Things to do in Phu Quoc Island
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Phu Quoc Pearls
On an isolated stretch of Long Beach, Phu Quoc Pearls is a requisite stop if you’re in the market for pearls. A small shop sells pearl necklaces and earrings, and wall panels describe (in English) how the oysters yield their bounty. There’s a small cafe on site. Avid pearl hunters can find cheaper wares at kiosks in the village of Ham Ninh, but at least you have a guarantee of authenticity here.
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Night Market
The night market is one of the most atmospheric (and affordable) places to dine in Duong Dong. There are a dozen or more stalls serving a delicious range of Vietnamese seafood, grills and vegetarian options.
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Buddy Ice Cream
This ice-cream shop and information centre is a good stop for budget travellers looking for free internet or impartial advice. The New Zealand ice cream is great, plus there are pizzas, sausages and more.
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Le Giang
A wide range of Vietnamese favourites here, plus an upstairs terrace to catch a breeze.
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An Thoi Islands
Off the southern tip of Phu Quoc are the tiny An Thoi Islands . These 15 islands and islets can be visited by chartered boat, and it's a fine area for sightseeing, fishing, swimming and snorkelling. Hon Thom (Pineapple Island) is about 3km in length and is the largest island in the group.
Other islands here include Hon Dua (Coconut Island), Hon Roi (Lamp Island), Hon Vang (Echo Island), Hon May Rut (Cold Cloud Island), Hon Dam (Shadow Island), Chan Qui (Yellow Tortoise) and Hon Mong Tay (Short Gun Island).
Most boats depart from An Thoi on Phu Quoc, but you can make arrangements through hotels in Duong Dong. The Tropicana Resort has a large boat for charter that can make t…
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Long Beach
Long Beach is indeed a long, spectacular stretch of sand from Duong Dong southward along the west coast, almost to An Thoi port (20km). The southern end of the beach is known as Tau Ru Bay (Khoe Tau Ru). The water is crystal clear and the beach is lined with coconut palms.
Long Beach is easily accessible on foot (just walk south from Duong Dong's Cau Castle), but you will need a motorbike or bicycle to reach some of the remote stretches towards the southern end of the island. The beach around the family-run guesthouse area is a particularly popular spot. There are a few bamboo huts where you can buy drinks, but bring water if you're planning a long hike along this beach.
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Bai Sao
A beautiful white-sand beach with a couple of beachfront restaurants. There are several places to rent kayaks along Bai Sao beach, and its protected, fairly calm waters make for a smooth ride. In addition to locals who hire out boats, you can ask at either restaurant along the beach: My Lan (990 779) and Ai Xiem (990 510).
South from here is undeveloped Bai Khem, one of the most beautiful beaches on the island and also, sadly, a military area that's closed to the public.
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Cau Castle
According to the tourist brochures, Duong Dong’s main attraction is Cau Castle. In fact, it’s less of a castle, more of a combination temple and lighthouse. It was built in 1937 to honour Thien Hau (Goddess of the Sea), who provides protection for sailors and fishermen. The ‘castle’ is worth a quick look and gives you a good view of the harbour entrance. Around sunset, locals stroll along the promenade leading from the castle to Ð Tran Hung Dao.
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Fish Sauce Factory
OK, so it’s not your average sightseeing attraction, but more than a few have enjoyed a visit to the distillery of Nuoc Mam Hung Thanh, the largest of Phu Quoc’s fish-sauce makers. At first glance, the giant wooden vats may make you think you’ve arrived for a wine tasting, but one sniff of the festering nuoc mam essence brings you right back to reality. It’s actually not so bad after a few minutes.
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Bai Thom
Being a remote beach in a military area, rest assured that it is not crowded. The military usually opens Bai Thom to civilians on Sunday but you must leave your passport with the military receptionist while you're on the base. In any event, do not try to sneak onto the beaches: make local inquiries and obey the rules.
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Le Bistrot
Tucked away on an atmospheric lane, this French garden restaurant offers French home cooking at a distinctly Vietnamese price, making it a great place. The menu includes some Italian and Vietnamese dishes, plus French cheeses and profiteroles. It stays open late as a lively bar with pool table.
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Coconut Tree Prison
The island’s main penal colony was known as the Coconut Tree Prison and is near An Thoi town. Though it’s considered an historic site, plans to open a museum here have stalled. It’s still used as a prison, so not surprisingly, few visitors come to check it out.
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Rainbow Divers
Reputable Rainbow Divers was the first to set up shop on the island and offers a wide range of diving and snorkelling trips. As well as their walk-in office, they are well represented at resorts on Long Beach.
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Bai Dai
Being a remote beach in a military area, rest assured that it is not crowded. A new road to Bai Dai cuts down on motorbike time and red dust in your face. The beach is open to the public and sports a couple of restaurants.
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Bai Dam
A beautiful white-sand beach along the southeastern part of the island. South from here is undeveloped Bai Khem, one of the most beautiful beaches on the island and also, sadly, a military area that's closed to the public.
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Phu Quoc Crafts
Located right opposite the airport, this cafe-gallery has a nice range of locally made handicrafts, such as candles, bags and cutlery. The cafe is a good place to wait for a flight, with tasty shakes and light meals.
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Ocean Bar & Grill
This is a tiny little tapas bar-grill located on the main road into town. The bites are light, so mix and match, but know well that the wine selection is the best in town thanks to the attached winestore.
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Restaurant Carole
This place is French in accent, but the menu includes a whole lot of fresh Vietnamese seafood, such as the signature shrimps in cognac or pastis. The prices are very reasonable for international dining.
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Ai Xiem
Gorgeously located on the inviting white sands of Bai Sao beach, this place has succulent barbecued seafood and great fish in clay pot meals. Tables are on the sands, a few metres from lapping waves.
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Suoi Da Ban
Suoi Da Ban is a white-water creek tumbling across some attractive large granite boulders. There are deep pools and it’s nice enough for a dip. Bring plenty of mosquito repellent.
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Eden
Next door to La Veranda, this is an outpost of the popular Pham Ngu Lao bar-restaurant. It has a fine location with tables on the sand and a covered interior with pool tables and internet access.
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Gop Gio
This long-running Vietnamese restaurant has a leafy terrace and is popular for its fresh seafood, with dishes such as shrimp with mango or steamed grouper with ginger.
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Pepper’s Pizza & Grill
Almost opposite Carole, Pepper’s is home to the best pizzas on the island, according to long-term residents. Other items include steaks, ribs and the like.
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Pho Cali
This inviting noodle shop serves tasty bowls of pho and hot spring rolls. The English-speaking owner is a good source of island info.
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