Phu Quoc

The closest port in Vietnam to Phu Quoc Island is Rach Gia. We arrived on the bus in good spirits, found our hotel, but nature let us know something was up by starting to rain. Not many backpackers about, but wouldn't you know it, no seats on the ferry! Rach Gia isn't the prettiest of places, and the hotel receptionist told us 'no hope', but I donned my coat and headed into the storm on a mission. Maps of Vietnamese towns are not always the best of quality, or indeed accuracy. I got quite wet looking for the right place, but it was worth it. I managed to get the last two tickets.

The next day dawned bright and early. The ferry ride was pleasant enough, apart from say the woman next to me who threw up the WHOLE time (2 hours). We managed to get a bus then motorbike transport. The road was appalling. Nothing but gooey mud churned by bikes and rain. Slow and steady pace was all that was possible. I heard a squeak and turned around to see Tash's bike on its side. Mud everywhere. A stream flowed over the path to the hotel. Tash's quite restrained response was 'this island had better be @#&%ing worth it'

Despite the colour of the water (coutesy of the monsoon), and the rubbish littering the beach, Phu Quoc Island was a great interlude. The 'Beach Club' (we highly recommend this little gem) was small and just brilliant. Food awesome and the beer cold. Made everything well worth it. We were sad to leave. There is much to explore, although we didn't get out that much. You must go, but wait for the dry season.........