Tom On day 2 of our Phu Quoc trip, our focus was to visit Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc. Having seen photos and videos of the safari experience as well as feeding at Giraffe Restaurant, we were looking forward to an enjoyable morning at Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc! This morning, we woke up early at Vinpearl Resort & Spa Phu Quoc for breakfast at 6:30am…
You can also see the full review of Vinpearl Phu Quoc Resort & Spa here.
At 6:30am in the morning, there was really not much crowd. Hence, we were able to try out most of the foods and also take pretty good pictures (before the presentation gets messy). The breakfast at Vinpearl Phu Quoc Resort & Spa is one of our favourite for the trip because of a few reasons. Firstly, the menu is very extensive. You’ll be able to find western, asian and even a Korean selection for food. There’s also a small section for kids so they won’t be left out either. Secondly, we found that the local vietnamese cuisine served here was absolutely delicious. Probably even better than some of the offerings at restaurants elsewhere. For instance, we found the soup of the pho bo (beef noodles) to be tasty and fresh without any hints of artificial flavouring at all. The ban cuon (if we were to describe, it would be a close relative of chee cheong fun – though Kate thinks otherwise), is made fresh on the spot. The banh mi is also freshly prepared with its crusty outer layer and the fragrant coriander within. Of course, you’ll be able to pair all these with the local Vietnamese coffee. Perfect start to the day!
After breakfast, we headed to the reception to buy tickets for Vinpearl Safari. As guests of Vinpearl Resort & Spa Phu Quoc, we were given a 10% discount. Hence, instead of the usual 1.3M VND, we paid 1.17M VND or about $65SGD for 2 people. We were also surprised that no tickets were issued because entry would be done via facial recognition – which we did during check-in for breakfast entry this morning. Yes, entry to the restaurant for breakfast is via facial recognition. How cool is that?!
Our Experience at Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc
As Vinpearl Safari opens at 9am, we decided to take the first bus out from Ocean Wing at 830am. The bus route is the same route 2 bus and it takes about 20 minutes to reach Vinpearl Safari. Although it seems quite near on Google Map, the ride in was actually quite long. Definitely take the free shuttle bus if given a choice.
Upon arrival, we were able to enter Vinpearl Safari immediately. Even though it was still slightly before opening hours at 9am. As mentioned by the receptionist, we just had to do the facial recognition scan for entry into the park. Upon entry, we were given the advice to first visit the Safari, head for the show at 10am then round up the trip with visits to the rest of the zoo.
However, we, being the contrarian always, decided to do the zoo first, followed by the show, then end off the trip with the safari bus tour. Which, we think was the smarter move because the air in the morning was so fresh, light and cool – perfect way to start the day with a walk through the nature among the animals.
Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc – Zoo
During the walk around the zoo, we saw most of the animals except the elephant – which we had no regrets since we’ve seen it many times at our own zoo in Singapore before. During this 1 hour tour, we saw the Marmoset and monkey enclosures, the tigers, lions, hippopotamus and the buffalo. The tigers, were strutting their stuff by walking up and down the enclosure – a similar observation to what we saw at most other zoos. Perhaps it is their natural instinct to guard their tuff and look out for any intruders. 😅
Then, it was time for the main event, the animal show at 10am!
Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc – Animal Show at 10am
In reality, it was more like a bird show as all the animals featured were birds. Still, it was a really cool show and here’s why…
As you can see from the photos, the birds were flying all around the amphi-theatre. Some flew so close to us that we could feel the gust of wind when they passed us. Important to remember not to raise your hands to try to touch the birds as it would affect their flight path mid-flight which would endanger the birds themselves. There were some really cute birds such as the parrots and vultures as well – taking their time and not responding to the trainers – sometimes. There’s also a small segment that talks about the 3Rs of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – hm…wonder where they get the idea from? 🤔
Next, it was time for the Safari Bus Tour!
Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc – Safari Bus Tour
While waiting at the bus bay, we were actually 2nd in line for the next bus. However, we were approached by the guides who informed that the next bus would depart in 20 minutes if we didn’t get on this one. So reluctantly, we gave up our position in the queue and boarded the bus that was almost full and about to leave. We felt bad as the kids on the bus had to make space for us by sitting on the laps of their parents. Also, both of us were seated separately as there was a seat at the back and a seat in the front. The worst thing was, the next bus was about the board just as our bus left! Ah! With our 2nd position in line, we could have gotten a better seat. 😑
If it is your first time on the Safari bus tour, sit on the left side. It has a slightly better vantage point for the animals given the path taken by the bus…
The Safari bus tour took about 30 minutes. Our most memorable part of this safari bus tour was definitely the rhinos. This was because while we were passing by, there were 2 young rhinos that were chasing each other right next to the bus. We could literally hear the stomp as they galloped next to the bus. Heavy thumps. There was also another instance where one of these rhinos charged towards the bus – right towards where Kate was. Thankfully, it stopped at the last moment just as it was about to hit the bus. Probably because it may have hit the bus before and learnt its lesson. But still, it was a hair-raising experience for Kate having to see a large strong animal charging towards you! Yikes! 😶
Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc – Giraffe Restaurant
Giraffe Restaurant is probably the most popular restaurant in Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc. Here, you’ll be able to buy affordable meals and sit right next to the giraffes!
