Phu Quoc is an island of the southern coast of Vietnam. While it generally lacks the infrastructure and size of some of Thailand’s larger islands, it is, nonetheless, an idyllic vacation spot. An increase in flights between the mainland and Phu Quoc has made it easier than ever for tourists to visit the island. Those wanting to take their time getting to the beach can still catch the speedboat from Rach Gia, a town on Vietnam’s southern-most coast. The speedboat takes about two-and-a-half hours to reach Phu Quoc.

Those familiar with Vietnamese cuisine will know that Phu Quoc is the fish sauce capital of Vietnam. The brands produced on the island are popular throughout Vietnam. Vietnamese food lovers the world over search through local Asian markets to find fish sauce produced in Phu Quoc. The pungent sauce is produced at several factories around the island. Tours of the facilities are available through some of the local tour companies or from the factories themselves.

Fish sauce is made from fermented anchovies. However, fresh fish is everywhere on Phu Quoc. The squid and shrimp on the island are usually fresh. You can see the fishermen using lights to lure the squid into their nets at nighttime. Some of the beachside eateries serve seafood fresh off the boat. Try some stir fried squid or a giant prawn.

Another attractive thing about Phu Quoc is its relatively short rainy season. Unlike the 4-5 months worth of downpours in Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc has rain in September and October, and remains relatively dry the rest of the year. There are cheap bungalows available for rent on the island, most near Duong Dong, the island’s main port and city.

80% of the island is covered by a national forest. Guided treks along the dirt paths of the island are possible.

Phu Quoc, along with the rest of Vietnam, is rapidly developing. The laid-back tropical island that Phu Quoc is today might not remain for much longer. While development would bring much needed revenue to the local population, who knows what it will do to the rustic and quaint feel that defines Phu Quoc.

For now, the beaches remain dotted with small restaurants, interspaced with palm trees. The sand along the beaches is clean, and the air is mostly peaceful. Does Phu Quoc provide the best seaside experience in Vietnam? Perhaps. But, surely, it is the most unique place to fly the Vietnamese flag.