a tree trunk with its sharp beak, and a long-tailed peacock pheasant carefully shuttling through the forest, its feathers shimmering in the sunlight. The birdwatching process was like a treasure hunt, and every new bird discovered was exciting.
3. Visiting the Butterfly Garden
The butterfly garden in the park is a dreamy place. As soon as I walked into the butterfly garden, countless butterflies danced around me. Their wings were brightly colored and patterned, some like beautiful flowers, others like mysterious eyes. I stood there quietly, feeling the butterflies flutter past me, as if I were in a fairy tale world. There is also a special science popularization area in the butterfly garden, which introduces the growth process and living habits of butterflies, giving me a deeper understanding of these beautiful creatures.
🍱 Food in the Park
After playing for a morning, I was starving. There are some small stalls in the park's rest area offering local specialties. I tried a Vietnamese baguette sandwich, a crispy golden baguette filled with tender grilled meat, fresh vegetables, and a special sauce, which was rich and delicious. I also had a fresh coconut juice, which was sweet and thirst-quenching, instantly replenishing my water and energy.
💡 Travel Tips
Be sure to follow the designated routes when hiking to avoid getting lost or encountering danger.
Keep quiet when birdwatching and avoid making loud noises to avoid disturbing the birds.
Try not to use flash when taking pictures in the butterfly garden to avoid harming the butterflies.
The signal in the park may not be very good, so download offline maps in advance or inform others of your itinerary.
Phu Quoc National Park is like a huge natural treasure trove, full of endless surprises and mysteries. Here, I had close contact with nature and felt its magic and beauty. If you also like to explore nature, don't miss this place!💕