Going to Phu Quoc, what gifts should I buy? Guide from A-Z for shopping experience in Phu Quoc

When going to Phu Quoc, what gifts should you buy?

Phu Quoc is famous for its many unique specialties that attract tourists. You can also buy them as gifts for your friends and family. Let's explore the most beloved and popular specialties that tourists often choose when traveling to Phu Quoc.

Phu Quoc fish sauce

Phu Quoc fish sauce has long been highly regarded for its exquisite and fragrant taste. Made from fresh and delicious fish caught by local fishermen in the sea (mostly anchovies), Phu Quoc fish sauce is fermented according to traditional standards, creating a distinct flavor. You can recognize authentic Phu Quoc fish sauce by its color and aroma: it has a dark amber color, a unique delicate aroma, and a salty taste with a hint of sweetness and richness from the anchovies.

Phu Quoc Fish Sauce Barrel Houses

The price of Phu Quoc fish sauce ranges from 140,000 VND to 160,000 VND per liter for the 40°N type. You can buy Phu Quoc fish sauce as gifts at large markets and supermarkets in Phu Quoc such as Duong Dong Market, Phu Quoc Night Market, Dinh Cau Market, etc. However, according to Phu Quoc travel experience, it's recommended to purchase this specialty from famous fish sauce producers to ensure the best quality. Some brands you should consider are:

• Thinh Phat Phu Quoc Fish Sauce: Street 30, Ward 1, Duong Dong Town, Duong Dong District, Phu Quoc.

• Khai Hoan Phu Quoc Fish Sauce: 11 Hung Vuong Bridge, Duong Dong Town, Phu Quoc.

• Phung Hung Phu Quoc Fish Sauce: Nguyen Van Cu Street, Ward 4, Phu Quoc.

Phu Quoc Pepper

Pepper is also a gift that many tourists choose as a specialty of Phu Quoc to give to their loved ones and friends. Phu Quoc pepper comes in 3 types: white pepper, black pepper, and red pepper, with red pepper being the most precious. The peppercorns are round, firm, and possess a distinct aroma and intense flavor compared to peppers grown elsewhere, thanks to the unique geographical location and climate of the island.

You can buy pure pepper grains or pepper that has been processed by locals when visiting pepper gardens or at specialty Phu Quoc stalls in major markets and supermarkets here. The price of pepper in Phu Quoc currently ranges from 200,000 VND to 250,000 VND per kilogram. Note that the harvesting season for pepper is from May to June, so to buy delicious pepper, you may choose to visit during this time.

Phu Quoc Pepper Plantations

Fresh/Dried Seafood from Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc Island is surrounded by the sea, so it's no surprise that you'll find many places here, especially markets and supermarkets, overflowing with trays of fresh seafood and processed dried seafood. To buy Phu Quoc seafood as gifts, you can consider various types ranging from affordable options like tuna, squid, and snails to expensive and rare ones like geoduck, abalone, and sea cucumber. If you're purchasing seafood as gifts, most tourists tend to choose dried seafood because they are easier to preserve and transport compared to fresh seafood. You can buy dried seafood gifts at Ham Ninh fishing village in Phu Quoc, especially dried squid and dried shrimp, which are much cheaper here than at markets and supermarkets in the central area.

Note that if you're traveling by plane, there are strict regulations regarding luggage for fresh and fragrant foods. Therefore, make sure to thoroughly understand the information provided by the airline to ensure proper transportation. If you're unsure about the regulations for carrying fish sauce or seafood when flying, you can check immediately.

Sim Wine from Phu Quoc

What gifts should you buy when visiting Phu Quoc? Another specialty of Phu Quoc that many tourists choose to purchase is Sim wine, made from the famous Sim fruit, which grows abundantly on the mountainsides and along the streams of Phu Quoc. This type of wine has a sweet, distinctive aroma and is known for its unique flavor. The Sim fruit, when brewed into wine, has some special uses such as aiding digestion and supporting the treatment of certain conditions like kidney stones, gallstones, and joint problems.

There are two types of Sim wine from Phu Quoc: red Sim wine and white Sim wine. Both types have similar uses and flavors, differing mainly in the color of the wine. The price of Sim wine from Phu Quoc is around 240,000 VND per liter. You can purchase this traditional Sim wine in Phu Quoc at various locations such as the Apple Garden Restaurant (Cua Lap Hamlet, Duong To Commune) or the Seven Peaks Sim Wine Shop in Duong Dong Town.

Wild Sim Wine from Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc Pearl

This is a meaningful souvenir from Phu Quoc, perfect for mothers, sisters, and loved ones. However, Phu Quoc pearls are highly valuable items and can be quite expensive. Therefore, it's essential to choose carefully and seek advice from experts to avoid purchasing fake pearls.

Phu Quoc pearls come in various types. The most affordable are the ivory-white pearls, followed by pink pearls, and the most expensive are black pearls. The price of ivory-white pearls ranges from 40 to 50 USD per pearl, while black pearls can cost upwards of 1000 USD per pearl. Currently, there are many pearl farms in Phu Quoc, such as Ngoc Hien Pearl, Long Beach Pearl, and Quoc An Pearl. You can choose to purchase pearls directly from these farms, where quality is guaranteed, and prices are often lower compared to pearl shops in supermarkets.