Midsize Woman

After two packed weeks of trains, crowds, and nonstop exploring in Japan (read about that here), I was tired in a good way, but still tired. Japan was amazing, but I needed to slow down. No plans, no alarms, just a quieter pace for a while.

That’s when Phú Quốc, a small island off southern Vietnam, came to mind. I wasn’t chasing a “hidden gem” or anything, I just needed a break. So I went.

Why Phú Quốc?

I’d already spent almost a month exploring southern Vietnam before (you can read about that here). I kept hearing that Phú Quốc was like a quieter version of Bali, same kind of beaches, way fewer people. That sounded like exactly what I needed.

After the fast pace of Japan, I wasn’t looking for adventure. I just wanted to slow down and feel okay doing nothing for a while. No big cities. No pressure to see or do everything. Just warm weather, simple food, a scooter, and time to reset.

I ended up staying for 28 days, using Phú Quốc as a base to live simply, work a bit, and clear my head.

Things to Do in Phú Quốc

Phú Quốc isn’t the kind of place where you need a packed itinerary. Most days, I didn’t do much and that was the point. But if you’re staying for a couple of weeks or more, you’ll probably want a mix of chill time and light exploring.

Here’s what I’d recommend, based on what I actually did (and skipped).

1. Beaches

You’ll find beaches all around the island, and they each have a different vibe:

• Long Beach (Bãi Trường)
  This is the most accessible and the longest stretch, you can walk for ages. Great for sunset walks and quick dips. The water’s calm, and it’s close to most accommodations, especially in Sonasea and Dương Đông. Not the cleanest in some parts, but still solid.
• Sao Beach (Bãi Sao)
  Super photogenic with white sand and turquoise water. It’s beautiful, but also pretty touristy and can get busy with day tours. The beach bars here are more expensive, so bring your own snacks if you’re on a budget.
• Ong Lang Beach
  Quieter and more relaxed. It feels more local, less touristy. A good place to chill out with a book or journal. Some nice beach bars for sunset drinks too.
• Starfish Beach (Rạch Vẹm)
  It’s up north, a bit of a drive, and the road isn’t great. But you’ll see starfish in the shallow water (best in dry season). Worth a visit if you have time and patience. But I skipped this one after reading some reviews.

2. Island Hopping & Snorkeling Tours

If you like being on the water, island hopping tours are a popular option. They usually include:

• Stops at small islands like Hon Thom and Gam Ghi.
• Snorkeling at coral reefs.
• Fresh seafood lunch on board.

I personally skipped this one because I was focused on slowing down and staying on land, but it’s a great choice if you want some adventure. Prices typically range from 500,000–800,000 VND ($20–$33 USD).

3. Scooter Days = Freedom

Phú Quốc is best seen on two wheels. I rented a scooter for most of my stay (150,000 VND/day, cheaper for long-term). Some memorable rides:

• Up north to check out pepper farms and quieter beaches.
• Around the island’s center, just stopping for food and random cafes.

No plan = best plan here.

4. Phú Quốc Prison (Coconut Tree Prison)

If you’re into history or want to understand more about Vietnam’s past, visit the Coconut Tree Prison (Nhà Tù Phú Quốc). It was used during the war to hold political prisoners, and parts of it are very graphic.

• Not touristy, more somber than “attraction.”
• There are life-sized recreations of torture scenes. Be aware it can be intense.

I went once, and it was heavy but eye-opening.

5. Hon Thom Cable Car (I Skipped It)

This is the longest sea-crossing gondola in the world and goes from An Thoi to Hon Thom Island. Most people go for the views and to check out Sun World (a theme park with water slides and beach clubs).

I didn’t end up going, mostly because I wasn’t in the mood for theme park vibes, and the day tours seemed a bit over-the-top for the slow pace I wanted. But if you like big views and cable cars, it might be worth it.

• Tickets are around 150,000–200,000 VND (~$6–$8 USD), more with park access.

6. Grand World & The Water Show

This is one of those “only in Phú Quốc” kind of places. It’s a man-made shopping and entertainment complex that feels a bit like Vegas meets Venice.

• There’s a mini Venice canal where you can ride a gondola (yes, really).
• Shops, restaurants, and a lot of LED-lit photo ops.
• At night, they do a water and light show at the main lake.

I’m not usually into theme-park-style places, but I went to check it out and stayed for the water show, which was surprisingly good. It’s free to watch and starts around 8:00 PM.

Tip: It’s pretty far north, so pair it with a visit to Rạch Vẹm or Vinpearl Safari if you’re making a day of it.

7. VinWonders Phú Quốc (The “Phú Quốc Disneyland”) — I Skipped This One

VinWonders is the island’s huge amusement park, with roller coasters, water rides, and themed areas. It’s often called the “Phú Quốc Disneyland”, and it’s a big draw for families.

• Entrance fee: Around 880,000 VND (~$38 USD) for a one-day ticket.
• Opening hours: Usually from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily, but check their website for the latest.

I didn’t visit, mostly because I just went to Tokyo Disneyland (read about that here) and was in no mood for theme parks again so soon. Plus, it didn’t really fit with my slow-living vibe.

If you’re into big amusement parks, it could be fun, but be prepared for crowds and prices on the higher side compared to the rest of the island.

