Duong Dong Holidays 2024/2025
Vietnam’s largest island, Phú Quoc, lies in the Gulf of Thailand off the coast of Cambodia. It’s an island of white-sand beaches and popular resorts, especially along the southwest coastline. Phú Quoc National Park covers more than half the island, meaning that tropical jungles and mountains are the main features of the landscape. The biggest attraction of holidays to Vietnam is getting to hike through idyllic areas and seeing a range of exotic wildlife.
The island’s largest town is Duong Dong, a lively and bustling place where you can soak up traditional Vietnamese island life and explore a fascinating history.
Duong Dong Holiday Deals
Have a go at haggling
Its day and night markets are what make Duong Dong holidays so unique. Haggling is pretty much expected of everyone, so it’s best to try the more relaxed day market if you’re a beginner to bargaining. You can try some easy-going haggling at a street food stall to start off with, getting yourself a bargain on a banh mi, a Vietnamese-style pork baguette. Or you could try and bag yourself some handmade crafts at a knockdown price.
But it’s when the sun goes down that the markets really come into their own. The night market is where you can step things up a gear and put your daytime haggling skills into practice by buying some fresh seafood. Fishermen bring their hauls in right by the riverside and you can purchase their catch practically straight from the net.
Big on beaches
There’s a choice of sandy stretches in Duong Dong, several of which rival any of those found across the whole island. Dinh Cau Beach is one of the smaller but most popular beaches, and you’ll rub shoulders with plenty of locals here. It’s one of the best places to watch the sun set over the sea. Fresh sugar cane juice is served here in the evenings, so be sure to treat yourself to this delicious local beverage.
Ganh Gio Beach features fine, golden sand and it’s extremely clean and tidy. It’s not as well known as the other beaches in Duong Dong, so you’ll find little competition for space. The beach is lined with palm trees and very little else, so it really feels like a tropical idyll.
Like to be beside the seaside?
Being a coastal town on an island, it’s no surprise that fish features heavily on holidays in Duong Dong. Fishing is what keeps the town thriving, and there’s something maritime-themed everywhere you go. Walk down the riverbanks and you’ll see crowds of wooden boats in pretty, sea-inspired shades, with fishermen hauling in their catch of the day.
Down by the port is where you can arrange for a private boat to take you night fishing, another popular activity here. If you’re lucky, you’ll manage to catch a squid or two. Or you can simply fish from Duong Dong pier along with the locals.
Anchovies are a key ingredient for the fish sauce that’s made in the town’s three fish sauce factories. All of them can be found along the Duong Dong River and are open to visitors.
Fill up on culture and history
Some of Duong Dong’s most striking features are the ancient temples dotted throughout the town. They can be found close to the shore as well as further inland towards the town centre.
The religion of Cao Dai was said to have originated in Phú Quoc, and the Cao Dai temple can be found in the centre of town. It’s certainly a colourful spectacle, with mustard-yellow coloured walls and bright-blue gates. Inside you’ll see iconic images from many world religions, as well as colourful dragons and tigers. Another temple well worth visiting is Dinh Cau, which sits on a rock at the heart of the town.
One of the oldest sites in the whole of Phú Quoc is to be found in Duong Dong. It’s the Sung Hung Pagoda, a shrine that features truly beautiful architecture and some enormous statues.
Nearest airport to Duong Dong
Phu Quoc International Airport – 14 kilometres
You can get from Phu Quoc International Airport to Duong Dong in just 20 minutes.
Duong Dong holidays are an opportunity to truly immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture and the island life on vibrant Phú Quoc. Visiting Duong Dong’s famous markets is an event in itself and not to be missed. But just relaxing on the beach is great for getting a feel for the town’s atmosphere.
Introducing you to a whole new world of experiences, holidays to Duong Dong create a wealth of memories that will last a lifetime.