Enjoy These Exceptional Activities at Phu Quoc’s Luxury Resorts

There are two ways to get to Phu Quoc: by sea and by air. Domestically, flights to Phu Quoc are available from many cities in Vietnam including Ho Chi Minh City (45-minute flight), Hanoi, Rach Gia and Can Tho via Vietnam Airlines (the national carrier) and several budget airlines: Jetstar Pacific, Vietjet air and Vasco (a subsidiary of Vietnam Airlines). In peak season, there can be as many as 15-20 daily domestic flights to Phu Quoc, but it is advisable to book early to avoid disappointment as flights to Phu Quoc can sell out during the high season of December to April. From Phu Quoc International Airport, visitors can travel the 9 km to the main town of Duong Dong by taxi, motorbike or hotel transfer. Internationally, there are direct flights to and from Phu Quoc from Siem Reap, Cambodia and Singapore via Vietnam Airlines with more routes being added all the time. Best of all, because Phu Quoc is classified as a Special Economic Zone, visitors of all nationalities flying in / out of Phu Quoc only (and not visiting the Vietnamese mainland) are granted a visa exemption to stay up to 30 days. Please check with the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country for additional requirements including having a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay and a round-trip ticket to / from Phu Quoc. Alternately, getting to Phu Quoc by ferry is cheap and easy. Ferries leave from the coastal towns of Rach Gia or Ha Tien on the Vietnamese mainland. If traveling from Cambodia, Ha Tien is easily accessible from the seaside resort towns of Kep (25 km) and Kampot (66 km). There are a few ferry companies including Superdong, Duong Dong Express and Ngoc Thanh, with Superdong offering the most reliable service, providing  one morning and one afternoon departure from Rach Gia for the 2.5 hour journey and four daily departures from Ha Tien for the 1.5 hour trip. There is also a slow ferry from Ha Tien to Phu Quoc operated by Thanh Thoi for those traveling with cars. Ferry tickets can be easily bought through your hotel, at travel agencies or at the ferry dock. The best time to travel by ferry is from late October to May when the weather in Phu Quoc is dry and the seas are calmer. During the wet / monsoon season (June to September), ferries are still scheduled to run daily but inclement weather may make for rough seas or cancellations. Most fast and slow ferries will take you to Bai Vong Port on Phu Quoc, close to Long Beach. From there to the main town of Duong Dong, there are multiple transportation options, including motorcycle taxis (each able to carry one passenger with minimal luggage), taxis and shared mini-buses.

Top 7 Beaches on Phu Quoc Island With 150 km of coastline, there’s sure to be a beach for everyone in idyllic Phu Quoc. Note: The word “bãi” (pronounced: bahy) means “beach” in Vietnamese. Long Beach (Bãi Trường, pronounced “bahy troo-uhng” ) starts just south of the main town of Duong Dong. Stretching approximately 20 km down the southwestern coast of Phu Quoc almost to the port of An Thoi, the jumping off point for island and snorkeling tours, Long Beach starts off busy towards the hotels and resorts of Duong Dong with plenty of Phu Quoc attractions and activities, ranging from cafes, restaurants and bars to locals walking by with freshly cut fruit and offers of beachside massages and even body hair removal by threading! The further down you go, the less developed the beach becomes, with many a quiet spot, backed by palm trees, to claim for your own. Insider tip: The closer you are to town, the busier the beach, making Long Beach a fun place to hang out with groups of friends. The many restaurants and shops means there’s plenty to do with the family when you’ve had enough of lounging on the beach. The further south you go, the less developed the beach becomes, ideal for couples looking to get away from the crowds. Sao Beach (Bãi Sao, pronounced “bahy sou”) towards the southeast of the island, is considered the best beach in Phu Quoc with clear, turquoise water and a beautiful stretch of fine, powdery sand, all backed by palm trees and forested mountains. There are only a few local guesthouses here which means the beach is one of the top Phu Quoc attractions, especially for day trippers. A host of seafood restaurants line the beach and provide beach chairs and umbrellas for rent as well as showering and changing facilities. With its shallow, clear waters, Sao Beach is excellent for families with small children. Insider tip: To avoid the crowds, plan on arriving early before the tours turn up by mid- afternoon, usually after a morning of snorkeling