When is the Best Time to Visit Phu Quoc?
Months between November and April have mostly clear, sunny skies, making them ideal for lounging on the beach or water sports. If you’re planning a trip to Phu Quoc, read up on the best time to visit Vietnam and pay special attention to the section about weather in the South.
Transportation Tips
A. Getting to Vietnam
Flying is the most convenient way to reach Vietnam. The two main international airports are Hanoi (Noi Bai Airport) for adventures starting in the North and Saigon Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City) for trips starting in the South. For a budget adventure, you can also take an overland bus from Cambodia, Laos, or Thailand to Southeast Asia.
B. How to get to Phu Quoc
To reach Phu Quoc, you can take direct flights from major Vietnamese cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang, as well as from some international locations. Alternatively, ferries are available from Rach Gia and Ha Tien in the Mekong Delta, offering a scenic route to the island. Whether you prefer a quicker flight or a leisurely ferry journey, this provides flexibility.
C. How to get around in Phu Quoc
In Phu Quoc, you have several convenient options. Taxis and ridesharing apps like Grab offer easy and affordable transportation across the island. For more freedom and adventure, consider renting a motorbike, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Local bus services are also available for commuting between major points. Some resorts and homestays offer golf carts for on-site mobility.
Before You Go: Visa, Currency, Timezone, Voltage, ATMs, Credit Cards, Internet, SIM Cards, Tips
- Visa: Check visa requirements based on your nationality. Find out more about getting a Vietnam Visa before you visit Phu Quoc.
- Timezone: Vietnam is in the Indochina Time Zone (ICT), UTC+7.
- Voltage: The standard voltage is 220V, and the outlets usually accept three different plugs: A, C, and F. If you are from Europe, Japan, or the Americas, your plugs will work fine. Otherwise, you’ll need an adapter. Note that many Vietnamese outlets do not have a third hole for grounding, and so can only accept two-pronged plugs.
- Internet: Most hotels, cafes, and even restaurants in Phu Quoc offer free Wi-Fi; Wi-Fi plans are so cheap in Vietnam that almost all businesses have one. But it’s easy, inexpensive, and well worth buying a local SIM card with a data package at the airport upon arrival.
- SIM Cards: You can easily purchase SIM cards for data and calls at the airport or local stores. Note that you’ll need to provide your passport to get a SIM. Viettel, Mobifone, and VinaPhone are the best mobile networks for Phu Quoc and most parts of Vietnam.
- Currency: Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND). VND only comes in bills (no coins), and 1 USD equals about 24,000 VND (commonly abbreviated as 24k). Some shops catering to tourists may accept USD, but most only take VND.
- Credit Cards: Visa and MasterCard are commonly accepted at large businesses like hotels, indoor restaurants, or upscale shopping venues, but smaller enterprises usually only take cash.
- ATMs: Phu Quoc’s center has many ATMs, most of which accept foreign cards. Make sure to notify your bank before you travel to Vietnam to avoid blocked ATM transactions.
- Tipping: Vietnam is not a tipping culture, so a tip is not expected. A tip is a good way to bring a smile to someone’s face, though. Note that cab drivers and tour guides often rely on some tipping, so it’s a good idea to tip them.
Understanding Culture & Customs In Phu Quoc
The people of Phu Quoc feel a strong connection to nature around them. Being kind to the environment to keep the forests green and the seas blue is paramount. So be conscientious when you’re out and about, making an effort to leave no trace whenever you pass through a natural area. Discover more about Vietnamese etiquette here.
