The best places on the coast of Vietnam: the beautiful beaches of Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc, one of the most beautiful islands in the world, is deservedly considered the best place for a beach holiday. For various reasons, it still remains quite isolated from the tourism industry. Nevertheless, every year more and more comfortable hotels appear here, and the tourist infrastructure is developing rapidly. Until this happens and the island has not changed beyond recognition, tourists rush to visit the best beaches of Fukuoka, meeting them with pristine cleanliness.

The island pleases with a mild, even climate, warm clear sea, white sand and palm trees near the water. Here you can find a secluded vacation with a minimum number of tourists. Accommodation is inexpensive, food is tasty and varied. The local population is not intrusive, friendly and benevolent. Stay here comfortably and safely. In the reviews, tourists recommend Phu Quoc for a calm, measured holiday on the sea coast.

About the island

(Phu Quoc) territorially belongs to Vietnam, although it is located only 15 km from the coast of Cambodia. The history of the island is rather complicated. His fate was repeatedly decided in favor of various rulers who contributed. So, the French founded coconut and rubber plantations, thereby giving impetus to the development of the economy not only of the island, but also of the country.

During the Vietnam War, the Americans used Phu Quoc as a prison for prisoners of war. After the departure of the Americans, the Cambodian Khmer tried to capture the island, but were defeated. Tourism here began to develop in the 80s of the last century. In 2012, the construction of a small civilian airport near the city of Duongdong was completed, the main purpose of which is the transportation of tourists.

The local airport cannot accept large airliners. Every day, ATR 72 aircraft, carrying 74 passengers, make four flights to International. On holidays, passenger traffic increases, the number of flights increases - from 10 to 15 per day. In connection with the development of the tourism industry on the island, the provincial authorities decided to build an International Airport, and soon it will be able to receive Airbus A320 class liners. .

The area of Phu Quoc is 574 km², 50 km long and 27 km widest. More than 100 thousand people of the local population live on the island. The unofficial capital is the town of Duongdong. The villagers are engaged in fishing and squid fishing. Of the 2,000 registered fishing vessels, half are engaged in squid fishing. In the evenings, you can watch the lights of fishing boats in the dark sea - these are fishermen who use lanterns to attract their catch.

How to get to the island

So far, there are no direct flights to Phu Quoc, so you first need to get to Ho Chi Minh Airport. From Russia, the flight time to Vietnam is about 10 hours. Next transfer to Phu Quoc. The plane flies 50-60 minutes, the cost is $50-70. You can take a bus to the settlements of Rachza or Hatien, and from there by boat in 1.5-2.5 hours to reach the shores of the island. Although such a trip will cost less - about $ 25 (bus and boat), it will take a whole day, so it does not make sense to save money. It is more convenient to fly from Moscow by Aeroflot or Vietnam Airlines, where an additional connection is provided.

Weather

The average annual temperature in southern Vietnam is 28°C. The hottest period is from March to May, the temperature is kept at around 30 ° C °, occasionally rising to 35 ° C. Increased humidity is not observed, it happens only after rains.

In terms of cataclysms, Fr. Phu Quoc is quite safe, there are no volcanoes here, strong storms and, moreover, tsunamis do not happen. Long rains occur in September-October. The most favorable for rest is the dry season, which lasts from November almost to May. In the reviews, Russian tourists advise their compatriots to spend at least one of the winter months on the island in order to relax on the beautiful beaches and gain strength.

How to get around Phu Quoc

If the distances are small, then it is better to move on foot. There is no public transport here. Regular bus service is established between Duongdong and Anthoy Port. Renting a bike for one day will cost $1-2, a motorbike $6-10 (without gasoline). You can call a taxi or rent a car for $50 for the whole day with a driver. Tourists are not allowed to drive in Vietnam, as international driving licenses are not valid here. According to reviews, riding a motorbike on bad roads in Fukuoka is very dangerous; only very experienced drivers can consider it as a means of transportation.

Beaches in Fukuoka

Sandy beaches stretch along almost the entire perimeter of the island. Among them there are well-equipped and almost wild. Near the hotels, the coastline is quite civilized. Most of the hotels are located on the western side of the island. Lovers of natural beauty will love the local sunsets - against the background of a completely clear horizon, the sun slowly sinks into the bay. Judging by the reviews, the most beautiful beach is Bai Sao, the most famous is Long Beach.

West Coast

Long Beach on about. Phu Quoc is the most visited of the beaches. The name translates as "long beach", but the locals call it "Truong".

Long Beach

It is closer than other beaches to the airport. Long Beach stretches from the unofficial capital of the island, Duongdong, in a southerly direction for 20 km. The beach is unevenly filled with vacationers, since not the entire territory is yet built up with hotels, which are densely located near the city in an area of about 4 km. There are hotels of different price categories. The cheapest are almost within the city, near the airport.

Long Beach cannot be called the best beach on the island - the water is muddy, after 10–15 m from the shore, depth up to the neck already begins. In the reviews, tourists note that closer to the city center there are plenty of sun loungers, unlike less crowded beaches. The shore is regularly looked after. Further south, the area is not yet built up, but plans are underway to build a new tourist area, including hotels, villas, shopping and office centers.

The advantage of Long Beach is its proximity to the city of Duong Dong, where all the main infrastructure of the island is concentrated. Travel agencies, many cafes and shops work here. There is an airport in the vicinity of the city, most of the hotels are concentrated in this area. In the southern part, the beach is a deserted many kilometers long strip of sand, where there is no housing. You can come here for the whole day for a relaxing holiday.

Bai Dai (Dai Beach) - the second most famous beach, located on the west coast in its northern part. The length of the coastline is 15 km. When in 2008 the media reported that this was the best "secluded beach", Bai Dai became world famous. With the influx of tourists, its seclusion disappears, nevertheless, it is in the hundred of the best beaches in the world.

Now several hotels have appeared here, and construction continues. A road runs parallel to the coastline. Passing along it, you can turn to the beach in any place you like. The entrance to the sea is gentle, the water is clean and transparent, the sand is fine yellow, pleasant to the touch.

southeast coast

Bai Sao is a very attractive beach, which is a perfect illustration of the Bounty of Paradise with white soft sand, turquoise water and coconut palms on the shore. Due to bad roads, the beach was almost isolated from the rest of the island. A wide freeway has now been built leading from the airport and almost reaching Bai Sao Beach. There is only 2-3 km left to drive on the dirt road.

