Try locally caught giant prawns as well as delicacies, such as boiled squid and crab chowder, or shop for hand-crafted jewellery at the fascinating Dinh Cau Night Market. Practice your bargaining technique as you shop for souvenirs or simply sit at a bar and enjoy watching the colourful scenes unfold.
Dinh Cau Night Market is probably the best place on Phu Quoc Island to sample a sumptuous assortment of traditional Vietnamese dishes. About 100 neatly presented stalls line a road for 1,600 feet (500 metres) and serve a huge variety of fish, meat and vegetarian food. Try one of the popular thick noodle stews with delicious fresh vegetables or grilled chicken, lamb and beef. If you are feeling adventurous, sample the potent fish pastes or even boiled snails. Once you have selected your meal of choice, head to the long seating area on the pavement and observe the market’s electric atmosphere.
If you want to buy food to cook yourself, you’ll find a number of stalls selling fresh fish and exotic fruits and vegetables. Buy fresh local herbs and spices and try cooking your favourite Vietnamese dish.
Once you’ve eaten, hunt for treasures at the many gift stalls. Pearls and precious shells are used to make beautiful bracelets and necklaces. You will also find beautiful carvings on wood and a range of colourful clothes. Be sure to bargain, as you can almost always get a cheaper price than advertised. Note that negotiating is not usual for food.
Dinh Cau Night Market is located on the western side of Duong Dong, the island’s main town, just 330 feet (100 metres) from Dinh Cau Temple. The market is open daily from just before sunset until late at night. Walk here from hotels in the city or take a short taxi ride from the coastal resorts.
