Archive for August, 2009
Phu Quoc Island – going back in time
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“Visiting Phu Quoc is a bit like going ‘back in traveller time’ as it feels the way Thailand’s islands probably were like 20 years ago. The infrastructure is fairly limited and things are really still very innocent however the islands possesses the key ingredients for a memorable stay – amazing beauty, great beaches and a killer sunset. It is really breathtaking to watch the sun dip under the horizon and then set the whole sky alight in a show of colours that you just can’t describe and shouldn’t even try!” says Urvi Shah, a Physiotherapist from Birmingham, UK – along with husband Anand, are taking off 15 months to explore the world.
She continues: “The lack of coffee shops, and pizza was really refreshing; all you got was fresh local food that gave you a sense of living like a local. The locals were so warm and friendly always waving and smiling at us, it was so nice.”
Beaches and Bungalows
Posted by: | CommentsAlyson Morgan & Mei took the ferry from Ha Tien – got a ride to Long Beach and walked (w/luggage) from resort to resort until they found a pleasant brick bungalow at Nhat Lan for US$10 per night. They enjoyed walking on the beach, cheap beers, and fresh fish curry. 
“Lying on the beach, reading books, eating and sleeping”
Posted by: | CommentsDuong Quynh Hoa recently had a 4-day holiday on PQ and says: “I was just lying on the beach, reading books, eating and sleeping. My mind was purified and I was surrounded by peace. In the pictures taken there, I actually smiled a lot. How amazing!”
PQ: Hidden Treasure
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Jennie recently started product development work for Reebok. Part of her orientation was two months in VietNam, toward the end of her time in HCM City, she flew to PQ for a weekend getaway. Her reaction: “What a hidden treasure. Once the international airport is finished there this untapped island is going to become so commercialized. I’m glad I was able to see it in its natural state before it gets over populated.” Her villa was “a cute little place with a porch overlooking the beach. Literally the beach was about 25 steps from where I was staying, how perfect is that and the sounds of the waves were so soothing!”
“We are in heaven – it’s official!!!!”
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Simon and Charlise + Nicky make a brief stop in PQ and find it “stunning.” They describe staying in a beach bungalow at Viet thanh “10m from the sand for $12 a night (3 people) - it is sweet!!”
After motorbiking to Bai Sao beach, Charlise declares: “We are in heaven – it’s official!!!!”
Keeps Coming Back to PQ Bungalows
Posted by: | CommentsDan from Gladstone Michigan has been to PQ twice. In this posting, he gives a detailed review of Phú Quốc Bungalows saying “This was my choice for a place to stay both times I visited Phú Quốc Island and will be on future visits.”
Time-out from Cambodian Water Project to Visit PQ
Posted by: | CommentsYINXZON is from the Bay Area and spent six weeks this summer as part of a SEALNet (Southeast Asian Service Leadership Network) project to promote the use of water filtration in Cambodia. In mid-August, he took time-out to explore ViệtNam. After thanking a bus from HCM City to Rạch Giá, he founds it nearly impossible to get a ticket for the boat trip to PQ without a reservation. He finally buys one from a scalper – gets to PQ only to find it a challenge to get a hotel room without a reservation. He ended-up staying at Khach San A74 Hotel (72 ð tran hung dao, Long Beach). While on PQ, he tried fried snake and snake soup (wasn’t impressed by either) and was offered a strange fish with feet. Before leaving, YINXZON climbed
to the beautiful waterfalls and swam.
Fun in the Sun – Even During the Rainy Season
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Mike and Allison recently spent a weekend at the Mango Bay Resort. He is a graduate student at the Columbia University pursuing a Master’s of International Affairs with a focus on economic development. The rainy season kept them from motor biking – but they were content to relax and enjoy the beaches, sunsets and grilled seafood.
