If you are embarking on your Vietnam travel to Phu Quoc and wondering what to buy in Phu Quoc, you may find yourself captivated by the vibrant local markets with a variety of fresh seafood and traditional handicrafts. Here are the top unique souvenirs to bring back home when you are in Phu Quoc.
1. What to buy in Phu Quoc? Phu Quoc peppercorn
First, what is Phu Quoc famous for? One of its signature specialties is pepper. Renowned for its robust aroma, bold flavor, and distinctive taste, Phu Quoc pepper boasts a unique profile cherished by locals and sought after by visitors. Phu Quoc pepper farms are often included in Phu Quoc tour packages.
In Phu Quoc, there are several places where you can purchase pepper. At Phu Quoc night market, you will find an array of pepper varieties, including red, black, and white, priced between 170,000 and 270,000 VND per kilogram. Additionally, you can find Phu Quoc peppercorns at other locations such as Dinh Cau market, Ngoc Ha pepper garden, Khu Tuong pepper garden, etc.
2. Phu Quoc fish sauce
Phu Quoc fish sauce is a heritage of the island's inhabitants and a prime specialty of the island city. Made from fresh and flavorful anchovies, the fish sauce is crafted meticulously, adhering to traditional methods and recipes passed down through generations.
You can explore various reputable fish sauce brands such as Khai Hoan, Phung Hung, Thinh Phat, and more, with prices ranging from 150,000 to 540,000 VND depending on the type of packaging, whether it's a single bottle, a pack of two bottles, or a set of six.
3. Phu Quoc sim wine
Another renowned delicacy you should not miss when exploring Phu Quoc is Sim wine. Crafted from wild sim fruits and white sanding sugar, Phu Quoc sim wine undergoes entirely natural fermentation, ensuring its purity and quality. Embraced for its delightful aroma and smooth taste, Sim wine is a cherished Phu Quoc specialty, often chosen as a thoughtful souvenir to bring back home.
You can find Sim wine at various locations across the island, such as Bay Gao Sim Wine and Vuon Tao Restaurant, with prices ranging from 140,000 to 250,000 VND depending on quantity and type.
4. Melaleuca mushroom
Upon arriving in Phu Quoc, visitors should seize the opportunity to enjoy Melaleuca mushroom, or tram mushroom, an exclusive island delicacy. Melaleuca mushrooms feature prominently in local cuisine, presenting a variety of wholesome Phu Quoc food.
Keep in mind that these mushrooms are seasonal, with the best chances of encountering them being during the months of April or July. Typically priced between 100,000 and 150,000 VND per kilogram, these mushrooms can be found at various local markets across the island, including Dinh Cau Market, Duong Dong Market, and others.
>>> Read more: Phu Quoc shopping malls and stores: 7+ places that visitors should know
5. Phu Quoc seafood
If you do not know what to eat in Phu Quoc, travelers can also relish the local delicacies of Phu Quoc food, such as Ham Ninh crabs, sardin salad, and sea urchins. Ham Ninh crabs are typically priced between 180,000 and 250,000 VND per kilogram, while sea urchins may range from 20,000 to 30,000 VND per kilogram.
Moreover, you can bring home a variety of dried seafood as Vietnamese food souvenirs, including dried shrimp, dried fish, dried squid, etc. Prices vary between 150,000 and 300,000 VND per kilogram. These delectable treats can be found at An Thoi Market, Ham Ninh Port, and Duong Dong market.
6. Phu Quoc cakes
Wandering around the Phu Quoc Night Market, travelers will easily spot popular snacks and Vietnam cakes:
- Palm sugar honeycomb cake (banh bo thot not): It boasts a sweet, mild, and chewy flavor, accompanied by its characteristic brown color and round shape. It is usually served with coconut milk. The prices of Vietnamese honeycomb cakes range from 5,000 VND/cake.
- Tet cake wrapped with lady palm leaves (banh tet mat cat): Prepared similarly to banh chung, this dish distinguishes itself with the addition of pandan leaf extract, imparting a delightful fragrance. Portions of these cakes are priced between 30,000 and 60,000 VND. You can find these cakes at Dinh Cau Market and Duong Dong Market.
- Kheo cake: Another beloved local delicacy in Phu Quoc. These small, colorful cakes are filled with green beans, taro, or coconut. You can buy kheo cakes at Dinh Cau Night Market, Mrs. Dung's banh xeo stall, and Mrs. Thu Hien's banh kheo stall.
7. What souvenirs to purchase in Phu Quoc? Phu Quoc pearls
If you are still wondering what to buy in Phu Quoc, consider exploring the exquisite range of pearl jewelry available that can be found in Phu Quoc shopping malls. There are two primary varieties of cultured pearls: freshwater pearls, cultivated mainly in rivers and lakes, produced in large quantities; and saltwater pearls, grown in coastal bays, valued for their scarcity and superior quality.
A visit to the pearl farms allows tourists to be introduced to the pearl cultivation process and purchase quality ones. Some notable pearl farms in Phu Quoc include Ngoc Hien Pearl Farm, Quoc An Pearl Farm, and Long Beach Pearl Farm.
>>> More about: Vietnamese souvenirs: 18 unique local products to bring home from Vietnam
When it comes to what to buy in Phu Quoc, the options are diverse. From savory seafood delicacies and traditional cakes to wine and the popular fish sauce, Phu Quoc offers a treasure trove of souvenirs and gifts for you to choose from. If you are a food enthusiast and a nature lover, Phu Quoc has so many special things to offer every visitor.
If you are planning to visit Phu Quoc, consider staying at Vinpearl Phu Quoc hotels and resorts. With luxurious standards, these accommodations offer not only upscale resort experiences but also outstanding facilities and services. Not only does Vinpearl Phu Quoc offer high-quality resort service, but it also resides near some of the most popular tourist attractions.
You can discover the ultimate thrill at VinWonders Phu Quoc, where the time spent with friends and families stays as cherished moments. You may also have a chance to get close to nature by visiting Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc, where you can observe a variety of wildlife on the safari as well.
>>> Book rooms in Vinpearl Phu Quoc and tickets of VinWonders Phu Quoc for an excellent traveling experience!
