Phu Quoc for the Win.

Laurel and I traveled back home to New England to see our families for Christmas. After two weeks away from Vietnam and over forty hours of travel  logged, we were happy to return. We were even happier we had the forethought to book a short excursion to the island of Phu Quoc upon our return. Here are the highlights!

Eating at Rory’s, one of the best (and only) restaurants on the southwest coast of the island. We walked there, which was a little harrowing; dive-bombing bats and wandering island dogs kept me on my toes. We got a ride back with the owner, Rory himself- a friendly older Australian man. Thanks, Rory!

Exploring downtown Phu Quoc, developed by the Sun Group to resemble cities and coastal villages in Italy. The Taoromina Hillside, Siena Square and Cinque Terre felt more like the Magic Kingdom than the Italian Riviera. It was somewhat interesting, but mostly sad, to see how little local character was left  and how plastic, and empty, the shops and restaurants were. We walked by countless vacant storefronts. 

Phu Quoc’s development is aimed at attracting global tourists as well as the local middle class. This (albeit outdated) article from Grant Thornton summarizes the development,  and its consequences, in more detail.

Laurel walking up a hill to fake Siena.

"CInque Terre"

Visiting the Prisoner History Museum, a former Vietnamese military prison run by the French in the 1950’s and the Vietnamese "puppet government" for the Americans during the Vietnam/American war. Daily horrors were inflicted on the prisoners.

Sun World’s Hon Thom Cable Car:

After a mild rant about the negatives of Phu Quoc’s development, allow me to have a moment of deep hypocrisy to share my love for one of the biggest tourist attractions, the Hon Thom Cable Car. The Hon Thom, which travels nearly 8,000 meters through the air, holds the current world record for longest 3-wire cable car. 

The ride was thrilling. The views were breathtaking. With three large islands below (the Hon Dua, Hon Roi and the namesake Hon Thom) we could see more verdant, undeveloped land. Who am I to say what’s right for Phu Quoc and the surrounding islands? Maybe the future expansion of tourism will only add value to the residents. I just selfishly hope they look more like Vietnam than faux Venice.

Happy passengers. Laurel was a little less enthusiastic.

Phu Quoc Bee Farm:

On our last full day, our friend and island traveling companion Steve introduced us to the Phu Quoc Bee Farm (Steve also introduced us to Rory's and Prisoner History Museum). We rode 50 minutes from our resort to the Bee Farm, a bumpy but fun ride. When we arrived, we were greeted by a young male staff person (pictured below). He showed us all the different plants and beehives. I held one for about seven seconds which was more than enough time to realize I may have made a huge mistake. After I survived, we drank honey infused tea in their cafe and enjoyed the sounds of nature. It was a lovely afternoon. 

No "My Girl" nightmares...phew.

We spent our last evening at the hotel restaurant. I had the chicken curry; it was as good as the trip. I can’t wait to return and eat it again. I hope to do it all again!

A few more highlights, including the curry, below...Enjoy!

Capturing the sunrise at Cosian Bay.

The last supper.

One of my favorite views.