A one-hour flight from Saigon to the southwest will take you to one of the country’s most beautiful islands. Phu Quoc is its name. But when should you book your ticket to make the most of this hard-earned trip?
A trip to Vietnam would be incomplete without visiting its wonderful islands . And if you start exploring the country from the south, Con Dao And Phu Quoc should be on your list!
Phu Quoc Island is just 45 kilometers from the coast of Ha Tien Province. It has one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, as well as the best seafood in Vietnam. Covered by a vast mountainous landscape, dense tropical forests and a population of more than 100,000 people spread across a vast territory, it is interesting to stop there for a few days. However, the weather can still affect your Vietnam vacation and therefore knowing the best season to visit Phu Quoc will surely help you get the most out of this pristine island.
What can I expect from Phu Quoc Island?
Besides the famous stunning beaches and the best seafood in the country, Phu Quoc also offers rich culture and richer history. As the country develops rapidly in recent years, the island’s tourism infrastructure has been significantly improved to become a premier destination for travelers from around the world, but it still remains intact.
Several times the size of Con Dao, Phu Quoc will likely take you a few days to fully explore, moving from a day on the glamorous beaches to settling into a lush bar to watch the scorching sun settle behind your favorite tropical cocktail. Throughout your stay, I advise you to take a motorbike and tour the island. Admire one of the greenest and freshest natural scenes Vietnam has to offer, and enjoy the sea breeze flowing through your wavy hair.
At the same time, why not stop at a local vendor to bring home the most delicious fish sauce and some of the best pepper in the world? Maybe you just want to enjoy the combination of these two flavors in one mouth-watering seafood dish? And apart from that, there are many interesting places and activities that will keep you busy from early morning until the end of the day.
Now let’s move on 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 generally divided into dry and rainy seasons, Phu Quoc’s tropical climate is divided into three seasons, also reflecting the volume of its visitors. Therefore, I will refer to these seasons as high, low and low season so that you can easily distinguish the three. When packing, clothing options don’t really matter because it’s warm all year round.
High Season – November to March
Most travelers will choose this time for a trip to Phu Quoc. Why then? The weather is extremely pleasant for a tropical getaway with an average temperature of 30 degrees Celsius all day, bright sunshine and crystal clear skies. This season is so perfect that most people will go there during this time, the only downside of the season.
The number of tourists is at its peak during this time, which is also known as the merry season as it falls in the Western winter and spring holidays. This means that accommodation rates and your dinner prices will also be at their peak. I advise you to book in advance for each service, as hotels and restaurants will be full. It is no exaggeration to say that foreign travelers outnumber the local population.
On the other hand, if you are in cultural spots, it is the ideal season to go there when the locals celebrate the Lunar New Year ( Tet – usually in February, but preparations are made even a month before). This is ideal because everywhere else in the country closes its doors for the holidays but most establishments in Phu Quoc are operating at full capacity, and you will have the opportunity to see and enjoy Vietnam’s festive culture. This season is easily the most accessible to groups and families.
Shoulder season – April to June
These are the hottest and most humid months on the island, literally. The chance of good weather is 50%, between a perfect sunny day and sudden showers, but it won’t affect your trip that much. The humidity is around 80-85% and everyone is sweating because it feels like a sauna. The tourist population begins to decline.
In April and May, the temperature is at its highest and the chance of precipitation is low. You’ll probably get sunburned and dehydrated if you’re not prepared properly. And beneath these beautiful, pristine beaches, flocks of stinging jellyfish float. They surround the whole island, everywhere. Therefore, activities will mainly take place on the island rather than in the water, but there is still plenty to do!
June is considered the worst month if you are looking for a relaxing atmosphere in Phu Quoc. Vietnamese tourists will begin to invade the island in waves. Crowded beaches, hotels and restaurants fully booked for travel agencies, bus and van lines, why bother adding noise?
Low Season – July to September
It’s raining everywhere. But even heavy rains can’t stop Vietnamese tourists from enjoying a precious, hard-earned summer vacation. And the mix of these two is the worst in July.
At the end of summer, in August and September, the crowds have almost left Phu Quoc. But the rain persists and lasts a whole day, every day. Everything is offered with a discount of at least 40% or closed for renovation and maintenance. The only attractions of these months are the streams, waterfalls, food and spas.
If you are a person who loves tranquility and rain, then this season may be for you! Take a trip to one of the most pristine natural sites on the planet, here in Phu Quoc. There are lush forests with streams, hidden waterfalls and lakes, all included in the mysterious national park. What could be better than such an experience of meditation and calming your soul?
Honestly, forget the beach and enjoy the rain.
Best months to visit Phu Quoc – October and early November
Just like the calm before the storm, these months provide the perfect setting for the best trip to Phu Quoc. The rains have stopped and the tourists have not yet come. Each beach is calm and relaxing without many people.
Prices are also at their best value for money and tourist facilities are starting to operate again. You could be among the first guests and enjoy the best that is offered! The island is in bloom and saves all the best for you. Activities are fully available and fun because you don’t have to wait in line. Phu Quoc becomes a paradise for water sports enthusiasts during these months.
There is no doubt that this is the best time to take a flight to Phu Quoc, especially if you are planning a romantic and unique honeymoon.
