Getting around Phu Quoc

Vietnam Air is one of several airlines who offer flights From Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) and Ha Noi to Phu Quoc Airport located in Du’o’ng Dong town center, and Rach Gia, the capital of Kien Gian adjacent to Phu Quoc Island on the Mekong Delta mainland. Plans are on the way to expand the airport in the island and offer international flights as well, which will reduce travel time to the island by several hours. From Rach Gia, to Phu Quoc Island high speed ferry boats are available for a nominal fee.

GETTING AROUND IN PHU QUOC ISLAND:
Motorbike taxis abound in the island especially at the airport where the natives are waiting to whisk you away to your hotel. You can also rent your own motorbike, motorcycle, or bicycle but be prepared to be covered in red dust, as most roads are not currently paved. Cars are also available for rent but the best sightseeing in Phu Quoc Island is not accessible by car and motorbikes work best.

Religions

RELIGIONS: The Vietnamese population follows a mixture of Confucianism, Buddhism, Theravada Buddhism, Hao Hao Buddhism, Daoism and Protestantism. A smaller percentage of the population is Catholic; Roman Christianity was introduced in the late16th century by French, Spanish and Portuguese missionaries. There is also a sectarian faith unique to Vietnam called Cao Dai (High Palace) which embraces all philosophies and sanctifies famous men of science. There are an even smaller percentage of Muslim worshipers who practice the tenets of Islam; these are known at the Cham people. Other minor religions are Hinduism, Baha’l and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (aka LDS). In addition, Vietnamese people believe in superstitions and spirits and the practice of Astrology.

Vietnam Culture

CULTURES:Vietnamese heritage dates back to their earliest kingdom, the Van Lang, but it was during the bronze age when the community flourished with the cultivation of wet rice. A technique so embedded in their culture that thousands of years later it is still practiced today. Nowhere is it more evident then at the Mekong Delta, a place not to be missed. This region was occupied by the Cambodian Khmer people until the late 18th century when it was reclaimed by Vietnam and became the largest producer of rice in the nation. During the Hung dynasty the Vietnamese people began to raise cattle and perfected their skills in weaving, building and pottery. In modern Vietnam, skillful artisans create sophisticated lacquer paintings, crafts, woodcarvings and pottery. Theater, opera, dance and water puppetry are a staple of the Vietnamese culture and widely practiced across Vietnam.

About Vietnam

Over the next few days ill give you a little insight into Phu Quoc and vietnam... a special thank you to Nelly Oberti for her research and copy.

HISTORY: Vietnamese history expands centuries of forced occupation by foreigners. Throughout its history, Vietnamese people have endured China’s heavy hand, invasion by the Japanese, colonialism by France; wars with the Cham (descendants of the Champa Kingdom) and Khmer Rouge (Cambodians indigenous to the Mekong Delta) civil war, war with the United States and the fall to a communistic regime that is present to this day. Yet, Vietnam’s cultural traditions have transcended the ages and are vividly embedded in present day Vietnam. Inevitably, history happens as we live it; and society, western technology, access to the internet and a recent influx of foreign investments are rapidly changing the landscape.

Welcome to Gecko Jacks

Welcome to Gecko Jacks a Phu Quoc resort with a difference, set on the most beautiful beach on the island this sun drenched paradise will leave you feeling total refreshed but not ready for work as you will keep on wanting to extend your stay… everybody does! Have a look through the site there is information about Vietnam, a page on the island, pictures from the beach, and how the building of Gecko Jacks is going at the moment. There is also a merchandise page where you can purchase t-shirts and caps as well as a guestbook. So don’t be shy and come and say hello. All the best from the quintessential Phu Quoc resort the hidden treasure better known as Gecko Jacks!