Phu Quoc Sandbox is one of Vietnam's biggest projects to express the government’s effort in restoring the travel industry and attracting international tourism in 2021.
Both the international travel community and #teamKlook have fond memories of Phu Quoc Island, one of the best destinations in the world. With its kilometers of coastline lined with palm trees, powdery white-sand beaches, and azure waters, no wonder that the island has been listed many times as one of the most relaxing paradises in the world.
After months of not being able to visit Phu Quoc because of COVID-19, the dream of returning to the island will slowly become a reality with the project Phu Quoc Sandbox. This initiative by the Vietnamese government was launched last September 2021 and aims to revive the travel industry before the end of the year.
What is Phu Quoc sandbox?
Phu Quoc Sandbox is a reopening project by the government to welcome vaccinated international tourists on the island towards the end of 2021 and will run for 6 months. This program aims to target travelers coming from the US, Europe, Australia, Northeast Asia, and the Middle East - divided into 2 phases:
- The first three months: Phu Quoc is expected to welcome up to 3,000 visitors per month through charter flights. The visitors can stay and enjoy their holiday in the limited locations and some private resorts.
- The next three months: Phu Quoc is expected to welcome up to 10,000 visitors per month through commercial flights and experience Phu Quoc on a larger scale. The attractions and places that can be visited will be expanded wider for all travelers.
The government will ensure that health regulations will be included as part of the conditions when visiting the island to adhere to Vietnam’s COVID-19 prevention efforts.
Phu Quoc Sandbox requirements for tourists
Here are the requirements you need to know if you’re planning to visit Phu Quoc under the Sandbox program:
- Tourists need to provide documents to demonstrate that they have been fully vaccinated from the list of Vietnam-approved COVID-19 vaccines (two doses or one dose for the vaccine that needs one dose). The second dose (or the latest dose) must be administered at least 14 days and no more than 12 months before the date of entry. Tourists who recently contracted COVID-19 can provide a certificate showing COVID-19 recovery. The certificate should not be more than 12 months old.
- Before entering Phu Quoc, all tourists must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours from their entry date.
- Tourists can only participate in the tours included in the Phu Quoc Sandbox program provided by travel businesses proposed by the Department of Tourism.
- During the first seven days after entering Phu Quoc, tourists are only allowed to enjoy activities within their accommodation. All hotels and resorts under the Phu Quoc Sandbox program must provide full facilities, entertainment, food, sports, and other activities for their guests.
- After these seven days, tourists with negative COVID-19 tests can continue to explore Phu Quoc as planned in their package tour.
- A day before leaving Vietnam, tourists will be tested for COVID-19 again before flying out of the island.
Some impressive activities that you should not miss in Phu Quoc
Although the Phu Quoc Sandbox still comes with limitations, this is an optimistic signal for the Phu Quoc travel industry in particular and Vietnam travels in general. If you’re curious about the places you can visit and things you can do on Pearl Island, #teamKlook has gathered some of them for you!
VinWonder Phu Quoc
VinWonders Phu Quoc is known as one of the largest amusement parks in Vietnam, with a size of over 50 hectares, including six primary subdivisions. Each of these subdivisions represents different themes ranging from fairy tales to ancient civilizations and more. It’s a great place to unwind, be entertained, and even learn!
Things to do in VinWonders Phu Quoc? Check out the below article to explore more
Sunworld Hon Thom Nature Park
If you’re a fan of the extreme, Sun World Hon Thom Nature Park is a great place to visit. This unique theme park offers exciting water activities, including coral diving, kayaking, and canoeing. While here, you can also stop by Aquatopia Water Park, where you'll find jaw-dropping waterslides and six entertaining zones. Sun World is also the home of the longest sea-crossing cable car system on the planet, running from An Thoi Town to Hon Thom Island.
Exploring stunning islands in Phu Quoc
The best asset of Phu Quoc is, of course, its natural beauty. You can start your adventure at Gam Gi Island, known for its crystal clear waters that will even allow you to see the bottom of the ocean! May Rut Island, on the other hand, is a beloved diving destination known for its colorful coral ecosystem. If you’re more fond of the beach, just pick a spot at Phu Quoc’s gorgeous coastline, relax, and enjoy a cocktail or two.
There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with Phu Quoc Island. And with the Phu Quoc Sandbox reopening program, #teamKlook believes that it's a positive sign that the travel industry for both international and domestic will soon be restored. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your dream trip to Phu Quoc with numerous tips and ideal itineraries for your experience in Phu Quoc. You can also refer to our list of best hotels in Phu Quoc, resorts in Phu Quoc, homestay in Phu Quoc, and more.
