What to Do in Vietnam and Why Phu Quoc Island Should Be Your Next Destination

A Guide To The History Phu Quoc Island Phu Quoc was first part of the Funan empire, then Chenia and eventually Khmer, which is probably why it was first the homeland of the Khmer people, who also occupied the Mekong Delta, before anybody else. At that time, the now referred to as Peal Island or Phu Quoc was known as Koh Tral, which changed into Phu Quoc with the arrival of the Vietnamese in 1600; however, it took them 20 more years before they were allowed to settle. Nevertheless, even after a century, Phu Quoc was still a desolated region where Khmer, Chinese, and Vietnamese lived together. The Tay Son Rebellion (1600s-early 1800s) The House of Nguyen was the last imperial family in Vietnam and a family clan with substantial military power and political influence, as well as the lordship of the southern part of central Vietnam, in the 17th century. It was believed to have been one of the most affluent clans of Vietnam for a really long time while there are mentions about King Gia Long, the founder of the Dynasty, spending his days after big battles in Phu Quo, indulging in spa-like treatments; a luxury only a handful had back then. But, the Nguyens seem to have always been at war with the Trinh family, leading the country to several civil wars. Unable to unite the country under one ruler, the 17th century war ended in an uneasy peace that lasted 100 years until a rebellion sparked by the Tay Son heated things up again in 1774. After losing considerable manpower during a series of campaigns in Cambodia, the Nguyen clan could not maintain control, especially after the Trinh lords shook hands with the Tay Son rebels in 1775, and were eventually overthrown. The Nguyen lord, 13-year-old Nguyen Anh, fled south and managed to escape Tay Son’s capture with the help of a Vietnamese Catholic priest and a French missionary, ending in the Tho Chu Islands in the Thailand Gulf. Between 1782 and 1786, Phu Quoc was the retreat Anh would turn to as the fights between the Nguyen and the Tay Son about Vietnam continued, until the early 1800s, when Anh finally defeated the Tay Son clan. The France-Cambodia Treaty In 1853, Cambodia’s king made a move to build relationships with France as a means to protect his kingdom against the Vietnamese and Siamese. So, he sent a letter to Napoleon III, which was never answered. The King made a second attempt to lure the French emperor by offering him Phu Quoc but was once more ignored. A third communication was initiated some years later when the King informed the French emperor of Cambodia’s claims on Phu Quoc and the lower Cochinchina region, asking the French not to annex any areas of these territories as, he claimed, had remained Cambodian despite the long Vietnamese occupation. A treaty between the two countries came a decade later, in 1863, when France annexed the region consisting of Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, and Phu Quoc, and turned it into a French protectorate that was also referred to as Cochinchina. Phu Quoc as a French Protectorate The Vietnamese authorities in Phu Quoc pledged loyalty and commitment to the French troops that had annihilated Ha Tien already, in 1867. Two years later, they (the French) occupied the island and set up coconut and rubber plantations throughout Phu Quoc. At the same time, they requested for Chinese pepper farmers from the Hainan province to be brought here. The French Protectorate placed Phu Quoc under the administration of France (through the administration of the Cochinchina Governor) in 1874, and under the inspection of the France-colonised Ha Tien district in 1875. Some years later, Cambodia, with help from the French, regained the northern provinces of Siam and was awarded the Vietnamese claim on Phu Quoc and the Mekong Delta. Phu Quoc remained under Cochinchina administration, though, when General and Governor of French Indochina placed the islands north of the Gulf of Thailand under the Cambodian protectorate, leaving the southern ones to be managed by the Cochinchina. However, this distinction was not addressing sovereignty rather than administrative and police tasks. Finally, Phu Quoc and the remaining areas of the Cochinchina territory were attached to Vietnam in 1949 with a French ruling, which also included some rights of the Khmer people that were living on the island and any Vietnamese territory. The Coconut Prison The island of Phu Quoc houses one of the largest prisoner camps during the Vietnam War built by the French colonialists to incarcerate Vietnamese people. Known as Coconut Tree Prison, it was rebuilt in 1967 into a prison for communist soldiers. In several periods, it held nearly 40,000 prisoners, both communist soldier and political prisoners alike. With a guard-prisoner ratio of 1-2, Coconut prison was one of the strictest ones with profound guard force that remained in history as the place were extremely brutal crimes took place. Phu Quoc war prisoners suffered tortures and punishments that are hard to imagine could ever be generated from a human mind while thousands died in jail due to exhaustion, food deprivation, and after undergoing