Why Choosing the Right Phu Quoc Resort Enhances Your Island Getaway

Phu Quoc’s cultural sites revolve around the lives of its people who are mainly farmers and fishermen. One of Phu Quoc’s most famous products is its pepper. An estimated 715 families grow pepper on 300 hectares of land, producing an astounding 800 tons of pepper per year. Many of the farms are located 15 km north of Duong Dong and farmers usually allow visitors to stroll among the plants. There is a farm specifically set up for tourists near the Suoi Da Waterfall. Harvest time is between November and February. Another specialty of Phu Quoc is sim wine, a sweet beverage made from the fruit of the rose myrtle tree. The fruit is ground into a pulp, then sugar is added and the juice is fermented for 40-45 days. There are several sim wine factories around the island, including Simson in Duong To Commune near the Phu Quoc International Airport and Eden Resort, where you can see the sim plants and flowers (and perhaps even the berries which are typically harvested in the spring). Phu Quoc’s “nuoc mam” (fish sauce) is also famous throughout Vietnam. Visitors can tour some of the island’s many fish sauce distilleries, located mainly around Duong Dong or An Thoi,  where giant wooden vats contain the amber liquid of anchovies, salt and water left to ferment for 6-12 months. It’s free to visit the distilleries, but there are no tours per se. Bring along someone who speaks Vietnamese if you’d like to find out more of the distilling process from the workers. Two of the more popular distillers are Hung Thanh and Khai Hoan, both near the market in Duong Dong. Vietnam’s homegrown religion of Cao Dai got its start in Phu Quoc in 1920 when the Supreme Being supposedly revealed himself to Ngo Van Chieu, the then governor of the island. Visit the very colorful Cao Dai temple at 40 Nguyen Trai and see elements taken from Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, and Confucianism. There are several fishing villages around the island which can be visited for a better understanding of how fishermen and their families live. These villages can easily be explored on motorbike. Come and watch as the small boats return to shore after an evening of fishing, or see families sorting through the day’s catch to prepare for market or to dry on racks. Some of the more scenic fishing villages include Ham Ninh on the island’s east coast and Ganh Dau to the north.

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.

Between rolling hills, sugary beaches, crystalline waters, colonial structures, sparkling bays, impressive limestone karst formations, idyllic sunsets, UNESCO-heritage sites, and mind-blowing landscapes, lies Vietnam; a destination that has all the ingredients to enchant couples. A honeymoon trip here literally offers it all, from bustling cities with a vibrant night scene to a colourful culture and from private diners in caves to beautiful paddy fields. Why Vietnam for Honeymoon Vietnam is the perfect place for romantic holidays for several reasons, but mainly because it is/offers/has: Inexpensive destination – It lacks nothing of the luxury and amenities of its cosmopolitan international counterparts, yet provides them at a fairly economical price. Grand hotels and fine-dining facilities do not empty your bank accounts, the flights are more than affordable, internal transfers is also at low cost, and life here overall does not call for extravagant expenses unless, of course, you want to. So, you can have all the luxury and pampering you wish without the hefty price tag. Fantastic services – Vietnam may be economical, but nobody here compromises on the quality of the services provided, at least, not the professionals in the Vietnam hospitality industry. So, you have a budget honeymoon destination in Asia that can compete with its luxurious counterparts and look them straight in the eye! Friendly locals – Cordial hospitality and a courteous approach to tourists is interwoven with the country’s way of doing things. Locals greet and treat guests in the most loving way, are ready to help anyone in need, and engage in interesting chats with them while the professional staff ensures that you face no issues on your honeymoon in this beautiful country. Cuisine – Exquisite Vietnamese cuisine is another thing that attracts honeymooners. Hot, sour, sweet, and salty flavours all blend perfectly, offering palate-pleasing dishes. You can enjoy delicious seafood, chilli sauces and fresh herbs on side platter, local produce, the world’s tastiest peppers and fish sauce, and the best vines; all that at heart-stopping rooftop terraces with sweeping views of the ocean and the lush scenery or a marvellous beachfront. Scenic Vistas – Every step you take in Vietnam is a step in a paradisiac landscape distinguished by imposing mountains, jungle-like forests, verdant valleys and