Welcome to my digital nomad information to residing in Phu Quoc. House to beautiful seashores, spectacular nationwide parks, and a few improbable 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 every of many idyllic places inside Vietnam.
Vietnam’s largest island has all the pieces a distant employee may want. Whether or not you take pleasure in kicking again on the seaside following a busy day on the laptop computer or mountain climbing amongst beautiful 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 dwelling to round 180,000 folks and is presently going via a interval of fast growth because of a tourism growth. Since 2014, the Vietnamese authorities has allowed 30-day visa-free journey for all foreigners to Phu Quoc, which has resulted in a large uptick in guests.
Phu Quoc contains the principle island however contains 21 further 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 those who one of the best 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’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 extensively accessible in Phu Quoc that means distant working prospects might be discovered virtually in every single place. And whereas there aren’t too many devoted coworking places on the island, laptop-friendly cafes are very commonplace. I loved having a couple of common spots to work from (extra on this later).
My work/life stability was pretty much as good as I’ve recognized it in Phu Quoc. The low price 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 seaside. Sounds dreamy, proper?
Is Phu Quoc Secure?
Phu Quoc is usually thought of protected for vacationers. The island maintains a low crime price and violent crimes in opposition to vacationers are uncommon. That being stated, it’s at all times wise to train fundamental precautions similar 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 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. Nevertheless, with the dearth of recent growth present in Vietnam’s larger cities, I’d advocate searching for therapy on the mainland for any critical points.
Greatest Locations for Digital Nomads in Phu Quoc
There’s quite a lot of neighborhoods and areas for a digital nomad residing in Phu Quoc to contemplate. Listed here are 5 of one of the best areas to base your self. Every has its distinctive attraction 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 recent facilities and important providers on the island. The Dinh Cau Temple and the evening 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 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 seaside life you crave, then head south of Duong Dong and keep at Cua Lap. The seaside right here is sensational and picturesque ocean views are so frequent you’ll run the chance 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 environment and but supplies sufficient facilities to justify calling it dwelling.
3. Ong Lang
An excellent quieter and extra secluded seaside 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 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 will not be 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 an enthralling 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 residing and outside actions. Dwelling right here would enchantment to digital nomads searching for a detailed 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 quick and fairly simple journey ought to provide you with a sign of simply how small the island actually is.
Although it lacks a few of the facilities of Duong Dong, there’s nonetheless loads to take pleasure in in An Thai. A great variety of eating places, a improbable 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 growth in Phu Quoc implies that there are a lot of motels and residences accessible for guests to hire. Listed here are a couple of high locations to look and a few concepts to contemplate to make sure you get one of the best offers going.
1. Airbnb. The standout lodging choice 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 – Reserving.com has an in depth array of resort rooms and residences 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 well-liked choice 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. For those who’re all in favour of pursuing home sitting alternatives try my earlier article, 8 Knowledgeable Ideas for Touchdown a Home Sitting Job.
4. Workaway – An effective way to save cash on lodging, and infrequently meals, is to make use of Workaway. If in case 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 value a glance.
Price of Dwelling in Phu Quoc
Many guests will discover Phu Quoc a really inexpensive place to reside. 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 residing in Hoi An, which I discovered to be similar to island life in Phu Quoc.
Eating places and Groceries
Road meals stalls and conventional Vietnamese eating places are in every single place in Phu Quoc. A good meal might be bought for underneath $1.50 and the standard could be very excessive. You’ll discover many locals utilizing these institutions day by day – which is at all times an excellent signal!
Extra upmarket eating places are after all accessible too, and also you count on 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 a giant distinction from again dwelling within the UK. Issues like eggs and meat are greater than 50% cheaper in Phu Quoc, as are many vegetables and fruit.
Lodging Prices
Dwelling on the attractive island of Phu Quoc is less expensive than you would possibly first think about. The typical 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 might be fairly vital.
Airbnb and short-term lodging costs are a bit of steeper however nonetheless significantly extra inexpensive than in lots of different nations I’ve visited. A pleasant condominium 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 massive. 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 supplies a protected and safe solution 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 received’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 provide SIM playing cards for vacationers, however the massive three are Mobiphone, Vinaphone, and Viettel. At any time when I’ve seen a value 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, if you happen to safely funds round $7-$10/month, you’ll simply discover a SIM with ample knowledge. The workers within the telephone shops in Phu Quoc are at all times useful and really accustomed to establishing vacationers with new SIM playing cards there after which.
Cash Saving Ideas for Phu Quoc
- Store on the markets: The quite a few day by day and nighttime markets in Phu Quoc are nice locations for choosing up all the pieces 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 often 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 road meals stalls and conventional Vietnamese eating places in Phu Quoc the place it’s doable to select up respectable meals for underneath $1.50.
