Phu Quoc Island

Eat and meet

Phu Quoc Island

Phu Quoc seems designed with resort-dwellers in mind, so you're mostly expected to eat at your own hotel. You'll likely want to venture elsewhere at some point, if only to add a little variety to your diet. Prices are generally a bit higher than what you'll find on the mainland, though quality tends to be decent at most places. For something cheaper and more local, head into Duong Dong, where market stalls sell pho and crispy banh xeo pancakes.

While staying on Phu Quoc, it's easy to fall into a rhythm of lying on the beach or in a hammock, only rising to take meals at your hotel's restaurant. Once you start to crave a little variety, the easiest option is to head to their nearest neighbouring hotel. Only a few places have restaurants worth mentioning specifically, however. Beach Club is well worth checking out, not only for their inexpensive menu, but for their welcoming atmosphere. Cassia Cottage has a creative menu, including cinnamon infused okra, and delicious ice cream. The menu is priced slightly higher than at the budget hotels, but it includes a few budget options -- stop by for the $2 staff lunch, where you'll get to try whatever the kitchen staff are eating that day. For a pricier meal in a spectacular setting, La Veranda serves well-executed Vietnamese dishes in an elegantly tropical setting,

There are a few standalone restaurants on Long Beach. They rely on food alone, so in general the quality is great, though prices aren't any lower than what you'll pay at your hotel. Eden Bar, located next to the Veranda Resort, has a welcoming pub-like setting, with a pool table and a variety of board games. They make exceptionally good burgers, and serve a range of interesting cocktails -- try to find out when their happy hour is.

Taking a daytrip to another beach should include sampling the food on a different part of the island. On Ong Lang Beach, Mango Bay has a gorgeous seaside restaurant, and their menu is surprisingly reasonably priced. They serve mostly Asian food, with a number of seafood grills, and tangy Vietnamese salads. They're particularly good for desserts -- like homemade brownies, and pancakes with dark chocolate.

On Bai Sao, Ai Xem serves reliably good seafood on one of Phu Quoc's most spectacular beaches. Their prices seem a little inflated, but the quality is excellent -- try the claypot fish, or the fried rice with crab. Place your order, then take a dip in the turquoise waters while you're waiting for your meal.