The interesting thing is that just by stopping in front of any restaurant on the island, visitors can immediately feel the flavor of Phu Quoc spreading in the air, the characteristic smell of the most famous spice here: fish sauce. The taste of fish sauce is like a special substance that connects the culinary culture of Phu Quoc together into a unified picture: rich and unforgettable.
One of the famous dishes associated with this spice is herring salad. The authentic dish is a combination of thinly sliced herring meat mixed with grated coconut and fermented vinegar with a sour taste and pleasant aroma. In particular, the dipping sauce served in this specialty is made from Phu Quoc fish sauce mixed with lemon, sugar, chili, garlic, and crushed roasted peanuts, which is the element that makes up the soul of the dish. Spread a thin piece of rice paper cut in half, add some herbs, banana, sour star fruit, cucumber, put a few slices of fish on top, roll it up neatly, leisurely dip it in a bowl of attractive fish sauce and sip with a little spiciness of myrtle wine, which is the way of authentic Phu Quoc people.
Coming to Phu Quoc, you can’t help but enjoy the rustic dish with the very famous name “bun quay”. This local specialty includes fresh vermicelli prepared on the spot, pureed shrimp, fish, and squid cooked from the water used to boil the vermicelli, adding some spices and lots of chopped onions. The attraction of the dish also lies in the “divine” dipping sauce that diners are instructed to make themselves from salt, sugar, seasoning powder, pepper with Phu Quoc chili and kumquats. The steaming bowl of vermicelli with the spicy taste of the dipping sauce that makes people cry is truly a kind of human delicacy. Kien Xay Stir-fried Noodles with more than 20 years of history in Phu Quoc is the name most people hear about.
Of course, with a place known as the “paradise of beaches” like Phu Quoc, seafood is definitely a dish not to be missed. Here, dishes are made from fresh seafood caught on the day such as lobster grilled over charcoal, sea urchin porridge, oysters grilled with onion fat, and various types of lime snails and snails that are so delicious that many people compare it to “bringing the whole ocean into the mouth”.
Phu Quoc is made up of 22 small islands, each with its own beauty. Prominent among these are Bai Sao, Bai Truong, Hon May Rut, Hon Mong Tay, Hon Mot and especially Hon Thom. It is not difficult for visitors to find a tour to visit the islands, go fishing or scuba diving to see coral, and experience a day of living like a real fisherman.
Hon Thom with an area of 5.7 km² attracts tourists thanks to its wild, poetic landscape. Famous at Hon Thom is the longest cable car system in the world, opening up an extremely unique world of entertainment – Hon Thom Natural Park. Opened at the end of 2019, the most modern Aquatopia Water Park in Southeast Asia has contributed to the excitement and uniqueness of Hon Thom tourist area.
Phu Quoc Safari located in Ganh Dau is the next reasonable choice. This is a zoo and also a 380-hectare animal sanctuary currently taking care of more than 2,000 individuals of 140 extremely rare wild animal species. Wandering through the red dust roads to see the miniature natural world will certainly become a deep impression in children’s memories.
If tourists like the simple local culture, destinations such as Ho Quoc Pagoda, Dinh Cau, Duong Dong night market, pearl farm, pepper garden or myrtle garden are all ideal places to visit.
If we talk about “places to eat and places to play”, we certainly cannot ignore “places to rest”.
Located on the beach of Bai Truong, InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort is considered an elegant symbol of the Pearl Island. The 459 rooms are decorated in a gentle, elegant style and all have private balconies with sea breezes, bringing a feeling of familiarity, relaxation and comfort like being at home.
The resort has four swimming pools, including a separate pool for families and children. In addition, the 250m² Planet Trekkers Kids Club with the support of a team of professional nannies will bring children endless fun. For those looking for a space to dispel stress and fatigue, HARNN Haritage Spa’s floating lotus pond treatment rooms with rustic bamboo design and natural therapies are the place to help them find a sense of balance and relaxation from deep within.
Of course, if you need a more advanced culinary experience after enjoying enough local rustic specialties, the restaurants in the resort will take visitors on an exciting culinary journey of color and flavor with dishes that are elaborately prepared but always maintain the local flavor.
Finally, to get a unique experience from above, don’t miss the INK 360 rooftop bar with a unique design inspired by a giant octopus, located on the 19th floor of the Sky Tower – which is becoming a new symbol of the Pearl Island. In this enchanting space, wander with the sea breeze, sip cocktails and leisurely watch the sunset change the color of the vast sky and sea.
It can be said that there are few places where nature and culture converge and harmonize with people in a strange way like in Phu Quoc. A little vibrant, a little peaceful and sometimes even quiet, Phu Quoc brings wonderful emotions that make everyone feel nostalgic forever.
Incentives “Free flight to Phu Quoc” Applicable to travelers flying from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City from now until the end of September 2020 including:
· Room rates start from only VND 4,700,000* per night
· Refund of 2-way air tickets
· Daily breakfast for 2 people
· Airport pick-up and drop-off service
· 25% discount on culinary services (excluding alcoholic beverages) and laundry