You’ll also be able to purchase a cup of carrots for 30k VND and enjoy the experience of feeding the giraffes!
Do note that the giraffes will stick out their tongues to wrap around the carrot before bringing it back to their mouths. So do not be afraid. Some people even hold up 2 carrots for 2 giraffes to snack at the same time! But for us, we were just contented to be dining at the table, right next to the giraffes. Oh, one more thing. Your meals come with a salad on the side. Attendants had to remind guests NOT to feed these salad to the giraffes as they only snack on the carrots.
All in all, we had a great time at Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc. The Safari bus tour and Giraffe Restaurant were definitely highlights for us!
You can also see the full review of Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc here.
Massage at Akoya Spa Vinpearl Resort & Spa Phu Quoc
We left Vinpearl Safari at about 1pm and went for our massage at Akoya Spa at 2pm. Akoya Spa is the in-house spa of Vinpearl Resort & Spa Phu Quoc, just a 2 minutes ride away via the buggy. This time, they had the offer for the 45 minutes Aryuvedic massage (600k VND – $33 SGD) which Tom took and Kate tried out the 4 hands massage (1.6M VND – $88 SGD) for an hour.
We made our reservation at the hotel lobby so when we arrived, they knew our time slot for the massage. Teas were provided prior to the treatment. Thereafter, we were led to the changing room to change into our robes. For Tom, he was slightly surprised during this bit as the lady just walked into the changing room and one of the guy had to quickly cover himself up – definitely not expecting such a surprise visit. Within the changing room, you’ll also be able to find the sauna, steam room and jacuzzi – all of which are complimentary for guests of Vinpearl Resort & Spa Phu Quoc…
We were then led to the massage pavilions that were spread over the waters like Atlantis the Palm in Dubai. It was really beautiful and calming. Upon entry into our massage pavilion, we were given a foot bath that included choice of essential oils of lavender, peppermint and lemongrass along with a foot scrub. Then we were led to the massage table for our treatment. The head massage was relaxing and totally worth it. On the other hand, the 4 hands massage was not exactly synchronised. Instead of massaging both legs or both hands, it was more like left hand and left leg before moving on to right hand and right leg. Not too bad – though we still prefer the conventional 4 hands massage like what we experienced in Yogyakarta.
After our massage, we were given another tea and we headed next door to check out the gym of Vinpearl Resort & Spa Phu Quoc…
You read that correct. The gym of Vinpearl Resort & Spa Phu Quoc, is not located on-site at the premise of the hotel. Instead, it is a 2 minutes buggy ride away or about a 5 minutes walk from the lobby of the hotel. This also explains the low usage despite being quite a well-equipped and spacious gym. Back at the hotel, we chilled at the pool till 5pm, playing basketball by the pool before dinner at Pepper Restaurant this evening.
Vinpearl Resort & Spa Phu Quoc – Dinner at Pepper Restaurant
As mentioned in our previous post, we decided to dine at Pepper Restaurant because the buffet dinner at Seashell Restaurant was 730k VND per person. Also, while browsing through the menu, we discovered a dish, sea bass risotto which was at an affordable 210k VND (or $12 SGD). This evening, we went for the
Pan Seared Sea Bass 210k VND ($12 SGD)
Crunchy Chicken Salad 170k VND
Deep Fried Calamari 250k VND
But, we actually spent close to the buffet dinner price because we also went for the free-flow wines at 320k VND (or $18 SGD) per person…
We loved all the dishes this evening, living up to the reputation of a high class restaurant that Pepper Restaurant is. The Sea Bass Risotto had a fresh and chunky piece of sea bass laid over a very rich and creamy risotto. The Calamari was crisp and fresh while the chicken of the crunchy salad was nicely barbecued and tossed in a salad that had a tinge of laksa leaf – superb. In all, we had 6 glasses of wines each from 6pm to 8:30pm, enjoying the winds from the sea this evening.
You can also see the full review of Pepper Restaurant here.
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Day 2 of our travels in Phu Quoc had a good mix of attractions (at Vinpearl Safari), relaxation (at Akoya Spa) as well as delicious food (at Pepper Restaurant). Would we revel in this day once again? We certainly would! Stay tuned for our next post on day 3 of our travels in Phu Quoc as we swap to our next hotel – Seashells Phu Quoc Hotel and Spa!
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