Phu Quoc, Vietnam Plan a trip

The Gulf of Thailand washes against the shores of Phu Quoc creating pristine beaches, with gloriously clear water and a refreshingly cool breeze. The town of Duong Dong is small but offers a cool night market and a decent range of little restaurants. Sao Beach is an idyllic spot. A stretch of powdery white sand and turquoise seas.

For something totally different, you can skip the beach and head to Phu Quoc Prison. Built by the French in the late 1940s, it has a rather gruesome history. The museum also features several mannequins depicting some troublesome scenes from Phu Quoc’s past. Ok, we get this won’t be for everyone!

Once you’ve educated yourself about the past, you can get stuck into some more energetic (and light-hearted) activities! Try diving among the reefs, kayaking in the keys or even ride up the back-roads on motorbikes. The fresh seafood on the island is generally of a fantastic standard. You’ll also find black pepper and lots of fish sauce. In fact, Phu Quoc is one of the major centres in Vietnam for the production of fish sauce, the island even has its own fish sauce factory you can visit.

The island has undergone something of a metamorphosis in the last few years, so you might not recognise it. Yet it still reamains pleasingly undeveloped compared to some spots in neighbouring countries – so go now before word really gets out!

Plan your trip to Phu Quoc today.