How Celebrity Chefs Shape the Fine Dining Scene in Phú Quốc

Contact us With miles and miles of pristine beach, a laid-back fishing village vibe and easy accessibility to the mainland via ferry or a short one-hour flight from Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc makes for the ideal destination wedding. For the boutique wedding of your dreams, look no further than the intimate La Veranda Resort Phu Quoc. Named ‘Asia’s Best’ Luxury Romantic Beach Resort by The World Luxury Hotel Awards, La Veranda’s perfect mix of warm Asian hospitality, international-standard 5-star service and spectacular backdrops makes it the ultimate destination wedding venue. From barefoot beach ceremonies to classic cocktail receptions to inspired theme weddings, romance rules at La Veranda. Our crack staff of wedding planners, designers, chefs and servers are ready to turn your special day into a truly unforgettable one, hosting up to 60 of your closest friends and family. Barefoot Chic The resort’s private stretch of wide, sandy beach can be transformed into the perfect backdrop for a barefoot ceremony. Imagine reciting your vows under a gorgeous canopy with the sun, sand and sea as witnesses to your most special of days. Classic Cocktails Our Indochine-chic lounge with its vintage-inspired tiles and plantation-style doors opens out onto the beautifully manicured lawn to create an intimate indoor / outdoor space for your guests to mingle before and after the ceremony. Whether it’s cocktails under the star accompanied by soft ocean breezes rustling through the palm trees, or a full sit-down meal served on the beach, the lawn, or at The Peppertree, La Veranda’s own fine dining restaurant, your reception will be as memorable to your guests as it is to you. Sumptuous Theme Weddings Choose from an Exotic Vietnamese Wedding, complete with dancing dragons, blessings by a monk, and flowing silk tunics or a Tropical White Wedding theme where our gardens burst with sprays of all-white blooms, soft lanterns sway overhead and two become one under a bamboo arch draped in dreamy white linen. Imagine your wedding ceremony in a romantic paradise of Phu Quoc with a stunning sunset as the backdrop and gorgeous land-and-sea natural settings. All can be realized in La Veranda Resort Phu Quoc. There are two common themes on offer for boutique weddings: Chinese theme and beach theme. Chinese theme With splendid, boasting, delicious food and vibrant colors, Chinese weddings hold a special cultural status. Originated from millennial traditions, Chinese weddings carry a strong emotional connection to a myriad of brides and grooms who have come before, which is the reason why a Chinese traditionally-styled wedding is so special. In true Asian fashion, Chinese weddings feature meticulous customs and involve an array of deeply meaningful wedding rituals including the traditional Tea Ceremony, in which newlyweds serve tea to the groom’s family before receiving wedding presents. The centerpiece has an important meaning in any Chinese weddings as it signifies happiness and fertility. Traditionally, Chinese wedding receptions are splendid and vibrant events owing much to their most fundamental feature: the red color, a symbol of luck, happiness and prosperity. This is also the reason why the Chinese wedding dress is particularly styled in this color. Likewise, common Chinese decorative items namely lanterns, fans, or umbrellas often combine red with shades of gold as a wish for wealth and prosperity. These typical design elements can easily be incorporated into the decor, along with happily meaningful flowers such as red roses, orchids, peonies, narcissus, daffodils or other kinds of flowers that match your preferences. Another essential aspect of Chinese-themed weddings is authentic local cuisine, meticulously prepared for this special occasion, featuring a selection of delicious specialties, sizzling with flavor and style. To make your big day unique and unforgettable, La Veranda’s meticulous wedding planners will plan and tailor the marriage festivities according to your specific requests, making sure the design proposals meet your requirements. Beach theme Beach weddings always epitomize blissful romance. They are the sort of once-in-a-lifetime event that any women would dream of. This kind of weddings usually brings together small groups of about 50 people for an intimate affair with kins and friends. The idea of a beach wedding is appealing to many soon-to-be-wed couples, especially to those who are ocean lovers. It is the sea’s vibrant hues, from turquoise to brilliant deep blue pigment, blended with white fine sand that create a breath-taking wedding backdrop. La Veranda oceanfront destinations offer ideal venues for couples choosing to exchange their vows with the witness of everyone. Meticulous wedding planners at La Veranda will propose you many creative ideas, for instance by creating a fresh seafood-inspired menu, or simply by matching the color theme of your centerpieces with the surrounding coastal palette. Beach wedding packages are also designed to help you realize your dream of a beachfront wedding in style, associating the timeless elegance of chic contemporary accommodation and the naturally beautiful surroundings of the luxurious seaside locations across the globe. Documentation for a marriage has to be consulted with your national embassy and cannot be done in Phu Quoc but a nice and romantic ceremony can be arranged to make the dream come true. Contact us [contact-form-7 id="2570"]

