Welcome to my digital nomad information to residing in Phu Quoc. Dwelling to beautiful seashores, spectacular nationwide parks, and a few incredible cultural and historic sights, it’s a distant employee’s dream vacation spot. To alleviate any confusion it’s pronounced Foo Kwuck, and it’s simply one in every of many idyllic areas inside Vietnam.
Vietnam’s largest island has the whole lot a distant employee may want. Whether or not you get pleasure from kicking again on the seaside following a busy day on the laptop computer or mountaineering amongst beautiful lush countryside between on-line conferences, right here is why it’s best to take into account Phu Quoc as your subsequent digital nomad location.
About Phu Quoc
The island metropolis of Phu Quoc is residence to round 180,000 individuals and is presently going by means of a interval of fast improvement thanks to a tourism growth. Since 2014, the Vietnamese authorities has allowed 30-day visa-free journey for all foreigners to Phu Quoc, which has resulted in an enormous uptick in guests.
Phu Quoc contains the principle island however contains 21 further smaller islets. Such is its magnificence and in the hope of conserving it, Phu Quoc has terrestrial nationwide park and marine safety.
Due to the wealthy provide of recent anchovies offshore, it’s broadly agreed amongst Vietnamese those who the very best fish sauce in the world is made in Phu Quoc. Black Pepper is one other main export and is cultivated broadly on the island.
Living in Phu Quoc As a Digital Nomad
Phu Quoc was the ultimate cease of my time in Vietnam and I’m glad I saved it till final. Just because If I’d gone there first I’ll by no means have left! It’s an extremely stunning place that feels each bit like an island paradise.
Like a lot of Vietnam, WiFi is broadly out there in Phu Quoc which means distant working prospects could be discovered nearly in every single place. And whereas there aren’t too many devoted coworking areas on the island, laptop-friendly cafes are very commonplace. I loved having just a few common spots to work from (extra on this later).
My work/life stability was nearly as good as I’ve recognized it in Phu Quoc. The low value of lodging and meals meant that having fun with the nice life was extremely inexpensive. It’s fully possible for a Phu Quoc digital nomad to spend the morning working amongst tranquil countryside, drive into city for lunch, and end the working day on the seaside. Sounds dreamy, proper?
Is Phu Quoc Protected?
Phu Quoc is usually thought-about protected for vacationers. The island maintains a low crime charge and violent crimes towards vacationers are uncommon. That being stated, it’s all the time smart to train fundamental precautions comparable to safeguarding valuables and being conscious of your environment.
The island’s regularly bettering and growing tourism business ensures well-maintained seashores and resorts, and as such, I all the time felt comfy and protected while working remotely in Phu Quoc.
Within the occasion of any medical incidences, Phu Quoc does have services that may deal with minor illnesses and accidents. Nonetheless, with the dearth of recent improvement discovered in Vietnam’s greater cities, I’d advocate in search of therapy on the mainland for any critical points.
Greatest Locations for Digital Nomads in Phu Quoc
There’s a wide range of neighborhoods and areas for a digital nomad residing in Phu Quoc to take into account. Listed here are 5 of the very best areas to base your self. Every has its distinctive attraction and facilities;
1. Duong Dong City
The principle city and industrial hub of Phu Quoc is Duong Dong. That is the place you’ll discover the largest confluence of recent facilities and important companies on the island. The Dinh Cau Temple and the night time market are simply two in style points of interest which might be loved by vacationers and locals alike.
Located on Phu Quoc’s central west coast, Duong Dong has nice entry to some fabulous seashores and plenty of cultural points of interest such because the Dinh Cau Lighthouse. It’s additionally a brief 15-minute drive to the worldwide airport, making it a perfect location for exploring not solely Phu Quoc, however additional afield too.
2. Cua Lap
If it’s extra of that seaside life you crave, then head south of Duong Dong and keep at Cua Lap. The seaside right here is sensational and picturesque ocean views are so frequent you’ll run the danger of taking them without any consideration.
