Phu Quoc Island

Prior to visiting Phu Quoc island, I had read that this destination is a beautiful, relaxing beach getaway -- a few years ago, one of the beaches on the island was voted one of the top in the world -- but without all of the crowds you find at most big beach destinations. The island did not disappoint on this front. It was beautiful, calming and incredibly, almost unbelievably, uncrowded.

It was the low season, meaning that it rained a little throughout our stay -- which also enabled us to get such a great deal at our fantastic resort! However, this did not put a damper on our trip as we were still able to take a boat excursion to go fishing and snorkeling (I think this is probably one of the few locations in the world in which case you can get RIGHT next to the coral and see tons of tropical fish -- very neat experience!), lounge by the beach and pool at our resort while eating some amazing Vietnamese and Western food and rent a car to visit the major sites around the island including a pepper farm, the museum and a waterfall.

This was just the experience that I needed after a few busy, busy days in HCMC -- before I had to return straight to work upon arrival back in Hue.