Phu Quoc Travel Diaries: The Island That Does Everything Beautifully
- Shriya Mishra
- 5 minutes ago
- 11 min read
Vietnam happens to be one of my favourite countries of all time. No matter how many times I visit, I always want to go back. After being there for 3 times, now Vietnam is more of a relaxed, peaceful home away from home than a tourist attraction for me.
During the past 2 times when I visited Vietnam, I explored the northern side (Sapa and Hanoi), central (Da Nang, Hoi An) and the southern end, Ho Chi Minh City. However, the third time around, I had the chance to visit Phu Quoc, a beautiful island located on the southern side of the country.
For Phu Quoc, it's like the less said, the better, because this place is something that has to be experienced to understand its charm. There are places you visit and places that visit you back. Phu Quoc is the latter.
I had heard some amazing things about Phu Quoc – the sunsets, the beaches, the shows, the beauty – but nothing quite prepares you for the moment you actually arrive and realize that every single thing you heard or read was an understatement. I stayed 5 days on the island and left with full eyes, a happy heart, and an honest–to–goodness list of reasons why Phu Quoc deserves to be at the very top of every travel list. It surely has become one of the islands I would want to visit again, and it surely is going to make it to my list of destinations.
Here is everything you need to know — and everything you need to feel — before you go, from my experience.
Getting There: The Journey Is Part of the Story
I live in Vancouver, Canada, the southwestern corner of the country. So, my route to Phu Quoc was part of a larger trip. I took a Japan Airlines flight from Vancouver to Ho Chi Minh City with a few hours of layover in Tokyo.
Before I talk about Vietnam, I would like to make a special mention of Japan Airlines. It is one of the very few airlines that has comfortable seats, a good entertainment system and an amazing crew. Being a vegetarian, I often get very few to no food options on many airlines. However, the crew of the Japan Airlines made sure that I had some vegetarian food on my plate, and they would come and check on me time and again if the food was sufficient for me. I am specifying this because I have travelled by some very renowned airlines, but their crew couldn't care less about a passenger’s eating preferences. So, for me, it was both refreshing and adorable.
Around 19 hours later, I reached Ho Chi Minh City.
A quick tip: Ho Chi Minh Airport has very long immigration queues. To save time, especially after long-haul travel, you might want to opt for an express immigration, which comes for a fee. Many companies provide this service, and you can easily find out about them from a Google search. I opted for that and was through with immigration in about 15 minutes; the regular queue would have taken me nothing less than an hour and a half for the same immigration.
I stayed in Ho Chi Minh City for 3 days in an Airbnb, and a few days soaking in the buzz of that incredible city. I took my onward journey, a short 40 - 45-minute flight to Phu Quoc.
Phu Quoc International Airport is small, easy to navigate, and you can find signs for taxis, shareable rides and other transport options written well at the airport.
From the moment you land in Phu Quoc, the pace slows down, you feel the breeze, and there is an instant relaxation that engulfs you — and that is exactly the point.
Now on to my Phu Quoc Travel Diaries!!
Where We Stayed: Melia Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc is a small island in Vietnam; however, when it comes to accommodation, the island offers everything from budget – friendly guesthouses to mid–range hotels to world – class luxury resorts. I was travelling with my family, where there were 4 adults and 1 child under 12 years.
We stayed at the Melia Vin Pearl, Phu Quoc, located in the northern region of the island, around an hour's drive from the airport. For Melia, I would say that it surely set the tone for the entire trip.
The resort is beautifully designed — lush, spacious, and that specific kind of elegant that does not try too hard. We booked a 3-bedroom villa that also had a private pool. The villa was something we had been wanting for a long time for our vacation, and something that we were all looking forward to most.
Our mornings started with the sound of the ocean, and our evenings were spent watching the sky turn colours that I am fairly certain do not exist anywhere else in the world. The service was warm and attentive without being intrusive, which is a balance that not every luxury property manages to strike.
The pool areas are stunning, the beach access is easy, and the food on the property is well worth exploring. The property has different restaurants, many pool areas, a separate spa, and kids' play areas with dedicated caretakers and activity plans for kids.
I loved everything about Melia. There was just one thing that I struggled with: good Indian food. Being an Indian, I enjoy all sorts of cuisines, but that stays just for a day or two. After that, I do need my comforting Indian food. In Melia, there were options for Indian food, but they were nowhere near the Indian palate. But besides that, I would give a perfect score to the resort and its hospitality.
From the pickup at the airport to the drop off, everything spelled luxury to its core.
