Phu Quoc is blessed with relatively constant temperatures between 24-31 Celcius, with an average daytime temperature of 28 Celcius, making the island an ideal year-round beach playground among top Vietnam destinations. Located in a sub-equatorial climate, Phu Quoc has two distinct seasons: dry and wet. The dry season is between November to April with January and February being the driest months of the year. The best time to visit, the weather in Phu Quoc during the dry season is perfect with sunny, blue skies and the availability of daily land and sea tours including snorkeling and diving with good visibility. Many festivals and events also take place during this time. The dry season corresponds to the High Season for tourism, so hotels in Phu Quoc may get booked out. Advanced booking is recommended. The wet season is between May to October with sometimes heavy rains and high humidity. The main activities affected are snorkeling and diving tours which usually do not operate because of poor water visibility. However, the island is still enjoyable, with many hitting the beaches in the mornings and on sunny days while finding respite in the cooler afternoon temperatures that come with the rains and opting for indoor activities like cooking classes or a long afternoon siesta. Rain or shine, Phu Quoc has many attractions to explore including pearl farms, fish sauce factories, temples and historical sites. Nature lovers will also like that the island takes on a more vibrant green during this time of year, including the national park and famed pepper plantations, and the island’s streams and waterfalls are at their peak. (dth.com) As a bonus, you’re likely to score excellent deals on Phu Quoc accommodation during the wet season.

From iconic rice paddies and cascading mountains to historic towns, frantic cities, national parks, and tropical islands, Vietnam offers peace, vibrancy, and a winning blend of incredible experiences, charming people, heart-stopping scenery, exquisite cuisine, and remarkable hospitality. The cultural and geographical treasures of this captivating country intrigue, inviting travelers to an adventure of a lifetime. If you are planning a trip here or your next family vacation, this guide will give every detail you will ever need right on your plate. When to Visit Vietnam? Those that have been here finally come to terms with the fact that any time is a great time to visit Vietnam! However, it is best to bear in mind the climate variations between the north and the south, especially if you wish to travel the length of the country. Generally speaking, anywhere between October and December is an excellent time to visit the north part of the island as the weather is perfect at that time of the year. If heading south, then prefer the months from November to March. Now, if you want to be part of any festivities that may take place around here, such as the Vietnamese New Year celebration (called TET), which is the biggest open-air party you will ever join, then do come January. In this case, though, book your flight tickets and accommodation in advance as hotels are booked quickly while restaurants, shops, and transport are usually closed for the holiday. Finally, to avoid too much rain and too much heat, better not travel to northern Vietnam from June to August it is scorching hot (around 40oC) with regular downpours on a daily basis. Also, stay away from the southern part of Vietnam between June and July as it is the season with the worst rains. What is the Weather Like in Vietnam? Vietnam is ruled by a tropical monsoon climate that diversifies every region on the island. For example, in southern Vietnam, the weather is hot year-round with rains coming between May and October while central Vietnam is hot and dry from January to August and rainy and warm between September and December. As for northern Vietnam, the weather is humid, hot, and rainy during May and October and dry and cold from November to April. Visa Requirements Depending on where you come from, you may or may not need a visa to enter Vietnam. You do NOT need a visa (and can apply for popular passport type with return tickets) if: You live in a country member of the ASEAN, such as Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand (unless you visit Vietnam for more than 30 days or more than 21 if you are from the Philippines or 14 if you are from Myanmar or 15 if from Brunei). You live in the UK, France, Germany, Italy, or Spain and are planning to stay in Vietnam for less than 15 days. You are a passport holder from Russia, Japan, Korea, or the Scandinavian nations and you are going to stay in Vietnam for less than 15 days. You are a citizen of France or Chile holding an official passport or valid diplomatic papers and will remain in the country for less than 90 days. You are an APEC Business Travel Card holder from APEC member economies and will stay for less than 60 days. Are