Our Last Stop: Phu Quoc: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Posted on by Miriam

“Imagine if you found a place so beautiful it wouldn’t matter if you couldn’t leave your room for a day or two”

Be careful what you wish for. Because that’s exactly what happened to us on the last leg of our Vietnamese trip.

After Phong Nha we bused it to Hue, enjoyed a one night stay then flew to Saigon (HCMC) before a transfer flight to Phu Quoc island.

We always said we’d like to end our Vietnam trip with a stay on Phu Quoc, and now, almost three months after starting our adventure, here we are.

Welcome to Phu Quoc

Phú Quốc is a Vietnamese island off the coast of Cambodia, 150kms coastline of gentle waves and turquoise waters.

It was a cooker of a day on arrival. The heat was intense and the taxi driver at the airport was grumpy and unhelpful.

He wouldn’t close any of the car windows or turn the AC on and he drove like a loony.

By the time we arrived at our homestay I felt like I’d been fried. And my hair resembled Miss Piggy on a bad day. But we were in high spirits.

Hello Eco Lagoon

Eco Lagoon was designed by an artist and an adventurer and it shows in its layout.

Each of the seven suites are on a different level and natural touches like bamboo screenings, rocks and pieces of art throughout make it feel intimate and personal, like you’re in a home not a hotel.

This small boutique homestay is unlike anywhere we’ve stayed.

Their brochure says:

“Eco Lagoon, built on environmental sustainability and art nourishment, offers a cozy artistic atmosphere for an ideal vacation. With a panoramic view of the lagoon and ocean, you can enjoy your leisure time from dawn to dusk.”

We certainly did that.

We have views from everywhere, from our private terrace, our lounge and the huge comfy bed.

The restaurant downstairs is where we eat on our first night. The seafood banquet is delicious and the setting gorgeous.

However, just hours later, back in our room, the stomach pains begin. And I spend virtually the rest of the night in the bathroom.

Looking back, I’ve never thrown up so much in my entire life. Even when it felt like there was nothing left inside I was emptying myself out. Both ends. I felt green, wrung out, exhausted.

Yep, on our very last week in Vietnam on this pearl island I’ve got a nasty bout of food poisoning.

We contact Chau our host, via WhatsApp late in the night, mainly to know where to go if it gets any worse.

She’s concerned. And mortified. I assure her this could have happened anywhere. And I add (afterwards) if I’m sick and have to be stuck anywhere it may as well be in this room, with this amazing view, in this super comfy place. Still …

I make it through the night, there’s no sleep, only heaving, and by morning I’m a wreck. Chau suggests the hospital. Last night I refused but this morning, drained and in a bad way, I relent.

No holiday is complete without a visit to the Hospital Emergency Department. 🫤

So it’s off to Vinmec International Hospital, a ten minute cab drive away. We have a nice driver this time and a cool car.

I’m relieved to enter a clean and efficient hospital with, surprisingly, a few English speaking staff. Doug takes care of the paperwork while they get me in, monitored and on a drip virtually straight away.

Hours later, after blood tests, an ultrasound, hydrated and armed with a bevy of prescriptions for an infection we’re heading back to Eco Lagoon.

We don’t leave it for a couple of days.

That’s our room at Eco Lagoon, on the top level.

Back to that brochure:

“A five minute kayak ride over the lagoon allows you access to wild beaches and crystal clear oceans or to immerse yourself in serene nature by flowing through mangrove and eucalyptus woods.”

I was keen for that kayak ride.

Finally, on our last night I have enough energy for a slow paddle across the lagoon to check out Can Cau beach.

As we cross the small dune and walk onto the beach it’s devastating to see the amount of plastic along the shore.

Chau had warned us saying that in the dry season the rubbish is more prominent with the lower water levels but seeing how much is awful.

What’s the answer? How do we change generations of mindset, mountains of trash and the lack of an official system for managing it? I hope in the future Vietnam can look for solutions to plastic pollution.