or sightseeing. Or simply head towards the northern (and prettiest) end of the beach, home to the Paradiso Beach Club, a haven of tranquility separated from the masses by an undeveloped stretch of beach. The beach club has a highly-rated restaurant serving up freshly prepared local and international favorites. Vong Beach (Bãi Vòng, pronounced “bahy vohm”)  Vong Beach may be the first beach ferry-goers see as it’s located where most of the passenger boats from Rach Gia and Ha Tien arrive from the Vietnamese mainland, the least expensive way of getting to Phu Quoc. While pretty to look at from the sea, the beach itself is dominated by the port and is therefore not a popular spot for swimming or sunning. Thom Beach (Bãi Thơm, pronounced “bahy tuhm”)  Thom Beach is located at the far northeast section of the island. Difficult to get to because the only road leading there is through the densely forested interior, its remoteness, rather than its beauty, makes it a draw for those willing to brave the rough roads on a Phu Quoc day trip. With only a few local eateries in the area and not much else in the way of amenities, Thom Beach is best for adventurers and nature lovers looking to get off the beaten path. Rach Tram Beach (Bãi Rạch Tràm, pronounced “bahy ruht truhm”) and Rach Vem Beach (Bãi Rach Vẹm pronounced “bahy ruht vem”) Rach Tram Beachare the next Phu Quoc beaches you would encounter if continuing on a counter-clockwise loop from equally remote Thom Beach. These beaches are wild and pretty with few tourists and fewer amenities other than the small local cafes encountered at the rustic fishing villages along the way. This pair of rustic beaches are ideal for those looking for a Robinson Crusoe, “swept away” feel. Insider tip: Bring your own beach mat and towel along with some drinks and snacks and make a day of it. Ganh Dau Beach (Bãi Gành Dầu, pronounced “bahy guhn zou”) Ganh Dau Beachis at the very north of the island and is famous for its beautiful views, including of the nearby Cambodian mainland. Multiple roads lead to the general vicinity, included paved roads along the western coast as well as dirt roads through the national park. Once there, you’ll find wonderfully clear water, all backed by coconut trees, making it a contender for the best beach in Phu Quoc’s northern end. The shallow, calm waters makes Ganh Dau excellent for swimming and for families, especially if arriving by car. Insider tip: There is a handful of resorts and guesthouses on Ganh Dau Beach, making it a popular lunch spot for locals who rarely swim. Plan to arrive at around lunch and spend the afternoon on the beach, as some of the guesthouses will allow visiting diners to use their facilities including hammocks and showers. Dai Beach (Bãi Dài, pronounced “bahy zahy”) Dai Beachis at the northwest of the island. Previously undeveloped, in recent years, this pretty stretch has been taken over by the Vinpearl Group and now is the site of a massive resort complex which includes a safari, golf course, amusement park, casino and hotel. Just south of Dai Beach on the way back to Duong Dong town lies three relatively quiet beaches: Vung Bau Beach (Bãi Vũng Bầu, pronounced “bahy vom boh”), Cua Can Beach (Bãi Cửa Cạn, pronounced “bahy koo kan”), and Ong Lang Beach (Bãi Ông Lang, pronounced “bahy ohm lang”). Cua Can Beach is where the Cua Can River empties out into the sea and is home to a small fishing village. Some of these beaches have more rustic, eco-friendly accommodations for those looking to get away from it all. Insider tip: Ideal for those with a moderate sense of adventure, these beaches are easily accessible by motorbike along paved roads just 15 minutes or so from the main town of Duong Dong. Have a drink at one of the many resorts on Ong Lang Beach and enjoy the included beach access. Why Choose La Veranda Phu Quoc La Veranda Resort Phu Quoc is a beautiful beachfront resort located on Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam. The resort is surrounded by lush tropical gardens and offers direct access to the white sandy beach and crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Thailand. La Veranda features elegant French colonial architecture and design, with spacious and comfortable guest rooms and suites that are equipped with modern amenities. Guests can indulge in delicious cuisine at the resort's restaurants which includes a stunning beach restaurant, relax by the swimming pool, or treat themselves to a pampering spa experience. For those planning their Vietnam honeymoon resort, La Veranda is a perfect choice. For more information, please contact La Veranda by calling +84 297 3982 988 or email at contact@laverandaresorts.com.