- Take pleasure in Nature: Phu Quoc’s pure magnificence spots, beautiful seashores, and plush landscapes are free for everybody to take pleasure in.
- Drink Native Espresso: Ca Phe Den is a brilliant sturdy Vietnamese espresso, I add sizzling water to it to make a scrumptious Americano-style drink. Better of all you’ll discover it in every single place for about $0.50.
- Search for Lodging Reductions: Many Airbnb hosts provide massive 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 residing in Phu Quoc, accessing appropriate infrastructure is important. Whereas WiFi is accessible virtually in every single place 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 stated that, it’s nonetheless doable to search out all of the facilities wanted for distant work. Listed here are a couple 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 sturdy espresso and even stronger WiFi. Situated a brief distance outdoors of Duong Dong it’s value making the quick journey south for the peaceable location and wonderful meals choices.
Highlands Espresso – Because the largest chain of espresso outlets in Vietnam, Highlands Espresso is at all times an ideal distant working location. WiFi is free to all prospects 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 primarily based in the principle hub of Duong Dong a road or so away from the river, making it a vibrant and well-liked spot good for digital nomads who take pleasure in a vigorous environment while working.
Like Espresso – 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 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 here are nice, the WiFi is powerful even outdoors, and the workers 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 area is Store 3S. And whereas they do have a couple of desks extra suited to an workplace setting, 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 wonderful cafe that’s welcoming of distant staff who want to spend the day utilizing the free WiFi, topping up their espresso cups, and dealing their manner via the meals choices.
Printing Amenities – Whereas espresso outlets are an ideal choice at no cost WiFi and a snug area to work, they typically lack a few of the facilities digital nomads sometimes require. Worry not, as scattered throughout the island are round 18-20 unbiased 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 at any time when 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 change into digital nomads simply to take a seat and work now did we? Phu Quoc is among the greatest 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 your complete space is a hub for snorkeling and scuba diving. The turquoise waters are dwelling to a improbable and protected coral reef.
I wished to discover a couple of of those islands so opted to take action by speedboat – why not? All of the snorkeling gear was offered, and an ideal 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 road meals choices accessible in Phu Quoc, so that you’ll typically be spoiled for selection. Nevertheless, understanding the place to go and what to eat when the menus aren’t in English generally is a little daunting at one of the best of occasions.
In the course of the first few days in Phu Quoc, I took a road meals tour and bought to know some native delicacies, what I needs to be paying for them, and the place one of the best locations to purchase native dishes have been positioned. It’s an ideal 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 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 on right here to skip the traces and ebook your tickets now.
4. Expertise the World’s Longest Cable Automobile Trip
Phu Quoc can be the placement of the longest sea-crossing 3-wire cable automotive on this planet. It has a size of almost 5 miles and might carry 3500 folks an hour. It takes in unequalled, breathtaking views of the ocean and the beautiful inexperienced landscapes of the island.
There are quite a few excursions accessible, however I extremely advocate one which additionally features a go to to a couple of the opposite islands and a seaside 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 lovely waters of Phu Quoc. An authorized teacher is at all times with you and there are classes appropriate for all ranges of expertise. For those who’ve at all times fancied giving scuba diving a attempt, 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 may 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 gentle, though humidity ranges rise and create a extra tropical setting.
Total, Phu Quoc’s climate could be very interesting to folks 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.
Professionals and Cons of Dwelling in Phu Quoc
There are undoubtedly a lot of execs to residing on a ravishing island like Phu Quoc, however there are additionally some cons to concentrate on too. Listed here are a couple of of my high factors for digital nomads to contemplate.
Professionals of Dwelling in Phu Quoc
- Beautiful Surroundings: Pure magnificence is in every single place 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 doable to benefit from the good life at a fraction of the associated fee in comparison with many different nations.
- High quality of Life: Though Phu Quoc has some sizeable cities, the tempo of life is way slower and the overbearing stresses of metropolis residing are miles away again on the mainland.
- Onward journey: Phu Quoc Worldwide Airport is well accessed from anyplace on the island and has day by day connections with all of Vietnam and varied nations 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 providers offered by a resort/lodging.
- Wet Season: Between Could and November Phu Quoc experiences a wet season. This will imply some critically heavy downpours and disruptions to day by day life.
- Vacationer Crowds: Phu Quoc is a well-liked vacation spot for vacationers from all over the world and as such might be very busy throughout peak seasons and trip occasions.
- Restricted Infrastructure: Though Phu Quoc does have medical services and basic infrastructure it lacks the superior growth 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 necessary 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 nations can keep for as much as 45 days in Vietnam with out a visa, with an choice to increase their keep to 90 days via a web-based utility or at a chosen entry level.
Guests from the USA and Canada should receive a vacationer visa, which might 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 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 residing. 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 seaside 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, all the pieces is at your disposal. Take pleasure in!