Welcome to my digital nomad information to dwelling in Phu Quoc. House to gorgeous 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 all many idyllic areas inside Vietnam.
Vietnam’s largest island has all the pieces a distant employee might need. Whether or not you take pleasure in kicking again on the seashore following a busy day on the laptop computer or climbing amongst gorgeous lush countryside between on-line conferences, right here is why it is best to take into account Phu Quoc as your subsequent digital nomad location.
About Phu Quoc
The island metropolis of Phu Quoc is house to round 180,000 individuals and is at present going by way of a interval of speedy growth 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 primary island however includes 21 further smaller islets. Such is its magnificence and within the hope of conserving it, Phu Quoc has terrestrial nationwide park and marine safety.
Because of the wealthy provide of contemporary anchovies offshore, it’s extensively agreed amongst Vietnamese those who the most effective fish sauce on this planet is made in Phu Quoc. Black Pepper is one other main export and is cultivated extensively on the island.
Dwelling 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 which means distant working prospects may be discovered nearly in all places. 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 steadiness was nearly as good as I’ve recognized it in Phu Quoc. The low price of lodging and meals meant that having fun with the great life was extremely reasonably priced. It’s utterly 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 secure for vacationers. The island maintains a low crime fee and violent crimes in opposition to vacationers are uncommon. That being mentioned, it’s at all times wise to train fundamental precautions resembling safeguarding valuables and being aware of your environment.
The island’s regularly bettering and creating tourism business ensures well-maintained seashores and resorts, and as such, I at all times felt snug and secure 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 dearth of recent growth present in Vietnam’s larger cities, I’d advocate looking for remedy on the mainland for any severe points.
Greatest Locations for Digital Nomads in Phu Quoc
There’s a wide range of neighborhoods and areas for a digital nomad dwelling in Phu Quoc to think about. Listed below are 5 of the most effective areas to base your self. Every has its distinctive appeal and facilities;
1. Duong Dong City
The primary city and business hub of Phu Quoc is Duong Dong. That is the place you’ll discover the most important confluence of recent facilities and important companies on the island. The Dinh Cau Temple and the night time market are simply two common sights 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 sights 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 frequent you’ll run the danger of taking them with no consideration.
It’s a well-liked 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 supplies sufficient facilities to justify calling it house.
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 primary heart of Phu Quoc means vacationers repeatedly make the journey to Ong Bang Seaside. Nevertheless, I at all times 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 might not be 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 an enthralling 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. Dwelling right here would attraction to digital nomads looking 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 convey you to the island’s southernmost city – An Thoi. The brief and fairly easy journey ought to offer you a sign of simply how small the island actually is.
Although it lacks among the facilities of Duong Dong, there’s nonetheless a lot to take pleasure in in An Thai. A very good variety of eating places, a incredible stretch of shoreline with some wonderful seashores, and a extra chilled social scene are just some of the advantages of establishing camp within the south.
Methods to Discover Lodging in Phu Quoc
The favored tourism increase in Phu Quoc signifies that there are numerous resorts and flats obtainable for guests to lease. Listed below are just a few high locations to look and a few concepts to think about to make sure you get the most effective 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 in depth array of resort rooms and flats for each funds in Phu Quoc, most with versatile reserving choices together with no prepayment or free cancellation. I’d additionally advocate enrolling within the Genius Membership for vital reductions and extra perks in your bookings.
3. Trusted Housesitters – Home sitting is an more and more common 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 taken with pursuing home sitting alternatives try my earlier article, 8 Knowledgeable Ideas for Touchdown a Home Sitting Job.
4. Workaway – An effective way to economize on lodging, and sometimes meals, is to make use of Workaway. When you have time in your schedule to assist out with group initiatives, educate English, or assist on an eco farm, Workaway is at all times price a glance.
Value of Dwelling in Phu Quoc
Many guests will discover Phu Quoc a really reasonably priced 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 dwelling in Hoi An, which I discovered to be similar to island life in Phu Quoc.
Eating places and Groceries
Avenue meals stalls and conventional Vietnamese eating places are in all places in Phu Quoc. An honest meal may be bought for underneath $1.50 and the standard may be very excessive. You’ll discover many locals utilizing these institutions every day – which is at all times 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 specific space the place I observed a giant distinction from again house within the UK. Issues like eggs and meat are greater than 50% cheaper in Phu Quoc, as are many vegatables and fruits.
Lodging Prices
Dwelling on the gorgeous island of Phu Quoc is less expensive than you may 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 may be fairly vital.
Airbnb and short-term lodging costs are a little bit steeper however nonetheless significantly extra reasonably priced than in lots of different international locations I’ve visited. A pleasant condo to your self with a shared pool, gymnasium, and sea views can price 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 large. Dependable buses join all the primary cities with tickets costing round $0.25 for a single journey.
Seize is a helpful app to arrange in your cellphone earlier than you arrive. The Vietnam equal to Uber supplies a secure and safe option to ebook a taxi with out the necessity for money or communication with a non-English talking driver. Quick journeys price underneath $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 Knowledge
A number of telecom giants in Vietnam supply 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 worth or deal I’ve ended up getting in-store, but it surely’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 knowledge a day! The second SIM was with Viettel additionally for 1 month and value $8 (together with a $2 charge for buying a brand new SIM card).