We kayak back, grab the two bikes and cycle into the nearby village to get some pho for dinner. Perhaps some clear fresh chicken broth will help rehydrate me.

It does, along with the pots of ginger tea Chau keeps bringing me.

The next day we check out. I’m still not feeling flash but I’m getting there. Our goodbyes to Chau are heartfelt. She was such a sweetheart and, as crazy as it sounds, I couldn’t have got sick in a better place!

Sea Star ⭐️

Sea Star Resort is our second destination on the island, about twenty minutes away.

It’s big, a bit dated, not as personal but it’s right on the beach.

In fact our bungalow is barely twenty metres from the water. The beach is clean here and the water’s clear and warm to swim in. It’s reminiscent of our honeymoon in the Maldives, though not as pristine.

Unlike that time however, some 32 years ago, we’re feeling a tad less energetic and it shows in our choice of activities. There’s plenty to see but for once we have little desire to explore the island. We’re happy to stay by the beach.

We enjoy four days and nights of glorious sunsets and gentle activities like walking, reading and swimming in the ocean.

The water is like a soothing warm salt bath, good for the mind, body and soul. It’s perfect.

My planned cocktails turn into a daily dose of ginger tea instead, also good for my slow recovering tummy. On day two here (five days after I got crook) I can finally handle eating properly again.

Perhaps it was the Universe’s way of saying I’d had too many Coconut coffees, banh mi and beer since being in Vietnam lol. 😂

More likely however it was a dodgy shellfish. I’ll likely never know.

Nothing is ever guaranteed, Nothing is Certain

What an experience the past three months has been. I look back and think of how it all came about.

We were supposed to slow travel through Vietnam with good friends Sue and Steve but, a week before our departure, their son’s accident in Canada changed all that.

Thankfully Sam is okay and they’re all back in Australia now. I wonder how different our trip might have been. For them. And us. But that’s life. Nothing is set and nothing is certain.

We do the best in any given situation and we make the most of wherever we are.

Fortunately nothing was planned and so we allowed it all to flow. And so it did, as we winged our three month itinerary.

I’ve always said that everything happens for a reason and that we’re exactly where we’re meant to be in life. I fully believe that.

If there’s somewhere you’ve always wanted to go, something you’ve always wanted to do, don’t put it off. Each day is such a precious gift so make the most of it. Live life on your terms and no one else’s.

Live it with love. And fill it with the things you love … travel, adventure, create art, garden, visualise your dreams … and then go turn them into reality.

For now, it’s tam biet from Vietnam. Leaving here with lots of good memories and a heart full of love and gratitude. ❤️

The simple life on Phu Quoc
Sea, sand and sunsets
Saying goodbye to Chau
Smile and the world smiles back

Vietnam posts:

Phong Nha Paradise

Cruising to Ninh Binh

Slowing down in Sapa

Hidden Hanoi

Highlights of Hue

Clean and Green Danang

Slow Travel in Hoi An

A Love Letter from Vietnam

53 thoughts on “Our Last Stop: Phu Quoc: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly”

  1. Glad it all worked out. I would freak being on vacation and not knowing the healthcare system there, but it seemed to be handled just the same as home. Thanks for the otherwise wonderful story and views. Keep enjoying life as it should be – experiencing and exploring it.

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  2. Glad you’re better. It’s the worst thing to fall ill , especially food poisoning in a different country.

    It is good that you could enjoy the rest of the trip.

    Imagine 3 months, and just before you gotta go, you fall ill. It so the annoying way.

    Happy your okay

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    1. Hi Bella and thanks for your kind words. Yeah, it was kinda annoying but that’s life I guess, you take the good with the lot so good. Sending love from Saigon (yes I’m still here, last day!)

