Longing for an island holiday? Have you heard of the latest IT destination, Phu Quoc?
Where exactly is Phu Quoc though? This ‘Pearl of Vietnam’ is located on the edge of the country’s southwest region, close to Cambodia’s southern shores. It is roughly the size of Singapore but with way less fancy financial buildings but more upscale resorts. As with most beach destinations, the main attractions here are of course the golden sand and glistening waters, but there’s more to this island than that. Come for the beach, stay for the sunsets. Vacation is calling!
Best part is, Phu Quoc is located just an hour and a half away by plane from Kuala Lumpur, which makes it a perfect destination if you’re looking for a fuss-free trip. And AirAsia offers daily flights so there’s no better time than now to visit this beautiful island!
Ready to plan your travels? Check out this Phu Quoc itinerary.
DAY 1: Hello, Welcome to Phu Quoc!
Afternoon:
If you’re flying to Phu Quoc from Kuala Lumpur via AirAsia, you’d be arriving here at some time around 1pm, which is awesome because that means not a whole day is wasted on travelling. After checking in, fill yourself up with hearty lunch to start this vacation right. Depending on where you stay, you can opt to eat at the hotel or find a nearby restaurant.
After lunch, it’s time to kick back and relax! After all, you’ve only just arrived on this island today. Make use of the hotel swimming pool, or bring a beach towel and have a nap on the beach.
Sunsets in Phu Quoc are daily phenomenal affairs, so make sure you don’t miss them by falling asleep by the pool lounge! Any beach on the western stretch offers stunning viewpoints but if you want something artsy to add to your holiday Instagram feed, head over to Sanato Beach Club. Here, you will find many cool installations that make for interesting photos.
Night:
Feeling hungry already? Make your way to Long Beach, one of the liveliest areas in Phu Quoc. Take your pick from the variety of restaurants lining up the stretch. There are western and local fares but what’s recommended here is the seafood, like fresh oysters, juicy king prawns, succulent lobsters and more!
DAY 2: Explore Phu Quoc’s Must-Visit Attractions
Morning:
After breakfast at the hotel, let’s head out for some fun and adventure around the island. Mornings are best spent at the beach, and Sao Beach is calling for you! Located on the south side of Phu Quoc, the beach here is known for its powdery-soft sand and crystal clear waters – just the right recipe for total relaxation.
Did you know Phu Quoc is well-known for its pepper? They are said to be one of the best varieties of peppers around Southeast Asia. To learn more about his, pay a visit to Pepper Farm Phu Quoc where not only can you walk through tall peppercorn vines around the farm, but also bring home top quality pepper as souvenirs or to cook up a heavenly meal.
Another cool attraction you can visit next is the Ngoc Hien Pearl Farm. Join the free guided tours to get to know the process behind pearl cultivation and see the intricate carvings done on giant clam shells. This is also a good place to pick up a stunning pearl bracelet for yourself or your loved ones.
Afternoon:
After lunch, head over to Vinpearl Safari, which is not only the biggest zoo in Vietnam but also one of the best in Southeast Asia. There’s a petting zoo for kids, a section for primates, as well as the regular zoo section. But the best part here is the safari, where tigers, giraffes and rhinoceroses roam freely within safari perimeters while humans are transported through the area by bus.
Still pumped with energy after meeting the animals? Then don’t miss out on all the fun at Vinpearl Land! Expect the usual theme park rides like roller coasters, merry-go-rounds, bumper cars and ferris wheels. There is also a huge water park within, so don’t forget to bring extra clothes as it’s very easy to get lost in the revelry of fun here.
Evening:
Sit back, order a refreshing cocktail and enjoy the sunset at the beach of your choice.
Night:
For a taste of local cuisine, the Phu Quoc Night Market is a must-visit. Like everywhere else on the island, seafood is the main star here but instead of the usual grill, there is a variety of cooking styles. The night market is also a good place to pick up souvenirs that won’t make your wallet cry. Cap off the night with a bowl of coconut ice-cream before heading back to your hotel.
DAY 3: Last Frolic Before the Flight Back
Morning:
Aww is it the last day of your holiday already? Don’t be sad because you still have a whole morning before your AirAsia flight! Start the day with some good Vietnamese drip coffee, and enjoy the last few hours of vacation with fun and frolic at the beach. Take a dip in the ocean, go snorkelling or simply soak in the atmosphere.
Afternoon:
Head to Phu Quoc International Airport at least two to four hours before your scheduled flight. Time for a safe trip home, buoyed by fun memories of your holiday in Phu Quoc!
GETTING THERE: AirAsia has daily flights to Phu Quoc from Kuala Lumpur. Get low fares and the best travel deals now via airasia.com.