The last few months have been a whirlwind of travel at the drop of a hat—both domestic and overseas. I have loved every minute of it, right from last minute itineraries to the feeling of having arrived as a traveler, in more ways than one. Nothing brought this to life more than the impromptu decision to fly off to Phu Quoc on a long weekend, especially when I still painfully remembered how I had been turned away from the boarding gates on a previous plan to visit Hanoi, Vietnam, being completely unmindful of the fact that a visa would be required.
Well, Phu Quoc takes care of this problem for most travelers—being part of a special economic zone and an outlying island of Vietnam—to draw in visitors from almost anywhere in the world in order to develop the property. At first glance it doesn’t even look pretty, what with signs of ongoing construction practically everywhere on this tiny piece of land in the middle of a boundless ocean.
As you step into the country, however, little pockets of beauty and tranquility make their way into your heart. At the top of the list, or somewhere thereof, would definitely be the silk and pearl museums. From elaborate installations to a vast collection of items for purchase to an immersive tour across the premises taking in the intricacies of the trade, these excursions are not to be missed. Tours can be booked easily either online or through the hotels and guesthouses dotting the city, though verbal communication could be a bit challenging at times. All that is made up by the easy demeanour of the people of this country and their agility navigating the digital market, both for economic as well as cultural reasons.
Most tourists include this part of Vietnam along with a stop or two on the mainland (visa required for most nationalities) or any of the nearby countries that make up South East Asia—with some being visa-free or available on arrival. Peak seasons are from November to April, when the weather is relatively dry and not too hot.
