A one-hour flight from Saigon to the southwest will land you right in one of the most beautiful islands the country has to offer. Phu Quoc is the name. But when should you book your ticket to get the best experience out of this hard-earned trip?

A trip to Vietnam would be incomplete without visiting its wonderful islands. And if you start to explore the country from the south, Con Dao and Phu Quoc should be on your list!

Phu Quoc island is just 45 kilometers off the coast of Ha Tien province. It boasts one of the most beautiful beaches of the world, together with the best seafood in Vietnam. Covered by a vast mountainous landscape, dense rain forests and a population of more than 100,000 people in a huge area, it is worthwhile to stop by for a couple of days to explore. However, the weather can always affect your vacation in Vietnam and therefore having knowledge of the best season to visit Phu Quoc will surely help you get the most out of this pristine island.

What You Can  Expect from Phu Quoc Island?

Apart from the famous beautiful beaches and the best seafood in the country, Phu Quoc also offers rich culture and a richer history. As the country is rapidly developing throughout the recent years, the island tourism infrastructure has been greatly improved to become a top-notch destination for worldwide travelers, but it still remains untouched.

Many times the size of Con Dao, Phu Quoc will probably take you a few days to fully explore, from enjoying a day on the glamorous beaches, to settling down on a lush tiki bar to watch the blazing sun dip behind your favorite tropical cocktail. Throughout the course of your stay, I must advise you to get a motorcycle and drive around the island. Cherish one of the greenest and freshest natural scenes that Vietnam gifts you, and enjoy the sea breeze flowing through your waving hair.

At the same time, why not stop by a local vendor to bring home the most delicious fish sauce and also one of the highest quality peppers in the world? Maybe you just want to enjoy the combination of these two flavors in a sizzling dish of mouth-watering seafood? And apart from that, plenty of interesting places and activities will keep you busy from early morning until the end of day.

If you are still concerned about other reasons to visit this wonderful island, Eleanor will surely convince you with her article. And Salt will help you to choose a perfect accommodation for your trip as well. Now to the important part that will dictate when to book a ticket: the climate of Phu Quoc island.

The Seasonal Diversity of Phu Quoc Island

Unlike the seasons of other destinations in Vietnam, which are commonly split into the dry and the rainy seasons, Phu Quoc tropical climate is divided into three seasons, reflecting its volume of visitors as well. Therefore, I will call these seasons as high, shoulder and low season so you can easily distinguish between the three. When packing, clothing options do not really matter since it is hot all year round.

High Season – November to March

Most travelers will choose this period for a trip to Phu Quoc. Why is that? The weather is extremely pleasant for a tropical getaway with an average temperature of 30 degrees Celsius throughout the day, with shining sun and crystal-clear sky. This season is so perfect that most people will visit during this time, the only downside to the sea

The number of tourists is at its peak during this time, which is also known as the jolly and merry season because it falls in the winter and spring holidays of the West. This means that accommodation rates and the prices of your dinner will also be at its peak. I advise you to arrange reservations in advance for every service, since hotels and restaurants will be fully booked. It is also not an exaggeration to say that the foreign travelers outnumber the local population.

On the other hand, if you are into cultural spotlights, this is the perfect season to go as the locals are celebrating the Lunar New Year (Tet – usually in February but preparations are made even months before). It is ideal because everywhere else in the country closes down for the holidays but most of the establishments on Phu Quoc are operating at full speed, and you get to witness and enjoy the festive culture of Vietnam as well. This season is easily the most accessible to groups and families.



Shoulder Season – April to June

These are the sweatiest months of the island, literally. Chances of good weather are fifty-fifty, between a perfect sunny day and sudden downpour, but it won’t affect your trip that much. The humidity level is around 80 to 85 percent and everybody is sweating because it feels like a sauna. The tourist population starts to decline.

At the end of the summer, in August and September, the crowds have pretty much left Phu Quoc. But the rain still stays, and it stays for a whole day, every day. Everything is either offered at a discount of at least 40 percent or closing down for renovation and maintenance. The only attractions during these months are the streams, the waterfalls, the food, and the spas.

If you’re a person that enjoys a peaceful atmosphere and the patter of rain, then this season may be for you. And not to mention the freshest smell from Earth, coming from the cleansing jungle rains! Take a mindful trip to one of the most pristine natural spots of the planet, here in Phu Quoc. There are lush green forests with running streams, hidden waterfalls, and lakes all included in the mysterious national park. What could be more suitable for a such great experience for meditation and calming your soul?

Honestly, just forget about the beach and enjoy the rain.

The Sneaky Best Months to Visit Phu Quoc – October and Early November

Just like the calm between the storms, these months feature the most desirable setting for the best Phu Quoc trip. Rains have faded away and the tourists have yet to come. Every beachfront is calm and relaxing without a lot of people.

Prices are also at their best value, and tourism facilities start to operate again. You could be among the first guests and enjoy the best that is offered! The island is blooming and saves all the best only for you. Activities are fully available and fun because you don’t have to wait in line. Phu Quoc becomes a heaven to those water-sport lovers during these months.

No doubt this is the best of the best time to get a flight to Phu Quoc, especially if you are planning a romantic and singular honeymoon.



To Sum Up

Phu Quoc island is by far the best getaway for a few days from the concrete jungle scene of Saigon, which is no more than an hour by flight. The tropical island always greets you with the best available setting at any time of the year. You can either enjoy the beautiful crystal-clear beaches during the sunny days from October to March, or the serenity of the natural scenes lurking deep in the forest in the less crowded months of August and September.

Credit to Phuc Nguyen