Phu Quoc Travel Guide

Phú Quốc (pronounced fú-kwóg) is a large tropical Vietnamese island off the coast of Cambodia. It is only accessible from Vietnam. In the Gulf of Thailand 45 km west of Ha Tien on the Vietnamese mainland and 15 km south of the coast of Cambodia, Phú Quôc is ringed with some of most beautiful beaches in Vietnam and offers the best seafood in the country. The island is undergoing rapid change as high-rise resorts and other tourist amenities spring up all over the island.

Visitors from any country arriving in Phú Quôc by cruise ship do not need a visa for stays of up to 15 days. A passport with at least 45 days' validity is required. Visitors arriving by plane can get a 30-day tourist visa free of charge, even if they'd otherwise need a visa to enter Vietnam.

Your biggest risk on Phú Quôc is getting sick or being involved in an accident. Crocodiles are a thing of the past. Locals obsessively communicate the most trivial minutae over social media at all times, keeping the island safe. When setting out on a motorbike trip, ensure you have a basic first aid kit and your hotel telephone number with you.

Unlike most other Southeast Asian destinations, there is a substantial risk that all (affordable) hotels are fully booked when you arrive, so it is advisable to book ahead. This certainly applies in Jan-Feb, the dry high season as the island gains popularity.