Just a seven hour night-bus ride away from the fast paced, bustle of Saigon is a small tropical paradise, but trust me, you don't want to go there. Who really wants to be on a Vietnamese island, off the coast of Cambodia, in the Gulf of Thailand anyway? Here are ten reasons that will convince you to stay away from Phú Quôc Island.
#1 The beer is so cheap, you might be forced to drink it.
How dare this little paradise charge so little for their beer? You go out with your new friends for a beer. One beer and you end up getting seven or eight for what you might pay for two at home. Well played, Phû Quôc, Well Played.
#2 The seafood is so fresh, you might feel it mandatory to indulge in some.
After a long day of hanging out on the beach, snorkeling, and/ or drinking large quantities of the beer they are practically giving away, you will probably be quite famished. Unfortunately, there are beach BBQs serving up some of the freshest seafood your eyes, and stomachs have ever feasted upon. You might even have to choose between the red snapper or the giant prawns. It's a hard life, but hey, somebody has to live it.
#3 There isn't much to do, so you may be forced to take a boating/ snorkel/ fishing trip to three other islands.
I know what you are thinking. A tropical Vietnamese paradise. There couldn't be much to do besides lying on the beach, soaking up the sun, and playing in the water. Well, you're wrong. Should you get bored from all of the above excruciating activities, you can always take a day trip on a boat, to see some amazing marine life, fish for a bit while surrounded by palm trees and your new friends and even play in the water some more, if that happens to be something you find enjoyable.
#4 The sand is so perfect, it might just kidnap you and lure you into a peaceful slumber.
The sand is white and soft and just sits there seducing you to come and lie down on it. It is cruel and mean with the magical spell it places on you the moment you arrive on the island. Finally, you are coerced into taking a peaceful, restful nap on top of the most wonderful sandy mattress. The nerve of that sand.
#5 There are big rocks and you might be forced to climb on them.
Your inner child will inevitably be quite demanding in its need to climb on the big, enticing rocks. You will need to give it your sternest adult voice and stand your ground. Otherwise you might actually have some fun climbing these rocks and then jumping into the refreshing water. And if you're a guy and you cut yourself, just play pitiful to the first pretty girl you see and you are guaranteed a good bit of extra attention.
#6 The sun is so hot, you might be forced to play in the water.
How dare that hot sun, combined with all that fresh air be so mean to you. It just beats you up, makes you sweat and then forces you to play in the clear blue water of the Gulf of Thailand. The sun can be fairly insistent and eventually you will be forced to give in and you will end up in the ocean.
#7 It is so beautiful, you might be forced to actually take a picture.
How dare this tranquil, not so touristy paradise be so darn beautiful. I mean, it is such a hassle to hit a button on your phone and take a picture. Ugh. Once you take the picture, you will be certain it is the best you've ever taken. You will then be forced to stop your relaxing and post it to Facebook, Instagram, and email it to Mom and Dad. The beauty of this island will really ruin your day.
#8 The lighting is so good, you might actually capture one of those "artistic Instagram pics."
The photographer inside you will be forced to capture so many moments. Everywhere you look there are perfect shadows, and odd light tricks. You might even feel as if you are annoying your Insta followers due to the fact that the lighting on this Island is just so damn good. However, the inner photographer will not be silenced, so you will do your duty and take the pictures.
#9 For $12 a night you might be forced to stay an extra night, or week.
There are hostels and hotels just steps away from the beach. These are not resorts, but are simple, clean, and beautiful hotels with equally beautiful views. You might actually have sand on your hotel room floor at the end of the day. Also, you might be forced to have a drink in their beachside bar, or God forbid, drink something out of a coconut. And worst of all, you might have to see something as horrible as this every day:
#10 The sunsets are so stunning, you might never want to leave.
At the end of the day, you will most definitely have the "end of Paradise blues." You will be sad that you will eventually have to leave this amazing island. The sun will begin to set and you will be forced to simply disconnect for 30 minutes, plop down in the soft sand and watch the sun set. It will transform the sky into a colorful moment in time, and after the oranges and pinks have faded, you will wish that you could simply quit life and start living a new one here on Phú Quôc Island, A vietnamese island off the coast of Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand.
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