Vietnamese or foreigner holding valid foreign passport and are entering the country via an international border to travel to Phu Quoc Island (as long as you don’t stay there for more than 15 days). If you don’t belong in any of these categories, then you need to get a Vietnam entry visa before arriving here by visiting the Vietnamese Embassy in your country and providing information about your length of stay, among others. Alternatively, you can apply for an e-visa from https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/ or an invitation letter for a visa using a visa agency and receive your single-entry visa upon arrival after you show the letter, a passport photo, and your passport and pay the stamping fee at the airport. Note: It is a good idea to ensure you get a passport with a 6-month validity (at least). What Languages Are Spoken in Vietnam? Although the official language is, of course, Vietnamese, you may also hear many people (mainly older ones) speak French too (Vietnam was a French colony for many years). English is also widely spoken throughout the country, primarily the more developed and touristy areas. Don’t be surprised if you come across students in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi eager to speak to you to practice their English! Now, if you wish to have a conversation with a local of a rural or remote area, chances are it will be challenging as very few speak English. How to Get Around Vietnam? There are various ways to get from one region to another: Train – The Vietnam railway line will take you from one end of the country to another. You may use the train to go to and from Hanoi, Danang, Hue, Ho Chi Minh City, and Nha Trang. You may also travel north to Lao Cai for Sapa, or east from Hanoi to Haiphong for Halong Bay. If you want to move in luxury, use the Orient Express Trains that ride from Hanoi to Lao Cai. Generally, there are four classes in Vietnam Railways, soft sleepers, hard sleepers, soft seats, and hard seats. Most of the time, trains also have food service and air-condition, and you can book your tickets online, at the station or through your hotel. Internal Flights – You will find several domestic flights going to and from Phu Quoc, Dalat, Hue, Nha Trang, Danang, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hanoi. The average flight time from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi is 2 hours (direct flight). Overall, the cost is meager, and the most popular airlines here are Vietnam Airlines, Air Asia, Vietjet, and Jet Star. Boat – Taking the boat to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Halong Bay will enable you to go past picturesque landscape as you go around the verdant Mekong Delta waterways. Or you can hop on a boat and go swimming or snorkeling at Phu Quoc, the Cham Islands, and Nha Trang, to name a few. Overnight cruises are also very common here. Bus – The bus is the most cost-effective means of transport here. The bus network in Vietnam is quite extensive and you can purchase your tickets online, via your hotel or directly from the bus station. Pick any of the available ticket options, from fancy private tourist tickets to very cheap ones. If you are after extremely posh and comfortable bus rides, choose Mai Linh Express or The Sinh Tourist, as long as you are okay with the loud music and film playing on these buses. As for the most budget-friendly tickets, these belong to Open Tickets’ hop-on-hop-off buses. You can grab those from tour companies. Motorbike – If you are an experienced driver, then do rent a bike. Otherwise, better avoid it as the traffic here can be overwhelming with very few bikers following traffic regulations. The roads are also challenging (most are narrow, dirt roads). To rent a motorcycle, you will need an International Driver’s Permit and insurance. Alternatively, you could co-ride with an experienced tour guide. Are there any Health Concerns to Keep in Mind? Before you travel to any foreign country, it is always advised to have a medical check-up and take out proper insurance. Provided that your routine boosters and vaccinations are all been taken care of on time, including measles-mumps-rubella and diphtheria-tetanus-polio, you will be fine. As an extra precaution, make sure you have also had vaccinations for Typhoid, Tetanus, and Hepatitis A. In the recommended list, one will probably find vaccinations against Japanese Encephalitis, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, and Rabies (if you are going to come into contact or work with animals). Finally, except for some rural areas and southern regions, Malaria is not at all common in Vietnam. What is present in the country, though, is Zika Virus and Dengue Fever so do take precautions to avoid bites (i.e., cover up in the evenings or use repellent, preferably with DEET) and seek medical help if you notice any symptoms, such as aching muscles, nausea, headache, or