Digital Nomad Information to Dwelling in Phu Quoc

Welcome to my digital nomad information to residing in Phu Quoc. Dwelling 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 considered one of many idyllic places inside Vietnam.

Vietnam’s largest island has every little thing 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 you need to contemplate Phu Quoc as your subsequent digital nomad location.   

About Phu Quoc

The island metropolis of Phu Quoc is residence to round 180,000 folks and is at present going by way of a interval of speedy improvement 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 an enormous uptick in guests. 

Phu Quoc contains the principle island however includes 21 extra 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 recent anchovies offshore, it’s extensively agreed amongst Vietnamese those that one of the best fish sauce on the 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 out there in Phu Quoc that means distant working potentialities might 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 just a few 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 value of lodging and meals meant that having fun with the nice life was extremely reasonably priced. 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 Secure?

Phu Quoc is usually thought-about protected for vacationers. The island maintains a low crime fee and violent crimes in opposition to vacationers are uncommon. That being mentioned, it’s all the time wise to train primary precautions corresponding to safeguarding valuables and being aware of your environment.  

The island’s regularly enhancing and growing tourism business ensures well-maintained seashores and resorts, and as such, I all the time 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 shortage of recent improvement present in Vietnam’s larger cities, I’d suggest in search of therapy on the mainland for any critical points.

Greatest Locations for Digital Nomads in Phu Quoc

There’s a wide range of neighborhoods and areas for a digital nomad residing in Phu Quoc to think about. Listed below are 5 of one of the best areas to base your self. Every has its distinctive allure and facilities; 

1. Duong Dong City 

The principle 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 night time market are simply two fashionable points of interest 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 lots of cultural points of interest such because the Dinh Cau Lighthouse. It’s additionally a brief 15-minute drive to the worldwide airport, making it a super 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 chance of taking them without any 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 environment and but supplies sufficient facilities to justify calling it residence.  

3. Ong Lang 

An excellent 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 principle heart of Phu Quoc means vacationers commonly make the journey to Ong Bang Seashore. Nonetheless, I all the time 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 collection of cafes, bars, and eating places to take a look at.

4. Cua Can Village  

Relying on the kind of expertise you’re searching for in Vietnam, Cua Can Village might not be for everybody. It’s a a lot smaller neighborhood positioned 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 definitely an space for anybody who enjoys eco-friendly residing and out of doors actions. Dwelling right here would enchantment to digital nomads in search of 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 quick and fairly easy 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 superb variety of eating places, a incredible stretch of shoreline with some glorious seashores, and a extra chilled social scene are just some of the advantages of organising camp within the south. 

The best way to Discover Lodging in Phu Quoc

The favored tourism growth in Phu Quoc implies that there are lots of motels and flats out there 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 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 characteristic handy reserving choices, free cancellation, and reasonably priced charges. I’ve typically seen reductions of as much as 40% to 50% for month-long stays. 

2. Reserving.com – Reserving.com has an intensive array of lodge rooms and flats for each funds 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 fashionable choice 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. Should you’re fascinated with pursuing home sitting alternatives try my earlier article, 8 Skilled Suggestions for Touchdown a Home Sitting Job. 

4. Workaway –  A good way to save cash on lodging, and sometimes meals, is to make use of Workaway. When you’ve got time in your schedule to assist out with group initiatives, educate English, or assist on an eco farm, Workaway is all the time price a glance. 

Value of Dwelling in Phu Quoc

Many guests will discover Phu Quoc a really reasonably priced 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 value of residing in Hoi An, which I discovered to be corresponding to island life in Phu Quoc. 

Eating places and Groceries

Road meals stalls and conventional Vietnamese eating places are all over the place in Phu Quoc. An honest meal might be bought for below $1.50 and the standard may be very excessive. You’ll discover many locals utilizing these institutions each day – which is all the time signal! 

Extra upmarket eating places are in fact out there too, and also you count on 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 buying is one explicit space the place I observed an enormous distinction from again residence within the UK. Issues like eggs and meat are greater than 50% cheaper in Phu Quoc, as are many fruit and veggies.

Lodging Prices

Dwelling 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 might be fairly important. 

Airbnb and short-term lodging costs are just a little steeper however nonetheless significantly extra reasonably priced than in lots of different nations I’ve visited. A pleasant residence to your self with a shared pool, fitness center, and sea views can value 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 huge. 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 technique to e book a taxi with out the necessity for money or communication with a non-English talking driver. Quick 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 supply SIM playing cards for vacationers, however the huge 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 knowledge 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, in case you 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 all the time useful and really conversant in organising vacationers with new SIM playing cards there after which.  

