Phu Quoc Resort

Wooden bathroom?

2007-09-22T19:53:00.000-07:00

So you want a wooden bathroom? Well stop wanting!! Like most things on this project we have had to research, trial and error then error again and then trial again, then back to research oh and then try something completely different. But hopefully we have now got it sorted, the bottom line is you can not have a wooden bathroom; the water will soon destroy it. Line and water proof everything which sounds easy but when you’re on a small island finding the right material proves challenging…..and we couldn’t! We ended up importing fiber board from the mainland; we used a liner under the board and used a water proof glue to seal all the joins. Once the bathroom was sealed, we added a slim cover of cement to the walls and a slightly thinker layer to the floor. To get the desired finish the room will be tiled. The trouble with the tiles is if there is any movement at all behind them from the wooded walls the grout will crack, hence the slim layer of concrete. This solution was also hampered with the fact that the concrete is very heavy so before we could even begin we had to add another beam to the flooring of the bathrooms. I will post some pictures once the whole thing is completed, and when it all leaks ill let you know what we try next! Not Cap n Jack!!

Windows are in!

2007-09-10T23:12:00.000-07:00

So at last we have some doors and windows in place, even if they don’t have the glass in them all at the moment. Hopefully we are on the downhill stretch now. The bathrooms still have to go in and then all the tiling has to be done.. and of course still a lot of decorating to be finished. But its great to be moving forward again.

We even have a new bar open on the beach, Hans has happily opened the bamboo bar on long beach where you can enjoy a few cold ones listening to Hans and friends jam songs late into the night… all are welcome to join in the fun and I am sure we will spend many a drunken night here in the future. If anybody knows any post 60s songs please please come down!!!! Cap N Jack

Summer in Phu Quoc

2007-09-06T22:54:00.001-07:00

Summer in Phu Quoc Island is fast approaching, and with the rainy season almost behind us we continue to forge our way into the future. We now have fantastic weather conditions in Phu Quoc Island; which is welcome with open arms since construction had to slow down because of the wet season. None the less, our dedicated team kept a steady pace and today, from the mainland we received the doors and windows for the great house. Slowly, Gecko Jacks Resort is claiming its place in Phu Quoc Island. Hopefully, the weather will continue to cooperate and in no time, I will be knocking back a few cold ones on the veranda of the Gecko Jacks, waiting for you all to join me! Cap’n Jack

Phu Quoc Ridgeback Dogs

2007-09-05T06:57:00.000-07:00

This breed is unique to Phu Quoc Island though some speculate that its origins trace back to the famous Thai and Rhodesian Ridgeback Dogs. The Phu Quoc Ridgeback Dogs are easily distinguishable as they all show a 2 centimeter wide line of hair running through its back which is very unique; Phu Quoc Ridgeback Dogs are famous for being highly intelligent, protective and loyal to their masters. You can spot them in the ocean taking a swim or strolling down the beach in packs. These magnificent animals are fast runners and enjoy hunting. Also of interest is that pregnant female Phu Quoc Ridgeback dogs who live in the wild, retire to the depths of the jungle to dig a burrow in which to give birth; and they stay there for an entire month before joining the pack again.

New life on Phu Quoc

2007-09-03T22:30:00.000-07:00

Lady Slipper of Phu Quoc Island (Paphiopedilum Vietnamense) Discovered in the mountainous region of Phu Quoc National Park in Phu Quoc Island, this rare perennial orchid is known to produce its flowers between the months of April and June. It is classified in the endangered species Red List of the IUCN which prohibits the trade of the species; though this did to prevent poachers from smuggling illegal shipments into the United States from Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam. In 1999, a large shipment was confiscated by the US Customs department, at which time; the United States Botanical Garden took responsibility for the care of these plants and under strict guidance of CITES it is now reproducing the species in a laboratory for commercial use in the hopes that legal access to cloned Lady Slippers of Phu Quoc at a reasonable price, will hinder the illegal trade of these magnificent specimens by drastically reducing the commercial value of the endangered plant.
Please visit http://www.wildlifeatrisk.org to find out more.

Mekong Waterways

2007-09-02T03:55:00.000-07:00

In their quest to promote tourism to the Mekong Delta, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism has unveiled their latest project “Mekong Waterways” which includes Phu Quoc Island in their schedule of events. The program; begins in February 2008, and will host a series of fantastic ethnic festivities, throughout the Mekong Delta provinces culminating in the month of December 2008 in Phu Quoc Island with tourism and cultural festivities planned as well.

Getting around Phu Quoc

2007-08-27T05:30:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-25T23:31:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-22T03:50:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-21T04:03:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-19T05:23:00.001-07:00

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!