It's closer to some of the amazing places to visit, like the Vin Pearl Safari, Vin Wonders, Grand World and the Star Fish Beach. They have their shuttle services too for these destinations. You will have access to their application once you check into the hotel, and you can check the schedule of the shuttle, order room service, get help with housekeeping, and
request a buggy, all from that app.
If you are planning a trip to Phu Quoc and are looking for a resort that balances luxury, comfort, and beautiful surroundings, Melia is absolutely worth considering.
The Island at a Glance: What Makes Phu Quoc Special
Phu Quoc is a beautiful beach destination known for its gorgeous sunsets, its mesmerizing shows, a cable car over the sea, the iconic Sun World entertainment complex, and the various entertainment options by the Vin group— and that is just the beginning.
There is honestly too much to look forward to, which is both exciting and slightly overwhelming when you are trying to plan five days.
Here is what I would say to anyone going for the first time: do not try to do everything. Choose the experiences that speak to you, slow down, and let the island breathe. Phu Quoc rewards a slower pace. It is not the kind of destination that gives its best when you are rushing.
That said, here are the highlights that made my five days unforgettable.
What We Did: The Experiences Worth Every Moment
Sun World Phu Quoc
Sun World is an entertainment complex that genuinely has something for everyone — amusement rides, cultural performances, food, shopping, and the kind of spectacle that makes you feel like you are inside a postcard. We spent a good chunk of one of our days here and still did not see everything. The sheer scale of it is impressive, and the atmosphere in the evenings, especially, is electric.
The Cable Car Over the Sea
One of the things that Phu Quoc is famous for — and rightfully so — is its cable car, which stretches across the sea connecting the main island to Hon Thom Island. It is the longest non-stop cable car over the sea in the world, and the views from up there are the kind that make you reach for your phone and then put it down again because you realize no photo will ever do it justice.
The crossing itself takes about 15 minutes each way, and on a clear day, the turquoise water below you and the horizon stretching in every direction is simply breathtaking. This is a non-negotiable on any Phu Quoc itinerary.
The Beaches
Phu Quoc's beaches are exactly what you imagine when you close your eyes and think of a perfect beach. There are many beautiful beaches there, and you need an entire day to enjoy their serenity. I could not do it this time, but yes, it is on my to-do list for my next trip to Phu Quoc.
The Streets and the Sunsets
Some of the best moments in Phu Quoc were the unplanned ones — wandering through the streets in the early evening as the golden light came in, finding a corner to watch the sun go down, stumbling into a little shop or café. Phu Quoc has a relaxed
, welcoming energy on the ground level that is easy to miss if you are always rushing to the next big attraction.
The sunsets here are genuinely world-class. Set a reminder. Stop whatever you are doing. Watch every single one.
Where I Ate: Casepia Phu Quoc
Food in Phu Quoc is a whole conversation of its own — the island has everything from fresh seafood markets to beautiful beachfront restaurants to international dining. But the meal I keep coming back to in my memory is the one we had at Casepia Phu Quoc.
The restaurant sits beautifully, right next to the soothing water, adjacent to the cable car wires, giving the best view of Phu Quoc. We ordered the burger, fresh rolls, the pasta, fries, and a bowl, and every single dish was exceptional. The kind of food that makes you pause mid-bite and look up because you want to share the moment with whoever is across the table from you. It is that good.
If you are visiting Phu Quoc and wondering where to eat, add Casepia to your list. It is the kind of place that makes an already beautiful trip feel even more special. The best part, they had multiple vegetarian options that made it even more delightful for me.
Sunset Town: The Happiest Corner of Phu Quoc
If Phu Quoc has a heartbeat, it lives in Sunset Town.
There is no other way to describe this place except bright, colourful, and completely alive. The moment you step into Sunset Town, something in your mood shifts — it is the kind of place that makes you smile without knowing exactly why. The streets are lined with lights, the architecture is playful and European-inspired, the colours are warm and vivid, and the energy is joyful in a way that feels completely genuine rather than manufactured for tourists.
Sunset Town sits on the southern tip of Phu Quoc and is part of the larger Vinpearl complex. It was designed to evoke the feeling of a romantic European coastal town, and it delivers on that premise beautifully — think pastel buildings, pretty bridges, cobblestone-style pathways, and everywhere you look, something worth photographing. It is the kind of place where you do not need a plan. You just wander, and the town rewards you for it.
The best time to visit is in the late afternoon, just as the sun begins to dip. The golden light hits the colourful facades in a way that feels almost cinematic, and the atmosphere transitions seamlessly from a leisurely evening stroll into the full energy of the nightly shows. By the time darkness falls, Sunset Town transforms — the lights come on, the crowds gather, and the anticipation for the evening entertainment builds in the most delightful way.
