With Ho Chi Minh City experiencing high temperatures of 35-37 degrees Celsius in April and May, Phu Quoc becomes an ideal destination to escape the heat. The island maintains a milder climate, hovering around 28-33 degrees Celsius, thanks to high humidity and constant sea winds.

For those with limited holiday time, a two-day trip to the Pearl Island's northern region is perfect for a city heat escape. Rooty Trip, a local tour operator, suggests prioritizing indoor activities during peak sun hours and enjoying the coastal scenery at sunset.

Sunset at Long Beach. *Photo: Sheraton Phu Quoc*

Travel and accommodation

During the 30/4 and 1/5 holidays this year, round-trip airfares from Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc range from 3,5 to 5 million VND, while flights from Hanoi cost between 5,5 and 8 million VND, depending on the airline and flight time. To minimize sun exposure on the island, visitors should utilize the complimentary electric bus system connecting various accommodations.

Northern Phu Quoc offers diverse accommodation choices. Sheraton Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort, a high-end option located on Long Beach, features a spacious beachfront pool. Standard rooms cost 3-6 million VND per night. Villas are priced from 9 million VND for two bedrooms and from 15 million VND for four bedrooms, with rates varying based on the number of bedrooms and location.

Gold Coast Phu Quoc is a mid-range choice in Ganh Dau, known for its lush green spaces. Prices typically range from 1,2 to 2,5 million VND per night, making it suitable for those seeking a quiet, nature-immersed retreat in Ganh Dau with full amenities.

VinHolidays Fiesta provides a budget-friendly option situated in the heart of Grand World, offering convenient access to dining areas. Rates start from 800.000 VND to 1,2 million VND per night.

Day one

14h: Check in and unwind. After your flight, relax on a sea-view balcony or enjoy afternoon tea in the lobby. The high, airy ceilings of resorts in this area ensure a consistently breezy atmosphere.

16h30: Water activities. Long Beach, renowned as one of the world's most beautiful beaches, boasts crystal-clear waters. This is an ideal time for a swim or to experience the infinity pools overlooking the ocean.

17h30: Witness the sunset at Sunset Beach Deck. Located directly on Long Beach, this spot offers a clear view of the sun dipping below the horizon of the Gulf of Thailand. Drink prices here range from 150.000 to 250.000 VND for cocktails, beer, or fruit juices.

Dinner on the beach at sunset. *Photo: Bich Phuong*

19h30: Guests can opt for a beachside BBQ dinner. The Sands Bar & Grill, an open-design beachfront restaurant, specializes in fresh seafood grilled on-site. Diners can choose from local seafood BBQ sets or order a la carte. For families desiring a private dinner, the resort can arrange a BBQ in your villa's garden.

21h30: After dinner, guests have two choices. For a quiet evening, visit The Library Bar. This bar, with its wooden interior, serves craft beverages and wines, perfect for a relaxed conversation before ending the first day.

Seafood BBQ party on Phu Quoc beach. *Photo: Bich Phuong*

If a lively atmosphere is preferred, take an electric car to Grand World to catch the free water music show at Love Lake, which starts at 21h30.

Day two

8h30: Visit Vinpearl Safari. Instead of walking, choose a specialized vehicle tour through the forest to observe tigers, rhinos, and lions in their semi-wild habitat. Guests enjoy air-conditioned comfort, viewing animals through reinforced glass while passing through lush, ancient forests.

11h: Explore Sea Shell Aquarium (Cung dien Hai Vuong). This turtle-shaped aquarium is the most impressive attraction in northern Phu Quoc, spanning 15.000 square meters. After the tour, guests can dine at Deep Sea restaurant, enjoying lunch while watching schools of fish swim past a giant glass panel.

14h: Discover the penguin area and ocean tanks. The indoor environment consistently maintains a cool temperature, ensuring a comfortable visit.

Visitors exploring Sea Shell Aquarium. *Photo: Rooty Trip*

17h: After a day of activities, return to your accommodation. Spend time at the spa or soak in a hot tub to relax your muscles.

19h: Guests can choose to have dinner at Wok & Curry, enjoying an Asian menu. For Italian cuisine, visit Il Tramonto for wood-fired pizza and handmade spaghetti in a sea-view setting.

Day three

7h: Start the day with kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding on the sea. Early mornings in northern Phu Quoc offer the freshest air of the day.

9h: After breakfast, visit a bee farm and organic garden to learn about the local ecosystem. Observe the natural honey production process, understand how bees build their hives, and even harvest honey by hand. In the organic gardens, pick and enjoy various tropical fruits and vegetables.

Visitors picking coconuts on Phu Quoc island. *Photo: Andie KF*

11h: Check out from the hotel and transfer to the airport.

Alternative itinerary:

Herring salad, a specialty of Pearl Island. *Photo: Bich Phuong*

Instead of continuous travel, guests can dedicate a full morning and lunch to cooking classes at their resort. These classes are held in professional kitchens with direct guidance from local chefs. Guests learn to prepare Phu Quoc specialties like herring salad and then enjoy a lunch featuring their self-made dishes.

Mai Phuong