The Ngo's Family Reunion - Phu Quoc Island - March 2026

Today is travel day, and big adventures are ahead! We're catching the ferry from Ha Tien Port over to Phu Quoc Island. It takes about 1.5 hours by high-speed hydrofoil.

Joining the crowd at port terminal before boarding.

On board.

Arriving in Phu Quoc.

Phu Quoc is a Vietnamese island off the coast of Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand. It is the largest island in Vietnam and known for white-sand beaches and resorts, most of which are along the palm-lined southwest coast. More than half of the island is part of Phu Quoc National Park which features mountains, dense tropical jungle, hiking trails and wildlife.

A Superdong ferry in Phu Quoc terminal.

During our two-day in Phu Quoc, we occupied a spacious Airbnb house within a residential complex owned by Bao's family. 

A beautiful beach just a short walk from the house.

We spent the afternoon visiting the famous "Sunset Town," located on the southwestern coast of the island just north of An Thoi Port. The town is designed to mimic Italy's Amalfi Coast, featuring Roman-style pillars, pastel-colored houses, fountains, and a clock tower. It is also home to the famous Kissing Bridge and a cable car system.

Town plaza - clock tower in the background

Sunset Town Beach.

Cable car at work.

The sun about to set in "Sunset Town".

The Kissing Bridge at sunset.

A popular place to watch sunset in Sunset Town.

Our dinner stop after sunset.

The resident dog, an original Phu Quoc Ridgeback.

We spent our last full day on an island-hopping tour, visiting four islands in the An Thoi archipelago to the south. In addition to exploring beautiful beaches, the tour included a seafood lunch and a snorkeling experience in the remarkable tropical waters of southwestern Vietnam.

 

On our way to reach the An Thoi harbor.

An Thoi harbor.

Catching our boat at An Thoi Harbor.

Leaving Phu Quoc.

Our speedboat -speding through the rough, wind-swept waters.

High tides along the waterfront.

Yeah... We made it!! @ May Rut (inside) Island.

Island time in the shade @ May Rut.

A specialty dish served at lunch- @ Hon Xuong (Xuong Island).

A resident dog, a Phu Quoc Ridgeback hung out with us.

After a long lunch break, we continued to "Mong Tay" (Fingernail) Island. Mong Tay Island is considered the "Maldives of Vietnam" because of its clear, turquoise water and fine white sand beaches.

Hon Mong Tay.
 

Snorkeling at the last stop.

What a great time we've had!
 

We had a great dinner in the city center and a visit to the famous Phu Quoc night market.

Phu Quoc city center.

Phu Quoc night market.

What a great time exploring the night market—the perfect way to end a wonderful day in Phu Quoc!

The Ngo's Family Reunion - Ha Tien / Kien Giang - March 2026

Ha Tien: Jewel of the Mekong Delta is an exceptional destination in Vietnam's southwesten corner. It is uniquely framed by the Giang Thanh River, Dong Ho Lagoon, the Gulf of Thailand and striking limestone hills. Famous for its  historic temples, hidden caves, and scenic beaches, this coastal town serves as a strategic gateway to Phu Quoc Island and Cambodia.

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 Growing up, I often heard my father tell stories about his younger days in Ha Tien. Ha Tien is his favorite city in Vietnam - and maybe the world. He loved exploring the limestone caves, hanging out around Thach Dong and spent a lot of time swimming in the beautiful Pacific ocean.

Thus, our itinerary for the day included a vist to Thach Dong (Stone Cave), also known as Thach Dong Cave Pagoda - a shrine built inside a natural limestone cave - and time for a dip in the ocean at Mui Nai Beach. 

The Memorial Monument for victims of the 1978 Pol Pot (Khmer Rouge) massacres in the Ha Tien/ An Giang border region.

Thach Dong Scenic Landscape, a prominent heritage and geological site in Ha Tien City, 3km from Cambodia border.

 Pedestrian path leading to Thach Dong with shops along the side.

Steps leading up to the cave.

Reaching the cave.

Inside the cave.

Thach Dong cave pagoda.

Thach Dong ground and landscape.

The four sisters - taking a break .

Vietnam -Cambodia border, about 3 km from Thach Dong.

A short drive from the border, we reached Mui Nai Beach where we stopped for lunch and a swim.

Mui Nai Beach located in The Gulf of Thailand, with crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches. 

Getting ready for lunch.


A delicious seafood lunch at the beach.

Mui Nai Beach

Relaxing under the coconut tree at Mui Nai.

Hoang finds it's more fun to swim in the hotel pool!

We went back to the hotel for a few hours to break. Once the heat of the day eased off, we were ready to explore the city.

Travel in style - Xe Dap Doi ( Surrey Bike).

Ready .... GO!

Having fun -  Surrey Bike Racing!

The prominent Ha Tien Roundabout.

Ha Tien Roundabout -Dong Ho or "East Lake" lagoon (inlet) - overlooking the main ferry terminal for Phu Quoc Island.  

The Phu Quoc - Ha Tien ferry seen across the river.

Ha Tien City Center.


Making stop at Ha Tien Church, a primary Catholic place of worship in Ha Tien and also in the Mekong Delta.

The Church sanctuary

The Church bell tower. 

Across the street from Ha Tien Church is Sac Tu Tam Bao Temple, an ancient, historic temple found in 1730 by Mac Cuu, founder of Ha Tien .

Tuk tuk parking lot at the temple.

Sac Tu Tam Bao Temple.

Sac Tu Tam Bao Pagoda.


Phat Da Pagoda, or Lo Gach (Brick Kiln Pagoda) established in 1945 by Thich Chi Hoa who used an abandoned local brick kiln as the main hall.

Phat Da Pagoda

 

Phat Da Pagoda

Phu Dung Pagoda

We wrapped up our Ha Tien tour by visiting the bustling night market in the city center, a short distance from our hotel.

Night ride to the market.

Leaving the night market.

 It was a fun, busy day exploring Ha Tien's popular highlights. We now understand why this city remains my father's absolute favorite in Vietnam. Staying an extra night here was the right choice. Tomorrow, we look forward to our next adventure on Phu Quoc Island. 

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