Phu Quoc Paradise

Phu Quoc is an idyllic island off the coast of Vietnam, and very close to Cambodia. Its serene sandy shores could make for endless hours of relaxation. I hire a scooter one day to explore the island and head south along the coast from Duong Dong town. It's a 20 km stretch along the coast to the southern tip of the island and I'm amazed at how undeveloped it is; just a few fisherman's shacks and homes line the tranquil beach.
We stop at the fishing harbor which is full of colourful blue and red fishing boats. Women on the dock gut small squid and lay them out on wooden trellis to dry in the sun. We drive north a little to visit the coconut prison museum, which I had read about at the war remnants museum. On arrival the site appears to be more of a reconstruction than the original prison grounds. It's a stark reminder of how POW's were treated and gut-wrenching to see the inmates' enclosures and read about the terrible tortures they endured; many of which they did not survive through. For a brighter side to the Island we drive up the east coast to Sao beach; an absolutely stunning stretch of sand fringed with green coconut trees. The water is so clear, shallow and warm that we spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing in it's embrace. It's such a beautiful place and there's only a few other tourists here we have to share it with, making it all the more tranquil and special.
If you're going to Phu Quoc you must visit the night market where a dazzling array of fresh seafood is barbequed to your order before your eyes and stalls sell incredibly cheap pearls from the islands pearl farms.