Welcome to my digital nomad information to dwelling in Phu Quoc. Residence to beautiful seashores, spectacular nationwide parks, and a few unbelievable 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 certainly one of many idyllic places inside Vietnam.
Vietnam’s largest island has every little thing a distant employee may want. Whether or not you take pleasure in kicking again on the seashore following a busy day on the laptop or mountain climbing amongst beautiful lush countryside between on-line conferences, right here is why you need to think about Phu Quoc as your subsequent digital nomad location.
About Phu Quoc
The island metropolis of Phu Quoc is dwelling to round 180,000 people and is at the moment going by way of a interval of speedy growth because of a tourism growth. Since 2014, the Vietnamese authorities has allowed 30-day visa-free travel for all foreigners to Phu Quoc, which has resulted in an enormous uptick in guests.
Phu Quoc contains the primary island however contains 21 additional smaller islets. Such is its magnificence and within the hope of conserving it, Phu Quoc has terrestrial national park and marine protection.
Because of the rich supply of fresh anchovies offshore, it’s broadly agreed amongst Vietnamese folks that the most effective fish sauce on the earth is made in Phu Quoc. Black Pepper is one other major export and is cultivated broadly 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’ll by no means have left! It’s an extremely lovely place that feels each bit like an island paradise.
Like a lot of Vietnam, WiFi is widely available in Phu Quoc which means distant working prospects may 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 balance was pretty much 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 seashore. Sounds dreamy, proper?
Is Phu Quoc Protected?
Phu Quoc is usually thought of safe for travelers. The island maintains a low crime rate and violent crimes in opposition to vacationers are uncommon. That being mentioned, it’s at all times wise to train primary precautions similar to safeguarding valuables and being aware of your environment.
The island’s regularly bettering and creating tourism trade ensures well-maintained seashores and resorts, and as such, I at all times felt snug 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 contemporary growth present in Vietnam’s greater cities, I’d suggest looking for therapy 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 contemplate. 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 principle city and business hub of Phu Quoc is Duong Dong. That is the place you’ll discover the most important confluence of contemporary facilities and important companies on the island. The Dinh Cau Temple and the night market are simply two well-liked sights which can 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 lots of cultural sights such because the Dinh Cau Lighthouse. It’s additionally a brief 15-minute drive to the international 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 as a right.
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 dwelling.
3. Ong Lang
A fair 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 excellent to be actual.
Being fairly near the primary middle of Phu Quoc means vacationers commonly make the journey to Ong Bang Seaside. Nonetheless, 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 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 definitely an space for anybody who enjoys eco-friendly dwelling and outside actions. Residing right here would enchantment 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 carry you to the island’s southernmost city – An Thoi. The brief and fairly simple 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 loads to take pleasure in in An Thai. A very good variety of eating places, a unbelievable 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.
Find out how to Discover Lodging in Phu Quoc
The favored tourism growth in Phu Quoc implies that there are a lot of inns and flats obtainable for guests to hire. Listed below are a number of high locations to look and a few concepts to contemplate 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 inexpensive charges. I’ve typically seen reductions of as much as 40% to 50% for month-long stays.
2. Reserving.com – Booking.com has an in depth array of resort 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 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 well-liked 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. If you happen to’re inquisitive about pursuing house sitting alternatives try my earlier article, 8 Expert Tips for Landing a House Sitting Job.
4. Workaway – A good way to economize on lodging, and infrequently meals, is to make use of Workaway. When you have time in your schedule to assist out with neighborhood tasks, educate English, or assist on an eco farm, Workaway is at all times price a glance.
Value of Residing 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 cost of living 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 all over the place in Phu Quoc. A good meal may be bought for below $1.50 and the standard may be very excessive. You’ll discover many locals utilizing these institutions every day – which is at all times 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 value between $1-$2 relying on how fancy you propose to be.
Grocery purchasing is one explicit space the place I observed an enormous distinction from again dwelling within the UK. Issues like eggs and meat are greater than 50% cheaper in Phu Quoc, as are many fruit and veggies.
Lodging Prices
Residing on the attractive island of Phu Quoc is less expensive than you may first think about. The common 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 may be fairly important.
Airbnb and short-term lodging costs are somewhat steeper however nonetheless significantly extra inexpensive than in lots of different international locations I’ve visited. A pleasant residence to your self with a shared pool, gymnasium, and sea views can value 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 primary cities with tickets costing round $0.25 for a single journey.
Grab is a helpful app to arrange in your telephone earlier than you arrive. The Vietnam equal to Uber offers a protected and safe approach 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 Information
A number of telecom giants in Vietnam provide SIM playing cards for vacationers, however the large three are Mobiphone, Vinaphone, and Viettel. At any time when I’ve seen a value 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 information 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, if you happen to safely price range round $7-$10/month, you’ll simply discover a SIM with ample knowledge. The employees within the telephone shops in Phu Quoc are at all times useful and really accustomed to organising 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 choosing up every little thing from garments to groceries.