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  4. There’s a popular expression about travel that says it’s the only thing we buy that makes us richer. While that might be true, it can also make us sick. I am so sorry to hear about you ending up in a hospital. As you said yourself, you can never know where you got it. When we travel our bodies endure a lot of stress and stress can sometimes decrease your immune system, making you susceptible to illness. Anyway, I am glad that it all worked out in the end. Loving the views from your room – pure bliss. Aiva xx

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    1. Thanks Aiva. I’ve always loved that expression, it’s so true. And another one “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” is also pretty spot on. I’m pretty sure my immune system has been boosted big time after three months in Vietnam! But we’ve loved it all, such an amazing experience and Phu Quoc was just fabulous. Sending love from Saigon, our last day. xx

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  5. Oh dear. It’s not nice being sick at the best of times, let alone in a different country. Glad you received excellent care and are all recovered now. What a wonderful three months you had apart from that little glitch at the end. Looking forward to the next adventure.

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    1. Thanks Carol and yes, we really have had the most amazing three months. I’m just glad I didn’t get crook at the start, I think that would have been even worse. We were pretty lucky overall. Hope all’s well with you.

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  6. Overall, what an adventure – enjoyed following along at a distance – thanks for sharing it!
    Hope you’re fully recovered, happy to be home, and I imagine looking out for your next adventure…
    Take care, Miriam!

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    1. Thanks Adam. Not quite home yet but on the final stretch. We’re in a very hot Saigon (HCMC) flying out late tonight. But yes, fully recovered which I’m very grateful for. Thanks for travelling with me virtually! 😊

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  7. ouch that food poisoning sounds horrid! But so glad you’re recovering and enjoyed your final lazy days there … wondering what the next adventure is? take care and stay away from shellfish
    … oops my brothers and his wife are having that meal at this moment for their wedding anniversary 🙂 Aha but it’s at a top notch local place we’ve been visiting for many decades and they only serve fresh stuff straight from the trawlers

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    1. Yep, that was exactly the same scenario with us. We actually loved our meal, it was amazing. Just the after effects that weren’t so good lol! Anyhow, happy anniversary to them. 💗
      Still in Saigon as I write this, flying out late tonight … life’s one big adventure isn’t it, wherever we are. x 😊

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  9. Oh Miriam, that’s an experience that just about all travellers have had at one point or another, both of us included, but sounds like you copped a particularly nasty one. I know ginger is always recommended but can I suggest something – carry some fennel tea with you next time you travel. I’ve found that it’s an amazing treatment and speeds up recovery from that kind of horror, if you get the timing right. Anyway, apart from that, you’ve had an amazing trip and for us it’s been brilliant reading through your experience and reliving our own memories through yours. So much so that I’m already looking forward to your next trip! Safe travels x

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    1. Hi guys, thanks for the tip about fennel tea. Must admit it’s a flavour I particularly like so I’m surprised I hadn’t heard of that remedy. Our first aid kit was pretty well stocked but tea bags weren’t part of it! But you’re right, these types of travel stories are hardly new, we’ve all been there but it never quite makes it any easier! Back on home soil as of tonight and enjoying some family time for a couple of weeks. Thanks for travelling along virtually with us. Till next time. x

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  10. I’m so sorry you got so sick! But I’m glad you were able to get the medical care you needed and were able to really enjoy your last few days in Viet Nam. The whole trip seemed like such an amazing experience! And a great lesson to the rest of us not to put off the travel we want to do. As long as we’re flexible, things do have a way of working out in the end. Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful trip with us!

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    1. Thanks very much Ann, we had such an amazing experience in Vietnam and I loved sharing all the different parts of it. So glad you enjoyed and thatI was able to open some eyes as to the rich diversity of the country. The joys of blogging!!

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    1. It wasn’t quite on the itinerary lol but hey, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger! Still, waking up in Macedon this morning with a cup of tea, I thought, where am I? Life is good. 😊

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  15. So sorry you became ill and had to go to hospital Miriam, but thankfully you recovered and got to continue enjoying the rest of your beautiful trip – and those beautiful sunsets 🙏💫…and yes, ‘the world does smile back’, perspective is everything!

