Experiences are important, not things/possessions! That's what we're trying to teach Arina, step by step. As much as we can, we'll show her the world, through cultural and gastronomic experiences , through moments that remain in our memories and in photographs.
After Hong Kong , we needed something else. Not "more", but slower. Phu Quoc was the perfect transition: an island that offers you both real tranquility and constructed experiences , if you know how to dose them. We chose to live it in pieces, without rushing, without lists.
Cua Can, the place where you recharge your batteries
Leaving Hong Kong was a sudden break from the hustle and bustle of a city that runs non-stop, and we arrived in Cua Can, Le Bat area, one of the less touristy parts of Phu Quoc island.
I chose Chai Beach House, a small, simple guesthouse with a palm garden and direct access to the beach. No resort, no music, no pressure. It's about 30 minutes from the airport, enough to feel like you've left the classic circuit. The area is rural, calm, populated mainly by Western Europeans who come for the same reason: to stop for a while. The food is simple and very cheap – oysters for 4–5 lei, European breakfast for 18 lei, fresh fruit everywhere. Nothing spectacular, everything real.
Sunset is the moment when you are left speechless. The sun slowly sets, the sea remains calm, and the fishing boats become a natural decoration.
We rented our scooter from here too: 4 days – 50 lei.
TIPS
Choose accommodation directly on the beach, not "close to the beach"
The area is ideal for staying, not for intensive exploration
The scooter is enough for the entire northern area
Don't look for beach clubs – that's not what this place is about
The south of Phu Quoc Island stands out for its experiences
In the south of the island, Phu Quoc becomes more touristy, more organized, more built up. Here we entered an area clearly designed for experiences , not for tranquility.
Sun World Hon Thom Cable Car is the longest over-sea cable car in the world, with a length of approximately 7,9 km, inaugurated in 2018. It connects An Thoi to Hon Thom island, crossing a landscape that forces you to be silent. The cabins are large, stable, and the journey takes long enough to not feel rushed. Arina looked at the water, the boats, the islets.
The cable car stops directly at a huge water park, part of the Sun World complex. Slides, pools, many themed areas. We chose a ticket for about €50 / person, which included:
- round-trip cable car
- access to the water park
- access to a show of your choice
We chose Symphony of the Sea. An evening show with water, fire, lights, music and projections.
TIPS
Cable Car – Go in the morning, not at lunchtime (we couldn't find any sunbeds at the water park)
Don't try to "do it all" at the water park
Choose a single evening show
Unmissable safari and copied Venice
Also in the south is VinWonders Phu Quoc, a large amusement park. You really need almost a whole day here, especially if you are with children. The park is divided into thematic areas, from safari to amusement park-type attractions. Everything is well organized, airy and, importantly, does not pressure you to run.
The moment with the giraffes was one of the most powerful in the entire experience. Arina reaching out, without fear, without haste.
My recommendation is to end the day at Grand World Phu Quoc – the “Venice of Vietnam”. I don’t really see why you would waste a whole day here! The prices are higher than anywhere else on the island. There are thousands of Russian tourists with above-average incomes, and everything is geared towards them.
Grand World Phu Quoc is a declared replica of Venice: artificial canals, gondolas, colorful buildings, arched bridges. At night, the area is completely illuminated, animated, full of life.
Is it kitsch? Yes.
Is it authentic? No.
Does it work in the evening, after a busy day? Yes.
Don't compare it to the real Venice! My advice is to look at the commercial town as a well-executed Asian setting, good for a slow walk and a few photos.
Tips – VinWonders & Grand World
Allocate a full day for VinWonders
The safari is not to be missed.
Grand World is more enjoyable in the evening/night