As it emerges from Vietnam’s southern tip, the charming island of Phu Quoc rightfully deserves the Pearl Island nickname. Holding unseen beauty inside it, it provides plenty of ways to live life here. Some of these are illustrated in the following tours. Diving Tour in Phu Quoc There is an exciting ecosystem living inside the limpid waters of Phu Quoc, full of healthy coral reefs, many different types of fish, and more beauty that a human mind can digest easily. Taking a diving or snorkeling or scuba diving tour is indeed a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you decide to join one or set out on your own, know that it is best to run this trip in the morning as the seas can get pretty rough in the afternoon and you really want to be on shore when that happens! So start the day early and begin this fascinating dive into the rich Phu Quoc underwater world at some of the greatest dive sites on the island enjoying calm, current-free waters, such as: Hon Ko – When looking at Hon Ko from up above many people falsely believe that it is nothing more than a bunch of rocks arising from the water. Once down there, though, everything changes as if by magic. Besides an impressive reef system, Hon Ko also boasts a rich plethora of tropical fish, like rays, catfish, and bamboo sharks, as well as a fab selection of nudibranchs and mitre shells to name a few. Nudibranch Gardens – You will find it on the east side of Phu Quoc, and it will surely leave you in awe. Being the perfect diving spot for beginners due to its shallow depth, Nudibranch Gardens is also one of the most phantasmagoric sites on the island and home to more than 2,000 nudibranchs species. Diving here will also give you the opportunity to come face to face with bamboo sharks, which, most of the times, prefer to relax underneath a rock. Because of its low depth, the Gardens can also be appreciated with a snorkel! Turtle Island – This small island on the northeastern coast of Phu Quoc (about an hour’s boat ride) is around 50 metres in length and no more than 10 metres deep, which makes it the ideal location to explore marine life with relative ease. Surrounded by shallow, calm waters, Turtle Island is also a hospitable habitat for cute creatures like yellowtail damselfish, blue-ringed angelfish, and stonefish and a blossoming environment for the coral reefs and the life around them. An Thoi Islands – Those looking to take their adventure to the next level will find An Thoi Islands challenging their diving skills as they provide dive sites that can reach 25 metres. This small group of around 15 islets off the south coast of Phu Quoc is listed as one of the most spectacular dive sites in the country. From gigantic sea urchins and butterfly fish to scorpion fish, parrotfish, and fan corals, you have a lot of marine life to startle you. Bamboo sharks and blue-spotted rays also pass by so you may as well spot one or two as you splash these waters. Now, if you prefer to go scuba diving or snorkelling, these sites will also do, so give them a try. However, you could also consider May Rut Island, Dam Ngang, and Finger Island as they are too on the list of the best snorkelling sites around Phu Quoc. They are full of colourful fish and some of the most diverse coral reefs on this planet. Note: To be able to enjoy this tour the most, it might be best to plan these activities anytime between November and May. That way, the weather will be your cordial ally, allowing you to take in every single moment of this experience. Tour to Vinpearl Safari Park & Vinpearl Land The largest wildlife conservation park in Vietnam is found here, ready to treat you with a plethora of fun games and activities for all ages while offering you the chance to spot animals that not many people have seen, such as beautiful flamingos, giraffes, striped hyena, gibbons, African lions, and Bengal tigers. The best way to get around the park and see it all is by taking a safari bus tour as the place is massive and exploring it on your own may cause you to miss some interesting sites (or even get lost). As for Vinpearl Land, it is an excellent option for families too and a fantastic place for some wild splashes in the wave pools. Glide down the water slides at the water park and spike your adrenaline at the amusement rides. If you still have enough energy after all this fun, do enter the aquarium as it is indeed worth it, especially if you are lucky enough to attend a live show at the amphitheatre! Hungry? The food village is full of delicious foods to quench your appetite. Go back in. There is still the indoor games arcade, the manmade beach, and live shows that you have not yet played, visited