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Located closer to neighboring Cambodia that Vietnam itself, Phu Quoc has long been somewhat of a contentious territorial issue between these two countries. Only a decade or two ago, Phu Quoc was best known as a fishing island and producer of exceptional fish sauce. Today, it is considered Vietnam's most treasured paradise, an island featuring immaculate deserted beaches, spectacular scuba diving, jungle habitats, fishing villages and traditional Vietnamese culture -- all wrapped up in a small and inviting package. There are 99 mountains covered in green primitive forests with awe-inspiring waterfalls and over 20% of the island is a designated National Park. What makes it unique is that it hasn't fallen prey to the developers' bulldozers and retains the ambience and charm of an intimate unadulterated island destination without a chain restaurant or high rise in sight.
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Getting There
By Air: Vietnam Airlines (www.vietnamairlines.com.vn) flies from Los Angeles to Ho Chi Minh City daily (via Taipei). From New York or Dallas, Vietnam Airlines flies six times a week via Tokyo, Frankfurt or Paris. From Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam Airlines flies three times daily to Phu Quoc.
By Ferry: Twice daily boats run between Rach Gia on the mainland and Ann Thoi on the island's south coast (two hours 30 minutes) and between Ha Tien and Ham Ninh on the island's central east coast (70 minutes).
Required Documents: If traveling elsewhere in Vietnam, U.S. citizens require a visa that must be obtained from a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate prior to traveling to Vietnam (www.vietnamembassy-usa.org). Processing time is five to seven business days. The fee for a 30-day single entry visa is $65.
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Where to Stay
The Saigon Phu Quoc Resort and Spa (www.sgphuquocresort.com.vn/resort.htm) is the only large-scale, four-star hotel on the island. Price: Moderate; includes airport transfers and breakfast.
Mango Bay Resort (www.mangobayphuquoc.com) is located at Ong Lang Beach, about 15 minutes north of the airport. Traditional and tastefully decorated fishermen and rammed earth bungalows. Price: Inexpensive.
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