(TITC) - According to The Week - an UK magazine, Phu Quoc Island - the largest island in Vietnam, is known for its endless beaches and pristine national park.
Located off the southwest coast of Vietnam, on the eastern edge of the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc is a much-loved destination among tourists, foreign and domestic, and caters to all budgets.
Famous for its endless stretches of white sand beaches, more than half of the island is a wildlife national park. This creates a vast view of deep green forest surrounded by pale cream beaches, all surrounded by a jade-coloured ocean.
Phu Quoc is growing swiftly as resorts springing up along the beaches. The island has changed dramatically over the past 10 years.
Phu Quoc provides plenty of space to get lost, dirt tracks to drive down for hours to hidden beaches, friendly faces everywhere and delicious, local bars, cafes, street food and restaurants, indicated The Week.
Charming beaches
Most tourists focus on Truong beach, also known as Long Beach (or called Dai beach) which is the longest beach in Phu Quoc and located on the west coast of the island. Beach clubs, restaurants, shops and bars are all located here. Bai Truong Phu Quoc (Long Beach) is divided into many small sections, connected by rocky rapids, trees and fishing villages.
Bai Dai (Photo: Vinpearl)
For those who choose hotels away from the water, the beach clubs are a great place to spend your time and some offer free sun loungers for those buying food and drinks throughout the day, according to The Week.
Further north up from Long Beach, Ong Lang beach is also one of the most beautiful beaches in the pearl island because of its unspoiled beauty. It includes some of the tranquil resorts, sandy beaches dotted with limestone rocks and few bars or restaurants.
Notable is Mango Bay, the resort has an excellent restaurant called "On The Rock" with a deck perched on the rocks of the ocean. This is a great spot for those who love grilled and fresh seafood besides traditional Vietnamese dishes. In particular, sticky rice cooked with beef sauce has a rich flavour that will create an impressive dish among international tourists.
In addition, (in the southeast coast) is also another great destination for visitors to enjoy the beauty of Phu Quoc beach.
Bai Sao (Photo: Vinpearl)
The south side of Phu Quoc is home to some of the island's best beaches – partly because of the cool, steady breeze from the sea, washing away some of that sweltering heat. The large beaches are quiet with few people, the waves are gentle and the sea temperature is cooler.
Eating and drinking
Street food is an inherent part of the culture here - from the plastic chairs around food carts on the street to traditional - modern dishes and high-class seafood restaurants - there are numerous dining options available to visitors. A few must-tries on the island, available all over, are the Phu Quoc-style herring salad with onions, garlic, chilli and coconut; bún kèn (ken noodles) with herbs, pounded fish, shredded green papaya and cucumber over rice noodles with a coconut and lemongrass broth; and grilled sea urchins with spring onions and peanuts.
Taste the ocean with grilled sea urchin (Photo: Vinpearl)
The menu is varied – some traditional Vietnamese set menus along with fried chicken, deep fried squid with satay and the famous wagyu burger and especially “Pho” – closely associated with Vietnamese cuisine South up until now.
Things to see and do
Visitors can take part in all the usual water sports here, and Phu Quoc is home to some of Vietnam's best scuba diving during the main season from October to May.
There are waterfalls for hiking, fishing, pagodas, cable car going to Hon Thom (8km if you are interested and it takes about 15 minutes) and also exploring "VinWonders", Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc. Certainly, Phu Quoc offers visitors a time to rest, relax, read books, take a nap under the palm trees by the beach, and eat delicious and cheap food.
The Week stated that Phu Quoc has everything from backpacker hostels for a few dollars a night to ultra-luxury hotels. The best hotels suggested here are Regent Phu Quoc, La Veranda Resort Phu Quoc and JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa.
Getting there and around
Most people choose to fly into Phu Quoc International Airport from Vietnamese cities. Grab Taxi also offers reasonable prices.
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