The infrastructure on the beach is not yet developed - there is one hotel and several cafes. Bai Sao is one of the three best beaches in Vietnam. The coast here is gentle, the sand is fine, the structure resembling flour, the water is clean. On the beach there is a changing room, showers and sun loungers, everything is paid. You can have a bite to eat in the cafe. Judging by the reviews, Bai Sao is the only beach on the island where you can ride jet skis. It is easier and cheaper to come here by bike.

The reviews also point out the shortcomings of Bai Sao. The territory is cleaned only near restaurants. Despite the long distance to the main city - 27 km, large groups of tourists are brought on excursions, hence the garbage. The shallow sea warms up near the shore, so the temperature of the water for swimming is too high and not very comfortable. Go far to the desired depth.

What to see

A beach holiday is relaxing, but sometimes you want to diversify it. There are no special attractions on the island, the main highlight is its unique nature. And yet there are interesting and informative excursions to such objects that you will not find in other places in Vietnam. In the reviews, tourists recommend visiting Bai Sao Beach, allspice plantations, a pearl farm, an old lighthouse with a pagoda, and a city market.

The first rainy days of November again made me dream of a bygone summer. In moments of such moods, I always do something extraordinary, for example, remind the management of the accumulated days off and demand to let me go to the land of the warm sun and gentle sea.

My work does not allow me to go on vacation in the summer, so my destiny is a beach holiday in the southern tropical countries. For the past few years, my friend and I have been basking in the sun in the hospitable and exotic Vietnam at the end of autumn. So why change your habits.

The bliss of fashionable and well-inhabited hotels has already been well studied by us. I wanted to add a couple of notes of extreme sports to the upcoming trip. Why not get acquainted with the still virgin corners of outlandish Vietnam in the Gulf of Thailand region.

Our attention was drawn to one of the new areas of the tourism industry - the island of Phu Quoc. It is impossible to fully say about this southern territory of the country that a human foot has not set foot here yet. The enchanting tropical beauty of this corner attracts more and more tourists to their possessions. And yet the beaches of Fukuoka are still half empty, here you can spend a romantic vacation of a completely secluded nature.

Phu Quoc: which beach to choose?

We did not try our luck for serious strength and, for a start, we booked a hotel near the most popular beach of the southern island - the sandy kingdom of Long Beach. The desired Long Beach is currently the center of the Phu Quoc tourist universe and the corner with the most developed infrastructure on the island.

As soon as the first snow falls timidly on the ground in the winter latitudes of our planet, the first fans of the “eternal” summer begin to gather on the velvet sandy beach. Neighbors in comfort next to us turned out to be 2 Russian families with kids of about 5-6 years old. I must say right away that the optimal choice for families with children of this particular beach is quite obvious.

We were greeted on the very first day of rest by the warm sea and the gentle sun, the climatic conditions were very nice, and the gentle entry into the water towards the embrace of the sea gave bathing an additional charm.

The next day showed that the weather on the island has many faces. In the morning, the guide at the hotel was talking about the fact that the season of heavy rains and constant unrest at sea ended just a couple of weeks ago. The period of the year from May to mid-autumn is considered not quite a resort here. Often the shower from the rain streams is too dense, and the sea shows a recalcitrant character almost every day.

But today we were able to set a record for tanning, however, in the evening it became quite clear that it is better to earn a chocolate shade for the skin gradually. Henceforth, we stopped appearing in the sun after 11 am, and going to the beach after 2 pm only allowed ourselves in the company of sunburn remedies.

Long Beach Phu Quoc: opinions and doubts

After 3 days in Fukuoka, we summed up some preliminary results of our new discoveries:

Long Beach is not only the most important tourist beach in Fukuoka, but also the most equipped, and the longest, 20 km - this is no joke to you;
along the entire length of the territory, beach areas lie under the jurisdiction of the city administration, we managed to meet closed VIP zones only a couple of times;
the presence on different days of a completely different number of tourists on the beach turned out to be unpredictable, we decided to attribute this to the category of local mysteries;
Hiking trips along the beach area in both directions allowed us to find several completely deserted corners, which we took advantage of for skinny dipping;
framing the yellow silk of sand almost everywhere are sprawling coke palms, at the foot of which grows lush green grass;
reconnaissance of the northern part of the beach gave us wonderful finds in the form of a collection of Asian cafes and restaurants, here we paid unconditional tribute to the delights of hearty Vietnamese cuisine;
a densely populated network of mini-hotels, catering establishments, hotels and bars with soft drinks is located on the trajectory of the asphalt highway towards the city of Duong Dong.

Of the unpleasant discoveries, we noted the invasion of lazy, but rather annoying fleas. The occupation of the beaches of Vietnam is their favorite habitat. Ways to deal with impudent insects turned out to be unpretentious: beach fleas do not cross the boundaries of the mat, do not have time to attack while walking, and do not like wet sand. So we learned to deal with them pretty quickly.

Wai Bong Beach

One of the days of our stay in Vietnam, we decided to take a ride to Bai Vong beach. We remember it because it was the first coastal zone of the island, to which we arrived on a passenger boat during the transfer from the mainland. Hotels in the Bai Wong beach area have not yet been built, but this area is predicted to be a tourist future. So far, the exotic corner is famous for its restaurants, which use fresh seafood to prepare culinary delights.

Marine lovers come to the beach to admire the riot of colors of jellyfish that abundantly populate shallow waters in calm weather. A close acquaintance with transparent creatures was not included in our plans, so we did not swim on Bai Wong Beach. But we paid tribute to a plentiful feast in one of the restaurants and we can respond with full responsibility to the skill of local culinary specialists.

The most beautiful beaches in Phu Quoc

If we make a conditional gradation of the numerous beaches of Fukuoka, then we recall the old story about a monkey that could not decide which relatives to join it: smart or beautiful. We do not undertake to call smart sandy estates of the island, we did not check them for this quality. But we will call some of them especially beautiful with complete confidence in our innocence. We visited some of these corners ourselves, others were told to us by the neighbors at the table in the restaurant of our hotel.