fever. Vietnam Cuisine Besides heart-stopping vistas and mind-blowing natural beauty, Vietnam is also renowned for its delicious food (see legendary fish sauce and top-quality locally-produced peppers) that surprises pleasantly with its price. The local cuisine is characterised by fresh spring rolls from locally-grown vegetables, meaty soups seasoned like there is no tomorrow, a beef noodle soup the locals call Pho, banana-flower salads, and French-influenced baguettes. If you head to the north, do not leave without having tasted some Bun Cha or a Banh Mi pork sandwich. And, you happen to be somewhere on the coast, ordering some seafood is a prerequisite, whether you are at a sea-side restaurant or a street market. Vietnam Nightlife The most action takes place in the big cities and the beachside towns. Hanoi is very famous for its lager-like draught (a locally-brewed type of beer) among the locals while the bars and clubs in Ho Chi Minh City (the Pham Ngu Lao district) are open until deep in the night. If you fancy a more relaxed nightlife scene, Phu Quoc is ideal. Plenty of beachfront clubs, vibrant nightclubs, restaurants that stay open until very late at night, wine lounges, and cocktail bars with elegant interiors will tick your boxes for a fun and laid back time out. If you are lucky, you may bump to a full-moon party or join the thrill of a sports event that becomes everybody’s business here! Or you could go straight to Duong Dong and buy some souvenirs and/or sample authentic local dishes at the Dinh Cau Night Market. Main Highlights in Vietnam The bustling capital of the country is Hanoi and like every other town of Northern Vietnam, it mesmerises with its French colonial architecture. Escape to Hoan Kiem Lake and watch the sun vanish behind the horizon (or do morning Yoga) or stroll the intricate streets of the Old Quarter. Also: Traveling east will introduce you to the unique karst limestone landscape followed by the enchanting waters of Halong Bay. As you move further north towards the border with Laos and China, you have rolling hills, lush valleys, imposing waterfalls, and beautiful rice terraces waiting for you around the town of Sapa. Travelers to the central coast can expect pristine beaches with crystal clear waters and the charming town of Hoi An with its tree-lined streets and the fine shopping scene. Follow the Perfume River as you move closer to inland, and it will lead you to the Imperial City, the former imperial capital of Hue, and the impressive Thien Mu Pagoda. The coastal city of Nha Trang awaits further south, ready to accommodate your needs for a relaxing time. Offering great scuba diving, gorgeous sandy beaches, and an underwater world so enchanting; it will be hard to part. Saigon, the largest city of Southern Vietnam, will greet you with historical landmarks and not only. Not long after driving south, your eyes will land on the scenic Mekong Delta that the locals also call the rice bowl of Vietnam! Unsurpassable beauty and allure as you watch the floating markets. Only a short flight separates you from the unbelievably romantic and idyllic beaches and landscapes of Phu Quoc Island overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. Accommodation in Vietnam Vietnam hosts a wide range of accommodation. You can find luxury hotels and chic resorts in the more central areas or on the coast offering accommodation at its finest. Others comprise an exceptional base from which to explore the most notable attractions and landmarks, including UNESCO World Heritage towns and sights. There are also options that provide further tranquillity along the coast or on the island of Phu Quoc, as well as lodgings cut to please those that wish for beachside retreats and bare-foot luxury, and stylish boutique hotels. Finally, some properties combine all that, such as La Veranda in Phu Quoc island that thrills with its colonial style and affluence. As for those into budget holidays, lodges and guesthouses are in abundance in Vietnam enabling them to explore the less-touristy regions and enjoy spellbinding views on the cheap. Unique Must-Try Activities in Vietnam When you are in Vietnam, you normally want to explore the gorgeous beaches and dive in the refreshing waters of the ocean. But, what if you wanted to get a different taste of what is available here? Here is a list of things that you could consider: Journey like a local on the back of a Vespa. Learn to fish like Vietnamese do. Ride a buffalo cart through the central coast countryside. Have morning Tai Chi. Meet a Feng Shui master. Trek from Sapa to Ta Giang Phinh. Learn about the likes of Bahn tom and Cha Ca (deep-fried shrimp cakes and sautéed white fish respectively). Attend a night market. Drink tea at Hue city. Dine in a romantic cave. Go shopping at a floating market. Join a local festival. Vietnam is a blossoming flower, with many pedals that captivate and dazzle with their aromas and unique beauty. Grab this opportunity and see where this adventure will take you!