- Haggle: Keep 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 greater 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 doable to choose up respectable 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 take pleasure in.
- Drink Native Espresso: Ca Phe Den is a brilliant robust Vietnamese espresso, I add sizzling 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, gaining access to appropriate infrastructure is important. Whereas WiFi is obtainable nearly all over the place in Vietnam, coworking spaces in Phu Quoc aren’t as widespread as they’re within the greater cities of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
Having mentioned that, it’s nonetheless doable to seek out all of the facilities wanted for distant work. Listed below are a number of 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 brief journey south for the peaceable location and glorious meals choices.
Highlands Coffee – Because the biggest chain of coffee shops in Vietnam, Highlands Espresso is at all times an awesome 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 based mostly in the primary hub of Duong Dong a avenue or so away from the river, making it a vibrant and well-liked spot excellent for digital nomads who take pleasure in a energetic ambiance while working.
Like Coffee – If it’s a extra tranquil setting amongst Phu Quoc’s pure magnificence you need in your day of distant working, situate your self at Like Coffee. 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 powerful even outdoors, and the employees are at all times very completely happy to see you.
Shop 3S Hoa Mai – One of many solely locations in Phu Quoc that advertises itself as a coworking area is Shop 3S. And whereas they do have a number of desks extra suited to an workplace atmosphere, it’s extra of a restaurant that’s hoping to draw a digital nomad crowd.
Based mostly in the 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 manner by way of the meals choices.
Printing Services – Whereas espresso retailers are an awesome possibility totally free WiFi and a snug area to work, they typically lack among the facilities digital nomads sometimes require. Worry 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 typically small-run operations which can be open every 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 shortly 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 change into digital nomads simply to sit down and work now did we? Phu Quoc is without doubt one of the finest locations on the earth 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 dwelling to a unbelievable 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 awesome 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 excellent 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 typically be spoiled for selection. Nonetheless, 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 instances.
Through the first few days in Phu Quoc, I took a avenue meals tour and obtained 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 awesome introduction to the road meals scene, click here for more information.
3. Go to the Largest Theme Park in Vietnam
It’s solely a small island however Phu Quoc is dwelling to the largest theme park in Vietnam. VinWonders is dwelling to an array of sights 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 here to skip the lines and book your tickets now.
4. Expertise the World’s Longest Cable Automobile Experience
Phu Quoc can be the situation of the longest sea-crossing 3-wire cable car in the world. It has a size of nearly 5 miles and can carry 3500 people 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 obtainable, however I extremely suggest one which additionally features a go to to some of the opposite islands and a seashore for a buffet lunch. Click here to read more and book your trip.
5. Go Scuba Diving
Improve your snorkeling expertise and go scuba diving within the lovely waters of Phu Quoc. A licensed teacher is at all times with you and there are classes appropriate for all ranges of expertise. If you happen to’ve at all times fancied giving scuba diving a attempt, now’s your probability!
I discovered this nice tour that features pick-up and lunch, click here to learn more.
Climate in Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc has a tropical monsoon climate, 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/May 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 atmosphere.
General, Phu Quoc’s climate may be very interesting to folks like me who dislike the chilly. When the wet season begins it could 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 Residing in Phu Quoc
There are undoubtedly a number of professionals to dwelling on an attractive island like Phu Quoc, however there are additionally some cons to pay attention to too. Listed below are a number of of my high factors for digital nomads to contemplate.
Professionals of Residing in Phu Quoc
- Beautiful Setting: Pure magnificence is all over the 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 doable to benefit from the good life at a fraction of the associated fee in comparison with many different international locations.
- High quality of Life: Though Phu Quoc has some sizeable cities, the tempo of life is way slower and the overbearing stresses of metropolis dwelling are miles away again on the mainland.
- Onward journey: Phu Quoc International Airport is well accessed from wherever on the island and has every day connections with all of Vietnam and numerous international locations world wide.
- Visa: All overseas nationals are entitled to a visa-free 30-day stay 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 very good in Phu Quoc, permitting digital nomads to work with out concern.
Cons of Residing 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 rainy 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 world wide and as such may be very busy throughout peak seasons and trip instances.
- Restricted Infrastructure: Though Phu Quoc does have medical services and basic infrastructure it lacks the superior growth of Vietnam’s greater cities.
Digital Nomad Visa for Phu Quoc
There aren’t at the moment any particular visas for digital nomads in Phu Quoc. Nonetheless, all overseas nationals are allowed a 30-day stay without the need for a tourist 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 other countries can keep for as much as 45 days in Vietnam and not using 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 receive a vacationer visa, which may be secured online 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 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 mountain climbing 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 little thing is at your disposal. Get pleasure from!
