After saying farewell to the group in Saigon, I was up at the crack of dawn to catch a 20-minute flight over to Phu Quoc island.

The hotel pre-arranged a shuttle to pick me up at the airport and soon I was sitting on a wooden chaise lounge, gazing out at turquoise blue waters. Wild Beach Phu Quoc Resort is outside of the main tourist town on Phu Quoc, Duong Dong, North along the coast. I had a gorgeous private villa, with a huge net-covered bed, and a slate-tiled bathroom with a rain shower open to the trees above.

As on the mainland, it´s hot and muggy here, however the blessed ocean breeze makes it more tolerable. Activities included long walks along the deserted beaches, kayak tours (available for rent at the hotel) to Fingernail Island, just a short 20 minutes out on the open seas, and general lazing about on the sand.

Fingernail Island

As the location is remote, you will be at the mercy of the hotel restaurant, which thankfully was wonderful. The breakfast is included in the room rate, with beautiful fresh tropical fruit, veggies, cold sliced meats and cheeses, and all varieties of eggs to order. And, most importantly, amazingly good Vietnamese coffee.

Dinner was just as good. I had a traditional Vietnamese dish of fresh fish cooked in a clay pot, slathered in a caramelized, salty, sticky garlicky hoisin sauce and served with chilies and steamed rice

If you´re looking for some tranquility, relaxation, and unbelievable scenery, this is the place for you. 

Legs or wood. . . ?