Phu Quoc Island is a dream destination that enchants with its stunning white-sand beaches, beautiful shores, crystal waters, historical sites that stood the test of time, charming fishing villages, impressive Buddhist shrines, and a UNESCO-listed national park, among many others. In fact, Phu Quoc is the place that can please all tastes and requirements, whether you are into exploring, camping, bird watching, hiking, and living life as an endless adventure, VIP experiences that include staying at high-end resorts and eating at award-winning dining venues, or more laid-back, relaxed, and tranquil experiences away from the craziness of the modern, and often hurried, lifestyle. If you are planning a trip to this secret paradise island nestled in the Gulf of Thailand, here are some attractions that definitely worth a place in your wish list. Bai Sao Beach Despite its small size, Phu Quoc has an incredibly large number of fantastic beaches; some catering to the needs of those looking for seclusion and some time away from the crowds and others in the pulsing heart of the island, offering modern conveniences and sharing a party feel. The biggest beach is the palm tree-lined Long Beach (aka Bai Truong) on the south-eastern side (stretching over 20km), which is where you will find the majority of beachfront restaurants, swanky resorts, bars, and cafes with mind-blowing sunset views. However, the east coast has a gem called Bai Sao, which is possibly the most heavenly beach human eyes have ever seen, providing cinematic landscapes. With sugary white sand, crystalline turquoise waters, and an Instagram-perfect tropical scenery, it certainly deserves a visit. And, while there, why not take a snorkelling trip to the neighbouring beaches and islands of Phu Quoc? Rumours say that Fingernail Island on the south of Phu Quoc in the An Thoi Archipelago is a wonderful speck in the sea that looks as if it has jumped out of a fairy tale. Other shores worth checking out are Vung Bau, Bai Dai, Bai Thom, Ong Lang, and Ganh Dau beaches. See which one steals your heart! Cao Dai Temple Cao Dai temple stands out from the other Phu Quoc temples not only due to its bright technicolour exterior but also for the fact that it is home to a wide array of religious symbols and relics, ranging from Islamic crescent moons and Christian crosses to Buddhist statues and swastikas, alongside several patron saints and figures of prominent people from around the world, including French poet Victor Hugo and Chinese president Sun Yat-Sen. If you want to attend a worshipping ceremony, you can visit the shrine between 6am and 12pm from Monday to Friday. The temple is open every day while a dress code should be followed when visiting any shrine in Vietnam (no bare shoulders or wearing shorts when inside the temples or other religious sites). About Cao Daism: It is a monotheistic religion founded in the early 1900s that combines Buddhism, Judaism, Taoism, Hinduism, Confucianism, Islam, Zoroastrianism, and Christianity. The central idea is that people may choose to follow whichever religion they feel best pleases their soul, but everybody shares one true God. The religion is practiced by more than two million people, which is why you will see many Cao Daism shrines located across Phu Quoc, with the most popular one being found along Nguyen Trai Street – a fine sample of the architectural style used to build the glorious Cao Dai temple in Ho Chi Minh city. Cau Temple Also referred to as Dinh Cau Rock, Cau Temple was built in 1937 to honour the goddess of the sea (Thien Hau), who was believed to protect the fishermen when they were out in the open sea. Even today, you will notice locals praying to her before setting out for the catch of the day (or the week). The temple itself is also interesting, as it is the outcome of a strange-looking natural formation in the island, featuring a Buddhist shrine and a quaint lighthouse in attractive, bright colours. If you are willing to climb the winding stone steps to the rooftop terrace, you will be rewarded with heart-pleasing panoramas and seascapes. The temple is open every day from 7am to 6pm (no entrance fee). Note: Although generally quiet, the temple becomes a bit crowded during the Dinh Cau Festival that takes place on October 15 and ends the next day, and the New Year (Tet festivities), when locals burn joss sticks at the goddess’ altar and pray. Duong Dong Market If you are close to Cau Temple, then you can treat your palate with delicious seafood at the Dinh Cau Night Market (open from 5pm to 10pm), which is less than a kilometre away. The Vo Thi Sau roadas is closed for traffic in the evenings, allowing visitors and locals alike to stroll around it, dine, shop, see fishermen drop off freshly-caught shellfish, barracuda, mackerel, and many more fish species at Duong Dong Port, and taste