barbaric torments day after day, month after month. In the end, though, some of them managed to endure the suffering and not only divide the enemy ranks but also find ways to escape by digging tunnels and more. In the meantime, Phu Quoc also suffered incursions and counter-incursions when the Khmer Krom (Phu Quoc included) was the object of desire for both the Khmer Rouge (Red Cambodians) and Vietnam. In the 1970s, the first seized power in Cambodia and went on a mission to reclaim Phu Quoc and the Mekong Delta; one of these raids ended in the massacre of 500 Vietnamese civilians. All this fighting escalated the Cambodia-Vietnamese War. In 1993, Phu Quoc prison was declared a historical monument and now serves as a war museum, occupying the main area of the former jail, and displaying original artifacts and other exhibits, including life-sized wax mannequins reproducing some of the agonizing moments and suffering prisoners lived back then. Every year, Coconut Prison welcomes former prisoners, locals from all over the country, and tourists alike to its premises, showing them a piece of Vietnam’s history that will never be forgotten. Even today, Cambodia still claims Phu Quoc, Ho Chi Minh City, and the Mekong Delta. Phu Quoc Today After leaving behind the wars and killings of the past, Phu Quoc has started to unveil its real beauty, unrolling its true potential as a tourist destination. With much natural beauty distinguished by lush jungles, pristine beaches, and imposing mountains, Phu Quoc is beginning to enter the game of hospitality, with some areas hosting luxury resorts. Tourism is becoming a source of income for an increasing number of residents, and Phu Quoc has its topographically varied, green land to thank for. Heart-stopping forested mountains, lowland, tropic evergreen forests, and flourishing river plains give way to sugary beaches and secluded coves, enticing all those that come or live here with the changing landscape. Even the underwater world allures with the great quality coral reefs in the northern and southern part of the island. Without losing its originality and authenticity, Phu Quoc is gradually moving towards modernisation and development. Considering that for a significant part of its history Phu Quoc was primarily dominated by the military due to the political imbalance and sensitivity concerning the rights of the island, it feels that Phu Quoc is now reclaiming what it lost and what it was deprived of all these years. Until all the development planned takes place and transforms the area, we will have lots of overwhelming charm and appeal in forests turned into national parks, rainforest areas being well-protected under national conservation laws, tens of fish sauce-producing factories, a large number of top quality pepper farms, and so many more. Interesting Facts About today’s Phu Quoc: The island grows coconut, durian, jack-fruit, banana, rambutan, and mango. It has a high-quality black pepper that it exports to the corners of the world (more than 400 tons every year). The total area of pepper cultivation reaches 500 hectares, with each hectare having between 2,500-3,000 strings, which produce about 3,000kg of peppers per hectare. It has about 100 fish sauce factories producing the best fish sauce repeatedly thanks to its rich anchovy catches from which the sauce is made (10 million litres of sauce annually). Fish sauce was an idea of fishermen some hundreds of years ago, when there were no fridges or ice to preserve the fish they could not consume. Mixing fish with salt (to prolong fish life) turned into a sauce with a strong flavour after a period of time (around a year) from the fermented fish. Phu Quoc’s popularity as a tourist destination for luxury travellers and adventure seekers is growing by the day, which is why one can find a broad spectrum of accommodation, from high-end hotels to hostels. In a Nutshell What appears to describe Phu Quoc’s history is a struggle to stand on its feet and stay alive from more aspects than one. Lacking the fertile soils of the Mekong Delta and experiencing relatively dry weather, you won’t find rice raddles on the island. Plus, given that Phu Quoc has served as a place of exile and refuge for a wide range of people, from revolutionaries and rebels to warlords for many centuries, it is no wonder that it has remained relatively underdeveloped. That aside, Pearl Island sits right on top of the border that separates Chinese and Indian-influenced Asia; one of the country’s cultural fault lines. This means that Phu Quoc has clashing work ethics, cuisines, religions, and cultures that are battling to prevail over its people, who, for hundreds of years, were Vietnamese. For those looking for luxurious accommodation on Phu Quoc Island look no further than La Veranda Resort Phu Quoc. This 5 star boutique resort on Phu Quoc offers a variety of room types, including garden-view rooms, sea-view rooms, and suites. The resort also boasts several restaurants serving local and internatioal cuisine,and one of the most luxurious spas in all of Phu Quoc Vietnam.

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 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.