Cash Saving Suggestions for Phu Quoc

1. Store on the markets: The quite a few each day and nighttime markets in Phu Quoc are nice locations for choosing up every little thing from garments to groceries. 
2. Haggle: Keep in mind the Vietnamese famously take pleasure in haggling, particularly within the market. 
3. 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. 
4. Join home sitting: Save on all of your lodging prices by signing as much as a web site like Trusted Housesitters.
5. 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 respectable meals for below $1.50. 
6. Take pleasure in Nature: Phu Quoc’s pure magnificence spots, gorgeous seashores, and luxurious landscapes are free for everybody to take pleasure in. 
7. 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 all over the place for about $0.50. 
8. Search for Lodging Reductions: Many Airbnb hosts supply huge reductions on longer stays. I’ve seen reductions of 40%-50% when reserving for a month. 
9. 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 significant. Whereas WiFi is accessible nearly all over the 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 mentioned that, it’s nonetheless attainable to search 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 – A beautiful, calm, and spacious setting with sturdy espresso and even stronger WiFi. Positioned a brief distance exterior of Duong Dong it’s price making the quick journey south for the peaceable location and glorious meals choices.  

Highlands Espresso – Because the largest chain of espresso retailers in Vietnam, Highlands Espresso is all the time an amazing distant working location. WiFi is free to all clients and also you’re more likely to search out extra specialty espresso choices right here than in one of many smaller avenue cafes. 

There’s a Highlands Espresso based mostly in the principle hub of Duong Dong a avenue or so away from the river, making it a vibrant and fashionable spot good for digital nomads who take pleasure in a full of life environment while working. 

Like Espresso – If it’s a extra tranquil setting amongst Phu Quoc’s pure magnificence you need to 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 here are nice, the WiFi is robust even exterior, and the workers are all the time very completely happy 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 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 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 approach by way of the meals choices.   

Printing Amenities – Whereas espresso retailers are an amazing choice without spending a dime WiFi and a cushty 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 impartial setups with printing and scanning capabilities. 

Now, dependable on-line info on such shops is fairly slim as they’re typically small-run operations which might be open each 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 rapidly 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 turn into digital nomads simply to take a seat and work now did we? Phu Quoc is likely one of the finest locations on the 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 all the space is a hub for snorkeling and scuba diving. The turquoise waters are residence 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 amazing 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 glorious full-day tour.

2. Eat and Drink Like a Native 

There are a ton of wonderful avenue meals choices out there in Phu Quoc, so that you’ll typically be spoiled for alternative. Nonetheless, figuring out the place to go and what to eat when the menus aren’t in English is usually a little daunting at one of the best of occasions.

Through the first few days in Phu Quoc, I took a avenue meals tour and received to know some native delicacies, what I ought to be paying for them, and the place one of the best locations to purchase native dishes have been positioned. It’s an amazing introduction to the road meals scene, click on right here for extra info.

3. Go to the Largest Theme Park in Vietnam 

It’s solely a small island however Phu Quoc is residence to the largest theme park in Vietnam. VinWonders is residence to an array of points of interest and thrilling rides that make for an thrilling day trip. Rollercoasters and epic water slides characteristic alongside a 4D cinema and family-friendly playgrounds and carousels. Click on right here to skip the strains and e book your tickets now.

4. Expertise the World’s Longest Cable Automotive Experience 

Phu Quoc can also be the placement of the longest sea-crossing 3-wire cable automobile on the planet. It has a size of practically 5 miles and might carry 3500 folks 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 out there, 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 on right here to learn extra and e book your journey.

5. Go Scuba Diving 

Improve your snorkeling expertise and go scuba diving within the stunning waters of Phu Quoc. A licensed teacher is all the time with you and there are classes appropriate for all ranges of expertise. Should you’ve all the time fancied giving scuba diving a attempt, now’s 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 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/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 folks like me who dislike the chilly. When the wet season begins it could possibly trigger points with journeys, excursions, and occasions, however for essentially the most half, life carries on as regular on the island. Even in the course of 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 a number of professionals to residing 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

• Gorgeous Atmosphere: 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 attainable to benefit from the good life at a fraction of the fee in comparison with many different nations. 
• High quality of Life: Though Phu Quoc has some sizeable cities, the tempo of life is far 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 wherever on the island and has each day connections with all of Vietnam and numerous nations around the globe. 
• Visa: All international 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 excellent 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 supplied by a lodge/lodging. 
• Wet Season: Between Might and November Phu Quoc experiences a wet season. This could imply some significantly heavy downpours and disruptions to each day life. 
• Vacationer Crowds: Phu Quoc is a well-liked vacation spot for vacationers from around the globe 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 improvement 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. Nonetheless, all international nationals are allowed a 30-day keep with out the necessity for a vacationer visa. It’s vital to notice that whereas Phu Quoc supplies this visa-free keep, broader rules 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 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 might be secured on-line earlier than journey or upon arrival at worldwide entry factors. The length 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 occasional all morning adopted by chilling on the seashore or climbing within the tropical forests within the afternoon.

Though it could 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. Take pleasure in!