Bai Sao Phu Quoc Beach (aka Sao Beach or Bai Sao)

A haven of white sand, smoothly turning into small tropical groves. From the town of Zuong on the southeast coast of Phu Quoc, we traveled by taxi, briskly overtaking scooters and bikes of other tourists. The last 2 km of the total road of 25 km, we were glad more than once that we were going by car.

The picture of the beach that opens to the eye at the first moment plunges into complete shock from the magnificence seen. The turquoise bay contrasts with white sand, swings on palm trees bowed in a hospitable bow suggest oriental fairy tales.

Looking ahead, I can safely say that the photos from this place of riot of natural luxury turned out to be the most colorful. During the way back to our place of residence, we even argued that living on the island should have been chosen in this paradise oasis. The question is moot. Bai Sao is very popular with tourists from all over the world and you will definitely not find a quiet solitude there.

We can only report on the beauty of Bai Khem beach from hearsay. The Bai Khem region is under the control of the military units of Vietnam. Curious tourists are not favored here, few of the guests of Fukuoka can boast of a long stay in this area.

Ong Lang Phu Quoc Beach (Bai Ong Lang)

For tourists who prefer to stay in premium hotels, elite resorts near Ong Lang Beach are suitable. In the center of the western coast of the island, both fashionable accommodation facilities and their more modest ones gather around the shop.

The legendary Mango Bay Resort gathers on its territory lovers of tropical nature who appreciate a high level of service. Infrastructure is developed near the beach, similar in its content to Long Beach. Hotels and guest houses, bars, cafes and restaurants add to the charm of a tropical paradise and the overall package of beach pleasures.

Bai Bung Bao beach (Bai Vung Bau)

A nirvana for nudists and lovers of topless sunbathing has become a beach with an unusual shape, reminiscent of the half moon of Bai Bung Bao. Getting to the Bai Vung Bau property is not easy: a dirt road, 12 km on foot in the hot sun is not an option for this situation, the only salvation is local transport. The calm expanse of the sea surface, the high growth of thick grass, the pleasant velvet of snow-white sand grains are a gift to those who nevertheless decided to come here. There are many secluded glades on the beach, and cozy restaurants specializing in fish and seafood dishes are scattered along the territory.

Bai Dai Phu Quoc Beach, Vietnam (Bai Dai)

The neighbor of the previous beach from the north was Bai Dai beach. This section of the northwestern coast of the island is distinguished by a decent length, a special shade of turquoise sea waters, sandy shallow water - a safe area for those who are just learning to swim.

The road to the cult Vietnamese amusement park Vinperl became an important signpost for the road here. A little before reaching the legendary water park, we just ended up on the territory of Bai Dai Beach.

Having had plenty of fun in the shallow waters of Bai Dai Beach, we went to one of the nearest cafes and sat for a long time in the shady coolness of tropical plants with a cup of aromatic coffee and sandwiches with fish filling.

The beaches of Fukuoka, where there are the least people

Among the tourists there are many representatives who prefer to spend their holidays away from noisy entertainment and large crowds of people. Phu Quoc Island, like no other place on the planet, gives travelers interested in peace, such an opportunity. The island has a whole galaxy of deserted beaches that give shelter to lone travelers or small companies.

The Phu Quoc desert beach collection consists of several gems:

Bai Gan Dau Beach

Bai Gan Dau Beach is located at some distance from the main tourist trails in the north of the island. The prima facie of the area is the Peppercorn Beach Hotel. The magnificent Ganh Dau Beach hides its charms near one of the Vietnamese fishing villages. The easiest way to recognize the snow-white kingdom of sand on the shores of the blue sea possessions is by the accumulation of fishing equipment. In good weather, a series of Cambodian islands can be seen from the shore. In a remote region, there is a majestic temple built far from human eyes for solitary prayers to the Buddha.

Bai Rash Vem

Bai Rush Vem Beach is known in tourist circles as a habitat for colorful starfish. The appearance of the corner is similar to many other Phu Quoc beach spots, and only seasoned travelers know the secret of Bai Rach Vem Beach. Scientists from all over the world come here to study the habits and character of bizarre marine life.

Bai Thom

Cashew nut plantations frame a quiet place called Bai Thom Beach. You can drive here only along the country lanes of the island, and the lucky ones may have the opportunity to witness the ebb of the sea. As with the other remote beaches listed above, the path here lies from the city of Zuong Dong.

attractions, what to see, what to do

In fact, I don’t really want to do anything in Fukuoka) Lazily lying on the beach, swimming, relaxing with a massage and trying different goodies - in fact, for what they go to the island of Fukuoka. However, if you have a few free days on the island, you can rent a scooter and explore the remote beaches of the island, or spend a day on the water, entertaining yourself with fishing or snorkeling.

Organizing your own leisure time on the island is as easy as shelling pears - sea tours, scooter rentals and trips to a pearl farm are offered by almost all hotels on the island, massage can always be found walking along the beach, and the night market - the main attraction of the island - can be reached either on foot from most beaches islands, or by motorbike taxi.

Phu Quoc night market

The night market is located in the city, open from 5 pm. This is the best place on the island for dinner. A huge number of stalls with an incredible selection of fish, seafood and seafood, a la oyster lobsters. Barbecue is prepared here.

Grilled vegetables, corn and local garlic bread tortillas are served with fish and seafood. Along the stalls there are tables and chairs, everything is very democratic, cheap and wildly delicious.

Night market in Duong Dong, Photo credit: Bmore Raven, Flickr

Phu Quoc on a motorbike

The best way to see Phu Quoc is on a motorbike. Conventionally, the island can be divided into three parts - northeast, northwest and south, each of which can be viewed in a day. You can rent a motorbike on the island everywhere - in almost any hotel on the island. Renting a scooter will cost around $5-10 per day, depending on the model.

Pearl farm trip

The pearl farm is the main tourist attraction of the island, trips to which are organized regularly, daily and free of charge from all hotels on the island. Ask your hotel reception for the check-out time. If you want to buy pearls, first check the assortment and prices in the pearl shops of the city, because. on the farm only fixed prices.

An Thoi archipelago islands, snorkeling and fishing

South of Phu Quoc are 15 tiny islands in the An Thoi archipelago. Deserted snow-white beaches of the islands, picturesque coral reefs and shoals of fish are quite weighty arguments in favor of devoting a day to a boat trip to the islands. Day tours with snorkeling or fishing can be bought at all tour offices and hotels in Phu Quoc.

Phu Quoc, spread out in the calm waters of the Gulf of Thailand, is the largest island Vietnam and the location of the best beaches in the country. But that doesn't mean they're all equally good. The range here is extremely wide - from a piece of paradise to a garbage dump.

On the mainland of Vietnam, many try to visit one of the best beaches in Vietnam - Doklet. On Fukuoka the choice of places for recreation will be greater: sandy and rocky, equipped and wild, with developed infrastructure and completely unsuitable for a beach holiday.

You can find and book an inexpensive tour to Vietnam using the services and. The search for tours is carried out on the databases of 130 tour operators online. Compare prices, choose the best options. You do not have to go to the office of a travel agency to apply for a ticket.
About the features of buying a tour online you can find out on our website.

Tourism industry on Fukuoka now it is developing at an accelerated pace - a new international airport has opened, additional ferry terminals are being built, the world's leading hotel chains have begun building hotels.

Beaches for the foreseeable future Fukuoka will apply to one or another hotel, and some of them are likely to become cleaner and more comfortable. In the meantime, 150 km of coastline make it possible to find a corner for every taste.

Phu Quoc beaches

On Fukuoka the most famous are 10 beaches, which differ markedly from each other in terms of comfort, development of tourist infrastructure and cleanliness.

Bai Dai Beach (Bai Dai)

Dai Beach located in the northwest of the island Phu Quoc. A few years ago it was one of the most untouched beaches in the world, and now one of the best chain hotels in Vietnam is located here - Vinpearl Phu Quoc Resort 5 *.

True, this will not prevent you, if you wish, from finding secluded stretches of the beach with untouched nature.

Beach Bai Dai still clean, covered with yellow loose sand. The most deserted idyllic stretches of the beach are closer to the beach and opposite Turtle Island (Hon Doi Moi Island).

Diving and snorkeling enthusiasts go to Turtle Island (Hon Doi Moi Island) - there is a famous dive site here.

The sea here is warm, with a gentle approach, without currents, with water of various shades from blue to green. The beach strip is not wide, in some areas the casaurin (eolian tree) comes close to the beach.

Beach Dai Beach Ideal for children and those who can't swim.

There are small restaurants along the coast in the village. Ganh Dau(with still low prices).

Vung Bau Beach (Vung Bau)

Wung Bau one of the least crowded beaches - except for a couple of small restaurants, you will not find anything here. It is located south of the beach.

The beach has a length of about 4.5 km, framed by tall grass, palm trees and casaurines.
The sea here is calm during the dry season and quite aggressive during the rainy season. The entrance to the water is gentle with a gradually increasing depth.

On this beach, not only starfish, shells, but also sea urchins are not uncommon, so be careful, look under your feet.

Close to the beach Wung Bau there are several small hotels (you can also have a bite there):

Bamboo Cottages(with its own private beach, luxurious rooms)
Vung Bau Resort(great beach + reasonable price)
Mai Phuong Phu Quoc Resort(comfortable beach + reasonable price)

Ong Lang Beach (Ong Lang)

Beach Ong Lang is located on the west coast of the island between the village of Ganh Dau and the main city of the island - Duong Dong.

Ong Lang differs markedly from other beaches: the beach strip here is periodically interrupted by sections of rocks and stones. Here you can watch not only the most beautiful sunsets of the western coast of the island, but also numerous fishing boats crossing the beach of cows.

The beach is covered with light yellow loose sand, fairly clean (hotel staff regularly cleans their areas), limited by palm trees and casaurines.

The sea here is clear, green-blue, calm, with a gentle entry into the water, at the beginning of the high season (November - December) there can occasionally be jellyfish.

Along the beach Ong Lang there are a lot of small hotels, guest houses, restaurants, fast food outlets. If you need more variety in restaurants and shops, then go to Duong Dong - 15 minutes and you are there.

Ganh Dau Beach

Beach Gan Bau Beach is located at the northern tip of Phu Quoc Island, near the village of Ganh Dau. Gan Bau Beach has the shape of a horseshoe, surrounded by forests, covered on both sides by low mountains.

The sand on the beach is yellow, with a significant admixture of ground corals. The sea here is calm, inhabited by various living creatures (due to the presence of corals and stones) - if you wish, you can watch crabs, clams, and various fish. Opposite the beach you can see the coast of Cambodia (mountain Ta Lon). Nearby are Phu Quoc National Park and Nguyen Trung Truc Temple, which are well worth a visit.

Right on the beach Gan Bau Beach there are two restaurants where you can taste seafood or national Vietnamese cuisine (the cost of dishes starts from 100,000VND). In the village itself, you can taste traditional Vietnamese dishes for 35,000 VND. As of March 2016, there was not a single working ATM here.

There are no hotels on the beach, but you can stay at Ganh Dau.

Sao & Khem Beaches (Bai Sao and Bai Khem)

Beach Sao Beach is located in the southeast of the island, 7 km from the town of An Thoi. This is one of the best beaches not only in Vietnam, but throughout Southeast Asia.

Sao Beach is famous for its white sand - very reminiscent of the beaches of the Caribbean.

The best part of the beach is next to the restaurant paradiso(previously called “No Problem”). In the southern part of the beach, the sand is yellow, coarser, and it is difficult to call the beach clean. A few years ago it was perfect, but now you can see the consequences of its popularity - some areas are covered with garbage.

The sea here has a characteristic turquoise hue, shallow (up to a depth of more than 100 m).

In the sea you can see many fry of fish, crustaceans, sometimes squids, in September - October there are many starfish near the coast.

Today on the beach Sao Beach you will find many restaurants, bars, small hotels, tour desks, boat and kayak rentals, windsurfing and kitesurfing centers.