or seen! The National Park & Cua Can River Tour A tour to the Phu Quoc National Park, which is basically half the island, is not to be missed. Take your time and let your eyes get used to such profound beauty, unlike anything else seen before. Raw, jugged cliffs, verdant valleys, lush forests, karst limestone formations, swirling rivers, beautiful ponds, and so many more comprise a scenery that is hard to imagine. While there, you can take a short hike, go on a kayak ride, throw yourself to some romantic paddling with your significant other, tour local farms and enjoy a bit of sunbathing and swimming at Dai Beach. Mekong Delta Tour The Mekong Delta is a popular pole of attraction that offers you the chance to actually realize how simple life is here, see the villages located on the banks of the Delta, visit the floating market of Cai Rang, and, why not, spend a night abroad a wooden cruise boat under a star-lit sky. You will soon acknowledge that the little communities here are like buzzing beehives, with everybody doing a specific task, mainly related to rice growth or fishing. There are also fruit orchards and lots of local produce that the locals use to create delicious dishes, which you may taste if you wish to while you are there. This can easily be a 2-day or even 3-day cruise and can stretch to Ho Chi Minh City if want to go even further. Without a doubt, though, spending the night on the Mekong River can be mind-blowing as you will be surrounded by pristine beauty and so much bustling life around you. Even the sound of the river and the sight of the rising rise are a marvel on their own. So, when you wake up the next morning after a brief introduction with the locals, you can board a sampan and travel to the floating market of Cai Rang and purchase anything from local handicrafts to exotic vegetables and fruit that are so abundant around here from friendly merchants on their boats, who love to chat with foreign people. After another full day, you can head to Rach Gia and catch the ferry to Phu Quoc or continue sailing with your boat, speedboat or whatever else. Notes about this tour: Since you will be spending a lot of time on the river, do bring insect repellent with you to avoid insect bites. The nights here can get chilly so besides wearing comfortable clothes for light walking don’t forget to throw a light jumper in your backpack. On the day of travel, bring your passport with you; you may need it as you exit Phu Quoc and explore the areas covered in this tour. Island Hoping with a Speedboat If you have some 8 hours to spare on a speedboat, you can have a fantastic day exploring not only one but up to four exotic islands around Phu Quoc within a day’s time. Fingernail, Dam Ngand, May Rut, and Pineapple islands invite you to views that are just beyond words. The beaches are simply amazing, with magnificently white sand and crystal clear turquoise waters. As for the vistas at the archipelago, they can be heart-stopping. With the jungle behind the shores, each one these small paradise islands look like a postcard image. Among the things you can try during this tour is fishing, swimming, relaxing in the sun, discovering awesome coral reefs and, of course, enjoying a mouth-watering lunch prepared freshly on-site which may include the fish you caught, as well as other seafood (the islands are full of crabs and big, colourful fish). Cable Car Ride Pho Quoc-Pineapple Island Tour The cable car is a relatively new attraction in Vietnam and an exceptional option for a tour that will give you panoramic sea views and a unique sense of freedom, always in a safe and protected environment. The Phu Quoc cable car has also made it to the Guinness Book of World Records for being the longest non-stop, 3-way cable car in the world at almost 8 kilometres long. The ride to Pineapple Island takes no more than 15 minutes (each way), which leaves you with enough time to savour amazing 360o views of the An Thoi Archipelago dotted by charming fishing boats, turquoise coral reefs, and green islands. Once you reach Pineapple Island (the cable car will leave you at Hon Thom Nature Park), you may start with relaxing by the golden-sand beach that features a fun playground, swings from the palm trees, and deck chairs. If you get hungry, a couple of restaurants along the beach will satisfy you. Depending on the day, you may also catch an entertainment show while eating that involves various types of dancing and people doing fire-dancing tricks, among others. Notes about this tour: As you will be spending some time up in the air, it is recommended to wear sunscreen and sunglasses. The cable car tickets usually include free return tickets to the Pineapple beach described above. Night Squid Fishing Tour Fishing is one of the most popular activities around the island of Phu Quoc. Therefore, it is without a doubt something you need to experience during your stay here. Night squid fishing tours are awesome as you get to hop on a local squid boat and learn the secrets of catching fish; an activity turned into art by these skilled locals. As you are on-board