Tips for travelling to Phu Quoc Island

Upon arriving at your hotel, prioritize securing a moped rental for the duration of your stay on the island. It's the most efficient mode of transportation, it's easy to drive on the island and it'll provide the necessary flexibility and freedom to explore.

Renting a moped out was really affordable, I paid the equivalent of around £5 per day! I ended up renting it for the majority of my week's stay.

A few more useful tips to keep in mind:

- Ensure that you book your accommodation well in advance, especially during the high season, to secure your preferred choice. Albeit there are plenty of places to choose from.

- Explore the local cuisine by trying the fresh seafood and traditional Vietnamese dishes available in the island's numerous restaurants and eateries.

- Remember to pack sunscreen, hats, and other sun protection essentials as the island enjoys a tropical climate with plenty of sunshine. Sometimes the clouds can be deceiving!

BUT the most important thing to pack has to be mosquito/insect repellent. I'll explain why.

This is something you need to be wary of. ‍

Storytime...

One of the days I was on the beach closest to my hotel - I stayed at Bambusa Resort. The beach here was my favourite beach on the island and where I spent most of my time.

I decided to rent some goggles and snorkels and go snorkelling.

After being in the water for some time and disappointed with the snorkelling I decided to walk back to the hotel. At the point where I had reached the shore again, I noticed a solitary trail that ventured into the dense wilderness, ultimately leading back to the hotel, I thought this would be a great walk back. It was either that or swim back.

As soon as I started walking into this jungle I started feeling like something was biting me on my legs. I couldn't see anything. Another minute into my walk I really started to feel biting, all over, only this time I looked down and saw a huge insect on my arm sucking the blood from me like a vampire. It was shocking! It looked like a mosquito on steroids. I immediately knocked it off my arm. At this point, I felt like these things were all over me. I then wiped my back down and felt a few more blood-sucking insects latching on, I quickly brushed them off too.

By this point, I started running back to the shore as I felt as though I was being eaten alive! It was an unpleasant sensation, nearly evoking a sense of panic.

Bear in mind I only had my swimming trunks on... that's it.

As soon as I reached the shore again, I swiftly plunged back into the ocean. The sensation of countless bites was palpable as if each one had its own distinct presence on my body.

Lesson learned. Don't leave the accommodation without mosquito repellent! Even if I'm going swimming.

Protect yourself!

After this experience I chose not to do any hikes or walks in the national park, instead, my activities consisted mainly of gym and swimming.

If you are unsure what repellent works best for you, you can follow this link and get the one I use. I haven't done extensive research into mosquito repellent but I have heard that the ones that include deet are not too good for your skin, although they work really well. This one is without deet and therefore a lot safer to use and still does the job.

Where I stayed in Phu Quoc Island

In order to avoid the more touristy areas and keep my budget in mind, I conducted further research for accommodations, before I had left.

I aimed to find a location that was centrally situated on the island, allowing for convenient exploration of both the northern and southern regions.

By choosing a spot halfway up the island, I ensured easy accessibility and flexibility in my travels, while still maintaining a budget-friendly approach.

Movenpick is a great resort and was reasonably priced but a little out of my budget. Instead, I stayed in a beautiful resort called Bambusa Resort.

The greatest thing about this resort was that it is located very close to Movenpick so I could go there to use some of the facilities, including the gym, the beach, and the food!

Ultimately there are plenty of places to stay on the island all ranging from very affordable to luxurious and expensive. Go through the map above to check what suits you.

Tips for travelling to Vung Tau

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to Vung Tau, here are some tips to keep in mind. Pack comfortable footwear as there are many hills and viewpoints to explore in Vung Tau.

Try the local specialty, banh khot (savoury mini pancakes), and explore the night market for unique souvenirs and delicious street food.

Where I stayed in Vung Tau

There are many amazing places to stay in Vung Tau depending on what you prefer. I prefer apartments with as much of a view as possible IF there's a view to be had. If you are looking to stay more centrally then checkout booking.com to find great deals. I opted to have an ocean view away from the busier central town, in a self-serving apartment.

In hindsight perhaps choosing an apartment or hotel with a gym would have been a slightly better option for me. There are plenty of places to stay with the option of a gym check them out on booking.com.

When is the best time to visit Phu Quoc and Vung Tau?

When planning your visit to Phu Quoc and Vung Tau, timing plays a crucial role in ensuring an enjoyable and memorable experience.

Phu Quoc Island, known for its pristine beaches and natural beauty, is best visited during the dry season, which spans from November to April. During this time, you can bask in the warm sun and take full advantage of the turquoise waters that make Phu Quoc a haven for beach lovers.

As for Vung Tau, the coastal city, it also shines during the dry season, offering favourable conditions for exploring its picturesque beaches and indulging in various outdoor activities. Whether you choose to visit Phu Quoc or Vung Tau, make sure to plan your trip between November and April to make the most of the pleasant weather and enjoy the highlights each destination has to offer.

Slight caveat; I was in Vung Tau in December and although the weather was pleasant, the sea happened to be rough and the beaches were empty.

Final Thoughts on south Vietnam

South Vietnam offers a variety of attractions, including popular spots like the Cu Chi tunnels, Mekong Delta river cruises, and thought-provoking museums. However, as you can see, I chose a slightly different path for my exploration.

Phu Quoc Island provided a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City (as mentioned in part one). It offered picturesque scenery, a relaxed atmosphere, and convenient mobility with a moped, making it easy for me to explore the noteworthy places. Like a decent gym!

On the other hand, Vung Tau had a distinct vibe. While it wasn't as tranquil as Phu Quoc, it still provided a pleasant contrast to the bustling cities and touristy areas.

Both destinations took approximately the same amount of time to reach Ho Chi Minh City, with one requiring a plane journey and the other accessible by taxi. Just remember to bring mosquito repellent, regardless of which option you decide on!

Solo travel (or travel in general) to South Vietnam offers an incredible opportunity to explore the captivating destinations of Phu Quoc and Vung Tau. Take the leap, book your tickets, step out of your comfort zone, and set off on a remarkable journey of discovery. I use Skyscanner to book my flights to get the best deals.