Eating Pho at the beach

Much of the 16th was written off, I felt ill when getting up early to fly to Phu Qouc, a island off the south-west coast of Vietnam and close to Cambodia. It's governed by the Vietnamese but the Cambodians also claim it. My rough guides travel book says you should get to Phu Quoc before it looses its charm. After arriving I spent most of the day in bed. I did find some time to have some fresh coconut water just after the sun went down though!

We are staying in a bungalow about 100 meters away from the sea. It's probably the most basic place we have stayed in so far, a bungalow with a shower, bed and a mosquito net. Still has a/c, a tv and internet access though so it's hardly like we are slumming it!

We woke up and had breakfast next to the sea, having a bowl of noodles isn't something I would normally associate with being at a beach! I've also gone coconut crazy. Today I had three of them!

Parts of the sand here are so soft you just slide as you walk through it. The water is warm (comes from the gulf of Thailand) and when you are in the water you do feel little stings all over. We later discovered these are tiny plankton that are in the water that you cannot see. Much better than the jellyfish attack I first thought I was under!

People here are very friendly. There are a few local massage places and one of the ladies has a pet monkey that she keeps on a lead and walks up and down the beach. The local fruit hawkers are quick to smile and walk away if you say no, but can carve up some dragon fruit in seconds if you say yes.

Coconuts consumed in Phu Quoc: 4
Temple count: 58
Noodle count: 12
Hours travelled: 60