14.07.25: We started our journey from Kempegowda International Airport, Terminal 2 by boarding Viet Jet Airways to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam at 11.35 pm and it was a 4 hrs 55 min flight. We reached Ho chi Minh City by 6.00 am on 15.07.25, finished the immigration process and reached the hotel room by 8.00 am.
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is famous for its vibrant culture, rich history, and bustling atmosphere. It's a major hub for commerce and finance in Vietnam, boasting a mix of historical sites, modern skyscrapers, and delicious street food. Key attractions include the Cu Chi Tunnels, War Remnants Museum, and the Notre Dame Cathedral. Ho Chi Minh City is often called the "city that never sleeps" due to its busy nightlife. Ho Chi Minh City has one of the highest densities of motorcycles in the world. As a major modern hub of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City offers a glimpse into both the future of the country and it’s past. Skyscrapers tower over French colonial buildings and ancient pagodas, while the streets buzz with the hustle of daily life. We took a one hour "Hop On - Hop Off" bus in Ho Chi Minh City which is the most convenient way to get around the city, either when you are on a tight travelling schedule and wish to make the most of your time. The bus stopped at multiple locations throughout the city, close to the popular tourist attractions.
Later, we went to the "Oasis Cafe". The central feature of the cafe is a pond filled with koi fish, creating a unique and engaging atmosphere. Patrons can dine at tables situated by the water's edge or even at submerged tables within the pond. The cafe is decorated with lush greenery and artistic sculptures, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. A true green escape, Oasis Cafe features an indoor garden complete with koi ponds, bamboo bridges, and plenty of plant life. From there, we checked out from the hotel room and headed towards the airport to catch the Viet Jet Airways to Phu Quoc which was a one hour flight. It is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc.
To get from Phu Quoc International Airport to Vin Holidays Fiesta resort, we utilized the VinBus service. The distance was approximately 25 kilometers and the journey took about 45 minutes. VinHolidays Fiesta was a 4-star hotel located within the Phu Quoc United Center, offering convenient access to attractions like VinWonders and Grand World Phu Quoc. It had spacious rooms, some with balconies or terraces, and a large outdoor pool. We enjoyed a buffet breakfast and other dining options. The hotel also provided a free shuttle to VinWonders and VinSafari.
16.07.25: The next day morning, we had our sumptuous breakfast and took a taxi to reach VinWonders. VinWonders Phu Quoc stands as Vietnam's largest theme park, featuring six captivating subdivisions with a plethora of enticing experiences.
European Avenue: Explore various bustling shops and splendid festivals to uncover European customs.
Typhoon World: Experience a top-rated water park with 36 thrilling games for both adults and children.
Mysterious Viking Village: Learn about the Viking culture with various adventurous games.
Fantasy World: Immerse yourself in a fairyland and enjoy the multimillion-dollar Once Show.
Adventure World: Satisfy your inner thrill-seeker with roller coasters and delve into Mayan palaces and Greek temples.
Sea Shell: Explore the beauty of the underwater ecosystem in this unique turtle-shaped aquarium.
Evening: After enjoying the spectacular "Once" show at VinWonders Phu Quoc (6:45 PM - 7:05 PM) we headed back to our hotel in Vinholidays.
17.07.25: The next day morning we visited the Teddy Bear Museum in Vietnam to embark on an adventure journey alongside the iconic Teddy Bear. It offered a delightful escape into the realm of childhood nostalgia, captivating us with its impressive collection of teddy bears.
Later, we enjoyed a serene Venice-inspired Gondola ride through its canals, providing a unique water taxi experience that recreates the charm of Venice with a Vietnamese twist. This gondola ride allows visitors to explore the area from a different perspective, offering unique views of the complex's European-style architecture blended with local design elements.
Then we visited Vinpearl Safari. One can choose to walk or take the electric tram. The tram includes a guide who provides commentary on each zone, making it a convenient option for families with seniors or children. Vinpearl Safari Park is Vietnam’s largest wildlife conservation park conserving abundant indigenous and exotic flora and fauna. We took Safari Bus Tour to explore the Safari Park where animals roamed freely. We also went for open Zoo visit where we saw various species in naturalistic settings. We participated in feeding giraffes and other animals and also captured memorable moments with wildlife.
In the afternoon, we left for the enchanting star fish beach located in the north of Phu Quoc Island taking a tour boat. It is known for its crystal clear waters, soft white sand and the abundance of red starfish found along the shore. The water is very shallow, allowing us to walk quite far from the shore while remaining in waist-deep water. This peaceful escape offers a break from the crowds, perfect for relaxing, swimming, and taking in the stunning scenery.
In the night (8.15 pm to 9.00 pm), we enjoyed the captivating shows like "The Quintessence of Vietnam" and "The Charm of Venice", along with hundreds of other daytime and nighttime performances in the Grand World. It is a multimedia performance that uses water stages, 3D projections, dancing, and music to portray Vietnam's history and culture. The show is set in a beautifully designed area resembling a traditional Vietnamese village, offering audiences a deep dive into ancient customs and legends through a blend of modern technology and traditional arts.
18.07.25: We left early in the morning to An Thoi and took the Hon Thom Cable Car which travels 7,899.9 metres through the sky, allowing us to fly over the sea, over Hon Dua and Hon Roi islands and landing on Hon Thom island, off the southern coast of Phu Quoc. We admired the wild and majestic nature from above, and fully explored the beauty and wonder of the paradise that is the Southern Pearl island. Hon Thom cable car is recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s longest 3-wire cable car with a travel duration of 15 minutes and a maximum speed of 8.5 m/s. It offered breathtaking aerial views of the An Thoi archipelago, islands, and coral reefs. The cable car serves as a gateway to the Sun World nature park.
We reached SunWorld in Hon Thom which is an amusement and nature park. We played various water games in the Aquatopia Water Park. We had diverse cuisine in the afternoon at the buffet –squid, meat, chicken, octopus, crocodile, duck to various tasty fruits and main dishes. By evening we reached back by taking cable car and visited the iconic, modern pedestrian bridge in Kien Giang-The Kiss Bridge (Cau Hon) designed by an Italian architect. The two separate walkways that never fully touch symbolizes a gap that represents intimacy and respect in a relationship. At night, we watched the “Kiss of the Sea” show which is a 25-30 minutes multimedia performance that tells a cosmic story through a blend of cutting-edge technology, fireworks, water displays and acrobatics. The highlight of this location is the reflection of dazzling fireworks on the water, creating a breathtaking shimmering effect.
The whole trip was indeed a memorable one with a blend of emotions, adventures, entertainment and fun. It has set a whole new experience to add in the chapters of my life.
Associate Professor
Sapthagiri Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre