Phu Quoc at its best: what to eat and where to play for a complete trip?

Phu Quoc's sunshine calls

From November, while many places brace for the first chill of winter, the Pearl Island greets visitors with warm sunshine and an ideal temperature of 25 - 30°C. Many tour groups' itineraries therefore lean closer to nature, the "gift from heaven" of Vietnam's largest island. 

 

Bai Kem, one of the most beautiful beaches on the planet, looks especially inviting as Phu Quoc enters its best season of the year.

Between now and the end of the year, two public holidays, Vietnamese Culture Day (November 24) and New Year's Day (January 1), open up opportunities for short getaways. Even with limited time off, visitors can fully enjoy the Pearl Island on a 24-hour itinerary through South Phu Quoc, from blue sea and white sand to dazzling art shows at night.

To start the morning, instead of hurrying to catch a ride, the best way to feel Phu Quoc in its finest season is on foot. Strolling unhurried along brick-paved streets in mild weather, under a clear sky and among Mediterranean-colored houses, visitors will keep coming across "hidden gems". It might be a flight of steps opening onto a picture-perfect photo spot, or a graffiti mural full of artistic spirit.

 

Eric Kayser bakery has just marked its first "birthday" in Phu Quoc. 

Right near Pearl Square, Eric Kayser bakery is a new stop for a proper French breakfast. The croissant keeps its traditional shape, yet many diners are surprised by its thin, crisp crust and the subtle aroma of flour fermented slowly for 12 hours. Choosing an outdoor seat, away from the air-conditioning, to enjoy French pastries while watching the main town go by can be a "healing" remedy for the soul.

After a relaxed breakfast, visitors can take the cable car to Hon Thom. The 15-minute glide across nearly 8 km of open sea on the world's longest three-rope cable car line is an experience that is "worth every penny". Sky and sea merge into one palette of deep blue, with fishing boats in the distance and tree-covered islands like floating forests in the ocean.

 

Aquatopia water park at Sun World Hon Thom brings together more than 20 attractions.

Arriving at Hon Thom is also when the fun erupts at Aquatopia water park in Sun World Hon Thom. For visitors who have just left the cold, playing freely at a water park in the last months of the year feels almost unbelievable. Next door, Exotica Village carries the excitement on, welcoming adventure seekers to take on "Wrath of the Wooden Serpent" (Moc Xa Thinh No), Vietnam's first wooden roller coaster, with 14 twisting drops and spectacular spirals.

As the afternoon settles, back from Hon Thom to An Thoi, visitors can head straight to Bai Kem, one of the most beautiful beaches on the planet according to Flynetwork (Canada). The waves are gentle, the sand is fine, white and gently sloping, and the water is so clear that small fish can be seen swimming around one's feet. Walking along the cream-soft sand under green coconut palms, many people finally understand why Phu Quoc is called a "paradise for relaxation".

The answer of sunset and fireworks

Coming to Phu Quoc without watching the sunset is a great waste. Watching the glowing red sun sink into the sea at Kiss Bridge is a magnificent gift of nature. Whatever country they come from, whatever their age or gender, visitors instinctively raise their phones to capture the scene.

 

Sun Bavaria GastroPub is an ideal place to watch Symphony of the Sea season 3.

After the sunset, visitors can enjoy nearly 100 buffet dishes at Sun Bavaria GastroPub, the world's largest beachfront beer restaurant as recognized by Guinness World Records. As draft beer is poured and appetizing dishes reach the table, they will witness a new surprise with the Symphony of the Sea season 3 show. 

Going far beyond the images that once "took social media by storm", season 3 is expected to return on November 20 this year, more spectacular than ever with three times as many fireworks as the previous season. On a 56,000 m² sea stage, the peak performance of 12 Jetski artists and 8 Flyboard artists will create Phu Quoc's iconic "visual signature", which Travel + Leisure magazine once praised at length.

 

Kiss of the Sea is set for a "makeover" at the end of this year.

Leaving the restaurant, the art space continues with Kiss of the Sea and its high-altitude fireworks. Here, a 1,000 m² water screen, among the largest on the planet, is both the stage for a vivid performance by more than 60 international artists and a canvas for films tinted with fantasy.

The journey ends sweetly with a stroll through Vui Fest night market. Stepping in, every review about an expensive Phu Quoc melts away in the face of a friendly atmosphere and reasonable prices. Even in peak season, a generous, delicious avocado smoothie costs only VND 35,000, and a chilled fresh coconut only VND 30,000. A simple yet complete ending to a day full of fun and emotion on the Pearl Island.