Table of Contents
I. Introduction
Duong Dong town in Phu Quoc island is a convergence of the best beauties of Phu Quoc tourism. As soon as landing on the island, tourists will feel the fresh air and see the immense blue sky, the clear emerald sea, and the lush green forests. Situated in the Northwest of Phu Quoc, Duong Dong is the administrative center of the district controlled by supreme authorities, also the home of more than half of inhabitants on the island. Despite the small area, the dense population makes the town bustling all the time.
Besides, due to the favorable location and romantic natural landscapes, the site is attracting more and more travelers to visit. From the place, visitors can easily access other famous tourist destinations, such as An Thoi archipelago in the South or Ganh Dau commune in the North. Notably, the convenient traffic system has allowed tourism to develop much better. Moreover, being the official center of the island, Duong Dong town promises to gradually become one of the most impressive attractions in Phu Quoc.
II. The Weather & The Best Time to Travel to Duong Dong Town Island
1. The Weather
Source: Lux Travel DMC
Phu Quoc has a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons. The dry season begins from November to April, while the wet period is between May and October. With the average temperature of 28 Celcius degrees, the atmosphere is quite serene all year round. Therefore, you can organize a trip to Phu Quoc and Duong Dong Town at any time in the year without worrying about the extremely hot or cold weather.
2. The Best Time To Travel To Phu Quoc Island
Source: Lux Travel DMC
The perfect occasion to visit the island is from October to March when the sea is calm, the weather is pleasant, and it doesn’t rain much. As the weather plays a crucial role in your trip, you should keep in mind a few vital things when planning a trip to Phu Quoc. Firstly, the peak season falls from April to September, so you had better book your accommodation and air tickets early to avoid being sold out. Also, it would help if you regularly tracked the weather forecast to avoid rainy days.
III. Where to Go in Duong Dong Town
1. Duong Dong Market
Often opening very early in the morning, the market sells fresh seafood, vegetables, and essential products. Additionally, local people also trade a wide range of fresh fruits and local specialties, including mushrooms and peppers. The prices here are so low, which may surprise you.
Different from night markets, such as Dinh Cau and Bach Dang, and trading markets, including Ham Ninh and An Thoi, Duong Dong market is a place where you can find all the features of the local life, from their customs and habits to the harmony of cultural exchanges. Furthermore, the market serves tourists plenty of specialties, particularly seafood with a quintessential and gentle flavor. However, you are likely to encounter some troubles when finding out the market, as it lies behind several significant buildings and a new bridge.
Address: No. 21, Tran Phu Street, Duong Dong Town.
Opening time: 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Useful tips:
- You can walk from the town center to the market;
- Consider carefully before buying anything, notably jewelry and pearls due to the high prices, and bargain for more reasonable prices;
- Grilled fish is a must-try dish.
2. Duong Dong Pier
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Belonging to Duong Dong River, the pier is the mooring place for both fishing boats and tourism cruises. You may find it fascinating to contemplate multi-colored fishing boats and the way the fishers unload anchovies – the main ingredients of Phu Quoc fish sauce. If you want to go fishing at night or explore other islets in the North, you can hire a boat of local people.
3. Dinh Cau Beach
The small beach staying behind the night market is a great place to watch the sunset. Although the beach is not entirely clear, the charming landscape makes you relaxed. When the sun goes down, local people often head to the beach to breathe the fresh air, watch the sunset. Additionally, tourists come here to play with the water and capture beautiful photos. There are some food stalls by the beach, so you can buy some and try right on the sand beach. However, remember to clean the rubbish before you leave.
Address: The Cape of Dinh Cau, Duong Dong Town.
Opening time: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. every day
Entrance fee: free of charge
4. Cao Dai Temple
Operated since 2008, the temple has become a favorite pilgrimage destination of numerous Buddhists all over the world. With the unique design expressing the harmony of Western and Eastern philosophical viewpoints, it has received the attention and countless compliments of international journalists.
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Like other Cao Dai temples in Vietnam, the one in Duong Dong has the icon of an eye in a triangle, symbolizing God. Additionally, it keeps handwriting documents and Buddhist statues, as well as Christian constellations and Islamic crescent moon. The sacred site worships famous figures such as Nguyen Binh Khiem, Ton Dat Tien, Victor Hugo, and Jesus Christ. From the highest point of the temple, you can see the panorama of Phu Quoc National Park, Duong Dong Town, Dinh Cau Pagoda, and other well-known sites. Notably, you don’t have to pay any fees to enter and park your vehicles. Also, remember to dress formally.
Address: No. 40, Nguyen Trai Street, Duong Dong Town.
Opening time: 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. every day
Entrance fee: free of charge
5. Dinh Cau Pagoda & The Lighthouse
Source: Ngoisao
They are symbols of Phu Quoc that you should not miss. The pagoda is a sacred site, while the lighthouse plays the role of a navigator so that boats can enter and leave the pier more simply. Another name of this pagoda is the Dragon King temple. The main hall worships Lady Po Nagar and other gods who protect local fishermen. Annually, on 15th and 16th October of the lunar calendar, residents take place a big festival at the pagoda, attracting a large number of attendants.