Beyond the shows, Sunset Town has great food, cute shops, and plenty of spots to simply sit and take it all in. It is cheerful without being overwhelming, lively without being chaotic. Honestly, it is one of those places that reminds you that travel at its best is not just about seeing things — it is about feeling something.
The Highlight: Symphony of the Sea
And then there is this.
Of everything we experienced in Phu Quoc — the resort, the beaches, the cable car, the food — nothing comes close to the Symphony of the Sea. Not even close.
It is a water and fireworks show, but those words do absolutely no justice to what it actually is. Picture this: a perfectly choreographed performance where light, water, and fireworks move together like a piece of music you can see. The colours, the timing, the scale — it is the kind of thing that makes you completely still. People were not taking videos anymore. They were just watching, so were we.
I travel fairly often, and I can say without hesitation that Symphony of the Sea is one of the most beautiful things I have ever witnessed. It is the kind of moment you do not forget. The kind that reminds you why you travel in the first place — not for the photos, not for the content, but for the feeling of being completely present somewhere extraordinary.
If you go to Phu Quoc and do nothing else, go see this show. You will thank yourself.
Kiss of the Sea: Where Art Meets the Ocean
After the fireworks, there is the show that concludes the shows for the entire evening — and Kiss of the Sea is in a category entirely of its own.
Located in the heart of Sunset Town, Kiss of the Sea is the world's largest multimedia water show, and from the moment it begins, you understand why that title exists. This is not just a performance — it is an experience that pulls you in completely. Fire, water, laser lights, music, and choreography from international artists come together on a massive water screen to tell a fantasy love story that transcends space and time. The storyline carries a beautiful message about protecting nature and the power of love, and it is woven through the performance in a way that feels genuinely moving rather than performative.
What makes Kiss of the Sea so special is how it engages every single sense. The music swells, the fire leaps, the water becomes a canvas — and somehow all of it works together seamlessly. You find yourself leaning forward without realizing it. The show runs nightly starting at 9:00 PM, and I would strongly recommend arriving early to find a good spot and soak in the atmosphere of Sunset Town before it begins.
A beautiful detail worth mentioning: right next to the show is the iconic Kiss Bridge — a stunning architectural masterpiece designed by renowned architect Marco Casamonti. The bridge's two 400-metre branches extend into the sea but do not quite touch, leaving a delicate 30cm gap. During sunset, the light falls perfectly between the two sides, creating a scene that is almost surreal in its beauty. Walk it before the show begins — the combination of the golden hour light and the anticipation of the evening ahead is something you will not forget.
Kiss of the Sea and Symphony of the Sea together form what I can only describe as the most spectacular evening entertainment I have ever experienced at a travel destination. They are different in tone — Kiss of the Sea is intimate and artistic; Symphony of the Sea is grand and exhilarating — but together they make Sunset Town feel like nowhere else on earth.
Practical Tips Before You Go
A few things worth knowing before you book:
Best time to visit: November to March is peak season — dry, sunny, and perfect beach weather. I went at the end of November, going into December, and the weather was beautiful. Warm without being oppressive, with clear skies and calm seas.
How long to stay: Five days is a good amount of time to see the main highlights without rushing. You could easily fill seven days if you want a more relaxed pace. We were at a relaxed pace, which is why we could not cover a few attractions.
Getting around: Grab and local taxis are easy to find. If you are adventurous, renting a scooter is a great way to explore the quieter parts of the island.
Currency: The Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the local currency. Cash is useful for smaller purchases and markets, though most hotels and restaurants accept cards.
Language: English is widely spoken in tourist areas. A few basic Vietnamese phrases go a long way and are always appreciated. Keep the Google Translate app handy.
Final Thoughts: Would I Go Back?
Without a second thought.
Phu Quoc is one of those rare destinations that delivers on every single thing it promises — beauty, warmth, incredible food, world-class entertainment, and that specific kind of peace that only a great beach holiday can give you. It is accessible, it is stunning, and it has a way of making you feel like the world has slowed down just enough for you to actually enjoy being in it.
Whether you are travelling with family, with a partner, or doing a solo trip, Phu Quoc will meet you exactly where you are. And if you are lucky enough to be there on a night when the Symphony of the Sea is playing — well. That moment belongs to you.
Go. You will not regret it.
Have you been to Phu Quoc? I would love to hear about your experience in the comments below. And if you are planning a trip, feel free to drop any questions — I am happy to help.
Love,
Shriya!
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