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    1. Thanks Cherryl, it sure is! And looking back it was all just a part of the whole experience. I’m grateful for it all, the good and even the not so good. Everything really does work out in the end. 😊🙏

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  17. Your photos are beautiful and I can feel the peace and love you experienced despite falling ill, Miriam! I’m so glad you recovered and got to enjoy that healing ocean water during your last days in Vietnam…

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    1. Thanks so much Kim. You’re right, those warm ocean waters were so wonderfully therapeutic. It was the perfect place to end our trip. Hope all is well with you. 💗

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  18. What an adventure, in long trips things happen along the way and this is part of travelling. I also felt very sick the entire night in LA and I could not go to a chemist downtown because it was evening and no one go downtown at night we were told by the hotel receptionist.

    I am glad you are ok and you had a great time and all family is well.

    Beautiful pictures!

    Have a lovely week.

    The Blogger Lifestyle – Cris Santos (photosbycris.com.au)

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    1. Hi Cris, yes I think that getting sick is inevitable overseas, especially on a long trip and when you’re constantly going out to eat. Sorry to hear you were unwell in LA. Hopefully you’re happy and healthy now, as I am. Have a great week my friend. 😊

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  19. What a beautiful end to your holiday on a beach watching sunrises and sunsets! AND maybe a little lighter! Sorry to hear of your bout of ‘releasing’, but what a place to be ill right! Whatever does this to us, it’s best to coming back to slow flow with self care as priority! Remembering our body/mind within is changing just as much as the world around us. I can imagine you’re home now, but Thankyou for sharing your wonderful travels of Vietnam 🙏❤️ much love x

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    1. Yes, I was definitely “lighter” lol, but I look back now and see that everything was just as it was meant to be. I love your perspective Barbara, “coming back to slow flow with self care as priority.” How very true. Thank you for coming along with me and sharing my journey and joys. Hugs and love back. x ❤️

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  20. Oh my… What a way for you to end your trip… Food poisoning can be very nasty and I felt for you… Thankfully you were well looked after and in the right place for treatment too..
    I hope you are now recharged and getting your energy back again Miriam..

    I have so, so, enjoyed discovering Vietnam with you both.. Seeing all the sights, meeting the people and seeing the wonderful places..

    And you are so right.. We never know what is around the corner.. But as you so eloquently said..

    “Live it with love. And fill it with the things you love … travel, adventure, create art, garden, visualise your dreams … and then go turn them into reality.“

    One hundred percent!…. EnJOY life and Every Moment..

    Thank you Miriam for sharing those joyful and not so joyful moments with all of us … Loved every single post…

    Much love dear friend ❤ 🙏💖✨💛

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  21. I really enjoyed reading about your travels through Vietnam this evening, Miriam. Sorry to hear you got food poisoning. It sounded like it got you good. It could be from the seafood you ate that night, or as you mentioned could be a sign from the Universe. Maybe a bit both, a sign to slow down after a packed three months. Maybe all in divine timing… As some have said in the comments, it is not favourable to fall ill in another country. But sounds like Chau was amazing and you were in good hands, and Doug sounded like he was a big help too. And such a lovely photo with her at the end 🙂

    The second part of this trip looked amazing, especially the sunsets by the beach. I agree with what you said at the end. One day we might be living out best lives and the next day our lives could be upside down. Do what you want to do now and today, don’t think about it too much and enjoy the journey. Hope all is well with you, Miriam 😊❤

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    1. Thanks so much for reading about our journeys Mabel and your kind words. Yes, we really do need to grab life by both hands and make the most of it all. We certainly made the most of Vietnam and loved it all.

      Hope you’re well. I’ll drop by your blog soon and see what you’ve been up to. Have a lovely weekend. x

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      1. Looking back, being sick in Vietnam was a small detour on your trip. You have lots of wonderful memories to look back on. Enjoy your next adventure – go for it and make the most of where you are 😊❤

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        1. Thanks Mabel and you’re right, getting sick was just a tiny part of what was an amazing experience. You too, go for it and make the most of every day! 😊

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