So, should you safely funds round $7-$10/month, you’ll simply discover a SIM with ample information. The employees within the cellphone shops in Phu Quoc are at all times useful and really aware of establishing vacationers with new SIM playing cards there after which.
Cash Saving Ideas 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 all the pieces 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 website like Trusted Housesitters.
- Eat Native: There are such a lot of nice avenue meals stalls and conventional Vietnamese eating places in Phu Quoc the place it’s attainable to select up first rate meals for underneath $1.50.
- Take pleasure in 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 sizzling water to it to make a scrumptious Americano-style drink. Better of all you’ll discover it in all places for about $0.50.
- Search for Lodging Reductions: Many Airbnb hosts supply 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, getting access to appropriate infrastructure is important. Whereas WiFi is offered nearly in all places in Vietnam, coworking areas in Phu Quoc aren’t as frequent as they’re within the larger cities of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh Metropolis.
Having mentioned that, it’s nonetheless attainable to seek out all of the facilities wanted for distant work. Listed below 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 sturdy espresso and even stronger WiFi. Positioned a brief distance exterior of Duong Dong it’s price making the brief journey south for the peaceable location and wonderful meals choices.
Highlands Espresso – Because the greatest chain of espresso outlets in Vietnam, Highlands Espresso is at all times an important distant working location. WiFi is free to all clients and also you’re more likely to seek out extra specialty espresso choices right here than in one of many smaller avenue cafes.
There’s a Highlands Espresso primarily based in the primary hub of Duong Dong a avenue or so away from the river, making it a vibrant and common 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. 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 below are nice, the WiFi is robust even exterior, and the employees are at all times very blissful to see you.
Store 3S Hoa Mai – One of many solely locations in Phu Quoc that advertises itself as a coworking house 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 draw 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 approach by way of the meals choices.
Printing Amenities – Whereas espresso outlets are an important possibility totally free WiFi and a snug house to work, they usually lack among the facilities digital nomads sometimes require. Concern not, as scattered throughout the island are round 18-20 impartial setups with printing and scanning capabilities.
Now, dependable on-line data on such shops is fairly slim as they’re usually small-run operations which might be open each 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 develop into digital nomads simply to take a seat and work now did we? Phu Quoc is likely one of the finest locations on this 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 the complete space is a hub for snorkeling and scuba diving. The turquoise waters are house to a incredible and protected coral reef.
I needed to discover just a few of those islands so opted to take action by speedboat – why not? All of the snorkeling gear was supplied, and an important 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 wonderful full-day tour.
2. Eat and Drink Like a Native
There are a ton of fantastic avenue meals choices obtainable in Phu Quoc, so that you’ll usually be spoiled for alternative. Nevertheless, realizing the place to go and what to eat when the menus aren’t in English generally is a little daunting at the most effective of occasions.
In the course of the first few days in Phu Quoc, I took a avenue meals tour and bought to know some native delicacies, what I must be paying for them, and the place the most effective locations to purchase native dishes have been situated. It’s an important introduction to the road meals scene, click on right here for extra data.
3. Go to the Greatest Theme Park in Vietnam
It’s solely a small island however Phu Quoc is house to the largest theme park in Vietnam. VinWonders is house to an array of sights 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 traces and ebook your tickets now.
4. Expertise the World’s Longest Cable Automotive Trip
Phu Quoc can also be the placement of the longest sea-crossing 3-wire cable automotive on this planet. 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 gorgeous inexperienced landscapes of the island.
There are quite a few excursions obtainable, however I extremely advocate 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 at all times with you and there are classes appropriate for all ranges of expertise. When you’ve at all times fancied giving scuba diving a attempt, now could be your probability!
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 sometimes spans from December to March. Throughout these months, mild sea breezes present aid 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 may be very interesting to individuals like me who dislike the chilly. When the wet season begins it may trigger points with journeys, excursions, and occasions, however for essentially 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 Dwelling in Phu Quoc
There are undoubtedly plenty of execs to dwelling on a phenomenal island like Phu Quoc, however there are additionally some cons to pay attention to too. Listed below are just a few of my high factors for digital nomads to think about.
Execs of Dwelling in Phu Quoc
- Beautiful Atmosphere: Pure magnificence is in all places in Phu Quoc. From the pristine seashores, tranquil waters, and plush forests, it encapsulates the picture of a paradise island.
- Inexpensive: Like a lot of Vietnam costs for guests are very low. It’s attainable to benefit from the good life at a fraction of the fee in comparison with many different international locations.
- 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 international locations 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 usually superb in Phu Quoc, permitting digital nomads to work with out concern.
Cons of Dwelling in Phu Quoc
- No Coworking Areas: There are not any devoted coworking areas in Phu Quoc. Distant working choices will come within the type of laptop-friendly cafes or companies supplied by a resort/lodging.
- Wet Season: Between Might and November Phu Quoc experiences a wet season. This will imply some significantly 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 may 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 growth of Vietnam’s larger cities.
Digital Nomad Visa for Phu Quoc
There aren’t at present 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 supplies this visa-free keep, broader laws apply to different areas in Vietnam.
For example, residents of the UK and 12 different international locations 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 software or at a chosen entry level.
Guests from the USA and Canada should receive a vacationer visa, which may 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 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 occasional all morning adopted by chilling on the seashore or climbing within the tropical forests within 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, all the pieces is at your disposal. Take pleasure in!