Beach Bai Khem located next door, known for its white sand. Until 2014, this part of the island was closed to tourists (there were military facilities here). Now access is free, but contrary to what is written about the beach on the Internet, it cannot be considered comfortable: coastal waters are rich in fish, shrimp, anchovies, and this has led to the fact that the largest fish market is located here. Anyone who has visited such markets at least once in Vietnam knows that there is no need to talk about cleanliness here.

In the near future, the authorities plan to close the fish market here and repurpose the beach exclusively for tourism.

Long Beach

Long Beach this is the epicenter of a beach holiday in Fukuoka - 20 km of golden sand, turquoise sea and magnificent sunsets.

The beach is located on the west coast of the island, just a 10-minute drive from the international airport. It is comfortable to sunbathe, swim, engage in water sports, relax and just bask in the sun.

Numerous hotels, restaurants, shops stretch along the entire beach. Merchants right on the beach will offer you drinks, fruits, seafood.

The beach is conditionally divided into 2 parts: northern and southern.

Northern part of Long Beach has a length of 5 km, starts at the Eden Resort Hotel (in Duong Dong, near the new airport) and ends at the rocks next to the Trang An Phu Quoc Hotel.

South end of Long Beach stretches for 15 km, includes a series of small local beaches (Xep Beach, Dai Do Beach, Duong Co Beach, Duong Xanh Beach, and Vuon Dua Beach). It is not so crowded here, the infrastructure is somewhat less developed than in the northern part. This is the place to go for those who are looking for peace and quiet.

The low population of the southern part of the beach Long Beach the phenomenon is temporary - large-scale construction of large tourist complexes begins here (by 2020, construction is planned to be completed).

Rach Tram & Rach Vem Beaches

Both beaches are located in the north of the island, surrounded by tropical jungle. The beaches are rarely visited by tourists - the roads to them are unpaved, the tourist infrastructure is not developed, luxurious nature and heaps of garbage on the shore in the form of broken boats, old nets, plastic boxes, etc. In general, these beaches are waiting for the master's hand.

Thom Beach

Thom Beach located in the north of the island - a very quiet and calm beach, surrounded by thickets of cashews (hazel). You can get here only by a dirt road, the infrastructure here is poorly developed, but inexpensive small hotels are still available.

Sea near the beach Thom Beach shallow, noticeable ebbs.

In the future, it is planned to build a tourist center here.

Cua Can Beach

Beach Cua Can Beach located on the west coast of the island between the beaches in the south and north. At this point, the Kua Kan River flows into the Gulf of Thailand, forming many shallows with thickets of casuarina. This place is not suitable for swimming, except for small stretches of the beach.

Wong Beach (Wong Beach)

Beach Wong Beach the first one seen by guests arriving on the island by water: here is the ferry terminal, where they arrive from the mainland. From the capital of the island Doung Dong - 8 km, nearby is the village of Ham Ninh.

The surrounding nature looks much nicer than the beach itself, especially considering that two additional berths are currently under construction.

The sea is shallow here, jellyfish are often found. It is unlikely that you will have a desire to rent a house in this part of the island, but it is quite possible to taste seafood.

Fukuoka hotel map

(by moving the map with the mouse, you can see hotels along the entire coast)

We spent a full seven days in Fukuoka. We drove across the island. We visited basically all the places that are mentioned in tourist booklets and not only. I decided to build this review according to the principle: place - description, abandoning the more familiar structure of the diary by day. Recommendations for choosing an area of the island for accommodation and our hotel will be at the end.

How to get to Fukuoka

In 2012, a new airport (PQC code) opened in Fukuoka, which receives regular flights from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Haiphong and Can Tho. In addition, hundreds of charters fly here from all over the world.

The most convenient way to get to this Vietnamese island is from Ho Chi Minh City. Depending on the season and day of the week, the number of flights per day from Saigon can reach 10 or more. The journey is only 1 hour. Flights are operated by: Vietnam airlines, VietJet Air, JetStar. Ticket prices range from 4,000 rubles. up to 20,000 rubles per round trip per person. We took tickets for New Year's dates 5 months before departure (in August). Low-cost airline - "JetStar", price - 4,300 rubles (round trip). I recommend booking tickets in advance if you want to save 10-15 thousand rubles. Aviasales to help.

Transfer from/to Fukuoka Airport

If I'm not mistaken, there is no public transport on the island. You need to get from the airport to the hotel by taxi or by a previously booked transfer at the hotel. Taxi stands are at the exit, also in the baggage claim area. Everything is simple here, we show the hotel reservation with the address, pay for the fare at the counter, get a voucher, go out into the street. We fall into the hands of the driver, who, according to the voucher, takes us to the hotel without any problems and questions. The island itself is not small, so the price of a taxi will be from 100,000 dong to 300,000 - 400,000 dong, depending on the location of the hotel.

Phu Quoc beaches

The map below shows all the places we visited in Fukuoka:

Perhaps you need to start with the reason why people fly here for 10-15 hours - the beaches. The climate features in Fukuoka are such that:

From November to March is the dry season, the wind blows from east to west;
From April to October is the rainy season, the wind blows from west to east.

Accordingly, all hotels and resorts are located on the western coast, since in winter, during the season, this coast is quiet, closed from the winds. On the east coast in the winter months there are waves and a huge amount of mud and household garbage washed in from all over the Gulf of Thailand.

Bai Sao Beach is the pearl of the island. Phu Quoc and Vietnam in general

The place is very beautiful. The beach is located in a small bay surrounded by hills covered with tropical vegetation. White sand.

During low tide (after lunch) the coastline increases greatly. The beach, especially in the photo, looks heavenly.

We did not manage to enjoy this natural beauty, relax, swim in the sea. There is so much dirt and garbage here that there are simply no words. Wild thrash. The entire coast is strewn with packages, bottles and other muck. The desire to swim here immediately disappears when a pack of condoms floats next to you and a meter long snag is pulled along the bottom.

Infrastructure: along the beach there are several cafes in the traditional Vietnamese style - dirty tables, dishes, waiters sleeping on the go. I didn’t have any particular complaints about this, since this is Vietnam.

Each institution diligently “cleans” its coastline from dirt and debris. It happens like this: a Vietnamese rakes garbage into a bucket, moves beyond the territory of the restaurant's shore and pours it out where the beach area does not belong to anyone. The sea again takes all this garbage in a wave and eventually nails it. Such is the cycle of idiocy.

