Phu Quoc Travel Forum

Am wondering how much it costs for a flight of boat trip to phu quoc? am on a tight budget but am dying to get out to the island? what is the best way? also has anyone found some really sheap beds over there and whats the island like in february? should i book?

I haven't been there since 2003 in March so it may have changed somewhat. I caught a ferry from Rach Gai to Ha Tien - it took from 7/8 hours. Just wooden benches but had great fun with the locals - they strung up hammocks[See my pics at www.trekshare.com/members/neilzonwheelz]. Ha Tien is some 30min by motorcycle to Doung Doung - the main town. Another option is to go further along the main coast towards Cambodian border to a town with a large cement factory [dont have map]. From here it is about 4hrs to the island, arrange with a fishing boat, I think it was something like 6usd but there was several of us.It lands at the town opposite Doung Doung -about a 15 minute motorcycle ride. I stayed at place on the outskirts of the town for 17usd, right on the beach.In March it was pretty warm, just watch out for sea urchins on Long beach. There are plenty of guys willing to rent there motorbikes so u can explore the island. If you are staying in HCMC, just ask around at any backpacker place for info. Allez Boo was good for meeting other backpackers.
Best of luck

Forgot to mention that u could change money in Doung Doung at the local bank there, probably have an bank machine now. There were flights from HCMC which took 30 mins & landed at the main town. Cant remember price, think $45usd as I lost my diary!.You could have meals from the market very cheap, even from the "hotels".You dont say how long u would plan to stay there. I never booked but it may be more popular now - personally I wouldn't because then u are locked into something & then when u get there u may find something much better.If u do get there, don't miss the shack on Long beach, hammocks, huge prawns with the local fish sauce & cold beers all on the waters edge - priceless.

Sorry, the ferry arrives at An Thoi, not Ha Tein as this is on the mainland. There is a town just before Ha Tien, this is where the fishing boat dropped us off from the island. Below is some of my tips from my Trekshare site.


5. Laying in hammock reading/sleeping/drinking/eating 5. Sunbathing. 4. Riding motorbike thru tropical forest/plantations & drying fish. 4. Fishing boat cruise of the An Thoi islands. $12USD for a group of 10.

Nitelife
* * * * *
Give TrekStar 5. Fire on the beach. 5. Trillion billion stars.

Places to Crash
* * * * *
Give TrekStar Affordability 5. Nam Phuong Resort [Long Beach] [$15USD for room right on beach. Clean rooms with fan,no aircon & cold shower only]. Tran Hung Dao St. Duong Dong - Phu Quoc island Tel: 077 846319 4. Tropicana Resort [Long Beach] Just south from the Nam Phuong. [US $35 for room with 1 double & 1 single] Between two people it is really good value. Tel: 846 611 4. Siagon Phu Quoc [Long Beach] Modern hotel complex catering for the luxury end. Has own pool. [Cheapest room was $40USD + tax] tel: 846 510 Mango Bay Resort Ong Lang Beach Didn't stay here but looked very nice, bit remote with nice beach.

Places to Eat
* * * * *
Give TrekStar 5. The Tropicana Resort restaurant 5. The shack on the Long beach. Bamboo looking hut on the sand south of the tropicana, 5 minute walk. Grilled prawns with fish sauce!. Nam Phuong restaurant. Gop Gio, Didn't try it myself but one of my friends did & raved about it. 3.Mai House Just inland from the shack, soth of the Tropicana. Tel: 847 003 or 848 924

Places to See
* * * * *
Give TrekStar 5. Long beach at Sunset or Sunrise!. 4. Sao Beach, beautiful white sand & clear water,+ the food. The countryside, pepper plantations, tropical forest & the people. Boat tour around An Thoi islands on a fishing boat, swimming in deep water & snorkelling. Duong Dong markets.