It’s a well-liked spot for ex-pats and vacationers due to the scenic environment and the accessibility of Duong Dong. Cua Lap has a really chilled vibe and welcoming environment and but offers sufficient facilities to justify calling it residence.
3. Ong Lang
A fair quieter and extra secluded seaside city is Ong Lang, round a 25-minute drive north of Duong Down. As soon as once more, you’ll discover pristine seashores, clear waters, and a tropical backdrop that appears too excellent to be actual.
Being fairly shut to the principle heart of Phu Quoc means vacationers recurrently make the journey to Ong Bang Seaside. Nonetheless, I all the time discovered it considerably much less busy, even on weekends, than close by seashores. The city has an actual neighborhood really feel to it with a small choice of cafes, bars, and eating places to take a look at.
4. Cua Can Village
Relying on the kind of expertise you’re on the lookout for in Vietnam, Cua Can Village is probably not for everybody. It’s a a lot smaller neighborhood situated in the direction of the island’s northeast nook and located alongside the Cua Can River.
I discovered Cua Can Village to have a captivating setting with very laid-back vibes and pleasant locals. Surrounded by mangrove forests and rivers, that is actually an space for anybody who enjoys eco-friendly residing and outside actions. Living right here would attraction to digital nomads in search of an in depth connection to nature and a slower tempo of life in Phu Quoc.
5. An Thoi
Don’t overlook the South! A 30-minute drive south of central Phu Quoc will convey you to the island’s southernmost city – An Thoi. The quick and fairly easy journey ought to provide you with a sign of simply how small the island actually is.
Although it lacks among the facilities of Duong Dong, there’s nonetheless loads to get pleasure from in An Thai. A superb variety of eating places, a incredible stretch of shoreline with some wonderful seashores, and a extra chilled social scene are only a few of the advantages of organising camp in the south.
How to Discover Lodging in Phu Quoc
The favored tourism growth in Phu Quoc implies that there are a lot of resorts and flats out there for guests to hire. Listed here are just a few high locations to look and a few concepts to take into account to make sure you get the very best offers going.
1. Airbnb. The standout lodging possibility for a digital nomad in Phu Quoc is Airbnb. It has many listings that function handy reserving choices, free cancellation, and inexpensive charges. I’ve typically seen reductions of up to 40% to 50% for month-long stays.
2. Reserving.com – Reserving.com has an intensive array of lodge rooms and flats for each price range in Phu Quoc, most with versatile reserving choices together with no prepayment or free cancellation. I’d additionally advocate enrolling in the Genius Membership for vital reductions and extra perks in your bookings.
3. Trusted Housesitters – Home sitting is an more and more in style possibility for budget-friendly journey. Trusted Housesitters is my go-to web site of selection – I secured a 2-week sit throughout my time in Phu Quoc. For those who’re in pursuing home sitting alternatives take a look at my earlier article, Eight Knowledgeable Suggestions for Touchdown a Home Sitting Job.
4. Workaway – An effective way to get monetary savings on lodging, and infrequently meals, is to use Workaway. You probably have time in your schedule to assist out with neighborhood initiatives, train English, or assist on an eco farm, Workaway is all the time price a glance.
Value of Living in Phu Quoc
Many guests will discover Phu Quoc a really inexpensive place to stay. There are not any data-led web sites to spotlight a lot of this, so I’ll give you my very own expertise from being a digital nomad in Phu Quoc. For additional verification, I direct you to the price of residing in Hoi An, which I discovered to be comparable to island life in Phu Quoc.
Eating places and Groceries
Road meals stalls and conventional Vietnamese eating places are in every single place in Phu Quoc. A good meal could be bought for below $1.50 and the standard could be very excessive. You’ll discover many locals utilizing these institutions every day – which is all the time a great signal!
Extra upmarket eating places are in fact out there too, and also you count on to pay round $8-$10pp for a pleasant 3-course meal. Going out for a espresso will value between $1-$2 relying on how fancy you propose to be.
Grocery purchasing is one explicit space the place I seen a giant distinction from again residence in the UK. Issues like eggs and meat are greater than 50% cheaper in Phu Quoc, as are many fruit and veggies.