One of our compatriots, who has been living on the island for more than 5 years, assured me that after a change in the wind, the beach would be removed and it would be exemplary. The locals have this mentality: why clean up today if tomorrow the sea will again bring all sorts of rubbish.

I don’t post photos of the dirt so as not to spoil the impression of this place, because it is actually amazing. I hope that the local authorities will pay attention and put this beach in order, it has no equal in beauty on the island.

The beach is an extension of Bai Sao

If you face the sea on Sao Beach, then there is another beach on the right, which differs in the color of the sand, it is yellow.

Huge boulders are found in the water and on the shore. The coastline is slightly narrower than that of Bai Sao. There are no restaurants or sunbeds here. In its own way, this is a plus, since there are almost no people, you can throw a towel and lie down in solitude.

The main problem is, again, garbage, but oddly enough it is much less here, there is almost none in the water, although it is no more than 1 km from Bai Sao. Apparently the features of the tide.

Ong Lang Beach

The most well-kept and clean beach in Fukuoka. The sand is fine and golden. There are many decent hotels and restaurants on the first coastline, hence the impeccable cleanliness, the adjacent territory is regularly cleaned. The sea is very calm and warm.

In places there are areas with stone banks.

Large areas of this beach are occupied by hotels, mostly of the "bungalow" type. Since all the beaches in Fukuoka are public, this is not a problem. You can swim and relax along the entire coastline. Restrictions only on the use of sun loungers and other beach equipment that belongs to the hotel.

Ganh Gio Beach

Ganh Gio Beach - located south of Ong Lang beach on the western part of the island. In fact, it is no different from Ong Lang. Unless access to the beach is possible only through the territory of the Shells Resort hotel (one of the most expensive in Fukuoka). It can be said that the beach is private.

They may not be allowed into the hotel territory, therefore, if you have not stayed at this hotel, then there is nothing to do on Ganh Gio Beach.

Other beaches in Fukuoka

The above are places that I have studied well. We spent enough time on these beaches to form a concrete opinion about them. In addition to these places, during our stay on the island we were brought to several more beaches, I will say a few words about them.

Long Beach is the center of all Phu Quoc beach holidays. Its length is about 20 km. Probably 90-95% of all hotels and resorts are located on this beach and its environs. I try to avoid such crowded places, so I will not give recommendations.

Duong Dong Beach - garbage dump, not suitable for swimming or relaxing

Thom Beach - garbage dump, not suitable for swimming or recreation

Other things to do in Fukuoka

Judging by the tourist booklets and notes, Phu Quoc is not only famous for its beaches. We had enough time to carefully familiarize ourselves with the life of the island and all the entertainment for tourists. In addition to a beach holiday, Phu Quoc offers activities for guests for every taste:

hiking trails in the rainforest;
one-day snorkeling / diving excursions to coral reefs and islands;
modern amusement park with water slides and attractions;
safari zoo;
rich tour. Pepper factory, pearl factory, local fish sauce production
Acquaintance with the traditions and lifestyle of the locals (markets, street food, etc.)

Night market

Before going to the island, I read a lot of comments and reviews about the night market. People have described this place as a paradise for seafood and street food lovers in general.

The market consists of several streets, which are lined with street cafes, shops with nuts, souvenirs and other junk. Every reputable establishment has aquariums and stalls with fresh catch.

There are really no questions about the products, everything is fresh. Wide selection of shellfish, fish. There are exotics - for example, sharks and other unknown creatures. It is interesting to look at the marine life and tap the glass with your finger. Such, in its own way, a miniature aquarium.

Guests are invited to choose their own dinner. They cook, without exception, according to three recipes: grilled, boiled, boiled / stewed with local spices.

I can’t stand intrusiveness, so walking around the market was not very comfortable for me. The Vietnamese are overpowering from all sides, everyone offers to sit down in his institution. Cherkizovsky market in Moscow in the nineties, one to one. Only instead of sneakers and tracksuits, they sell shrimp and squid here.

All eateries, but there is no other way to call them, are the same. Therefore, we sat down where there were people and the most decent tables and tablecloths.

I don’t consider myself a squeamish person, but the mud here is excellent everywhere. You can stick to the table. I had to drink beer from a bottle, I did not dare to pour it into a glass. Seafood is fresh, and you can be patient, went to choose your dinner. They took: shrimp, squid, sea urchins, oysters and some other shells. They didn’t manage to spoil the shrimp, but what the hell were the rest of the dishes, for me there was a big question.

With a clear conscience, I tried everything. Then my stomach ached wildly and we got away from the Night Market.

Outcome. Such a feeling, resentment for a wasted evening on the island, besides pain in the stomach after the "delicious" seafood. In my opinion, there is absolutely nothing to do here. In extreme cases, if you are completely tired of sitting in a cozy restaurant on the coast with a glass of beer or wine, enjoying delicious and most importantly safe food, then go here to look at the bizarre creatures in the aquarium, but in no case eat anything here. Not tasty and not safe.

Phu Quoc Pepper Farm in Phu Quoc

There are several pepper factories, or rather, pepper farms in Fukuoka. You can find at least five marks on the mapsme map. We visited the most "tourist" of them. It is located a couple of kilometers from the city of Duong Dong. See map above.

At first, I did not understand whether we had arrived correctly or not, since there were practically no identification marks of the factory, not counting the signs on the road. Anyway, the place was more like an ordinary farmhouse. There is also a shop near the road that sells pepper and coffee. The guy showed us how to get to the farm.

The place is a plantation where pepper is grown - strict rows of climbing plants.

There is a small orchard.

In the shop you can buy many different options for ready-made seasoning. Pepper black and white, peas and ground, ground with garlic and soy sauce.

Perhaps that's all.

We stopped by the farm on our way from Bai Sao. You won’t be able to stay here for more than half an hour, since, in fact, there is nothing to see and do.

My opinion is that if you pass by, you must definitely stop in order to stock up on pepper for the year ahead and then distribute it to all friends and relatives as a souvenir. I see no point in coming here purposefully to see the farm.

Fish sauce factory, pearl factory

Both of these establishments are a common ploy by locals to attract the attention of tourists. You arrive there and find only a shop where you can buy pearls or fish sauce. There is nothing more to tell. not worth going.

