If you've ever been to Turkish resorts, you've probably heard other vacationers say something like: "Oh, we come here like it's our own dacha." For many tourists from Russia, Antalya and neighboring cities have become such a familiar holiday destination that flying and crossing the border are perceived as minor formalities. But recently, a competitor has emerged on the Mediterranean coast – the Vietnamese Phu Quoc. We decided to find out why the "pearl island" is confidently pushing aside traditional Turkish resorts and what it can offer even the most seasoned traveler.

If you've already started planning your next vacation, it's time to buy tickets to Ho Chi on Kupi.com Minh City to pave your way to a tropical paradise.

Seasonality

In Antalya, winter is a time for warm jackets, indoor pools, and melancholic strolls along a stormy sea. In Phu Quoc, it's quite the opposite. When cold weather arrives in Russia, the "high season" begins here. The sea becomes calm as a mirror, and the air temperature settles at an ideal +28-30°C. This makes the island the main alternative for those who don't want to wait until May to finally shed their down jacket and get into the water.

Entry

For Russian citizens, Phu Quoc is a special territory. If you arrive on the island as part of a tour on a direct international flight, you can stay here without a visa for up to 30 days. This eliminates unnecessary bureaucracy and fees. Even if your journey takes you through Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, the standard 45-day visa-free stamp allows you to forget about documents and simply enjoy your vacation. Turkey is also lenient, but Phu Quoc offers that very feeling of absolute freedom on the other side of the world.

Infrastructure

In recent years, the north of the island has transformed into a futuristic entertainment city. The grandiose Grand World Phu Quoc complex operates 24/7: it features Venetian-style canals, laser shows, and endless rows of designer cafes.

• VinWonders: a huge theme park that can rival the best parks in the world in terms of scale and number of attractions.

• Vinpearl Safari: this is not just a zoo, but a full-fledged sanctuary. You ride in a protected bus through enclosures with tigers, lions, and giraffes, observing them in their natural habitat.

For those accustomed to the Turkish scale, Phu Quoc has prepared a worthy response, where a new location for the perfect social media shot awaits around every corner.

Beaches

In Antalya, during peak season, finding a free sun lounger by the water's edge becomes a difficult quest. In Phu Quoc, especially in its southern part (for example, on the famous Bai Sao beach), the sand resembles white flour, and the water has that "Maldivian" turquoise hue. Here, it's still easy to find secluded coves where your only neighbors will be palm trees leaning towards the water, not hundreds of other vacationers.

Food

Turkey has accustomed us to an abundant buffet, but Phu Quoc offers an honest gastronomic thrill.

1. Night Market: the heart of the island's evening life. Here, for reasonable money, you can get everything grilled – from giant shrimp and scallops to exotic sea urchins.

2. Prices: having lunch at a local cafe with fresh Pho Bo soup or seafood is often more affordable than dining at an average restaurant in Antalya.

3. Coffee: Vietnam is the world's second-largest coffee producer. Trying legendary Vietnamese coffee or a refreshing drink with coconut milk by the ocean is a must-do.

Cable Car

Phu Quoc holds a world record: it boasts the longest overwater cable car in the world, connecting the main island with Hon Thom island. The ride lasts about 15 minutes, and the views from the cabin of colorful fishing boats and emerald bays are simply breathtaking. The mountains in Antalya are beautiful, but such a feeling of flying over the open ocean simply cannot be found there.

Souvenirs

While we bring textiles and sweets from Turkey, Phu Quoc offers unique specialties. The island is famous for its pearl farms, where you can witness the creation process of jewelry and purchase genuine sea pearls. Additionally, the best black pepper in Asia is grown here – aromatic and pungent, it makes an excellent gift for culinary enthusiasts.

Antalya remains our beloved "dacha" with predictable service, but Phu Quoc offers the opportunity to experience the same level of comfort, adding genuine Asian exoticism and guaranteed warm sea all year round. If you're looking for a reason to change your usual route and discover something truly new, then the pearl island is what you need.