Lodging Prices
Living on the gorgeous island of Phu Quoc is less expensive than you may first think about. The typical value of a long-term rental is round $250-$300/month. With all utilities coming in at roughly $60, the financial savings on month-to-month outgoings could be fairly vital.
Airbnb and short-term lodging costs are a little bit steeper however nonetheless significantly extra inexpensive than in many different nations I’ve visited. A pleasant house to your self with a shared pool, health club, and sea views can value as little as $500/month.
Transportation Prices in Phu Quoc
It’s fairly simple to get round Phu Quoc because the island isn’t too massive. Dependable buses join all the principle cities with tickets costing round $0.25 for a single journey.
Seize is a helpful app to arrange in your telephone earlier than you arrive. The Vietnam equal to Uber offers a protected and safe method to e-book a taxi with out the necessity for money or communication with a non-English talking driver. Brief journeys value below $1 and drivers in Phu Quoc received’t scoff at driving longer distances with charges across the $6-$10 mark for prolonged journeys.
SIM Playing cards and Knowledge
A number of telecom giants in Vietnam supply SIM playing cards for vacationers, however the massive three are Mobiphone, Vinaphone, and Viettel. At any time when I’ve seen a value on-line, it’s differed from the value or deal I’ve ended up getting in-store, nevertheless it’s nonetheless so low-cost that it doesn’t make a lot of a distinction.
The primary SIM I bought was with Vinaphone for 1 month which prices $6 for 6GB of information a day! The second SIM was with Viettel additionally for 1 month and price $8 (together with a $2 payment for buying a brand new SIM card).
So, when you safely price range round $7-$10/month, you’ll simply discover a SIM with ample information. The workers in the telephone shops in Phu Quoc are all the time useful and really conversant in organising vacationers with new SIM playing cards there after which.
Cash Saving Suggestions for Phu Quoc
- Store on the markets: The quite a few every day and nighttime markets in Phu Quoc are nice locations for selecting up the whole lot from garments to groceries.
- Haggle: Keep in mind the Vietnamese famously get pleasure from haggling, particularly in {the marketplace}.
- Get Seize Limitless: The Seize app often has a free trial of its membership program, providing versatile cancellation and even greater reductions on rides and meals deliveries.
- Join home sitting: Save on all of your lodging prices by signing up to a web site like Trusted Housesitters.
- Eat Native: There are such a lot of nice road meals stalls and conventional Vietnamese eating places in Phu Quoc the place it’s potential to decide up first rate meals for below $1.50.
- Get pleasure from Nature: Phu Quoc’s pure magnificence spots, beautiful seashores, and luxurious landscapes are free for everybody to get pleasure from.
- Drink Native Espresso: Ca Phe Den is an excellent robust Vietnamese espresso, I add scorching water to it to make a scrumptious Americano-style drink. Better of all you’ll discover it in every single place for about $0.50.
- Search for Lodging Reductions: Many Airbnb hosts supply massive reductions on longer stays. I’ve seen reductions of 40%-50% when reserving for a month.
- Use Public Transport: A visit on the bus prices lower than $0.25 and there are routes connecting the entire island.
Coworking Areas and Laptop computer-Pleasant cafes
As a digital nomad residing in Phu Quoc, having entry to appropriate infrastructure is significant. Whereas WiFi is on the market nearly in every single place in Vietnam, coworking areas in Phu Quoc aren’t as frequent as they’re in the larger cities of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh Metropolis.
Having stated that, it’s nonetheless potential to discover all of the facilities wanted for distant work. Listed here are just a few of my high locations for digital nomads to base themselves in Phu Quoc;
Nora’s Cafe and Restaurant – An exquisite, calm, and spacious setting with robust espresso and even stronger WiFi. Situated a brief distance outdoors of Duong Dong it’s price making the quick journey south for the peaceable location and wonderful meals choices.
Highlands Espresso – As the largest chain of espresso retailers in Vietnam, Highlands Espresso is all the time a terrific distant working location. WiFi is free to all prospects and also you’re more likely to discover extra specialty espresso choices right here than in one of many smaller road cafes.