Trekking in Fukuoka (Ganh Dau trail)

Tracking routes, in the usual sense of the word for me, are not in Fukuoka. Let me explain a little: the island has a huge national park - a tropical forest, where monkeys, parrots and many others live in their natural environment. There are lakes, waterfalls, rivers, hills. Only there is no infrastructure and access to these natural reserves. Solid impenetrable jungle.

In total, we had three trips to different parts of the island, in order to see wild monkeys, listen to cicadas, and generally get acquainted with the local flora and fauna.

In the north (map above) there is a route that is marked on tourist maps - Ganh Dau trail.

It is a path, about 2 km long through the forest. The route is a dead end. Got to the end and back.

A couple of times there were such trees

On the trail you feel that the forest is simply teeming with insects, snakes and other creatures. We were already closer to sunset and completely alone. Feeling creepy, I'm happy.

This is all. There are no more equipped tourist routes in Fukuoka. Once we turned off the road and went along a path not marked on the tourist map (on my map "Forest")

After 15 minutes, we went to a clearing, where the Vietnamese were diligently sawing out the jungle. Looks like it's under construction for a hotel or something. They looked at us wildly, apparently it was unusual for them to see white people in the forest, and not on the beach.

A couple of times we tried to find a more or less sane road / trail that could be walked through the Phu Quoc National Park. Judging by the maps, there is a path that crosses the entire park, but we did not manage to get to it. The locals looked at us like we were the plague, waved their hands and sent us away from the forest.

Road DT973 (Duong Dong - Bai Thom) runs along the jungle. On it you can comfortably ride a scooter to the north and back to look at the local landscape. We happened to meet wild monkeys along the way.

In general, as I understand it, the national park is a wild and undeveloped place. Even the locals don't go there. According to verified information, there are more than 61 species of reptiles here alone. You can read about the park here.

My opinion:

As a wildlife lover, it was simply necessary for me to try to climb into the jungle, to see wild monkeys. I was pleased that I saw the nature of this region. Since the infrastructure for such a vacation on the island is completely unfavorable, not everyone will like this entertainment. For those who are bored of lying on the beach all day, I can advise the following:

Ganh Dau Trail walking route - takes 1 - 2 hours, you can "feel" the jungle a little, especially closer to sunset;
Ride a scooter along the Duong Dong - Bai Thom road along the National Park. It will take about 1.5 - 2 hours round trip. You can meet wild monkeys.

Snorkeling/diving in Phu Quoc

There are no living creatures and corals on the beaches of Fukuoka. Travel agencies offer day trips to the small islands north or south of Phu Quoc. We took an excursion to the northern islands, as the southern ones had unfavorable conditions due to the wind. There is no difference which islands to go to, the program is the same everywhere and includes:

Transfer from the hotel to Duong Dong Pier where the boat is waiting
Road to the islands by boat 1-1.5 hours
Fishing for about an hour on the bottom
Snorkeling near the islands, about 2 hours
Lunch after snorkeling
free time on one of the beaches of Fukuoka, which brings the boat

The price per person for a group tour is about 20-30 dollars, depending on the travel agency. We took a private trip for $120 at Phu Quoc Beach Travel, in an office located in the Ong Lang beach area. In appearance, this agency was the most decent, you can pay by card, there were even brochures in Russian with a description. Additionally, they offered to take a Russian-speaking guide for $ 20, we refused. As a result, the guide was our Russian former pilot, who settled on the island in retirement.

We went to several other agencies: in one, the Vietnamese did not understand what a Private tour was and only pointed her finger at the brochure, in the other there was no one at all.

Since we had a private tour, we did not have to go to Duong Dong to the pier. The boat itself sailed to us on Ong Lang beach, next to which we lived.

The purpose of the tour is small islands: Fingernail Island (Little Finger Island) and Turtle Island (Turtle Island). The journey is about an hour in total. Near them you can go fishing from a boat to the bottom, swim with fins and a mask.

It is difficult to call them islands. Small patches of land that can be reached by swimming.

We tried fishing and decided not to waste time on it. firstly, it didn’t bite very much, and secondly, catching fish from the palm of your hand does not cause much interest.

We spent all the allotted time in the water on a coral reef.

You can get out on land, get some rest. On the island there is garbage that brings from the sea, and there is quite a lot of it. Some bottles, flasks have been lying here for years. Since tourists are brought here, why not collect all the dirt. The area of the island is only 100 square meters. But this is Vietnam, no one cleans up the trash here.

Two hours is enough to swim over corals and look at small fish.

On the way back from the islands, lunch is offered, which is represented by local dishes: Pho soup, rice, chicken. The dishes are simple and tasty, especially after 2 hours on the water. From the exotic, for an additional fee, you can try sea urchins.

By 15:00 we were brought back to Ong Lang beach.

General impressions: If in your life you have not seen anything under water except sand and stones, then you must take an excursion. For beginners, snorkeling in Fukuoka will delight. It so happened that I first got acquainted with the underwater world while scuba diving in the Red Sea and now snorkeling or diving in other places does not cause me strong emotions. The local underwater world is scarce and not so colorful and colorful, but it is here. I like active rest, I would rather swim for 3 hours and look at corals than lie on the beach, so I recommend it.

Phu Quoc Safari Zoo (Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc) + Vinpearlland Amusement Park

Since we had plenty of time on the island, we decided not to bypass the recently opened Vinpearlland amusement park and the Safari Zoo. They are located in the north of the island. We traveled around the island for seven days on a rented scooter, so we didn’t encounter a problem getting to one or another part of the island, but it seems that free buses also run from Duong Dong several times a day.

General tickets for 1 day (Vinperalland+Vinpearl Safari) were purchased at the Zoo ticket office at the price of VND 850,000 per person. It was decided to start from the zoo, since its opening hours are shorter, from 09:00 to 16:00. The park is divided into 2 zones:

Animals in cages;
Safari Park.

The zoo is very good. The territory is well-groomed, everything is thought out and worked out to the smallest detail.

The animals are nice to look at. Clean, well-fed. Their cages are very large, there is where to roam.

