Phu Quoc: Coi nguon Museum

This is actually a private museum that is a MUST SEE when you’re visiting Phu Quoc. The building commands a road side location set on a hill, South of the town of Duong Dong.

This is a six floor structure that is modern in design and has great functionality…it’s a fairly new building….as is the museum itself…its barley a few years old, some parts of it are still under construction , at least were when I visited in January of 2010. Its design is such that you can move easily around from display to display and the continuity is great.

There are sections that deal with the history of Phu Quoc, including ceramics, bronze and stone tools, and animal and sea mammal skeletons.

Phu Quoc Hotels and Accommodation

Warning: unlike in most other East-Asian destinations, there is a substantial risk that all (affordable) hotels are fully booked if you arrive, so it is advisable to book ahead, also for back- and flashpackers. This applies at least in January, the dry high season and as of 2011 also in February, as the island gains popularity.

1.Mai House, +84-773-847 003 mailto:maihouseresort@yahoo.com. Consistently ranked the #1 resort choice on the island. Fourteen stylish, high quality thatched villas dotted around immaculate gardens on the beach. There's no air conditioning and no fridge in the villa's and no pool. The restaurant menu is good but limited. Despite this, most people who have stayed here, consider Mai House to be almost perfect. Villas: standard $45 low season, and $90 high season. Breakfast included. Booking can be tricky as owners Mai and Gerrard are not always responsive to booking enquiries during high season. Garrard's direct contact number is +84 918 123 796 should you have any difficulties.

Phu Quoc: Shopping

Phu Quoc Island offers some interesting shopping options for people fond to spend some money or buy some souvenirs while on holiday. The best shopping experiences can be found around the local markets in Duong Dong and An Thoi towns, however we have listed other possibilities below for you to consider along with some recommended items that are fairly unique to Phu Quoc Island.

Local markets

Phu Quoc: Haven of pearls

The Phu Quoc Pearl farm was established in 1998 under the Foreign Investment Law of Vietnam to cultivate South Sea Pearls for the local and international jewellery markets.

The company has a sea lease of 4km² and a land lease of 6,000m² granted by the Kien Giang Provincial Peoples' Committee. Situated on the West coast of Phu Quoc Island, the Pearl Farm is located 8km South of the main town, Duong Dong.Treasures from the Deep Ltd is a New Zealand registered company specializing in the Design and Hand Crafting of Pearl jewellery (set in 18k gold) Pearl Necklaces and Mother of Pearl Seashell (set in 925 Sterling Silver).

The company Owner / Director Grant Johnston has 25 years' Pearl Diving and Aquaculture experience and has been the General Director of Phu Quoc Pearls in Vietnam since 1998.

He provides the technical expertise and management to the venture and is also a major shareholder in the company. Treasures from the Deep was formed to create a marketing company for Phu Quoc Pearls who supply only the finest quality South Sea, Akoya and Mabe pearls to be handcrafted into exquisite designs for sale through out Pearl Galleries and website.

Phu Quoc: Hon Thom Island

One day while lying on the beach, a local guy asked me if I wanted to go on a snorkeling tour. He told me that if he found more people it would cost me less money. A few days later I met him again. He told me he had found more people, and asked me if I was still interested. I thought it would be a great opportunity to see the coral reefs. So I said yes. He told me he would pick me up at my hotel the day after. I have to say that I enjoyed the tour, but that he was not prepared to organize a snorkeling tour. The equipment he gave us was inadequate (the mask's glass was blurry and he did not have fins). He did not warn us about the dangers in the zone either -- I was hit by a sea urchin, and a lady hurt her feet with the corals.

If I had to go on another snorkeling tour, I would choose a more professional person. Ask your hotel for the best snorkeling tours they can recommend you. Do not save on this. It is your safety that is at risk. On the following pages you will see what I saw on this tour.

We took a local fishermen boat and we went to an island a few miles south of Phu Quoc called Hon Thom. There we went snorkeling. It was a disappointment for me. I have dived in the Red Sea, and I expected something similar. All I saw were some nice corals and a few colorful fishes. I was told that scuba diving was better, but after seeing what I saw I decided not to go on a scuba diving trip. Scuba diving is not cheap here. If you come to Phu Quoc and scuba dive, or if you have already scuba dived here, I will be pleased to hear your opinions about the dives.

After the snorkeling we went to a beach where we had lunch. We had some excellent fish food.

Phu Quoc, Hon Thom Island, boat

After lunch, we relaxed for a while. We went for a swim, and then we got back on this boat that take us to the big boat we had come with.

In the afternoon we did some snorkelingagain. It was then that I was hit by a sea urchin. A quite poisonous species, by the way.
I do not know the name of this beach. I am not even sure that I got the name of the island right. Anyway, if you want to see what it looked like, click on the picture and you will see a 360 panoramic of this place.

Phu Quoc: Romance

By the way if you plan to visit Phu Quoc Island, bring a flash light. it will be very useful to walk along Long Beach after the sun sets. I do not know why, but even during the full moon, nights were very dark.

The sun sets around six o'clock. Usually you will take a shower afterwards, and go to one of the restaurants on the beach to have dinner. Some restaurants put torches on the sand, and light bonfires. How romantic ...

Phu Quoc restaurant - where to eat

The Vietnamese love their food - in fact, they obsessed about it all day! As soon as they had their breakfast, they will soon think about what they would have for lunch...so it's not surprising that you will find an abundance of small eatery places springing across this tiny island.

The food on Phu Quoc island is heavily influenced by the bountiful harvest of fresh seafood, herbs and vegetable...it is fresh, simple yet utterly deliciously refreshing...no fancy garnishes or over the top big plate with tiny portion a-la French style.

Some places you come across might appear to be shabby by western standards...but do not be fooled by their appearances! With a little sense of adventure and you will soon discover some of the tastiest and most inexpensive food you've ever eaten.