There’s a Highlands Espresso primarily based in the principle hub of Duong Dong a road or so away from the river, making it a vibrant and in style spot excellent for digital nomads who get pleasure from a energetic environment while working.
Like Espresso – If it’s a extra tranquil setting amongst Phu Quoc’s pure magnificence you need on your day of distant working, situate your self at Like Espresso. Primarily based on the sting of a small park in Duong Dong, the cafe/restaurant with a big exterior patio feels very far faraway from the workplace.
The meals choices listed here are nice, the WiFi is robust even outdoors, and the workers are all the time very glad to see you.
Store 3S Hoa Mai – One of many solely locations in Phu Quoc that advertises itself as a coworking area is Store 3S. And whereas they do have just a few desks extra suited to an workplace setting, it’s extra of a restaurant that’s hoping to appeal to a digital nomad crowd.
Primarily based in the direction of the northwestern tip of the island, that is one other wonderful cafe that’s welcoming of distant employees who want to spend the day utilizing the free WiFi, topping up their espresso cups, and dealing their method by means of the meals choices.
Printing Services – Whereas espresso retailers are a terrific possibility at no cost WiFi and a snug area to work, they typically lack among the facilities digital nomads often require. Concern not, as scattered throughout the island are round 18-20 unbiased setups with printing and scanning capabilities.
Now, dependable on-line data on such shops is fairly slim as they’re typically small-run operations which might be open each time the proprietor is there. Nonetheless, I used to be in pressing want of some printing and scanning while in Phu Quoc and managed it rapidly and simply. It value me round $2 for over 50 printed and scanned pages.
Actions and Issues To Do in Phu Quoc
We didn’t turn into digital nomads simply to sit and work now did we? Phu Quoc is without doubt one of the finest locations in the world for some superior post-work actions.
1. Speedboat Island Tour, Snorkeling and BBQ
I discussed earlier that Phu Quoc is made up of 22 islands, however what I didn’t point out is that all the space is a hub for snorkeling and scuba diving. The turquoise waters are residence to a incredible and guarded coral reef.
I needed to discover just a few of those islands so opted to accomplish that by speedboat – why not? All of the snorkeling gear was supplied, and a terrific lunch and even a beer for good measure have been thrown in. In order for you to discover and fairly actually dip your toe in the waters then check out this wonderful full-day tour.
2. Eat and Drink Like a Native
There are a ton of fantastic road meals choices out there in Phu Quoc, so that you’ll typically be spoiled for selection. Nonetheless, realizing the place to go and what to eat when the menus aren’t in English could be a little daunting at the very best of occasions.
In the course of the first few days in Phu Quoc, I took a road meals tour and obtained to know some native delicacies, what I needs to be paying for them, and the place the very best locations to purchase native dishes have been situated. It’s a terrific introduction to the road meals scene, click on right here for extra data.
3. Go to the Largest Theme Park in Vietnam
It’s solely a small island however Phu Quoc is residence to the biggest theme park in Vietnam. VinWonders is residence to an array of points of interest and thrilling rides that make for an thrilling time out. Rollercoasters and epic water slides function alongside a 4D cinema and family-friendly playgrounds and carousels. Click on right here to skip the traces and e-book your tickets now.
4. Expertise the World’s Longest Cable Automotive Journey
Phu Quoc can be the placement of the longest sea-crossing 3-wire cable automobile in the world. It has a size of practically 5 miles and may carry 3500 individuals an hour. It takes in unmatched, breathtaking views of the ocean and the beautiful inexperienced landscapes of the island.
There are quite a few excursions out there, however I extremely advocate one which additionally features a go to to just a few of the opposite islands and a seaside for a buffet lunch. Click on right here to learn extra and e-book your journey.
5. Go Scuba Diving
Improve your snorkeling expertise and go scuba diving in the gorgeous waters of Phu Quoc. An authorized teacher is all the time with you and there are classes appropriate for all ranges of expertise. For those who’ve all the time fancied giving scuba diving a attempt, now’s your probability!