For a long time, Dinh Cau pagoda has been a symbol of Phu Quoc island because of the perfect combination of the sea, sand, sunlight, and stones. Standing in the shrine, you will feel the sea breezes lightly touch your face, blow all the pressures away, only the calm and soothing feeling remains. In the late afternoon when the sun goes down, the whole landscape is covered by a seductive yellow color. With the murmuring sound of the waves, tourists will find a silent period to think about their whole lives.
Source: Phuquocgov
Since the pagoda stands on a rock protruding the sea, local authorities built a lighthouse as a guide for boats to leave and return to the pier at night more easily. It gains the importance and profound meaning of Dinh Cau as a sign to help fishermen come back to the right place.
Address: Ward 2, Duong Dong Town.
Entrance fee: free of charge
6. Phu Quoc Black Pepper Farm
Each year, the pepper fields in Phu Quoc Island serve a large number of black peppers to consumers. However, pepper is not only beneficial in terms of agriculture but also distributes to tourism. Many owners of the pepper farms welcome travelers to visit the fields and buy products at their houses. The feeling of purchasing goods right at the farms makes them satisfied and assured.
Source: Lux Travel DMC
During two to three hours, you will have a chance to experience numerous activities, comprising witnessing local people plant and take care of pepper trees, as well as listening to their stories of growing the plants. Furthermore, you are able to take some photos and buy peppers at a reasonable price. You don’t have to travel for too long to reach the black pepper farms. From Duong Dong Town to Ganh Dau Commune, you will encounter plenty of pepper gardens. We have listed several well-known farms:
- Ngoc Ha, Duc Minh, and Duc Thanh pepper farms: 30/4 Road, Duong Dong Town.
- Khu Tuong pepper farm: Cua Duong commune, Duong Dong Town.
- Suoi Da pepper farm: Suoi Da Village, Duong To Commune, Phu Quoc District.
- Suoi Lon pepper farm: Provincial Highway 46, Suoi Lon Village, Duong To Commune, Phu Quoc District.
IV. The Best Things to Do in Duong Dong Town
Source: Ink360phuquoc
- Fishing At Night: You can show your fish-catching talent by taking part in a packaged tour to Phu Quoc equipped with a boat from Duong Dong town. On the other hand, you can drop your rod at the coastline or pier in the sunset.
- Going To KTV: There are some KTVs for you to hire hourly on Tran Hung Dao and 30/4 roads.
- Going To Bar: There is a wide range of options that perhaps everyone can join, as the atmosphere is energetic enough. Several famous bars with live music encompass Rory’s, Pirate Cove, Chec Carole, and Drunkn’ Monkey.
- Exploring The Daily Life Of Local Citizens: Let’s gather at Dinh Cau Pagoda, have a glass of sugarcane juice, and contemplate the sun goes down with the inhabitants there.
V. Top 5 Must-try Food in Duong Dong Town
1. Raw Herring Salad
Source: Instagram @peterscocina
Raw pieces of herring and various types of vegetables, shredded coconut wrapped in rice paper, then dipped in fish sauce with high quality is the best. You won’t smell any fishy odor, but the aromatic vegetables, fatty coconut, and crunchy and sweet herring. Local chefs always advise customers to eat the salad with a sip of sim wine, as herring is rich in protein and fresh, while the wine is good for digestion.
The sauce is unique. It consists of smashed chili, garlic, and peanut well mixed with Phu Quoc fish sauce, to create a spicy and flavored sauce, leaving tourists with an unforgettable savor.
2. Ham Ninh Blue Crab
Source: Instagram @gbratx
Depending on the size, each kilogram of blue crab sold within the town fluctuates from 200.000 vnd to 500.000 vnd. However, the big blue crab in Phu Quoc is just as big as the mature one in Central Vietnam. The huge one is not so tasty, while the tiny one is not meaty. You should choose the size of 6 to 7 crabs per kilogram. If you like to eat the roe, pick the female ones; otherwise, the male ones often contain more meat.
3. Grilled Seafood
Source: Instagram @kalimsummerday
Several grilled dishes famous in the town are grilled sweet snails added salt and chili, grilled scallops added oil and onions, and grilled squids. You can try at any restaurant on the island or Dinh Cau night market. The fresh seafood with hot smokes will make your night warmer.
4. Grilled Horn Scallops
Source: Instagram @ntvvirus
Horn scallops can be cooked with black mushrooms, straw mushrooms, Chinese mustards, and cloves. However, gourmets who want to keep the original flavor of the sea often order a plate of grilled horn scallops added salt and chili. The seafood is sweeter, more crunchy, and tender when the salty and spicy savor is mixed.
5. Bitter Boletes
Source: Flickr @Björn S…
Bitter boletes only appear in Phu Quoc on the rainy season, from April to September. If you see them in the dry season, they must be dried or frozen; therefore, their quality is less high than the fresh ones. The fresh one is cooked with seafood, such as fish, prawns, and squids; meanwhile, the dried one is stir-fried with abalones or sea cucumbers. When you take the boiled chicken out of the broth, put some bitter boletes into the water to make scented soup.
Duong Dong Town in Phu Quoc island is an attractive destination, as you will have a chance to experience the most reposeful moments after work or school. We hope you find this information useful for your next vacation in Phu Quoc.
Source: Lux Travel DMC
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