Phu Quoc Island: Vietnam's Tropical Paradise

• HelloXin chào
  [sin chow]
• GoodbyeTạm biệt
  [tam byet]
• YesCó
  [koh]
• NoKhông
  [kohng]
• Please/You're welcomeLàm ơn
  [lam uhn]
• Thank youCảm ơn
  [kahm uhn]
• Excuse me/SorryXin lỗi
  [sin loy]
• How are you?Bạn khỏe không?
  [bahn kweh kohng]
• Fine. And you?Khỏe. Còn bạn?
  [kweh. kohn bahn]
• Do you speak English?Bạn có nói tiếng Anh không?
  [bahn koh noy tyeng anh kohng]
• I don't understandTôi không hiểu
  [toy kohng hyehw]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseTôi muốn xem menu, làm ơn
  [toy mwuhn sem menu, lam uhn]
• I don't eat meatTôi không ăn thịt
  [toy kohng an tit]
• Cheers!Chúc sức khỏe!
  [chuhk sook kweh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseTôi muốn thanh toán, làm ơn
  [toy mwuhn thanh twan, lam uhn]

• Help!Cứu!
  [kyoo]
• Go away!Đi đi!
  [dee dee]
• Call the Police!Gọi cảnh sát!
  [goy cahn saht]
• Call a doctor!Gọi bác sĩ!
  [goy bahk see]
• I'm lostTôi lạc đường
  [toy lahkh doong]
• I'm illTôi bị ốm
  [toy bee ohm]

• I'd like to buy...Tôi muốn mua...
  [toy mwuhn moo-ah...]
• I'm just lookingTôi chỉ xem thôi
  [toy chee sem toy]
• How much is it?Nó giá bao nhiêu?
  [noh zjah bao nyew]
• That's too expensiveQuá đắt
  [kwah dat]
• Can you lower the price?Bạn có thể giảm giá?
  [bahn koh the zjahm zjah]

• What time is it?Bây giờ là mấy giờ?
  [bai zjah la my zjah]
• It's one o'clockBây giờ là một giờ
  [bai zjah la moot zjah]
• Half past (10)Mười giờ nửa
  [moo-ee zjah nwah]
• MorningBuổi sáng
  [bwow-ee sang]
• AfternoonBuổi chiều
  [bwow-ee chee-oo]
• EveningBuổi tối
  [bwow-ee toy]
• YesterdayHôm qua
  [hohm kwah]
• TodayHôm nay
  [hohm ny]
• TomorrowNgày mai
  [ny-ay my]
• 1Một
  [moot]
• 2Hai
  [hai]
• 3Ba
  [bah]
• 4Bốn
  [bohn]
• 5Năm
  [nahm]
• 6Sáu
  [sow]
• 7Bảy
  [bahy]
• 8Tám
  [tam]
• 9Chín
  [cheen]
• 10Mười
  [moo-ee]

• Where's a/the...?Chỗ...ở đâu?
  [choh...uh dzow]
• What's the address?Địa chỉ là gì?
  [dee-ah chee la zjee]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Bạn có thể chỉ cho tôi (trên bản đồ)?
  [bahn koh the chee choh toy (trern bahn doh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Khi nào là chuyến xe buýt tiếp theo?
  [khee nay la chwuhn sen bwit tyep the-oh]
• A ticket (to ....)Một vé (đi ...)
  [moot vee (dee ...)]

Phu Quoc Island, known locally as Đảo Ngọc (Pearl Island), has a rich history dating back to ancient times. Archaeological findings suggest that the island has been inhabited for thousands of years. The earliest settlers are believed to have been part of the Óc Eo culture, a thriving maritime civilization that played a crucial role in regional trade networks.

During the 17th century, Phu Quoc was under the influence of the Khmer Empire. The island was a strategic location for trade and military purposes. Remnants of Khmer architecture and inscriptions can still be found, pointing to a period when the island was a cultural and economic hub in the region.

In the late 17th century, Vietnamese settlers started to arrive on Phu Quoc Island. This period also saw the arrival of Chinese Ming dynasty refugees, who fled the Qing conquest of China. These settlers contributed significantly to the island's development, bringing with them agricultural techniques, fishing practices, and cultural traditions that have shaped the local way of life.

Phu Quoc came under French colonial rule in the mid-19th century, becoming part of French Indochina. The French recognized the island's strategic importance and established a presence there. They developed infrastructure, including roads and plantations, and introduced new agricultural products such as pepper, which remains a significant industry on the island today.

During the Vietnam War, Phu Quoc Island was the site of a notorious prison known as the Coconut Tree Prison (Nhà Tù Cây Dừa). Built by the French and later used by the South Vietnamese government, it housed thousands of Viet Cong prisoners. The prison became infamous for harsh conditions and brutal treatment. Today, it serves as a historical museum, preserving the memory of those who were imprisoned there.

In recent decades, Phu Quoc has transformed into a major tourist destination. The island's pristine beaches, clear waters, and vibrant marine life attract visitors from around the world. While tourism has brought economic growth, efforts are being made to balance development with the preservation of the island's natural and cultural heritage. The establishment of the Phu Quoc National Park in 2001 is an example of these conservation efforts.

Phu Quoc Island is accessible by both air and sea. The Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) has direct flights from major cities in Vietnam, as well as international flights from various countries. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from the mainland. Ferries operate from Ha Tien and Rach Gia, with the journey taking around 2.5 to 3 hours. The island is also connected by regular speedboat services.

Getting around Phu Quoc is relatively easy. Motorbike rentals are very popular and provide a flexible way to explore the island. Taxis are also readily available and reasonably priced. For those who prefer public transport, there are local buses, though they may not cover all tourist spots. Bicycle rentals are another eco-friendly option, especially for short distances.

The official currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are plentiful in the main towns, so withdrawing money is generally convenient.

Phu Quoc is generally considered safe for tourists. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid leaving personal belongings unattended on the beach. Although the island has a low crime rate, areas like Duong Dong's night market can be crowded, so be cautious of pickpockets. Always use reputable transportation services to avoid scams.

In case of emergency, dial 113 for police, 114 for fire services, and 115 for medical emergencies. The island has a hospital and several clinics that can handle most medical issues. It is also advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation if necessary. Pharmacies are available for minor health concerns and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, particularly when visiting temples. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly smile or a slight bow. A handshake is also acceptable. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Phu Quoc like a local, visit the night markets where you can enjoy fresh seafood and local dishes. Engage with the local fishermen and learn about their way of life. Don't miss the fish sauce factories, pepper farms, and pearl farms, which are integral to the island's economy and culture. For a unique experience, explore the lesser-known beaches and hiking trails in the Phu Quoc National Park.