From luxury beach resorts to no-frills guest houses, there’s a bed for every budget on Phu Quoc. Please note that hotels in Phu Quoc tend to be 10-20% more expensive than comparable stays on the mainland. LUXURY La Veranda Resort Phu Quoc – MGallery Designed as a French mansion from the 1920s, this award-winning 5-star Phu Quoc resort by the sea boasts of 70 intimate rooms set on a wide stretch of sandy beach. A member of the prestigious MGallery Hotel Collection, the resort features dark wood, period-inspired furnishings, high ceilings and mosaic tiles, along with a beautiful swimming pool with ocean views, and three restaurants and Bars. Price for one night in this posh resort is $295. Tips: There are a few works under construction nearby the resort. If you want to stay at La Veranda around this time, choose a villa situated near the reception or restaurant to stay away from noise. The JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa On Khem Beach on Phu Quoc’s southeastern coast, this Bill Bensley- designed resort offers 244 rooms and suites, most with bay views. The on-site restaurants serve up international and Chinese fare, as well as a beachside grill, French deli and American-style bar. The lowest price for one night at JW Marriott is $341. Tips: Higher floor is recommended for perfect sea view Vinpearl Phu Quoc Resort and Golf Well-situated in Ganh Dau, Vinpearl Phu Quoc Resort and Golf is an ideal point of departure for your excursions in this beautiful island. There are rooms for any types of tourists with 5 family suites, 170 deluxe rooms with stunning ocean view, 199 deluxe garden rooms, 16 senior suites with garden view and 12 senior rooms with ocean view. Each deluxe room is 42m2-sized, well furnitured and furnished. Suites are more spacious with 80-84m2 size. Price for one night at Vinpearl ranges from $115 to $1,075 depending on room types. Tips: Villas are ideal for anyone traveling with friends or family. Choose a villa facing the beach front to savour the beauty of sunrise and sunset. If you book a room, odd room numbers are rooms with oceanview. Salinda Resort With 121 rooms, suites and villas, each with private balcony, this resort on Long Beach features a spa managed by Guru Spa Thailand, outdoor infinity pool, karaoke rooms and a Kid’s Club. Tourists can book a room on common booking apps such as booking.com, agoda.com or directly on the website of Salinda Resort with the price of $222/night. Tips: There are connecting rooms option if you are traveling with kids and/or in groups. Higher-floor ocean-view rooms are highly recommended for best sea and sunset views. Novotel Phu Quoc Resort Located on Long Beach, this modern hotel has six room categories, three restaurants, two bars, two large swimming pools, two tennis courts, a fitness centre and a Kid’s Club. The lowest price for one night at Novotel Phu Quoc Resort is $111. Tips: Beachfront villas and bungalows are worth experiencing. The resort offers free pick up by bus at the airport, call the receptionist before your coming. BUDGET TO MID-RANGE Sol Beach House Phu Quoc With 284 rooms in three hotel buildings, this new hotel boasts a free-form pool with sea views, two restaurants, three bars and daily activities including jogging, yoga, swimming and cycling, all on Long Beach. The rate of staying starts from $94 Tips: tourists should choose rooms on the 3rd floor or above for full sea-view Daisy Resort A 6-minute walk from Duong Dong Beach, this 3-star hillside hotel offers good value for money. Guests enjoy simple, air-conditioned bungalow accommodations, free Wi-Fi access, an outdoor pool, fitness centre and free parking. Price for Daisy Resort is from $66 Tips: Higher rooms/villas/bungalows offer better views of ocean yet prepare to walk up a hill Bauhinia Resort Located 300 meters from Long Beach, this budget resort features air- conditioned rooms with flat-screen TV and pool or garden views, an outdoor pool, and free Wi-Fi. The price starts from $45/night Tips: Be aware of steps if you go out at night as the alley up to the resort is quite dark for night walks.