The perfect weekend getaway to Phu Quoc

Escape to Vietnam’s largest island, which feels like a vacation to the Italian Riviera
Photograph: La Festa Phu Quoc, Curio Collection by Hilton
Photograph: La Festa Phu Quoc, Curio Collection by Hilton
Time Out Asia in partnership with Hilton
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Dreaming of a European getaway but don’t want to sit on a plane for hours? That’s where Phu Quoc comes in – a little slice of paradise that looks and feels like the Mediterranean with a Vietnamese twist.

Take a short flight and you’ll soon find yourself among palm-lined beaches overlooking breathtaking sunsets. To the south of Phu Quoc lies Sunset Town, a little slice of the Amalfi Coast right in Vietnam. Imagine narrow lanes flanked by colourful shophouses and roads that beg to be explored on a Vespa. It’s a town made for Instagram – but with substance – packed with local eateries and experiences waiting to be discovered.

Explore Phu Quoc

Stay

Stay in the heart of Sunset Town at La Festa Phu Quoc, Curio Collection by Hilton. This new resort opened in December 2023 and is undeniably one of the best retreats on the island. The lobby, with its towering palm tree, instantly transports you to a scene straight out of The White Lotus. There are 18 room types available, from ocean-view duplexes to wheelchair-accessible king rooms, so you’re bound to find the right fit. And while each room comes with everything you’d expect from a luxe resort, like HDTVs and 300-threadcount sheets, it’s the little touches we appreciate. Each room has a straw bag, a wide-brimmed hat and a silky soft yukata, perfect for swanning about like you own the place.

Do

Sure, you could spend your entire stay basking in the sun with a cold drink in hand, but if you want to explore Phu Quoc, you’re in for an adventure. Take a six-minute walk to the world’s longest three-wire cable car to Sun World Hon Thom Nature Park. Watch as the island stretches out beneath you as little fishing boats come into view. The park itself is a playground with water slides, roller coasters and a 360-degree observation tower, and is good fun for the whole family.

As the sun dips, check out Vui Fest night market for street food and souvenirs. It’s a quick five-minute buggy ride away and is way more polished than the other night markets on the island and you’ll even find a big supermarket there to stock up on Phu Quoc’s renowned black pepper, fish sauce and cashew nuts.

Cap off your night by watching Kiss of the Sea – a dazzling spectacle of light, fire, and water that crescendos in a seven-minute-long fireworks display. The amphitheatre is a four-minute walk from La Festa but you also catch the fireworks from the sea-facing balconies of Il Salone. It’s the kind of thing you’ll remember long after your tan fades.

Eat

To keep with the Italian theme of your vacation, head to The Merchant for an all-day international buffet, including wood-fired pizza prepared fresh before your eyes. But you are in Vietnam after all so you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you don’t try the local specialities. Good news, The Merchant also has an extensive Vietnamese a la carte menu including dishes like a seafood sweet and sour soup, spring rolls and stir-fried cashew nut chicken.

At Mare, you’ll find a full Italian spread with views of the sea. It’s open only for dinner and focuses on fresh seasonal ingredients, handmade pasta and a selection of Italian wine. While you’re here, you have to order its signature dish – carbonara made the traditional way and finished off tableside in a cheese wheel.

For something a little more memorable to make a mark on your trip to Phu Quoc, make an advanced booking to have a private, romantic dinner for two at the top of La Festa’s clock tower as the sun sets. The five-course menu is made with the best ingredients of the day by the chefs of Il Salone and includes two glasses of wine. Il Salone also does an excellent afternoon tea that highlights everyone’s favourite tropical fruit, the mango. It’s also where you can enjoy creative cocktails at night while soaking in the views – stay till 9.30pm and you’ll catch unblocked views of the fireworks from the Kiss of the Sea out by the balcony.

Ready to start your perfect weekend in Phu Quoc? Book your stay at La Festa Phu Quoc, Curio Collection by Hilton.

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