Living Like a KING on $820/Month in Phu Quoc Vietnam

Phu Quoc Vietnam living well on a budget? Discover how $820/month gets you a fully serviced apartment with AC, WiFi, pool, daily coffee habit, island hopping tours, Kiss of the Sea night show, beach sunsets, and beers every evening in Vietnam’s ultimate island paradise.

Phu Quoc Vietnam isn’t just another beach destination—it’s where you trade crowded Da Nang streets for white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and palm trees that rival Bali (but at half the price). This Phu Quoc travel guide reveals exactly how to live like royalty for $820/month while experiencing everything things to do in Phu Quoc: island hopping, night shows, beach clubs, and non-stop eating and drinking.

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Imagine waking up in a fully serviced apartment, walking past a shimmering pool to grab a gourmet coffee, and spending your afternoon on a turquoise-water beach—all for less than the price of a single month’s rent in London or New York. Most people think of Da Nang when they hear “cheap living in Vietnam,” but there is a hidden gem that offers an even more elevated lifestyle for a fraction of the cost.

In this Phu Quoc travel guide, I’m breaking down exactly how I lived “incredibly well” on just $820 per month. From Phu Quoc living well tips to a complete Vietnam cost of living breakdown, this is your blueprint for paradise.

Why Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s Best Kept Secret

While the world flocks to Bali or Thailand, Phu Quoc Island remains one of the most incredible value-for-money destinations in Southeast Asia. Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc Vietnam offers a unique blend of modern infrastructure and raw, natural beauty.

When you talk about living in Vietnam, most expats default to the “Da Nang vs. Ho Chi Minh City” debate. But living in Phu Quoc offers something different: an island lifestyle where you aren’t just surviving; you’re thriving. Whether it’s the European-style architecture of Grand World or the white sands of Bai Sao, the Phu Quoc travel vlog lifestyle is accessible to almost anyone with a modest remote-work income.

Living for $246/Month: The Accommodation Hack

One of the biggest questions regarding the Vietnam cost of living is rent. In Phu Quoc, I stayed at the Dwang Dong Hotel, paying just $246 USD for a full month. This wasn’t a cramped hostel bunk; it was a one-bedroom, fully serviced apartment.

What does $246 get you?

• Fully Serviced: Cleaning three times a week.
• Amenities: High-speed Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and access to a beautiful pool.
• Location: Centrally located to explore both the north and south of the island.

If you are living in Phu Quoc, you’ll find that the value for money in real estate is significantly higher than in more “touristy” hubs. You can choose from luxury resorts to budget-friendly serviced apartments that cater specifically to the digital nomad crowd.

Transportation: Free Buses and Cheap Scooters

Transport can often eat up a travel budget, but traveling Phu Quoc island is surprisingly affordable. For those who want total freedom, renting a scooter is the gold standard. For about 120,000 Vietnamese Dong ($4.75 USD) per day, the entire island is yours to explore.

However, if you’re not comfortable on two wheels, Phu Quoc has a secret weapon: Free Buses. There are two main lines:

1. Grand World to the main area: Connects the northern entertainment hub to the center.
2. Dongdong to Sunset Town: Connects the main town to the southern attractions.

For shorter trips, Grab (the Uber of Southeast Asia) is incredibly cheap. Most rides cost between 20,000 to 35,000 Dong—literally pocket change. This makes Phu Quoc living well easy, as you never have to worry about the logistics of getting home after a few beers at a beach club.

The Foodie Life: Eating Like Royalty on a Budget

The cost of living Vietnam is famous for its food, and Phu Quoc is no exception. My food budget for the entire month was roughly $295, and I ate out for every single meal. Here are some of the standout spots that make Phu Quoc island Vietnam a food lover’s paradise:

An Cafe: The Breakfast King

Forget the $20 avocado toast in Sydney or LA. At An Cafe, you can get bacon, eggs, and smashed avocado for 70,000 Dong ($2.75 USD). Pair that with a world-class Vietnamese coffee for 35,000 Dong, and your entire morning starts for less than $5.

Navang: Meat and Craft Beer

For a more substantial dinner, Navang offers a meat and beer combo that is legendary. For 200,000 Dong ($8 USD), you get four large meat skewers (pork and chicken) and a full liter of craft Golden Ale. This is the definition of living like a king.

International Flavors

• Taco Leo: Their Taco Tuesday special offers nachos, tacos, quesadillas, and burritos—enough food to feed two people—for under 200k Dong.
• Mujo Phu Quoc Isakaya: High-end Japanese vibes where small plates and sushi will still keep you under $20 per person including drinks.
• Hyen Charcoal Kitchen: Perfect for those who love fire-cooked meals without the luxury price tag.

Beaches and Water Sports: Paradise Found

A Phu Quoc travel guide isn’t complete without mentioning the beaches. Bai Sao Beach is the crown jewel. With its turquoise waters and powdery white sand, it rivals any beach in the Maldives or the Philippines.

The Cost of Fun:

• Daybed Rental: 100k Dong ($4 USD) for the whole day.
• Beers on the Beach: Starting at 35k Dong ($1.40 USD).
• Parasailing: 800k – 1.3 million Dong.
• Jet Skis: 1.2 million Dong for a 20-minute session.

If you prefer a more chill vibe, the west side of the island offers world-class sunsets for free. Just show up after 5:00 PM at any beach bar, grab a 35k beer, and watch the sky turn fire orange.

