The island of Phu Quoc is situated in the Gulf of Thailand in the
south of Vietnam. The island is about 62km long and between 3km to 28km wide and has
a population of around 80,000. Phu Quoc is strongly influenced by Vietnamese
and Cambodian cultures.
Offshore fishing is the main industry of the island.
Nuoc Mam, a fermented fish sauce, is produced on the island
and is one of Vietnam's most valued exports. Phu Quoc is also renowned for
its high quality black pepper. The National Park in the north of the island
is home to a wide variety of birds and primates. The south offers hidden
beaches protected by cashew groves. Another attraction is the island's
native species of dog - the very intelligent Phu Quoc Ridgeback. Trips to Phu Quoc can be made all year
round, although, the best time to travel is during the dry season between November
and September when the weather is mostly sunny with blue skies.
Mango Bay is located off the beaten track along 700m of beach on the
western shores of Phu Quoc. The resort covers an area of 20 hectares
and is enclosed within two deserted beaches and protected forest. Mango Bay Resort is
built with close attention to the environment and in harmony with the island's
local culture. Waste recycling, solar powered water heating
and locally sourced building materials are only some of the green
practises of this eco-resort.
The surrounding lush green forest is home to a wide variety of birds and
butterflies. Over 6,000 trees have been planted here in
recent years. Guests can stroll freely through the resort's very own pepper
plantation, vegetable garden, orchid house and butterfly farm. An
offshore reef offers excellent snorkelling among corals and fish.
The casual, open-air restaurant and bar are situated on rocks, separating
Coconut Beach and Casuarina Beach. The restaurant offers
a first-class seafood menu. A changing Today's Special combines
Vietnamese and international cuisine. All ingredients are bought
fresh daily from the island's market. The drinks menu includes various fresh
fruit shakes, cocktails and selected wines. Adjoning the restaurant
are an internet room and a small library with games and books to borrow.
A beach bar offers beside refreshments throughout the day a
seafood BBQ in the evening.
Rooms/Accommodation
31 rooms and bungalows are spread over the hotel grounds. Rooms
are furnished with locally made four-poster beds, cotton mosquito nets,
wooden furniture and overhead fans. Most rooms have outdoor bathrooms
overlooking the forest behind. There is no air-conditioning, TV or telephone
in the rooms disturbing the peaceful and natural atmosphere.
Plantation Bungalow - 11 large wooden bungalows (40 - 60m²), with
leaf thatched roof, garden bathroom, spacious private balcony and views
towards the sea. Fisherman's Bungalow - 3 wooden bungalows in style of traditional
Phu Quoc fishermen's houses. The rooms have 1 double and 1 single bed and
are spacious and suitable for families. The bungalows have private
balcony with seaview and open-air bathrooms. Rammed Earth Bungalow - 8 bungalows (35m²) set among gardens with
walls made of rammed earth, leaf thatched roof, garden bathroom,
spacious private balcony and views to the sea. These are the first
rammed earth buildings in Vietnam, using local soil to form the walls
with an attractive natural finish. Family Bungalow - 1 bungalow (65m²) with 1 double bedroom, open-air
bathroom, 1 living room (or 2nd bedroom) and private balcony facing the sea. The Veranda - 5 recently refurbished rooms (30m²) leading onto a
large shaded and wooden veranda facing the sea, built with 60 year old
timber. Reef House - a 120m² private house set on a slope with views to the
sea, comprising 2 double bedrooms, one dining/living room and garden
bathroom. Ideal for a family or a group of friends. Nearby is a
separate stone bungalow with double bed and bathroom.
Activities at Mango Bay
Guests can rent canoes or kayaks. The Mango Boat, a converted
fishing boat, offers snorkelling trips to the nearby Fingernail Island
and Turtle Island with lunch and drinks provided. Motorbikes, cars
and jeeps with or without a driver are available to explore the island
on red dirt roads. Bicycles are also for rent. Maps and picnics can be
provided. The two secluded and quiet hotel beaches invite guests to swim,
sun and snorkel. The long and beautiful Cua Can Beach can be reached
by an approximately 30 minutes walk north of the resort.
Snorkelling equipment is available at an additional fee. A wellness centre
overlooking the sea offers various massages, as well as
nail decoration, manicure and pedicure.
Activities on Phu Quoc
A visit to the island's shaded pepper gardens and busy
Duong Dong Riverside market.
Learning about the production of Nuoc Mam (fish sauce)
at a workshop.
Exploring the beaches and prison grounds on the southern tip of the island.
Full day snorkelling tour of the 15 islands of An Thoi with BBQ.
Hiking through the Phu Quoc Nature Reserve (37,000 hectares)
in the mountainous northern part of the island. The park has nearly 929 tree species
and numerous waterfalls.
Visiting various temples and shrines scattered across the island,
such as Sung Hung Pagoda or Su Muon Pagoda.