rice paddies, life-giving rivers, romantic waterfalls, fascinating caves, sparkling sea waters, stunning national parks, ancient monuments, shining sand dunes, white-sand beaches, and such incredible natural beauty that is hard to imagine exists. Romantic Things to Do in Vietnam There is definitely a long list of activities in Vietnam, which includes cycle tours, boat trips, cruise rides, sightseeing tours, tunnel explorations, musical extravaganzas at Saigon Opera house, private dining in the caves of Halong Bay, tasting delicious traditional dishes at picture-perfect locations, and shopping, to name a few. Depending on which part of this beautiful country you wish to explore, there are different things to try. Hanoi A history-rich and utterly exciting city (also the main transportation hub in the North) that can be the start or end destination of a Vietnam honeymoon tour. It is a place that you can lose track of time. After sunset, it is a different world, with bars selling fresh local beer brewed daily and the streets becoming packed-full of people drinking, smoking the infamous bamboo bongs, and having fun. Not far away is the magnificent Lake of the Restored Sword or Hoan Kiem Lake, where, according to the legend, a giant, golden turtle grabbed the Emperor’s sword after he defeated the Chinese from Hanoi, and vanished into the lake to give it back to its rightful owners. An excellent place to have a picnic and enjoy the views. The Water Puppet Theatre, every couple’s cute date night idea, is also not to be missed. You can watch the ancient art form of water puppetry which is a spectacle of itself. Another interesting site is the Hoa Lo Prison complex built by the French to incarcerate thousands of Vietnamese revolutionaries, which will give you an insight into the local culture. Other things to do in Hanoi: Eat Bun Cha – A dish that combines savoury and fresh with vegetables and meat. The broth is sour and sweet at the same time and is serviced with fresh greens (fresh banana flower, mint, coriander, basil, and lettuce), BBQ grilled pork, and bun rice noodles. Drink Egg Coffee – Perhaps, the most delicious coffee you have ever tasted, along with coconut coffee. Generally, locals use condensed milk instead of fresh, which gives the coffee a sweeter taste. To get around, you can do a Cyclo Tour and visit the Old Quarter of Hanoi, take a taxi, get an Uber ride, or catch a long distance sleeper train or bus. The best time to visit Hanoi is during the months of October and November when it is neither too hot nor too cold. Sapa Situated high up in the mountains on the border of China, Sapa is a fab town perched over a grass-covered valley with amazing views of the Fansipan mountain range (sitting at 3143m above sea level) and cascading rice fields. Besides visiting markets, chasing waterfalls, and checking out the Tram Ton Passage, you can also consider a day trek or a homestay in an ethnic minority village. Or, why not, take a cable car and climb to the summit of the imposing Fansipan Mountain. And, if you are into romantic waterfalls, Thac Bac (Silver waterfall) and Love Waterfall are both perfect for honeymooners visiting Sapa. To enjoy the most of this place, better come between March and April or October-November to avoid too much heat and rainfall. Ha Giang This northernmost province is a breath away from China and provides alternatives to the typical honeymoon path with mystical landscapes, pure, untouched nature, secret ethnic minority villages, limestone peaks, and rice terraces disappearing into the depths of the mountainous valleys surrounding Ha Giang. It is not a place that is ever too crowded, yet it generates a decent amount of tourism, which is great, as you have food and accommodation options and lots of room to be as adventurous as you please. If you are riding a motorcycle, you will love the Ha Giang-Yen Ming, Bac Ha-Dong Van, Dong Van-Meo Vac, and Meo Cav-Cao Bang rides; all of which will reward you with heart-stopping panoramas off the beaten path, one of the best Sunday markets in Asia, and awe-inspiring waterfalls and caves! Cat Ba Island Being the largest island around the Lan Ha and Ha Long bays, Cat Ba is a dream honeymoon destination for many reasons. First of all, nearly 50% of the island is a national park, and home to several endangered species, such as the Cat Ba Langur. Secondly, the rugged landscape exudes such tranquillity and peace that it feels incredibly romantic just to be here. Plus, it has some of the nicest beaches in Vietnam, encircled with natural beauties. If you want to pick the best time to come here that would be October to April as it is a perfect season for swimming, kayaking, hiking, and cruising! Things to do at Cat Ba Island: Relax by the Beach – Incredible beaches with sweeping views of Lan Ha Bay offering a plethora of water activities like paddle boards and