Phu Quoc Island Tour, 2–3 days

(1 hour by plane from Ho Chi Minh City)

A tropical island paradise with long, lovely beaches, warm turquoise water, and swathes of jungle, Phu Quoc is the perfect backdrop for winding down, no matter what form of relaxation you prefer. It makes for a great side trip from Ho Chi Minh City.

Follow days 1–2 of Essential Vietnam itinerary.

Day 3

Fly from Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc, just 12 km (7½ miles) from the southeast coast of Cambodia. If your idea of relaxation is the full five-star resort experience, spend today holed up in your resort enjoying the amenities. If you're the type that can't stand still, organize some transport (motorbike, taxi, or car-with-driver) and set out to explore Phu Quoc's beaches. Watch the sun sink into the South China Sea with a cocktail at On The Rocks, Mango Bay Resort's in-house restaurant at Ong Lang Beach, then enjoy some delicious Asian fusion cuisine as the waves caress the rocks under the deck.

Day 4

Explore the undersea delights of Phu Quoc with a half-day diving or snorkeling tour with Rainbow Divers. Spend the afternoon recovering on a deck chair at Rory's Beach Bar and a long late-afternoon walk along the beach to your dinner destination, The Spice House at Cassia Cottage.

Day 5

Allocate several hours to swimming, sunbathing, or spa-ing, then some laid-back exploring of some of Phu Quoc's sights. You could head south of Duong Dong Town, stopping at Ngoc Hien Pearl and the Coconut Tree Prison en route to the northern stretches of Sao Beach. After a bit of swimming, loop around to Suoi Tranh for a lovely rain forest walk to the waterfall. Get back to Duong Dong Town in time to watch the sun set from the pier near the Dinh Cau Night Market, then dive into the market for a local-style barbecue seafood dinner. Have a postprandial drink and maybe some exquisite tapas at Itaca Resto Lounge.

Day 6

Fly back to Ho Chi Minh City, and take the ferry to Hai Tien to begin your Mekong Delta explorations.