Welcome to my digital nomad information to dwelling in Phu Quoc. House to gorgeous seashores, spectacular nationwide parks, and a few implausible 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 among many idyllic places inside Vietnam.
Vietnam’s largest island has every part a distant employee may need. Whether or not you take pleasure in kicking again on the seashore following a busy day on the laptop computer or mountaineering amongst gorgeous lush countryside between on-line conferences, right here is why you need to contemplate Phu Quoc as your subsequent digital nomad location.
About Phu Quoc
The island metropolis of Phu Quoc is residence to round 180,000 folks and is presently going by way of a interval of speedy improvement due to a tourism increase. 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 consists of the principle island however contains 21 extra smaller islets. Such is its magnificence and within the hope of conserving it, Phu Quoc has terrestrial nationwide park and marine safety.
As a result of wealthy provide of contemporary anchovies offshore, it’s extensively agreed amongst Vietnamese people who the very best fish sauce on the planet is made in Phu Quoc. Black Pepper is one other main export and is cultivated extensively on the island.
Residing 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 could 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 extensively obtainable in Phu Quoc that means distant working potentialities will be discovered nearly all over the place. And whereas there aren’t too many devoted coworking places on the island, laptop-friendly cafes are very commonplace. I loved having a number of common spots to work from (extra on this later).
My work/life stability was nearly as good as I’ve identified it in Phu Quoc. The low price of lodging and meals meant that having fun with the nice life was extremely reasonably priced. 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 seashore. Sounds dreamy, proper?
Is Phu Quoc Secure?
Phu Quoc is mostly thought of protected for vacationers. The island maintains a low crime price and violent crimes towards vacationers are uncommon. That being mentioned, it’s all the time smart to train primary precautions equivalent to safeguarding valuables and being conscious of your environment.
The island’s frequently enhancing 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 amenities that may deal with minor illnesses and accidents. Nevertheless, with the shortage of contemporary improvement present in Vietnam’s larger cities, I’d suggest searching for remedy on the mainland for any critical points.
Finest Locations for Digital Nomads in Phu Quoc
There’s quite a lot of neighborhoods and areas for a digital nomad dwelling in Phu Quoc to contemplate. Listed below are 5 of the very best areas to base your self. Every has its distinctive allure and facilities;
1. Duong Dong City
The primary city and industrial hub of Phu Quoc is Duong Dong. That is the place you’ll discover the most important confluence of contemporary facilities and important providers on the island. The Dinh Cau Temple and the night time market are simply two widespread points of interest which are 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 really perfect location for exploring not solely Phu Quoc, however additional afield too.
2. Cua Lap
If it’s extra of that seashore life you crave, then head south of Duong Dong and keep at Cua Lap. The seashore right here is sensational and picturesque ocean views are so widespread you’ll run the danger of taking them with no consideration.
It’s a preferred spot for ex-pats and vacationers as a result of scenic environment and the accessibility of Duong Dong. Cua Lap has a really chilled vibe and welcoming ambiance and but offers sufficient facilities to justify calling it residence.
3. Ong Lang
A good quieter and extra secluded seashore 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 good to be actual.
Being fairly near the principle heart of Phu Quoc means vacationers frequently make the journey to Ong Bang Seashore. Nevertheless, 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 collection of cafes, bars, and eating places to take a look at.
4. Cua Can Village
Relying on the kind of expertise you’re in search of in Vietnam, Cua Can Village is probably not for everybody. It’s a a lot smaller neighborhood positioned in 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 dwelling and out of doors actions. Residing right here would enchantment to digital nomads searching for 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 deliver you to the island’s southernmost city – An Thoi. The quick and fairly simple journey ought to offer you a sign of simply how small the island actually is.
Although it lacks a few of the facilities of Duong Dong, there’s nonetheless lots to take pleasure in in An Thai. A great variety of eating places, a implausible stretch of shoreline with some glorious seashores, and a extra chilled social scene are only a few of the advantages of organising camp within the south.
Easy methods to Discover Lodging in Phu Quoc
The favored tourism increase in Phu Quoc implies that there are a lot of inns and residences obtainable for guests to lease. Listed below are a number of prime locations to look and a few concepts to contemplate 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 reasonably priced charges. I’ve usually seen reductions of as much as 40% to 50% for month-long stays.
2. Reserving.com – Reserving.com has an intensive array of resort rooms and residences for each finances in Phu Quoc, most with versatile reserving choices together with no prepayment or free cancellation. I’d additionally suggest enrolling within the Genius Membership for important reductions and extra perks in your bookings.
3. Trusted Housesitters – Home sitting is an more and more widespread possibility for budget-friendly journey. Trusted Housesitters is my go-to web site of alternative – I secured a 2-week sit throughout my time in Phu Quoc. When you’re fascinated with pursuing home sitting alternatives try my earlier article, 8 Knowledgeable Suggestions for Touchdown a Home Sitting Job.
4. Workaway – A good way to economize on lodging, and infrequently meals, is to make use of Workaway. You probably have time in your schedule to assist out with neighborhood tasks, train English, or help on an eco farm, Workaway is all the time price a glance.
