Weekend in Phu Quoc

A lively market at the heart of Duong Dong town, open daily from late afternoon. You can wander the stalls selling seafood, souvenirs and street food without paying entry. The real

Tip: Go around 5pm for the best light and fewer crowds. Bring cash — no cards accepted. The grilled squid wrapped in chilli salt is worth trying for 20,000 VND.

A working fish sauce facility on the outskirts of Duong Dong. You can see the wooden fermentation barrels holding anchovies for 12 months. No guided tour, but staff let you walk th

Tip: Buy a bottle directly from the factory — it costs 30,000 VND (about £1) compared to 80,000 VND in shops. The nose-tickling smell stays on clothes, so wear something you don't mind washing immediately.

A 20-kilometre stretch of west-facing sand, free to access at all points. No entry fee, no deckchair charge if you just walk. The sunset here is reliably dramatic, with fishing boats silhouetted again

Tip: Head to the section near Mango Bay Resort (GPS: 10.208, 103.956) — quieter than the central strip. The best show is 30 minutes before official sunset time; check your phone or local tide table.

A working Buddhist temple built in 2012, set on a hill in the south of the island. The architecture follows traditional Vietnamese pagoda style with curved roofs and ornate statues. The site offers cl

Tip: Visit just before sunset — the light turns the sea gold and the crowds thin out. Dress with shoulders and knees covered. Donation box at the entrance is voluntary.

A UNESCO-recognised biosphere reserve covering over half the island. You can hike marked trails through tropical rainforest, with streams and waterfalls. Entry is free, but you need a permit from the

Tip: Hire a motorbike for 150,000 VND/day to reach the trailhead at Rach Vem. Start early — by 10am the heat is brutal. Bring insect repellent and at least 2 litres of water per person.