No visa needed, 3-star hotels for Rs 1000, Rs 500 scooty rent: Only 6 hours from India, this Vietnamese island has Maldives-like beaches, Disneyland-style theme parks and grand European architecture

From vibrant Hanoi street markets and the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay to ancient lanterns in Hoi An, Vietnam offers mesmerising landscapes, rich heritage, and a bustling tropical vibe. But for travellers seeking an idyllic island escape, Phú Quốc is the ultimate paradise. Known for its crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, and European-inspired towns, this hidden gem offers a uniquely luxury-meets-budget experience. Travel influencer Animesh Pradhan recently took to Instagram to share a captivating reel showcasing Phú Quốc’s standout features, highlighting why this tropical haven should top every Indian traveler’s bucket list.

Phú Quốc through the eyes of travel influencer

In the video, Animesh explained that Phú Quốc offers an enticing mix of affordability and luxury for Indian travellers. With Re 1 in India translating to around Rs 270 in Vietnam, the island is a budget-friendly escape and is also visa-free for Indians, just 6 hours away.

Phú Quốc’s crystal-clear beaches resemble the pristine shores of the Maldives, while its grand theme parks offer a Disneyland-like experience. European-inspired architecture in the quaint towns, reminiscent of Rome and Venice, adds to its charm.


Travellers can rent a scooty for around Rs 500 for the entire day, making it easy to explore the island. In terms of accommodation, Animesh revealed that comfortable 3-star hotels are widely available for pocket-friendly prices amounting to approximately Rs 1,000– Rs 1,500 per night.

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A post shared by Animesh Pradhan (@_animeshpradhan_official)

Phú Quốc: Places to see

Sao Beach (Bãi Sao)

Famed for its powdery white sand and shallow turquoise waters, Sao Beach is widely considered Phu Quoc's most beautiful coastline. Framed by swaying palm trees, this serene spot offers a picture-perfect tropical setting ideal for relaxing, swimming, or snapping postcard-worthy photos along the calm, crystal-clear shorelines.

Sunset Town

Designed to mirror a vibrant Mediterranean village, Sunset Town features colourful Amalfi Coast-style architecture, a replica of Venice’s St. Mark's Bell Tower, and a Colosseum-inspired entrance. It’s the ultimate photo hotspot, particularly famous for its breathtaking ocean views and the romantic Kiss Bridge that anchors the town’s scenic coastline.

Grand World Phú Quốc

Known as "The Sleeperless City," Grand World is a massive entertainment complex modelled after European architecture. Visitors can take gondola rides along a Venice-style canal, explore vibrant shopping streets, marvel at bamboo art structures, and enjoy elaborate multimedia light and water shows every night.

VinWonders Phú Quốc

As Vietnam’s premier theme park—often dubbed the country's answer to Disneyland—VinWonders offers fairytale palaces, thrill rides, a massive water park, and a world-class aquarium. It is divided into multiple themed zones representing different ancient civilisations and mythical legends, making it perfect for families and adventurers.

Starfish Beach (Rạch Vẹm)

Tucked away on the northern coast, this iconic beach is renowned for its shallow, crystal-clear waters where bright red starfish naturally dot the seabed. Reached via rustic dirt roads or short boat rides, it provides an authentic, serene escape surrounded by floating seafood restaurants.

Phú Quốc: Things to do

Ride the Hon Thom Cable Car

Board the world’s longest three-rope sea cable car connecting Phu Quoc to Hon Thom (Pineapple Island). The spectacular 15-minute ride offers panoramic, bird’s-eye views over lush green islands, vibrant fishing boats, and turquoise ocean waters before landing at Sun World nature park.

Explore the Duong Dong Night Market

Immerse yourself in local culture at the bustling Duong Dong Night Market. It’s a sensory treat where visitors can sample fresh flame-grilled seafood, local pepper-infused dishes, traditional coconut ice cream, and shop for unique hand-crafted souvenirs and island pearls.

Go Island Hopping and Snorkelling in An Thoi

Charter a speedboat to explore the An Thoi Archipelago, home to pristine islets like Gam Ghi, May Rut, and Mong Tay. The crystal-clear waters offer phenomenal visibility for snorkelling alongside coral reefs, tropical fish, and secluded white-sand coves.

Experience a Safari at Vinpearl Safari

Visit Vietnam’s first open zoo and conservation park, home to thousands of rare animals. Travellers can ride specialised safari buses to observe lions, rhinos, and giraffes roaming freely, and even enjoy interactive experiences like feeding giraffes at the open-air terrace restaurant.

Visit a Local Organic Pepper Farm

Phu Quoc is globally celebrated for producing exceptionally aromatic black and white pepper. Take a guided walking tour through lush green plantations to learn traditional harvesting techniques, sample unique pepper variations, and pick up authentic gourmet souvenirs directly from local farmers.

Phú Quốc: How to reach

By Air: The fastest and most convenient option is to fly directly to Phú Quốc International Airport. Direct domestic flights connect the island with major Vietnamese cities including Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Can Tho and Da Nang.

By Rail: Phú Quốc does not have a railway station. Travellers can take a train to Rạch Giá or another mainland city, then continue by road to the port and board a ferry or high-speed boat to the island.

By Road: Travellers can take a bus or car to Rạch Giá or Hà Tiên in southern Vietnam and then switch to a ferry or speedboat to Phú Quốc. Ferries from both ports operate regularly, with Hà Tiên being the shorter sea crossing