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Looking for an out of the ordinary beach getaway that won’t take you days to get to? Here are two that’ll make your mates well jeal:
Phu Quoc in Vietnam
Although Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s largest island, it’s still relatively undiscovered as a tourist destination. But with at least 10 direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City and measuring just 43 kilometers end to end, this tear-shaped landmass is easy to get to and even easier to explore.
The island’s largely uncrowded white sand beaches remain its biggest draw. Bai Sao Beach in the south is arguably the prettiest of the lot, while the northwestern Bai Dai and Bai Ganh Dau are the ones to head for if you’re after something a little more remote.
Bai Truong, otherwise known as Long Beach, is the best set up for tourists, with 20 kilometres of sand, shops and restaurants skirting the island’s west coast. Make a beeline for the main town of Duong Dong if you want to be in the heart of the action.
The snorkeling and scuba diving are pretty decent here, as is the majestic temple at Duong Dong. Fresher-than-fresh seafood is also served up in every corner and cranny, and the daily morning and evening markets are always alive with colour, culture and cuisine.
HK’s Flight Centre is currently running a “Stay 3, Pay 2” discount travel package to Phu Quoc. Flights from Hong Kong to Phu Quoc via Ho Chi Minh city and three-nights’ accommodation at the 4 Star La Veranda Resort (with daily breakfast) are available from HKD4,099.
Ngapali in Myanmar
If you’re a collector of unusual beach destinations, Ngapali in Myanmar needs to be on your hit list. Despite being the premium beach spot in the whole of this fascinating, only recently opened up, country, all 15 miles of coast still only holds a handful of resorts, allowing the area to retain a distinct village-like vibe. There’s also always plenty of space on the sand.
In terms of activities, there’s little more to do here than lounge on the beach, swim, watch the quaint ox-drawn carts amble by in the day, and gorge on the fresh seafood at night. That’s why it’s best to tag this little beauty onto a trip that also encompasses Yangon, Myanmar’s historic and arresting capital city.
Book with Flight Centre and do just that, with direct flights to and from Yangon with Dragonair, one night’s accommodation at Hotel Yangon, followed by three nights’ in a Sea View Room at Yoma Cherry on Ngaplai Beach. From HKD8,399, the price also includes a tour of Yangon’s stunning Shwedagon Pagoda, daily breakfast and one lunch.
To book either trip and many more, call Flight Centre on (+852) 2830-2778, email enquiry@flightcentre.com.hk or visit the offices in Central, Wan Chai, Happy Valley or Discovery Bay. Visit the website for more information.
