Phu Quoc: The Pearl Island of Vietnam

• HelloXin chào
  [sin chow]
• GoodbyeTạm biệt
  [tam byet]
• YesCó
  [koh]
• NoKhông
  [khom]
• Please/You're welcomeXin vui lòng
  [sin vui long]
• Thank youCám ơn
  [kahm un]
• Excuse me/SorryXin lỗi
  [sin loy]
• How are you?Bạn khỏe không?
  [bun kweh khom?]
• Fine. And you?Khỏe. Còn bạn?
  [kweh. kuhn bun?]
• Do you speak English?Bạn có nói tiếng Anh không?
  [bun koh noy tyeng ang khom?]
• I don't understandTôi không hiểu
  [toy khom hye-oo]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseTôi muốn xem thực đơn, làm ơn
  [toy muon sem took dun, lam un]
• I don't eat meatTôi không ăn thịt
  [toy khom un tit]
• Cheers!Chúc sức khỏe!
  [chuk sook kweh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseTôi muốn thanh toán, làm ơn
  [toy muon tanh toan, lam un]

• Help!Cứu!
  [kyoo]
• Go away!Đi đi!
  [dee dee]
• Call the Police!Gọi cảnh sát!
  [goy kang sat]
• Call a doctor!Gọi bác sĩ!
  [goy bak see]
• I'm lostTôi lạc đường
  [toy lak doong]
• I'm illTôi ốm
  [toy om]

• I'd like to buy...Tôi muốn mua...
  [toy muon mwa]
• I'm just lookingTôi chỉ xem thôi
  [toy chi sem toy]
• How much is it?Nó giá bao nhiêu?
  [no zha bao nyew?]
• That's too expensiveĐắt quá
  [dat kwa]
• Can you lower the price?Bạn có thể giảm giá không?
  [bun koh thee zem zha khom?]

• What time is it?Bây giờ là mấy giờ?
  [bay zwa la may zwa?]
• It's one o'clockBây giờ là một giờ
  [bay zwa la moot zwa]
• Half past (10)Mười giờ rưỡi
  [moo-ee zwa roo-ee]
• MorningBuổi sáng
  [bwoy sang]
• AfternoonBuổi chiều
  [bwoy chyoo]
• EveningBuổi tối
  [bwoy toy]
• YesterdayHôm qua
  [hom kwa]
• TodayHôm nay
  [hom nigh]
• TomorrowNgày mai
  [nyigh my]
• 1Một
  [moot]
• 2Hai
  [high]
• 3Ba
  [bah]
• 4Bốn
  [bun]
• 5Năm
  [nahm]
• 6Sáu
  [sow]
• 7Bảy
  [by]
• 8Tám
  [tam]
• 9Chín
  [jin]
• 10Mười
  [moo-ee]

• Where's a/the...?Cái...ở đâu?
  [kai...uh doh?]
• What's the address?Địa chỉ là gì?
  [dee-ah chi la zee?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Bạn có thể chỉ cho tôi (trên bản đồ) không?
  [bun koh thee chee chow toy (trayn bahn doh) khom?]
• When's the next (bus)?Khi nào là chuyến (xe buýt) tiếp theo?
  [kee now la chweng (say buet) tyep thow?]
• A ticket (to ....)Một vé (đến ...)
  [moot vee (dehn ...)]

Phu Quoc, the largest island in Vietnam, has a rich history that can be traced back to ancient times. Artifacts from the Funan Kingdom, which existed from the 1st to the 6th century AD, have been discovered on the island. These findings suggest that Phu Quoc was an important trading post and cultural hub in the region.

In the 17th century, Phu Quoc became a point of contention between Vietnam and Cambodia. The island was officially claimed by the Vietnamese in the 18th century, during the reign of the Nguyen Lords. Later, in the 19th century, the French colonized Vietnam, including Phu Quoc, and the island became part of French Indochina. The French established rubber and coconut plantations, significantly impacting the local economy.

During World War II, Phu Quoc was occupied by Japanese forces. The island's strategic location in the Gulf of Thailand made it a valuable asset. The occupation lasted until Japan's surrender in 1945, after which the island was returned to French control.

Phu Quoc played a notable role during the Vietnam War. The island was home to the infamous Phu Quoc Prison, also known as Coconut Tree Prison, which was built by French colonists and later used by the South Vietnamese government to detain Viet Cong prisoners. The prison is notorious for its harsh conditions and the brutal treatment of inmates. Today, it serves as a historical site and museum, providing insight into this dark chapter of the island's history.

After the end of the Vietnam War in 1975, Phu Quoc began to rebuild and develop its economy. The island's stunning beaches and rich marine biodiversity attracted tourists, leading to a burgeoning tourism industry. In the 21st century, significant investments have been made in infrastructure, transforming Phu Quoc into a major tourist destination. The island was designated a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in 2006, further boosting its development.

Phu Quoc is home to a diverse cultural heritage. The island boasts a blend of Vietnamese, Khmer, and Chinese influences, reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions. The local fishing communities have preserved age-old practices, and the production of fish sauce, a staple in Vietnamese cuisine, is a significant part of the island's cultural identity. Visitors can explore traditional markets, ancient pagodas, and local festivals that showcase Phu Quoc's unique cultural tapestry.

Phu Quoc is located off the southern coast of Vietnam in the Gulf of Thailand. The most convenient way to get to Phu Quoc is by flying into Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC), which has direct flights from major cities in Vietnam such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, as well as international destinations including Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore. Alternatively, you can reach Phu Quoc by taking a ferry from Ha Tien or Rach Gia on the Vietnamese mainland. The ferry ride takes approximately 2 to 3 hours.

Getting around Phu Quoc is relatively easy. Motorbike rentals are popular and offer the flexibility to explore the island at your own pace. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Grab are also available. For a more local experience, consider renting a bicycle to explore the smaller, less crowded areas. Public buses operate on the island, but they are less frequent and primarily serve the local population. Car rentals are another option, especially if you are traveling with family or in a group.

The official currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, high-end restaurants, and some shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are widely available in major towns and tourist areas on Phu Quoc, so withdrawing cash should not be an issue. It is also recommended to have some US dollars on hand, as they are sometimes accepted in tourist areas.

Phu Quoc is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is wise to take standard precautions such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur, especially in busy tourist spots. Stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Areas like Duong Dong Market can be crowded, so keep your personal items secure.

In case of an emergency, you can dial 113 for police, 114 for fire, and 115 for medical assistance. Phu Quoc General Hospital is the main medical facility on the island, and there are also several clinics and pharmacies available for minor health issues. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor ailments, over-the-counter medications can be purchased at local pharmacies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do show respect for local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes and cover your shoulders and knees when entering temples or pagodas. Public Transport: Do be respectful to fellow passengers. Avoid loud conversations and keep your personal space. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a slight bow or a handshake. Avoid physical contact, especially with the opposite sex. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food and drink offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it can be seen as impolite.

To experience Phu Quoc like a local, visit the local night markets where you can sample fresh seafood and traditional Vietnamese street food. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share tips about the best places to visit. Don’t miss the chance to explore the island’s natural beauty, such as the Phu Quoc National Park and its pristine beaches. For a unique experience, take a tour of a local pepper farm or fish sauce factory, which are important industries on the island.