8. Visit the Night Markets

The main one is the Dương Đông Night Market, it’s mostly seafood, souvenirs, and snacks. It’s crowded and a bit touristy, but worth going once for the vibe. Try:

• Grilled squid on a stick
• Fresh coconut ice cream
• Bánh tráng nướng (Vietnamese “pizza”)

Don’t expect it to be super cheap, prices are a bit marked up for tourists.

9. Do Less, More Often

Honestly, some of the best moments weren’t “things to do” they were just small routines:

• Slow mornings with Vietnamese iced coffee.
• Beach walks before the heat kicks in.
• Running long stretches along the beach to start the day.
• Meditating by the water.
• Getting a massage at one of the local spas (200,000–300,000 VND).
• Watching the sky change during sunset every evening.

Accommodation: Staying in Sonasea

For my 28-day stay, I picked to stay around the Sonasea area, it’s a developing part of Phú Quốc on the western side of the island, close to Long Beach but a bit quieter than the main town of Dương Đông.

Why Sonasea?

• Pros:
  • Newer, more modern resorts and apartments with good facilities.
  • Closer to Long Beach, which means easy access to the main beach without the crowds.
  • Quieter and less hectic than Dương Đông town center.
  • Several cafes and restaurants popping up nearby, you don’t feel completely cut off.
  • Good for digital nomads: reliable Wi-Fi and a relaxed vibe.
• Cons:
  • Not as many food options within walking distance compared to Dương Đông.
  • Fewer shops and local markets, you’ll probably want to rent a scooter or grab a taxi to explore or do grocery runs.

Practical Tips

• If you don’t rent a scooter, taxis can get pricey because the island is bigger than it looks.
• Luckily, there’s a free VinBus shuttle that runs every 2 hours between Sonasea and the center (Dương Đông). Download the VinBus app to check schedules and stops, it’s super convenient and saves you some cash.
• Some resorts offer shuttle service to Dương Đông or the night market, so ask about that when booking.
• Wi-Fi is usually decent but double-check reviews if you need it for work.

Food & Café: My Favorite Eats and Drinks in Sonasea, Phú Quốc

Phú Quốc’s food scene, especially around Sonasea, has a nice mix of local flavors and casual spots perfect for work breaks or laid-back meals. Here are my personal favorites, reliable, tasty, and great vibes:

1. Green Tree Hotel Café

Located right in the hotel lobby, this café quickly became my favorite work spot. They serve fresh pho (around 50,000–60,000 VND, about $2.20–$2.70 USD) along with coffee and drinks. Their pho is light and refreshing, perfect when you want something simple but satisfying during your workday.

2. Lala Café

This cozy café has a similar chill vibe and excellent coffee their Vietnamese drip coffee is a must-try. They also serve noodle dishes (I forget the name, but expect around 50,000 VND) that were fresh and tasty.

3. Paris Coffee

My go-to for a classic cà phê sữa đá (Vietnamese iced coffee), with prices around 25,000–35,000 VND (~$1.10–$1.50 USD). The quality and consistency made it my daily caffeine fix.

4. Trung Nguyên – E coffee

Tucked behind Paris Coffee is a small, unassuming stall famous locally for its bánh mì hot plate, a warm, toasted Vietnamese sandwich with melted cheese and savory fillings, priced around 50,000 VND (~$2.20 USD).

5. Juice Stand at the Night Market

Though I couldn’t find the exact name, but it’s exactly next to Okei Bistro 2, this juice stall stood out because of the friendly vendor who always greeted me after my gym sessions nearby. She makes fresh coconut coffee (using real coconut, no powder) and a variety of fresh juices for about 30,000–40,000 VND ($1.30–$1.70 USD).

6. New York Chicken (Actually Korean Chicken)

Despite the name, this spot serves authentic Korean fried chicken, crispy, juicy, and full of flavor. I went back five times because it’s that good. Expect prices around 80.000-400.000 (~$3–$15 USD).

7. Home Pizza

If you’re craving Western comfort food, Home Pizza delivers solid pizza and pasta options at reasonable prices (pizzas around 180,000–200,000 VND or $7–$8 USD).

8. TacoLeo – Mexican Food and Beer

A total surprise find, Leo Tacos serves legit tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. Prices are reasonable for Western food (around 70,000–120,000 VND, or $3–$5 USD per dish). It’s run by a passionate team, and everything is made fresh.

Quick Tips on Eating Around Sonasea:

• Most spots accept cash only, have small bills ready.
• Opening hours vary, but cafés usually open around 7–8 AM and close by 7–9 PM.
• For more variety or late-night food, head to Dương Đông (via scooter or the free VinBus).

Final Thoughts

I came to Phú Quốc with zero expectations. I just needed to reset after a fast-paced trip through Japan no packed itinerary, no big plans, just space to slow down and breathe.

What I found was more than I expected:

• Simple routines.
• Quiet beaches.
• Comfort food.
• reliable Wi-fi and peaceful cafes to work from.
• Relaxed mind.

Was it perfect? Not always. Some roads are half-finished, and development is still catching up in certain areas but that’s also part of the charm. It’s not Bali. It’s not trying to be.

And honestly? I ended up falling for the place. It gave me exactly what I needed: time, space, and sunshine without pressure to do anything more than just be.

Will I come back? 100%. Maybe next time I’ll do the island-hopping. Or maybe I’ll just re-order that same bowl of pho and sit at Green Tree Café for hours again. Either way, I know I’ll return.