The second zone is a safari zoo. Tourists are transported by bus from one zone to another. In each zone, certain animals are located. The downside is that this bus is ordinary, the same as on the city route to MSC. You have to look at the animals through the glass. Here you need a tall double-decker bus with an open second floor.

We could not stay here for more than two hours, the scorching sun is simply unbearable. Moreover, we got here at the very peak of the heat, arrived at 12 and went until 2.

More about Vinpearlland. It's a 10 minute ride from the zoo by scooter. The park is divided into several zones and offers the following entertainment: water slides, rides, an aquarium, a show of dancing fountains, etc. In a word, we have collected everything that is possible. We went here on a previously purchased single ticket at the zoo. I’ll make a reservation right away that we were only interested in a park with water slides, we didn’t go anywhere else, we didn’t watch anything. So here they are on a solid 4ku. There are no queues. There are enough slides, there is a place for a child and an adult to ride. You can read more about the park.

General impression of Vinpearlland + Zoo.

I can advise spending a day on Vinpearl only if you have visited all the other places from the list above, and there is still time on the island. Also, such parks will probably be of interest to tourists with children. You can spend the whole day here. It is better to start in the morning (from 9 o'clock) from the zoo, while the heat can still allow you to walk in the open air. There are few shadows in the zoo. After 12 you can move to Vinpearlland to water slides and attractions.

Asia is famous for its sunsets, Phu Quoc is no exception in this regard. You can watch a beautiful sunset on the entire western coast of the island. The spectacle is truly impressive. Every day we planned to be at Ong Lang Beach at 17:30 with a bottle of Tiger. Comments are unnecessary here.

By 18:00, the sun sets in Fukuoka, people begin to disperse to hotels, and by 18:30 - 19:00 decent restaurants are full. It will be possible to sit down, but not always at a comfortable table.

Where to stay in Fukuoka

When choosing a hotel in Fukuoka, the east coast of the island must be swept aside immediately. There is no infrastructure here, the coast is one big garbage dump.

95% of hotels are located on the west coast. For myself, conditionally, I divided all the hotels into 4 zones (from north to south):

1st zone: Northwest of the island. Vicinity of Vinpearl

At the time of our trip, this area was actively developed. Huge high-rise premium chain hotels were built here. In addition to Vinpearl amusement parks, a casino is due to open here in the near future. For whom all this is being built and who will live here, I have no idea. Europeans and Americans will not come here when they have Las Vegas, Miami, Ibiza, Nice at home. Especially considering the mentality and service of local residents. I do not recommend this area of the island. Those who want luxury should go to Dubai, and in no case to Phu Quoc.

Zone 2: Hotels located along Ong Lang Beach

We lived in this area and I can safely say that this is the best place to stay in Fukuoka. Long Beach is the cleanest on the island. Local hotels have large green areas, almost all accommodation in "bungalows" and houses. This allows you to be closer to nature. Locals do not live here, peace and quiet. This area is located in the very center of the island, so it is very convenient to make trips to other parts of Fukuoka from here.

Zone 3: Hotels in and around Duong Dong

I won't pay much attention. Suitable only for backpackers, and even then you can find more impressive options in other parts of the island for little money.

Zone 4: Hotels located along Long Beach

Long Beach is not much inferior to Ong Lang. There is also a very clean coast, a large number of hotels for every taste and budget. The difference from the Ong Lang area is that here the concentration of tourists is several times higher. Hence the fuss, the constant movement.

For those who appreciate peace and privacy, I would advise you to stay in the Ong Lang beach area, for everyone else - Long Beach.

We stayed at the Palm hill resort. Place of average price category, about 60 dollars per night. The hotel is not located on the first coastline, walk to Ong Lang beach for about 10 minutes. There is a green area, a small pool. Accommodation exclusively in bungalows. The cuisine at the local restaurant is about nothing, the only thing I can recommend is fruit milk shakes, very tasty. In general, the place is cozy and worth the money.

For myself, I have noted the two most attractive hotels where it is best to stay in Fukuoka in the Ong Lang beach area:

Coco Palm Beach Resort & Spa - the same price category, about $ 60 per night. The hotel is located on the first coastline. Excellent green area, 20 meters from the sea. There is a restaurant, the main feature of which is again the location, it essentially stands on the beach. We dined here most of the time. It is better to come early, from one to three it is unlikely that you will be able to sit down. All the people from the beach are drawn here. Kitchen on a solid four. For the money this hotel can be called one of the best on the island. There are only 4 bungalows on the territory, the demand is huge. To get here in the season, you need to book 6 months in advance.

Mango Bay Phu Quoc Resort is the best hotel in Phu Quoc. If I go back to the island, I will definitely come here. The hotel has a huge green area. The beach in front of the hotel is quiet and secluded. Lots of sunbeds and hammocks. The Mango Bay restaurant is another reason to scatter compliments. Located, of course, on the coast. There is a veranda, sitting at a table you can watch stunning pictures of the sunset. Menu, service, food - everything is in the best European traditions. In season, a night in this hotel starts from $ 200. The price is high, but it's worth it. You need to book a room, probably, a year in advance. There were no available rooms 7 months prior to our travel date.

How to get around Fukuoka

There is no public transport on the island. You cannot rent a car, as it is illegal for tourists to drive in Fukuoka.

In my opinion, the most convenient way to get around the island is by scooter. You can rent it at any hotel. Price 150,000 dong per day. No documents, contracts, insurance. It's simple, take the bike and go. The traffic on the island is not as crazy as in Ho Chi Minh City or any other metropolis, so you can move around safely and without fear.

If for some reason the option with a scooter is not suitable, then the only thing left is a taxi. You can call at the reception of any hotel. Taxi rides on the meter.

General impression of Fukuoka

Should you visit Phu Quoc? Most likely my answer will be no. In Southeast Asia, there are much more beautiful and interesting places where you can spend your holidays: Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia.

If you still decide to visit this Vietnamese island, then I would recommend giving it no more than 5 days. This will be enough to relax on the beach and see Phu Quoc. My recommendations:

Hotel: Mango Bay or Coco Palm
Beach: Ong Lang
Excursions: Snorkeling to the islands
What to see: Bai Sao Beach, Pepper Farm, Hiking Trail, Vinpearl Zoo