A 3-day itinerary in Phu Quy Island, Vietnam

Phu Quy, 120 kilometers (74 miles) from Phan Thiet resort town in the south-central province of Binh Thuan, is not big or crowded like its better-known counterparts Phu Quoc and Nam Du. If you have this thing for lovely islands but are worried about accommodation, food and transport, here’s an itinerary from seasoned travelers for a three-day trip to Phu Quy for a castaway-esque experience.

Day 1: Trieu Duong Bay – Bai Nho – Ganh Hang

Trieu Duong Bay, just a kilometer from Phu Quy Harbor, is touted as one of the most beautiful beaches on the island and indeed one of the few beach gems in Vietnam not yet overrun by tourists. Be prepared to be mesmerized by the beauty of its crystal blue water and soft white sands surrounded by lines of evergreen poplar trees glittering in the warm sunshine.

For beach enthusiasts, there’s nothing better than wearing shades and lying on the sands and listening to the sweet melody of the waves until the sun goes down. A few miles from the beautiful bay is Bai Nho (Small Beach) – Ganh Hang, a crescent-shaped beach with rocks protruding into the sea. Some tipped that there are little fishing boats anchoring along the beach, which means that you can feel free to go deeper into the crystal blue waters before diving to see the amazing coral reefs.

Since it is still off the beaten path, tourist services are somewhat scanty. Don’t expect a fancy world of restaurants and bars, but instead try a BBQ buffet on a deserted beach.

Day 2: Van An Thanh – Linh Son Pagoda – Cam Mountain

The island is home to around 28,000 people, most of whom are traditional fisherfolk. It is little surprise therefore that whales are venerated here and considered sacred guardians with magical powers who protect fishermen from dangers at sea.

To dig deeper into long-held local traditions, you should spend your second day visiting Van An Thanh Temple, where the skeletons of over 100 whales, dolphins and turtles are worshipped by locals. The temple, built in 1741, is a repository of legends about whales saving fishermen from rough seas and enabling them to return home safely.

Besides, Linh Son Pagoda, which sits at the top of Cao Cat Mountain at 106 meters above sea level, also carries a divine and mysterious aura that has stood the test of time for more than a century. You have to climb 100 steps to reach the pagoda, but it rewards you with tranquil and holy atmosphere, highlighted by a statue of Guan Yin, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, standing solemnly and facing the sea.

A tougher climb, one that challenges even young visitors but leaves them with an unforgettable experience, is up the country’s highest lighthouse at 108 meters above sea level on top of Cam Mountain. The only way up is over 120 winding stone steps up. From the top of Cam Mountain, you can get a breathtaking view of the amazing scenery below. Make sure you take a camera along.

Climbing down of the mountain after dusk is slightly dangerous, so you are encouraged to stay overnight and wake up at the crack of dawn to see the first rays of sunshine.

Day 3: Windmill farms

The isolated island has three giant windmills that provide electricity to its residents. One experience not to be missed is standing on the top of Cam Mountain and watching the giant blades, a unique symbol of the island. The route to the windmills is also stunning, with the blue ocean on one side and a row of trees along the road.

Food list

If you’re a fan of food fresh from the sea, leave your stomach empty and try some of the signature seafood dishes of the island such as king crab and star crab. You might need to make advance reservation with your hotel owners.

Take your time and savor the treats of the beachside place like rice spaghetti cooked with fresh shrimp, crab or meat, crispy pancakes that go with fish sauce and fresh herbs, and Vietnamese fermented fish rice noodle soup.

See more: Reasons to visit Phu Quy island

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Travel to Gyeonggi-do: what to do in 2 days

Gyeonggi-do is home to the most thrilling theme parks in South Korea. Visit Everland, the largest theme park in the country or make a huge splash at the neighboring Caribbean Bay! Scream your heart on the T-Express, South Korea's first ever wooden roller coaster or enjoy more intimate experiences and meet adorable animals on the Safari ride. Below are some of popular destinations to explore.

Bukhansan National Park

Granite-peak-studded Bukhansan National Park's sweeping mountaintop vistas, maple leaves, rushing streams and remote temples draw over 5 million hikers and rock climbers annually. Even though the park covers nearly 80 sq km, it is so close to Seoul (45 minutes by subway) that it does get crowded, especially on weekends.

The park is divided into the Bukhan-san area in the south and Dobong-san area in the north, each featuring multiple scenic, but strenuous, hikes to mountain peaks. Bring plenty of water.

Seoul Land

Seoul Land is an amusement park opened in 1987, in Gwacheon, a city in Gyeonggi-do province, South Korea. It is located in the Seoul Grand Park complex. It opened just before the 1988 Summer Olympics. It has about 40 rides, including roller coasters, and movie theaters. Seasonal festivals are held in the park. It is smaller than Everland, but closer to Seoul, about one hour away from downtown. Approximately 3 - 3.5 million people visit the park in a year. Roughly a third of its 300,000 m2 is green space, the rest being packed with the attractions.

