We’ve all been there. After months of hard work and dedication, we all need a vacation to balance the energy for every day life. If that’s the case, do yourself a favor: make a getaway plan and take the earliest weekend to Vietnam’s most famous island – Phu Quoc. Plus, spend the next couple of minutes with us as we will tell you how to experience Phu Quoc to the fullest in two days.

Day 1 – Like a local

We woke up at 7h and had breakfast at the hotel. After applying sun cream, bags, our phones, battery bank, and the camera, we kicked off our very first day in Phu Quoc.

Having hired a motorcycle the day before, at 8h we headed to Nam Dao which is 25km away from where we stay. It was an easy ride with beautiful scenery along the road. However, bear in mind that the last few kilometers away from the destination are pretty rough.

Sao beach

On the way to beach you can spot a road sign showing 3 directions. My suggestion is to follow the direction pointing left as it will lead you to the “legendary” coconut tree with a swing and white deck chairs. Or if you go straight, you will find a lively seafood market. Yet the seafood are quite overpriced ( 120.000 – 200.000 for a regular dish).

If you’re into seafood and local cuisine you can search elsewhere other than this. And alternatively you can follow the direction to the right to reach another coast which is fairly as beautiful as the former one.

Sao beach is indeed a natural marvel with white sands and turquoise waters. You can rent a deck chair for just 50.000 – 150.000 and get tanned. A tiny tip for travelers is to arrive as early as possible. After 9h the sun starts getting extremely hot.

As mentioned the seafood here is rather expensive. We ordered a dish from northern cuisine of Vietnam –  simmered pork belly. For 175.000 it was not satisfying though.

Ham Ninh fishing village

At 14h after having lunch, sunbathing, and taking photos at Sao beach, we continued our road trip to Ham Ninh fishing village. We decided Ham Ninh as the last stop for the first day since we hoped to capture the sunset at this village. It was spectacular.

Ham Ninh fishing village

The people are so lovely and friendly. The seafood is totally freshly caught, and better yet, low priced. Whatever type of seafood you wish the owner will get them straight from ponds where they are reared. After payment, the seafood is cooked at the table.

With simple methods of cooking and variety of spice in combination with the freshness of the seafood, the meal will definitely entice even the toughest travelers. Personally I love the salty roasted shrimps named Be Be.

Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood at Ham Ninh Fishing Village

Ham Ninh fishing village is a must for your trip to Phu Quoc. Enjoy not only the seafood but also a walk in the middle of clear blue water and the peaceful life.

By 18h, we had had lots of fun at the village and then returned to our hotel, refreshing ourselves. At night both of us dropped by the night market and spent the whole night tasting the island breeze at a street cafe.

Day 2 – Fishing, Snorkeling, and Sunset

The second day has come. It is preferable to take a tour to different islands rather than doing this on your own. It’s well planned and inexpensive. Moreover there are various options depending on your interests or health status. You should bring some pills in case someone’s feeling seasick, sun cream, or perhaps energy bars for the long ride.

At 8h30 a van picked us up at the hotel and went to An Thoi harbour.

Mong Tay (Fingernail) island

Owning a romantic serenity with crystal clear water, the white coast stretching for miles with layers of palm trees, Mong Tay island is idyllic for nature lovers. Give yourself plenty of time on the island as you can go fishing, go snorkeling or dive in the clear blue sea. Impress your families and friends later with photos of the stunning island.

We were curious about fishing on the sea. It is truly interesting yet requires high patience, the fish are wittier than they seem. That day just one fish was caught on our boat.

The one-in-a-lifetime experience must be snorkeling. We were able to adore the beguiling undersea world. Countless coral reefs were waving in the sea, flocks of fish in different colors and sizes were swimming side by side with us. The whole scenary was so mesmerizing. Be careful when stepping on the sea bed, some corals are sharp enough to cut your feet.

Truong beach

Around 16h we continued the day to Sao beach. Our group were just in time for the sunset when we reached Truong beach. It is located in the West of Phu Quoc, and the only place where you can witness breathtaking sunset by the beach.

Truong Beach – Phu Quoc island

By the time we got back to the hotel we had been exhausted yet filled with memories. Later that night, we continued to explore local cuisine and pack up everything. The two day trip has come to an end with unforgettable experience.

Additional notes for a wonderful trip

Transport: You should always book your flights one or two months ahead of time to find sweet deals. Traffic in Phu Quoc is easy and convenient. The main way to get around the island is take a taxi or hire a motorbike. Of course you will have more freedom with 120.000 – 150.000 for a motorbike per day.

Traffic: Phu Quoc has three major streets: Tran Hung Dao street with hundreds of hotels and resorts, 30/4 street with splendid courses and seafood, and Hung Vuong street leading to other attractions.

Accommodation: The price varies from 200.000 – 500.000 per night in 2 star hotels or locally owned hostels. It is recommended to look up several places for a pleasant rest.

Food: You can pay a visit to those restaurants on 30/4 st. Song Xanh and Ra Khoi are the two highly recommended restaurants around. Only 60.000 dong for a delicious seafood dish and the staff is friendly and helpful. Don’t forget to taste the signature dish, seafood fried rice.