What to buy when in Phu Quoc?
Phu Quoc is renowned for its unique and attractive specialties that captivate tourists. Explore the most loved and chosen local products when traveling to Phu Quoc in this guide.
Phu Quoc Fish Sauce
For ages, Phu Quoc fish sauce has been highly praised for its exquisite, top-notch savory taste. Crafted from the freshest, finest catches, mainly small anchovies, by the skilled hands of local fishermen, it undergoes traditional fermentation methods that give it a distinctive and unmatched flavor profile. You can easily identify authentic Phu Quoc fish sauce by its rich amber color, subtle fragrance, a unique blend of mild sweetness, and the savory richness of anchovies.
Phu Quoc Fish Sauce Factory
The price of Phu Quoc fish sauce varies from 140,000 VND to 160,000 VND per liter, for the 40N fish sauce type. You can purchase Phu Quoc fish sauce as a thoughtful gift from prominent markets and supermarkets in Phu Quoc, such as Duong Dong Market, Phu Quoc Night Market, Dinh Cau Market, etc. However, based on travel experience in Phu Quoc it's recommended to buy this specialty from renowned fish sauce factories to ensure the highest quality. Some reputable brands to consider are:
- Thinh Phat Phu Quoc Fish Sauce: Address: 30 Street, Ward 1, Duong Dong Town, Duong Dong District, Phu Quoc.
- Khai Hoan Phu Quoc Fish Sauce: No. 11 Hung Vuong Bridge, Duong Dong Town, Phu Quoc.
- Phung Hung Phu Quoc Fish Sauce: Nguyen Van Cu, Ward 4, Phu Quoc.
Phu Quoc Pepper Grains
Pepper, a cherished choice among many travelers, serves as a delightful Phu Quoc specialty gift for family and friends. Phu Quoc pepper comes in three varieties: white pepper, black pepper, and red pepper, with red pepper being the most valued. The round, well-formed grains carry a distinct aroma and rich flavor, unique to the island's maritime climate and geographical location.
You can purchase pure pepper grains or opt for the ones skillfully processed by locals when exploring pepper farms or at stalls selling Phu Quoc specialties in local markets and big supermarkets. The current price for pepper in Phu Quoc ranges from 200,000 VND to 250,000 VND per kilogram. Note that the harvesting season is from May to June, so to get the finest pepper, consider visiting during this time.
Phu Quoc Pepper Farm
Phu Quoc Fresh/Dried Seafood
Phu Quoc Island, surrounded by the ocean, offers numerous places, especially markets and supermarkets, abundant with displays of fresh seafood and processed dried products. To purchase Phu Quoc seafood as gifts, you can explore a variety, from affordable options like tuna, squid, and conch, to more expensive and rare choices such as mantis shrimp, abalone, and sea cucumber. For souvenirs, most tourists prefer dried seafood due to its ease of preservation and transportation. You can buy dried seafood gifts at Ham Ninh Fishing Village in Phu Quoc, especially popular are dried squid and dried shrimp, often at more reasonable prices than those in central markets and supermarkets.
Note that if you're traveling by air, there are strict regulations on luggage, especially for fresh-smelling and perishable foods. Therefore, carefully check the airline's guidelines for proper transportation. If you're unsure about regulations on carrying fish sauce and seafood on a plane, you can check immediately
Fresh Seafood from Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc Sim Wine
What to buy when visiting Phu Quoc? Another popular Phu Quoc specialty that many tourists choose to bring back is sim wine leaves. This type of wine carries a distinctive sweet aroma, crafted from the sim fruit - a renowned fruit abundant in the mountains and along the streams of Phu Quoc. Sim fruit, when turned into wine, has various special uses such as aiding digestion and supporting the treatment of certain conditions like kidney stones, gallstones, joint issues, and more.
Phu Quoc Sim Wine comes in two types: red sim and small sim. Both types share similar uses and flavors, differing mainly in the color of the wine. The price of Phu Quoc Sim Wine is approximately 240,000 VND per liter. You can purchase this traditional sim wine in Phu Quoc at places like: Apple Garden Restaurant (Cua Lap Hamlet, Duong To Commune) or the sim wine store Bay Gao in Duong Dong Town.
Wild Sim Wine from Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc Pearls
This is a meaningful Phu Quoc souvenir for grandmothers, mothers, sisters, and loved ones. However, Phu Quoc pearls are highly valuable, so careful selection and seeking advice from someone knowledgeable about pearls are crucial to avoid purchasing fake ones.
Phu Quoc pearls come in various types, with the cheapest being ivory white, followed by pink, and the most expensive being black. Ivory white pearls range from 40-50 USD per piece, while black pearls can be priced above 1000 USD per piece. Currently, there are many pearl farms in Phu Quoc, such as Ngoc Hien Pearls, Long Beach Pearl, Quoc An Pearls, etc. You can choose to buy original pearls from these farms, ensuring quality and more affordable prices compared to pearl centers in supermarkets.
Phu Quoc Pearls
Popular Shopping Spots in Phu Quoc
So, when traveling to Phu Quoc, where should you shop? In addition to some supermarkets or the mentioned specialty Phu Quoc shopping places, don't forget to visit the local markets. Not only can you buy various items at reasonable prices, but it's also a way for tourists to get a deeper understanding of the local life. Here are some renowned Phu Quoc markets you shouldn't miss:
Duong Dong Market
This is one of the shopping destinations in Phu Quoc that tourists often choose first. Duong Dong Market gathers the most diverse and high-quality products on the island, serving as a trading hub for many local fishermen and tourists. Inside the market, you can find everyday items, souvenirs, and a variety of dried seafood. Outside the market is a section selling fresh seafood such as shrimp, crab, fish, mantis shrimp, conch, squid, etc., and Phu Quoc specialties like fish sauce, pepper, sim wine, etc. The market is located in the town center (21 Tran Phu - Duong Dong Town - Phu Quoc District), open from early morning to evening.
Duong Dong Market Phu Quoc
Ham Ninh Market
Named after its proximity to the ancient fishing village of Ham Ninh, this market is the heart of the local fishing community, providing essential goods. Ham Ninh Market specializes in offering fresh seafood, Phu Quoc specialties, and everyday necessities for the residents. Particularly renowned for its fresh and dried mantis shrimp, Ham Ninh Market offers more budget-friendly prices compared to other places. If you plan to buy or gift mantis shrimp, make sure to visit this vibrant market.
Ham Ninh Fishing Village
Phu Quoc Night Market
This is one of the most famous markets in Phu Quoc, also known as Bach Dang Night Market. Visiting Phu Quoc Night Market not only provides an opportunity to indulge in delicious seafood at incredibly affordable prices but also immerses you in the vibrant cultural atmosphere shared by friends and travelers from all directions. Situated on Bach Dang Street, in Ward 1 of Phu Quoc District, this market comes to life as night falls. The lights from numerous stalls illuminate the area, creating a lively, dynamic, and busy atmosphere.