the fish sauce Phu Quoc Island is so famous for. However, the largest and busiest outdoor market with a strong local flavour and a plethora of fresh produce is the Duong Dong Market. Being a spectacle in itself, the market is divided into two sections, one hosting the food stalls serving Vietnamese dishes and fruit juices and another with the souvenirs and clothes shops. You may grab some seafood, add veggies or rice and savour a mouth-watering dining experience while watching people go by. Some must-try dishes include raw herring salad and the sticky rice cake the Vietnamese call Banh Tet! Ham Ninh Fishing Village A picturesque, quiet village tucked on the east coast of Phu Quoc (about a 30-minute drive from Duong Dong Town) with friendly locals selling pearls that they themselves have collected from the island’s waters and offering traditional Vietnamese tastes, including sea cucumber soup, boiled flower crab, and tram mushroom at affordable prices. Not far from this quaint little village is the Bai Vong Port, one of the largest ports for cargo ships coming from mainland Vietnam on the island, which offers idyllic sunset views and breath-taking vistas of the Ham Ninh Mountain range and the fetching coastline with the shallow waters and expansive beaches. Note: If you wish to spend some time by the beach, it is recommended to walk a bit further from the Ham Ninh coastline because, at times, the shores there get polluted with rubbish from the Ham Ninh village. Phu Quoc National Park Occupying more than 50% of the island’s northern region (over 314,000sq.m), the Phu Quoc National Park is a primary pole of attraction for tourists seeking an adventure that excites with its supercharged splendour. Although most of the park is not open to the public (protected for research purposes), the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (declared in 2010) offers a plethora of outdoor activities, such as hiking, trekking, camping, and bird-watching, unique fauna and flora (i.e., long-tailed macaques), and evergreen forests, if you just head to the Khu Rung Nguyen Sinh Forest Reserve or Mount Heaven; both located in the National Park. Note: Getting there could be challenging due to the bumpy roads leading to Ganh Dau Village (close to the National Park). For that reason, it is suggested to avoid renting a motorcycle unless you are comfortable riding dirt roads. The best option to reach the reserve is by booking a day tour. Sung Hung Pagoda Scattered across the island, pagodas offer valuable insights into Buddhism. Surrounded by tall trees and sitting amidst a serene location along Tran Hung Dao Street (Duong Dong Town), Sung Hung Pagoda is one of the most arresting ones in Phu Quoc. Built in the early 10th century, it comprises of two shrines. Formerly known as Hung Nhan and Sung Nghia Pagodas, Sung Hung got its new name in the early 1900s and is a place of worship for devotees that want to pray for the departed ones. The moment you step foot in it, you are instantly overwhelmed by a welcoming, peaceful sensation. As you explore the place in awe, you go passed Bodhi trees, numerous sculptures, a sanctum house, a lotus pond featuring a statue of the Goddess of Mercy, and red boards with inscribed writing, before you enter the majestic main prayer hall that houses several Buddha statues, alongside intricate paintings of Buddhist legends and mythical creatures. The pagoda is open to the public (no entrance fees) daily and maintains most of its original architecture despite the major restorations it has undergone over the years. Note: Another equally noteworthy pagoda is that of Su Muon (aka Chua Su Moun and Long Tu Pagoda), one of the oldest Buddhist shrines on Phu Quoc sitting on the eastern side of Duong Dong Town (4km). It was built in 1932 by a local monk and houses golden statues of Buddha, colourful relics, and painted rock formations. The surrounding scenery is home to a 300-year-old Kenia tree and lush greenery. Do reach the balcony area to take in the spellbinding views of Hamn Ninh Mountain and Phu Quoc shores. Phu Quoc Prison Museum (aka Coconut Tree Prison) Vietnam suffered many blows throughout its history. During the Vietnam War, thousands of people were imprisoned and tormented, and this prison now turned into a war museum and national historical site is the reminder of those dark times distinguished by disgusting acts of violence. Built by French colonists in 1949, Coconut Tree Prison is believed to have been the captivity and torture place of more than 400,000 Vietnamese soldiers, as well as everybody going against the American and French forces. It was not until the end of the Indochina War when the prisoners were released, facing serious mental and physical problems due to the ruthless and brutal tortures they had endured while they were incarcerated, including electrocution, food deprivation, and detention in the tiger cages (seclusion in total