a fisherman’s boat, you have the unique opportunity to watch the sunset in the Gulf of Thailand, which is simply arresting, and feel the peacefulness and serenity that comes along with this venture. South Phu Quoc Tour Each part of this beautiful island has its own charms and attractions. Going on a South side of the island tour will allow you to visit places such as the Coconut Prison, where prisoners of war were incarcerated and brutally tortured, and Sim Winery and learn more about the island’s pearl harvesting activities. Visiting a peal factory in the south will give you much more insight about this matter and also get you inside the world of jewelry designing, with pearls having the leading role. You may also stop at the magnificent Bai Sao beach, where you can soak up the sun, swim in the crystalline waters, or enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Note about this tour: If you wish to visit the Tranh Stream along your way, you may do so between the months of May and October. North Island Kayaking and Village Tour (Rach Vem) Like living an adventure? Kayaking on the Cua Can River is your thing. Let the flavours and sights of Phu Quoc be revealed to you on a full-day excursion around the north. You can start with an exploration of the local countryside and visit the black pepper plantations, where you can learn about harvesting pepper plants (notorious local produce), among others. If you have time and fancy a visit to a bee farm to sip drinks mixed with locally-produced honey, this is your moment too. Then, make a stop along the Cua Can river and get a kayak to try your paddling skills in this mighty river. The views that will surround you are just incredible. As you paddle north, you will come across a national park perfect for hiking via a century-old forest trail. The Rach Vem village is not far, and you can have that delicious meal you have been thinking of for a while. Or you may choose to swim with starfish and take a leisure stroll around the sandy beach first. Phu Quoc is full of hidden treasures and opportunities to live the kind of adventure you dream of, whether this includes escaping the beaten path and trekking through unspoiled forests, stepping foot in national parks of unsurpassable natural beauty, exploring a rich underwater ecosystem, or just relaxing under the warm sun with a cocktail at hand. Your options are limitless; as will your memories be when you leave Phu Quoc.

AN INSPIRED SUMMER OF 3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS AT PHU QUOC Shake things up this summer with some of the amazing activities waiting for you at Phu Quoc. Let’s enjoy the simple pleasures of the Pearl Island and indulge yourself in a number of interesting things for all family members in your 3 day-2 night stay at Phu Quoc. 1. Embark On A Family Safari It’s always a great family day out with the added fun of animal-themed activities such as feeding the fluffy cygnets, giggling at the gorillas or taking a photo of a glorious peacock for the little ones to burn off some energy. There’s plenty of exciting adventures in Phu Quoc Vinpearl Safari Park to keep the kids occupied this summer. For something totally unique this summer holiday, why not take a friendly costal walk around the breath-taking island and explore the Very Important Kid Summer Program at La Veranda for those under 12. Search for shells along the white sand beaches, follow a pirate on a treasure hunt, enjoy the giant lawn games, and explore another island for the day. Be ready to take a fresh selection of luxurious holiday experiences exclusively crafted for family weekend break in 2017. 2. Discover The Wellness Summer Set in tropical gardens on a beautiful stretch of beach, La Veranda Resort Phu Quoc boasts a style reminiscent of a French seaside mansion where you will find your body at ease, your mind at peace during the three day visit by participating in the Escape to Wellness program. Designed to re-connect you with the nature and wonders of your body thanks to the principles of Movement + Relaxation, Escape to Wellness luxuriates your stay with complimentary activities such as Daily Yoga and Meditation, a one-on-one Neuro-muscular Balancing Analysis consultation session, Touch Therapy Couples Workshop: Art of Vietnamese Massage to restore your balance and get you back to a wonderful sense of wellbeing. 3. Find Romantic Weekend By The Seaside Charm In The Gulf of Thailand It’s tempting to relax on the beach all day, watching fishing boats sail in and out from the horizon. This summer, let’s grab an ice cream, take a sip on your coconut and walk along the splendid promenade to enjoy the sunset at the picturesque Bai Sao. The white powdery sand beach stretches for more than 7 km and is full of quintessentially Vietnamese seaside experiences, gorgeous sea views and delicious seafood. There’s much more to enjoy in this seaside town as you get set for a sizzling summer romantic getaways. From Candle Light Dinner On The Beach to Sunset Champagne, La Veranda has it all for you to share the ultimate romantic experience with your loved one.