Icheon Ceramic Village

This leafy cul-de-sac off a busy main road is the centre of Icheon's porcelain and celadon trade, a thriving tradition that dates back to the Joseon dynasty. Containing some 40 ceramics shops, kilns and a couple of cafes, it gets going daily from mid-morning, and one or two places, including Hankook Dojakwon beside the arched gate to the village, offer the chance to shape and fire your own cup, vase or pot.

Everland

Everland is the largest theme park in the country. It is divided into five zones with attractions to explore and roller-coasters to try out.

You enter and leave the park through Global Fair zone, which is an area with restaurants and shops. ZooTopia features a small zoo with a safari bus, a petting zoo, and animal shows. European Adventure is an area with European restaurants and architecture, and a roller coaster made out of wood. Magic Land boasts various rides and a Ferris Wheel, and the whole zone's style is based on Aesop’s fairy tales. The fifth zone is called American Adventure and focuses on American history.

Valley Rock Music and Arts Festival

One of the biggest dates on Korea's music calendar is this festival held over a three-day weekend in July. Valley Rock regularly attracts upwards of 50,000 concert-goers to see huge international rock, pop and electronic music acts.

Royal Tomb of King Sejong

Sejong the Great was the fourth king of the Joseon dynasty of Korea. He was the third son of King Taejong and Queen consort Min. He was designated as heir-apparent, Crown Prince, after his older brother Prince Yangnyeong was stripped of his title. He ascended to the throne in 1418. During the first four years of his reign, Taejong governed as regent, after which his father-in-law, Sim On, and his close associates were executed.

See more: Top 8 things to do in Busan, South Korea

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Explore amazing Abu Dhabi in two days

The list of things to do in Abu Dhabi is virtually endless, so it is only normal to get spoilt for choice when choosing the best ones to try. Replete with dozens of sky-piercing towers, architectural masterpieces, historical landmarks, and entertainment hubs, Abu Dhabi makes for a treasure trove of wide-ranging experiences.

Admire Louvre Abu Dhabi

The Middle East's most spectacular museum, Louvre Abu Dhabi traces the entire history of humanity's artistic achievements, from the Neolithic right up to the current day. The wealth and diversity of art on display, from ancient Egyptian statuary to famous paintings by Picasso, is mind-boggling, while the museum's contemporary architecture, with its galleries gathered under a vast silver dome, are the reasons to visit in itself.

As well as the permanent collection, which runs over 12 galleries, several major temporary exhibitions are staged each year. The Louvre is the first of three planned major museums to open on Saadiyat Island, which is set to become the cultural heartbeat of Abu Dhabi in the coming years. The other two, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum, are still in the planning phases.

Visit Ferrari World

Located on Yas Island occupying an area of 86, 000 square meters, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is counted among the most celebrated amusement parks in Abu Dhabi. Every ride and attraction at this park is inspired by the Ferrari brand, making it an interesting place for supercar lovers. A day at this park is sure to be a treat for your whole family since the park has something for every kind of visitor.

The attractions range from the world's fastest roller coaster ride, Formula Rissa to some easier activities like Tyre Twist and Motor Midway Games which are suitable for just anybody. To double your fun, the park even features shopping and dining experiences. So if you are thinking of taking a break from sightseeing excursions, visiting this fun-filled place is one of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi.

Visit the largest mosque in the UAE

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the UAE’s most beautiful mosque, and it is here that you can stroll barefoot on the world’s longest hand-knotted carpet, beneath one of the largest crystal chandeliers on the planet. This elaborate religious site can hold up to 40,000 worshippers and was inspired by Persian, Mughal and Moorish architecture, taking its name from the country’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The mosque was Sheikh Zayed’s idea and he rests within it. Apart from allowing visitors the opportunity to learn more about Islam (there are free tours hosted by local guides), the mosque boasts a unique lighting setup guided by the evolution of the moon during the lunar cycle.

Relax at Umm Al Emarat Park

Umm Al Emarat Park, a meticulously designed public park, blends nature with modern design. Rows of palm trees lead to water features that evoke a man-made oasis, all made to look like a contemporary fountain. The park is home to a number of sites, including an amphitheater, gardens, a playground, and an animal barn. The Wisdom Garden is particularly beautiful, with well-maintained indigenous plants and marble slabs with quotes from the late Sheikh Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Shopping at Yas Mall

One of the primary rules when coming to Abu Dhabi, Do not diss the malls. Malls here are not simply places to shop, they are social and cultural hubs too, especially in summer when it's too hot and humid to congregate outside. Of the many malls sprinkled around Abu Dhabi, Yas Mall is the largest and the most frequently referenced. The architecture feels more like a hotel than a shopping mall, thanks to the long reflecting pool and otherworldly entrance.

Visit Emirates Palace

Redefining royalty even in a place like Abu Dhabi, Emirates Palace is an ultra-luxury hotel spanning over an area of 85 hectares. With landscaped gardens on one side and the endless stretch of the sea on the other, the grand structure of Emirates Palace bearing a golden shade is a sight to behold.

Since some parts of the hotel are open for visitors, you can relish the tasteful interiors and captivating architecture even if you are not staying here. Or you can book a table at one of the 14 restaurants and bars located within the hotel premises.

See more: 9 must-see architecture works in Abu Dhabi

Source Internet