I discovered this nice tour that features pick-up and lunch, click on right here to study extra.
Climate in Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc has a tropical monsoon local weather, characterised by distinct moist and dry seasons. The dry season usually spans from December to March. Throughout these months, light sea breezes present reduction from the warmth which might attain as excessive as 34°C (93°F).
Round April/Might time, the climate transitions into the moist season, which lasts till November. Regardless of the occasional very heavy downpour, temperatures stay gentle, though humidity ranges rise and create a extra tropical setting.
General, Phu Quoc’s climate could be very interesting to individuals like me who dislike the chilly. When the wet season begins it may possibly trigger points with journeys, excursions, and occasions, however for probably the most half, life carries on as regular on the island. Even throughout the wettest months, there are nonetheless over 135 hours of sunshine to benefit from the seashores.
Professionals and Cons of Living in Phu Quoc
There are undoubtedly a lot of professionals to residing on a ravishing island like Phu Quoc, however there are additionally some cons to pay attention to too. Listed here are just a few of my high factors for digital nomads to take into account.
Professionals of Living in Phu Quoc
- Beautiful Atmosphere: Pure magnificence is in every single place in Phu Quoc. From the pristine seashores, tranquil waters, and luxurious forests, it encapsulates the picture of a paradise island.
- Inexpensive: Like a lot of Vietnam costs for guests are very low. It’s potential to benefit from the good life at a fraction of the associated fee in contrast to many different nations.
- High quality of Life: Though Phu Quoc has some sizeable cities, the tempo of life is way slower and the overbearing stresses of metropolis residing are miles away again on the mainland.
- Onward journey: Phu Quoc Worldwide Airport is well accessed from anyplace on the island and has every day connections with all of Vietnam and varied nations all over the world.
- Visa: All overseas nationals are entitled to a visa-free 30-day keep in Phu Quoc. For nationals from locations like America and Canada, this implies no charges for a vacationer visa.
- Good WiFi: Regardless of being an island away from the mainland, web connections are typically excellent in Phu Quoc, permitting digital nomads to work with out concern.
Cons of Living in Phu Quoc
- No Coworking Areas: There are not any devoted coworking areas in Phu Quoc. Distant working choices will come in the type of laptop-friendly cafes or companies supplied by a lodge/lodging.
- Wet Season: Between Might and November Phu Quoc experiences a wet season. This will imply some critically heavy downpours and disruptions to every day life.
- Vacationer Crowds: Phu Quoc is a well-liked vacation spot for vacationers from all over the world and as such could be very busy throughout peak seasons and trip occasions.
- Restricted Infrastructure: Though Phu Quoc does have medical services and normal infrastructure it lacks the superior improvement of Vietnam’s greater cities.
Digital Nomad Visa for Phu Quoc
There aren’t presently any particular visas for digital nomads in Phu Quoc. Nonetheless, all overseas nationals are allowed a 30-day keep with out the necessity for a vacationer visa. It’s essential to be aware that whereas Phu Quoc offers this visa-free keep, broader laws apply to different areas in Vietnam.
For example, residents of the UK and 12 different nations can keep for up to 45 days in Vietnam and not using a visa, with an possibility to lengthen their keep to 90 days by means of an internet utility or at a chosen entry level.
Guests from the USA and Canada should acquire a vacationer visa, which could be secured on-line earlier than journey or upon arrival at worldwide entry factors. The period of those visas ranges from 1 to Three months, with related prices various between $25 and $50, relying on the meant size of keep and the variety of entries wanted.
In Conclusion
I hope my digital nomad information to Phu Quoc has whet your urge for food for a slice of island residing. My time there was the epitome of what I hoped to expertise when setting out as a digital nomad – laptop computer and low all morning adopted by chilling on the seaside or mountaineering in the tropical forests in the afternoon.
Though it might lack the standard coworking areas, there are nonetheless loads of excellent areas from which to base your self. Moreover, on such an accessible island, the whole lot is at your disposal. Get pleasure from!