Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) is the main international airport for the Vietnam island of Phu Quoc and one of the youngest airports in Vietnam. Construction of the terminal building and the 3 km long runway was completed in December 2012 with the first flight landing just before New Years Day.
What issues other Vietnam airports might be challenged with, Phy Quoc seems to overcome with ease. There is plenty of room in the new facilities for passengers, very quick queues for arrivals and departures, and even numerous toilets. There is no free wifi, however, and it can be difficult to find water fountains and phone charging stations.
Airlines at PQC
The airport serves both local and international destinations. Five domestic airlines fly to the airport, Vietnam Airlines, startup Bamboo Airways, Australian owned Jetstar Pacific, VASCO and VietJet Air. Internationally, Vietnam Airlines operates a flight to Singapore, Guangzhou (China) and Siem Reap (Cambodia). Foreign airlines operate routes to Phu Quoc like AirAsia (from Kuala Lumpur), Asiana Airlines (From Seoul), Bangkok Airways (Bangkok), China Southern (Guangzhou) and Hainan (Shenzen). As Phu Quoc is growing fast, it is likely more routes have already been established as you read this.
Transportation at PQC
For those new arrivals looking to get into central Phu Quoc, there are two major transport options. The local bus #11 costs around 20,000 Dong (~0.80 USD) and leaves every 20 minutes. But after a major arrival, the bus can be packed and difficult to get on board if you have a big group with lots of luggage.
The alternative option is taxis. Be sure to either negotiate a price before you get in the taxi or insist on using the meter. You don’t want to be caught haggling over a fare after you have reached your destination. The cost of the taxi from the Airport to the Center of Phu Quoc will be around 160,000 Dong (~7 USD) but destinations to some hotels might be double depending on the distance. You will also have to pay a 20,000 Dong taxi toll on the highway (~0.80 USD). The taxis expect local cash but you might be able to get away with Euros or USD.
Passengers arriving at the airport to depart will find that security is fast and that this tourism designed airport is focused on making your journey as trouble-free as possible. You don’t need to arrive hours before your flight but rather only around ninety minutes and expect to spend 10-15 minutes in security.
But this airport isn’t perfect. There seems to be a total lack of outlets to charge devices and no water fountains, (there is one hidden away in the arrivals hall but finding it is a bit like playing a game of hide and seek).
The airport also has much higher prices than the local area and passengers departing will be expected to pay more for simple food items. There isn’t much choice so if you are looking for a meal we suggest eating before you head to the airport. The airport currency exchange also does not accept Dong for departing passengers and won’t exchange it for USD or Euros for those looking to spend their last money. It is best to exchange or spend it all in town.
Phu Quoc is a growing tourist destination with fantastic beaches, awesome weather, and that famous Vietnamese hospitality. Thanks to the government investment in the airport, commuting to the island is simple and effortless and travelers will slip right into holiday mode forgetting their worries.