Value of Residing in Phu Quoc
Many guests will discover Phu Quoc a really reasonably priced place to dwell. There aren’t any data-led web sites to focus on 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 dwelling in Hoi An, which I discovered to be akin to island life in Phu Quoc.
Eating places and Groceries
Road meals stalls and conventional Vietnamese eating places are all over the place in Phu Quoc. An honest meal will 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 an excellent signal!
Extra upmarket eating places are after all obtainable too, and also you anticipate to pay round $8-$10pp for a pleasant 3-course meal. Going out for a espresso will price between $1-$2 relying on how fancy you plan to be.
Grocery procuring is one explicit space the place I seen an enormous distinction from again residence within the UK. Issues like eggs and meat are greater than 50% cheaper in Phu Quoc, as are many vegatables and fruits.
Lodging Prices
Residing on the attractive island of Phu Quoc is less expensive than you would possibly first think about. The common price 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 will be fairly important.
Airbnb and short-term lodging costs are just a little steeper however nonetheless significantly extra reasonably priced than in lots of different nations I’ve visited. A pleasant condo to your self with a shared pool, health club, and sea views can price as little as $500/month.
Transportation Prices in Phu Quoc
It’s fairly straightforward to get round Phu Quoc because the island isn’t too large. 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 technique to ebook a taxi with out the necessity for money or communication with a non-English talking driver. Quick journeys price below $1 and drivers in Phu Quoc gained’t scoff at driving longer distances with charges across the $6-$10 mark for prolonged journeys.
SIM Playing cards and Information
A number of telecom giants in Vietnam provide SIM playing cards for vacationers, however the large three are Mobiphone, Vinaphone, and Viettel. Each time I’ve seen a worth on-line, it’s differed from the value or deal I’ve ended up getting in-store, however 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 price for buying a brand new SIM card).
So, in the event you safely finances round $7-$10/month, you’ll simply discover a SIM with ample knowledge. The employees within 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 choosing up every part from garments to groceries.
- Haggle: Bear in mind the Vietnamese famously take pleasure in haggling, particularly within the market.
- Get Seize Limitless: The Seize app normally has a free trial of its membership program, providing versatile cancellation and even larger reductions on rides and meals deliveries.
- Join home sitting: Save on all of your lodging prices by signing as much as 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 doable to select up first rate meals for below $1.50.
- Get pleasure from Nature: Phu Quoc’s pure magnificence spots, gorgeous seashores, and plush landscapes are free for everybody to take pleasure in.
- Drink Native Espresso: Ca Phe Den is an excellent sturdy Vietnamese espresso, I add scorching water to it to make a scrumptious Americano-style drink. Better of all you’ll discover it all over the place for about $0.50.
- Search for Lodging Reductions: Many Airbnb hosts provide large 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 dwelling in Phu Quoc, accessing appropriate infrastructure is important. Whereas WiFi is offered nearly all over the place in Vietnam, coworking areas in Phu Quoc aren’t as widespread as they’re within the larger cities of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh Metropolis.
Having mentioned that, it’s nonetheless doable to search out all of the facilities wanted for distant work. Listed below are a number of of my prime locations for digital nomads to base themselves in Phu Quoc;
Nora’s Cafe and Restaurant – An exquisite, calm, and spacious setting with sturdy 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 glorious meals choices.
Highlands Espresso – Because the largest chain of espresso retailers in Vietnam, Highlands Espresso is all the time an amazing distant working location. WiFi is free to all clients and also you’re more likely to search out extra specialty espresso choices right here than in one of many smaller road cafes.
There’s a Highlands Espresso based mostly in the principle hub of Duong Dong a road or so away from the river, making it a vibrant and widespread spot good for digital nomads who take pleasure in a full of life ambiance 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. Based mostly 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 below are nice, the WiFi is robust even outdoors, and the employees are all the time very comfortable 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 a number of desks extra suited to an workplace surroundings, it’s extra of a restaurant that’s hoping to draw a digital nomad crowd.
Based mostly in direction of the northwestern tip of the island, that is one other glorious 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 approach by way of the meals choices.
Printing Services – Whereas espresso retailers are an amazing possibility without cost WiFi and a cushty area to work, they usually lack a few of the facilities digital nomads often require. Worry not, as scattered throughout the island are round 18-20 unbiased setups with printing and scanning capabilities.
Now, dependable on-line info on such shops is fairly slim as they’re usually small-run operations which are open every time the proprietor is there. Nevertheless, I used to be in pressing want of some printing and scanning while in Phu Quoc and managed it shortly and simply. It price me round $2 for over 50 printed and scanned pages.
Actions and Issues To Do in Phu Quoc
We didn’t turn out to be digital nomads simply to take a seat and work now did we? Phu Quoc is likely one of the greatest locations on the planet 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 your complete space is a hub for snorkeling and scuba diving. The turquoise waters are residence to a implausible and protected coral reef.
I needed to discover a number of of those islands so opted to take action by speedboat – why not? All of the snorkeling gear was supplied, and an amazing lunch and even a beer for good measure have been thrown in. If you wish to discover and fairly actually dip your toe within the waters then check out this glorious full-day tour.
