What About Vietnam - S3-24 - Phu Quoc - An unbelievably scenic island paradise

An island blessed with white sand beaches, turquoise waters, swaying palm trees and an abundance of sunshine is attractive in its own right.  If you add a jungle forest, waterfalls, pepper trees,  a theme park for kids and an underwater world for divers, it makes for an unbelievably rich island  getaway.Phu Quoc, which is the focus of our episode today with Patricia Marques is only a short 45 min flight from HCMC, and is VISA free to visit. In fact its always been Visa FREE.The borders to Vietnam are open. Please see my detailed guide on my website for everything you need to know about travel and Visa’s to Vietnam as at 16.3.22.In this Episode we expand on things like:Best time to go; Closeness to Cambodia; Water sports; What food is most common; Is it expensive?: Pepper farms; Fish Sauce; the famous Phu Quoc dogs; Is it worth going to downtown to eat out?; Accommodation choices and how the Island is configured so you can find what you want.Patricia Marques is my guest and I was lucky enough to catch her just after a recent trip to Phu Quoc. A trip that coincided with the news that Vietnam is now open to general tourists. So our chat is current as of March 2022. A little bit about Patricia. Patricia is the General Manager of Starbucks in Vietnam, and as you would imagine with a highly demanding job like that, she looks forward to the occasional weekend getaway. Leaving on a Friday afternoon and home on a Sunday Night, she heads for Phu Quoc. She was born in Lima, Peru, and throughout her working life she has visited many countries around the world. In the role as GM of Starbucks there isn’t anything she can’t tell you about coffee. She tells me in our interview this is the longest she has stayed in one country and for 2 reasons; 1) - I she loves Vietnam  2) -  she has her dream job. Amid the myriad of things we talk about, you will soon discover that Phu Quoc makes an ideal destination for families, couples and solo travellers alike. It literally caters for many types of travellers with amazing waterfalls to visit and trekking in the jungle like National Park. To, diving, snorkelling and a Theme Park for kids, that would rival Disneyland, located in the north of the island.As a place to kick back and relax or take off into the wilderness, the island has it all, and given its location, it’s a seafood lover’s paradise. Patricia mentions a hotel she always stays at, I thought I should give you link here as it is one of my favourites as well – (This is NOT a paid for advertisement)https://laverandaresorts.com/WHATABOUTVIETNAM - check out more podcasts to help you trip plan.Follow us on facebook here -  https://www.facebook.com/whataboutvietnam Follow us on Insta here - https://www.instagram.com/whataboutvietnampodcast/Follow us on LinkedIN here - https://www.linkedin.com/company/what-about-vietnam/ Follow on your favourite pod channel, email directly to [email protected] Keep abreast of news on our social pages on FB, IG,LinkedIn and TikTokLet me design your #customised #private tour of Vietnam  - See our Travel ServicesDo you need a #Dental Procedure?  Why not find out what’s possible through our Dental and #Cosmetic Medical partner Worldwide Beauty Hospital. Mention #whataboutvietnam to receive 5% discount at Worldwide Beauty Hospital