kayaks and beach bars with reasonably priced drinks. Cruise Halong & Lan Ha Bays – Most cruises include buffet lunches with foods cooked on the boat but you may also choose an overnight journey or a long multi-day one. Rent a motorbike – Exploring Cat Ba Island on two wheels is probably the best way to get around that also comes on the cheap here. Do stop at the Cat Ba National Park, Trung Trang Cave, and Cannon Fort! Stop at Fort Cannon – You will get some of the best views on the island overlooking Lan Ha Bay and the National Park from the spellbinding viewing platforms throughout the site or as you walk through it, as well as get a good look at large cannons and the tiny tunnels the Vietnamese used to hide during the war. Explore Caves – Once serving as a bombproof hospital, Hospital Cave’s infrastructure impresses, as does Tung Trang Cave with its awesome vistas over the island. Deepwater rock climbing – Cat Ba is the perfect location for rock climbing (surrounded by karst limestone formations) so do book a tour and have an adventurous Vietnam honeymoon! Ninh Binh Often missed by couples, this fantastic area is home to astoundingly beautiful natural sights, characterised by jagged rock formations, swirling rivers, and charming rice fields. Besides driving through the lovely landscape, you can also consider: Boat rides at Trang An Grottos – Being part of a tour that involves paddling through the rivers and grottos can be a very romantic experience for couples visiting Vietnam. Along the way, you will see impressive temples and even feed beautiful, big fish! If you are not much into boat rides, you can cycle along Tam Coc riverside and enjoy equally stunning landscapes. Visits to Cuc Phuong National Park – It is the largest reserve in Vietnam and home to endangered animals, rivers, limestone mountains, and profound natural beauty. Do rent a bike, though, as the park is massive. Phong Nha The Ke Bang National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) located here houses Hang Son Doong, the largest cave in the world, and Asia’s oldest karst mountains. Surrounded by jungle, it also offers opportunities to relax via natural mud baths inside Dark Cave, where you will need to either zip line, kayak or swim to get there, live music and entertainment provided around Dark Cave too, viewing the beautiful stalactites, stalagmites, blue rock pools, and colourful rocks on Paradise Cave, or living the total farm-to-plate experience at Wild Boar region and its family-run farms with free-range animals. Phu Quoc Island Every couple visiting Vietnam for their honeymoon find their personal slice of heaven at Phu Quoc Island. Also called Pearl Island, it is a tranquil tropical paradise with so much jaw-dropping natural beauty and tranquillity that it almost feels unreal. From beautiful mountains and jungle-like forests to sugary beaches and crystal clear waters, Phu Quoc’s allure is overwhelming. Honeymooners that choose to stay here usually prefer the luxury resorts at Duong Dong city, such as the La Veranda, as they provide not only ethereal views of the ocean and the unique raw charm surrounding the island but also exceptional VIP services at reasonable prices. Things to do at Phu Quoc: Visit Dinh Cau Temple – The island is full of pagodas, temples, and shrines but Dinh Cau offers a very interesting combination as it serves as both a temple and a lighthouse. Chase Suoi Tranh Waterfall – On a hot day, it is the ideal spot to cool off, have a picnic, dive in the refreshing waters, and treat yourself to soul-filling panoramas. Taste Delicious Food at Dinh Cau Night Markets – Unlike other markets in Vietnam, Dinh Cau comes to life after sunset. You have the chance to enjoy fresh seafood, from freshly-caught squid and octopus to clams and prawns and do some shopping too. Tour to Phu Quoc Prison – Known as Coconut Prison, it used to hold war prisoners during the Vietnam War, who suffered great torture and torments. You will find tons of information on Vietnam’s history here. Lay by the beach – Make your pick as there are more pristine locations to savour the sun slipping behind the horizon or soak up its warmth than you can count. All providing fine-sand beaches and cobalt waters, you are in for the most romantic honeymoon ever. Of course, this is just a very small list of the places a newly-wed couple can visit and an extremely indicative list of the activities you can relish with your significant other. At the end of the day, though, it is all about what you want to take out of your trip here, what you wish to experience, and how you desire to spend your days as two people that have just made life oaths for eternal love and respect. Speaking of love, the Valley of Love in Dalat is another not-to-be-missed spot, as is Xuan Huong Lake and its romantic boat trips! And, still, we have merely scratched the tip of an iceberg!