2. Eat and Drink Like a Native
There are a ton of fantastic road meals choices obtainable in Phu Quoc, so that you’ll usually be spoiled for alternative. Nevertheless, figuring out the place to go and what to eat when the menus aren’t in English is usually a little daunting at the very best of occasions.
Through the first few days in Phu Quoc, I took a road meals tour and received to know some native delicacies, what I ought to be paying for them, and the place the very best locations to purchase native dishes have been positioned. It’s an amazing introduction to the road meals scene, click on right here for extra info.
3. Go to the Largest Theme Park in Vietnam
It’s solely a small island however Phu Quoc is residence to the largest theme park in Vietnam. VinWonders is residence to an array of points of interest and thrilling rides that make for an thrilling day trip. Rollercoasters and epic water slides function alongside a 4D cinema and family-friendly playgrounds and carousels. Click on right here to skip the strains and ebook your tickets now.
4. Expertise the World’s Longest Cable Automobile Experience
Phu Quoc can also be the placement of the longest sea-crossing 3-wire cable automotive on the planet. It has a size of almost 5 miles and may carry 3500 folks an hour. It takes in unmatched, breathtaking views of the ocean and the gorgeous inexperienced landscapes of the island.
There are quite a few excursions obtainable, however I extremely suggest one which additionally features a go to to a couple of the opposite islands and a seashore for a buffet lunch. Click on right here to learn extra and ebook your journey.
5. Go Scuba Diving
Improve your snorkeling expertise and go scuba diving within the stunning waters of Phu Quoc. An authorized teacher is all the time with you and there are classes appropriate for all ranges of expertise. When you’ve all the time fancied giving scuba diving a strive, now’s your likelihood!
I discovered this nice tour that features pick-up and lunch, click on right here to be taught 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, mild sea breezes present reduction from the warmth which might attain as excessive as 34°C (93°F).
Round April/Could time, the climate transitions into the moist season, which lasts till November. Regardless of the occasional very heavy downpour, temperatures stay delicate, though humidity ranges rise and create a extra tropical surroundings.
General, Phu Quoc’s climate could be very interesting to folks like me who dislike the chilly. When the wet season begins it might trigger points with journeys, excursions, and occasions, however for probably the most half, life carries on as regular on the island. Even through the wettest months, there are nonetheless over 135 hours of sunshine to benefit from the seashores.
Execs and Cons of Residing in Phu Quoc
There are undoubtedly numerous execs to dwelling on a wonderful island like Phu Quoc, however there are additionally some cons to pay attention to too. Listed below are a number of of my prime factors for digital nomads to contemplate.
Execs of Residing in Phu Quoc
- Gorgeous Setting: Pure magnificence is all over the place in Phu Quoc. From the pristine seashores, tranquil waters, and plush forests, it encapsulates the picture of a paradise island.
- Reasonably priced: Like a lot of Vietnam costs for guests are very low. It’s doable to benefit from the good life at a fraction of the fee in comparison with many different nations.
- High quality of Life: Though Phu Quoc has some sizeable cities, the tempo of life is far slower and the overbearing stresses of metropolis dwelling are miles away again on the mainland.
- Onward journey: Phu Quoc Worldwide Airport is well accessed from wherever on the island and has every day connections with all of Vietnam and varied nations around the globe.
- 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 superb in Phu Quoc, permitting digital nomads to work with out concern.
Cons of Residing in Phu Quoc
- No Coworking Areas: There aren’t any devoted coworking areas in Phu Quoc. Distant working choices will come within the type of laptop-friendly cafes or providers supplied by a resort/lodging.
- Wet Season: Between Could and November Phu Quoc experiences a wet season. This will imply some severely heavy downpours and disruptions to every day life.
- Vacationer Crowds: Phu Quoc is a well-liked vacation spot for vacationers from around the globe and as such will be very busy throughout peak seasons and trip occasions.
- Restricted Infrastructure: Though Phu Quoc does have medical amenities and normal infrastructure it lacks the superior improvement of Vietnam’s larger cities.
Digital Nomad Visa for Phu Quoc
There aren’t presently any particular visas for digital nomads in Phu Quoc. Nevertheless, all overseas nationals are allowed a 30-day keep with out the necessity for a vacationer visa. It’s essential to notice that whereas Phu Quoc offers this visa-free keep, broader rules apply to different areas in Vietnam.
As an example, residents of the UK and 12 different nations can keep for as much as 45 days in Vietnam with out a visa, with an possibility to increase their keep to 90 days by way of a web based utility or at a delegated entry level.
Guests from the USA and Canada should acquire a vacationer visa, which will be secured on-line earlier than journey or upon arrival at worldwide entry factors. The length of those visas ranges from 1 to three months, with related prices various between $25 and $50, relying on the supposed 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 dwelling. 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 seashore or mountaineering within the tropical forests within the afternoon.
Though it might lack the traditional coworking areas, there are nonetheless loads of excellent places from which to base your self. Moreover, on such an accessible island, every part is at your disposal. Get pleasure from!