darkness and subjected to the elements for a long period of time). Visiting the museum will give you the chance to view photographs of former prisoners, authentic torture instruments, life-sized wax mannequins illustrating graphic torture scenes, and the row of tiger cages, among others. This iconic landmark is a 45-minute drive from Duong Dong (near An Thoi village in the south of the island) and is open to the public (entrance fee required – VND 3,000) from 7:30 am to 11am and from 1:30pm to 5:00 pm. In the roundabouts, you can also find a retail outlet selling books about the Vietnamese War, local snacks, and more. Suoi Thanh Waterfall Phu Quoc has two large waterfalls, and Suoi Thanh is one of them (4 metres tall). Whether you visit it during the off-season or between May and September (rainy season), when it has the most water, it will undoubtedly please your soul. Besides the natural beauty all around the waterfall (surrounded by natural caves and dense greenery), there are also several natural pools whose waters the locals find refreshing and a few smaller waterfalls that also provide nice opportunities for short getaways (even a great spot for recreational activities, such as picnics and camping trips). Now, if you feel adventurous, you could consider hiking further up from the waterfall and head to Hang Doi (200 metres high). Simply follow the 15-kilometre stream and pamper yourself with not only superb panoramas once you get to the top but also a unique set of stalactites housed there! Getting to the Suoi Thanh waterfall is a short drive from Duong Dong to Ham Ninh (around 7km) while the entrance fee is set at VND 5,000/person. Once you pay the fee, a well wooden path leads you through the jungle straight to the waterfall within 10-15 minutes. Note: The attraction is quite busy at the weekends so if you want a less crowded experience, do visit it on a weekday. If you go by car, you can leave it in the designated parking area in front of the waterfall, which comes with a VND 10,000 parking fee. Vinpearl Land Amusement Park A water park and primary entertainment hub for those visiting or living in Phu Quoc island offering great family fun. Vinpearl features a dazzling aquarium, arcade centres (both indoor and outdoor) with over 120 arcades, a shopping street, amazing displays of water acrobatics, music, and light, and, of course, a massive section that combines amusement rides, kids’ zones, a manmade beach, a family area, mermaid shows, and traditional dances, to name just a few. Those with a daring heart can try the Spiral, Giant Boomerang, or Tornado water slides and free-fall from more than 120 metres! And, if you get hungry, you will find foods from the likes of Asian and European cuisine, including traditional Vietnamese dishes, as well as fast food kiosks scattered all over the place. The park is open from 9am to 9:30pm and tickets cost VND 500,000 for adults and VND 400,000 for seniors over 60 years of age and children below 1.4 metres (and above 1metre) in height. More Local Attractions Worth Seeing: Ganh Dau Cape – Situated at the north-western tip of the island, the rocky formation gives way to stupendous vistas of the ocean and Cambodia if you climb a bit higher. Nguyen Trung Truc – A beautiful temple located in the Ganh Dau village that was constructed to honour the heroes that served their nation and country. Hot Mot Island – Occupying a small portion of the northwest of Phu Quoc, it is an excellent place for snorkelling (the sea there is full of corals and fish). A small bridge connects it with the island and is found near Bai Thom village. Pepper farms – Equally famous with the Phu Quoc fish sauce is the pepper here, which is absolutely top quality. The majority of black, white and exotic pepper farms on the island are along the road leading to the north. How about having a guided tour of one to familiarise yourself with the entire process in detail? Coi Nguon Museum – You will come across the 4-storey museum near Long Beach. It features a lovely rooftop offering sweeping views of Duong Dong and the coastline, as well as artefacts, paintings, and other works of art from as far as the 1400s that show the history of the island. It also has a resort, gift shop, and restaurant. Cable Car – It is not an attraction per se but does enable you to have a bird’s eye view of the regions between An Thoi Town and Hom Thom Island. Phu Quoc is a hidden underpopulated bliss island ready to reveal its allure and appeal to those in search of unique travel experiences infused with a local flair. With everything from evergreen forests, crisp clean ocean air, floating restaurants, idyllic beaches, romantic sunsets, and a UNESCO-listed national park to funky bars, luxurious resorts, expansive natural parks, traditional villages, Buddhist pagodas, and a vibrant dining scene becoming readily available as soon as you arrive, you will be definitely spoilt for choice.