Phu Quoc Island is also known as the pearl of the orient. It is one of Asia's best-kept secrets with regards to its natural beauty, ease of access, a multitude of hotels and cafes and lots of exciting things to do!
Here are 11 reasons why Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam makes a stellar destination to learn sailing-
1. Protected area from cyclones
2. Light winds suitable for beginners
3. Chance to sail between two countries
4. Pristine emerald green waters
5. No dangerous marine life
6. Ease of access from major cities
7. Visa exemption
8. Explore a new culture along with sailing
9. Lots of activities on the island
10. Plenty of stay and food options
11. Cheap beer! :D
1. Protected area from cyclones
Phu Quoc is located in the Gulf of Thailand, a well-protected bay with land on 3 sides. This makes it a very safe water body with barely any cyclonic activity.
Safety first!
2. Light winds suitable for beginners
Phu Quoc receives a stable spell of light winds through the active season from Nov-April.
This makes for perfect conditions for beginners to learn the basics of sailing, without the stress of difficult conditions.
3. Chance to sail from Vietnam to Cambodia
The Cambodian islands are only 4 km away from Phu Quoc. This gives even beginner sailors a chance to experience cross-country sailing.
Such a privilege is possible in very few places in the world for beginner sailors. Why not make use of it!
4. Pristine emerald green waters
If you're taking up a leisure hobby, why not learn in the lap of nature's beauty!
Phu Quoc waters are pristine, with a teeming coral life. If conditions allow, your instructor may take you to nearby islands where you can snorkel. It's like doing a road trip. Except that you're sailing your own boat to go snorkeling!
5. No dangerous marine life
Phu Quoc waters are free from any aggressive marine predators. Just some friendly fish around. And maybe some turtles. But be careful of the occasional jellies!
6. Ease of access from major cities
Phu Quoc Island has its own international airport with direct flights from Mumbai and Delhi (as of winter 2022) . If booked in time, a one-way ticket costs around INR 9000, as much as it costs for a long domestic flight.
If coming from mainland Vietnam, there are plenty of daily flights running from major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh. A one-way ticket to Phu Quoc costs as low as INR 1500-2000.
7. Visa exemption
Yes, that's right! You do NOT need a visa to visit Phu Quoc Island (as of winter 2022). Indian passport holders can simply cruise in and out like a domestic travel.
If you want to explore mainland Vietnam too, then no worries. Vietnam offers visa-on-arrival to Indian passport holders, valid for 30 days.
8. Explore a new culture along with sailing
Travelling is all about broadening perspectives. So here's your chance to not only enter a new world of sailing, but also get a gimpse of Vietnamese life.
Enjoy the local dishes like Banh Mi (their version of vada pav), sip on the strong and flavourful Vietnamese coffee, wear a Vietnamese hat, and pass an occasional Xin Chao (hello) to the locals :)
The Vietnamese are a warm bunch of people and will make sure you feel welcome in their beautiful country.
9. Lots of activities on the island
Phu Quoc offers some amazing beach bars, waterfalls, restaurants, hikes and more. They have a cable car running between islands, giving you a majestic aerial view of the Phu Quoc set of islands. The newly launched Grand World is almost like the Vegas of Vietnam. Nature safaris, island hopping, you name it and Phu Quoc has it all!
10. Plenty of stay and food options
Phu Quoc has over 100 hotels across all price rages. From the backpacker hostels to the fancy luxury resorts, and everything in between. You can find a bed for as low as INR 300/ night.
Phu Quoc also has a plethora of cafes and restaurants, with most world cuisines like Thai, Mexican, Italian and even Indian. There are lots of small canteens for those who want to experience local eating. Vegetarians may have to make an extra effort, but lots of only-veg places are also available in Phu Quoc.
11. Cheap beer :D
Last but not the least, why not unwind after a hard day of sailing with some local beer! You can buy a beer can for as less as 10k dong (INR 33). Yes, you read it right.
Vietnamese are major beer guzzlers. Visit a local Vietnamese beer bar and you'll find it hard to keep up with them!
Conclusion
Phu Quoc makes for a fantastic destination for anyone looking for a few days of well-rounded fun. It offers the chance to holiday + learn a new sport with great ease.
Come sail in Phu Quoc while it's still a well-kept secret. It's soon going to become the next Phuket of Asia.
Want to plan your next sail vacation to Phu Quoc? Head to AdventurePlay's Sailing Beginner's Course and start your journey as a sailor! Aye aye, captain!
About Author-
Nitisha Sethia is an outdoor sport practitioner and founder of AdventurePlay. Ex-McKinsey & Co. and IIM Ahmedabad, Nitisha left her corporate job to follow her passion in the outdoors.
Adventure Play is a one-stop platform to discover and play outdoor sports in Asia. www.adventureplay.asia | Instagram- @adventureplay.asia