Grand World and Sunset Town: Nightlife and Shows

Phu Quoc has invested heavily in “Entertainment Towns.” Grand World feels like a slice of Venice dropped into Vietnam, featuring colorful buildings and a bamboo house structure that is an architectural marvel. It’s open 24/7 and free to enter.

In the south, you have Sunset Town and the famous Kiss Bridge. This area hosts the “Kiss of the Sea” show—a massive multimedia extravaganza with water, fire, and lasers. While some activities require a ticket, the atmosphere, the free water shows, and the European-style strolling are completely free.

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The $820 Monthly Budget Breakdown

Here is the exact math of how I spent my month living in Phu Quoc. Use this as a guide for your own Vietnam travel planning.

Compare this to Bali ($1,200-1,800/month) or Thailand ($1,000-1,500/month). Phu Quoc’s Vietnam cost of living delivers 2x the lifestyle for half the price.

Phu Quoc Accommodation: $246 Fully Serviced Apartment

My Duong Dong Hotel apartment was paradise central: $246/month for a one-bedroom fully serviced unit. Features included:

• King bed + modern furnishings (European-style design)
• Split AC throughout (essential for tropical heat)
• Fast WiFi (digital nomad approved)
• Infinity pool with sunset views
• Weekly cleaning service (3x/week linen changes)
• Prime location—5-minute walk to restaurants, night market, beaches

Phu Quoc rentals range:

• Budget studios: $158-220/month (basic, no pool)
• 1BR serviced apartments: $246-370/month (my sweet spot)
• 3BR luxury villas: $477-950/month (family/groups)

Grand World area offers unique bamboo houses surrounded by moats—rare architectural gems that stay naturally cool. Perfect for Instagram and authentic island vibes.

Getting Around Phu Quoc: $88/Month Freedom

Phu Quoc transportation costs just $88/month blending multiple options:

Scooter Rental ($5/day)

120,000 VND/day gets you island freedom. Explore hidden beaches, local markets, and remote viewpoints. Pro tip: Negotiate monthly rates (~$100/month).

Grab Rides (20-35K VND/2-3km)

Perfect for short trips or post-beer transport. Cheaper than walking in 35°C heat.

FREE Island Buses

Two routes cover the island:

• Grand World → Duong Dong: Beach clubs to markets
• Duong Dong → Sun Town: Nightlife to shows

Phu Quoc vs. Bali: Which is Better?

As a seasoned traveler, I get asked this a lot. Bali is incredible for surfers and those seeking a spiritual “yoga retreat” vibe. However, if your goal is paradise at bargain basement prices, Phu Quoc wins every time.

The water in Phu Quoc is calmer and clearer than many of the main beaches in Bali. The cost of a beachfront daybed and beer is nearly 1/3 of what you’d pay in Canggu or Seminyak. While Bali has more “adventure” treks (like Mount Batur), Phu Quoc offers a more relaxed, polished, and affordable island paradise life.

Why Choose Phu Quoc Vietnam for Island Paradise Living?

Phu Quoc island Vietnam sits in the Gulf of Thailand, just 45 minutes by flight from Ho Chi Minh City. This Vietnam island Phu Quoc gem offers everything paradise seekers crave: powdery white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, swaying palm trees, and world-class sunsets. But unlike Bali’s crowded Instagram spots or Thailand’s party islands, Phu Quoc delivers genuine island living at unbeatable prices.

For $820/month living in Phu Quoc, I experienced:

• Fully serviced apartment: AC, fast WiFi, infinity pool, weekly cleaning
• Daily coffee ritual: Vietnamese cà phê sữa đá at local cafes
• Island hopping tours: Private boats to deserted beaches
• Kiss of the Sea show: World’s most spectacular aquatic performance
• Beach club days: Daybeds, cocktails, jet skis, banana boats
• Non-stop dining: Mexican, Japanese, Korean BBQ—all under $20/person
• Sunset beers: $1.50 pints with ocean views

This Phu Quoc travel vlog breaks down every expense, restaurant recommendation, activity, and insider tip. Whether you’re planning a travel Phu Quoc island adventure or dreaming of living in Vietnam long-term, this guide has you covered.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Phu Quoc expensive?

Not at all! As shown in our breakdown, you can live very comfortably for under $1,000 USD a month. Local meals start at $2, and luxury experiences are half the price of Western countries.

What is the best time to visit Phu Quoc?

The dry season from November to April is the best time for Phu Quoc travel. The weather is sunny, and the seas are calm and turquoise.

Is there high-speed internet for digital nomads?

Yes! Most serviced apartments and cafes like An Cafe offer excellent Wi-Fi, making living in Phu Quoc a great choice for remote workers.

Do I need a visa for Phu Quoc?

Phu Quoc has a special visa policy where many nationalities can visit the island visa-free for up to 30 days, provided they arrive directly at the international airport.

Is Phu Quoc better than Da Nang?

It depends on your vibe. Da Nang is a big city with a beach; Phu Quoc is a true island escape. If you want a slower pace and better water quality, Phu Quoc island is the winner.

Ready to start your Vietnam adventure? Whether you’re looking for a phu quoc travel guide or planning on living in Vietnam long-term, this island offers a quality of life that is hard to beat. Don’t forget to check out my other videos on accommodation to see the different resorts I stayed at!

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