Phu Quoc

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Phu Quoc (pronounced Foo Qaw-k) is an island in the Gulf of Thailand, about a 40 minute flight from Saigon.

We are on our last of seven night here. Tomorrow afternoon we start the long journey home.

The island, so far, is relatively unspoilt. We stayed at two hotels. The first, Eden Resort was large, and the majority of the guests were Vietnamese, which was interesting. We had to change rooms after the first night. My children accuse me of being very picky in hotels, but this room was teeny. The three beds were lined up in a row, and there was no room to walk around them. One had to crawl over the bed to get in or out of it. In case you think I am exaggerating, attached photographic evidence. The second room, which we paid for dearly, was an improvement.

The beach is lovely. Evidence also attached. However, no shells to speak of.

We did not do much exploring, after three weeks of travel, it was nice to sit around and read a few books. There is not a whole lot on the island,lots of pearl farms (done that), a former prison (done that) and a large national park that does not yet have much of a trail network. It is really,really hot, so another reason not to run around the island.

We did go into the little town, which is really rather homely, save and accept for the seafood market. You can buy fresh king prawns, and they cook them for you......fantastic. We had a kilo of them for about 22$. I took a photo, cause they were so amazing.

Last three night we are at Cassia Cottages, a small(18) room resort that is absolutely charming. not over the top fancy, but charming and comfortable. There are a number of wonderful smelling trees in the property, jasmine, hibiscus, cinnamon, so the grounds smell wonderful. They have a restaurant that is super, we have been not ventured out from the resort since we arrived here two days ago, except for walks on the beach...!!

The fishermen here use little boats, sometimes to fish from and sometimes as transportation to their larger boats. They are called basket boats. The photo will tell you why...

Good to have had a taste of this corner of SE Asia. One disappointment was the temples...they are a strange mish-mash of Buddhist, Confuscian and ancestor worship. The Chinese influence is very, very strong. None of the exotic beauty of Laotian or Bhutanese temples. But, many other discoveries were enlightening and beautiful. Hoi An is very charming, and Hanoi is a great city. Lucky me to have these adventures.

Until next time......

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Comments

[Andy]

Hello Little Sister
Deb It has been a worry with you in the area where the Malaysian Airlines aircraft went missing - it is such a long way from home - so it is good to hear from you. I was in New York last week for 2 days and have been about flat out since then. It looks like we may finally have a path to getting the deal in Plattsburgh financed - I'll fill you in when you are back. When do you leave for home? Safe journey. Big Brother Andy

[momabroad]

Start home the afternoon of the 13 (which is tomorrow here) Arrive back in Ottawa Friday afternoon, around 5:00 p.m, which will be 5:00 a.m Saturday Vietnam time. Had not heard about the missing plane........

[Debbie]

Thanks
I have really enjoyed living vicariously through your trip! Thanks.

[momabroad]

Great to hear from you!

[Micky]

Have a safe trip home. Sounds like you have had a wonderful holiday. Enjoy the heat as we are in for another blast of winter today and tonight - just to remind us that it is not over yet. See you soon.

[momabroad]

Thanks. It has been an interesting month. Talk soon, and thanks for the reminder that winter is not over....it's around 30 here....