Thanh Kieu Beach Resort

Tucked away at the end of a back alley running parallel to the beach, the Thanh Kieu Beach Resort is quiet and intimate. The focus here is on relaxation, with a semi-unplugged philosophy (rooms lack TVs and phones, but there is free Wi-Fi throughout), and no music anywhere. The hotel, first opened in 2000, is simple but charming, with a lovely open lobby decorated with stylish wooden furniture and brick and wood accents, and beautiful, serene grounds full of plants, flowers, and corn stalks. There isn’t much on-site besides a restaurant, a beach bar, and a couple dozen loungers on the sand, but when we visited guests seemed to find the beach enjoyable enough to spend a few hours per day sunbathing, swimming, and unwinding with a drink at the bar. Most of the guests we saw were middle-aged German and Australian couples, but the hotel is also popular among young Vietnamese travelers in the summer. 

Rates are generally fair, especially in the winter and spring, but those on a tighter budget may want to consider the Lien Hiep Thanh Resort, which has basic rooms, a cute restaurant with sunset views, and a nice beach. The Daisy Resort is a better option with slightly higher prices, a beautiful pool offering panoramic views, a great restaurant, and lovely rooms (though it's not right on the beach). With a pool, a game room, and a sandy beach, the Eden Resort is a better pick for families, but rates are generally higher than at the Thanh Kieu Beach Resort. 

The hotel is located at the end of a small back street lined with hotels and a number of casual restaurants and cafes. Although it's a little away from the main tourist area, a few other dining, drinking, and shopping options can be found within easy walking distance, along the main road running all along Phu Quoc’s western coast. There are no sidewalks in the area, though, and taking a taxi may be safer for longer distances, especially because motorbikes tend to ride on the shoulder. Duong Dong, the island’s main city, is an easy five-minute drive down the road. The town’s night market -- selling everything from pearls to souvenirs to fresh seafood -- is worth a visit. Stunning Sao Beach is a 35-minute drive away, and the airport is about 10 minutes from the hotel.

The hotel’s 40 rooms are housed in lovely stand-alone bungalows with pitched terra-cotta tile roofs, brick accents, and pleasant patios with hammocks and chairs. Terra-cotta floors and bare yellow walls make rooms feel a little empty, and decor is simple overall, but elements such as four-poster beds with mosquito nets, cute throw pillows with delicate flower designs, and antique vaults instead of safes add lots of charm. Mattresses, though, were a little too firm for many past guests. All rooms have air-conditioning, mini-fridges, electric kettles, and fans, though TVs and phones are not available. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the property, and all guests get a free bottle of water on arrival (not replenished after the first day).

Rooms are big enough to comfortably fit a double bed and a twin, but there is also a two-bedroom unit complete with a living area and a patio with beach and sea views. Bathrooms are particularly appealing, with an indoor-outdoor design (and straw shades for privacy), lots of natural stone accents, and an array of toiletries, including toothbrushes and combs. Hairdryers are not provided. 

Free breakfast is served daily at the garden restaurant, complete with made-to-order eggs, pancakes, and a wide array of fresh fruits. There are a few tables indoors, but most guests seemed to prefer the terrace, which offers pleasant views of the gardens. Decent Vietnamese cuisine, seafood, and a few small bites are available for lunch and dinner at the beachfront restaurant, which also serves a range of cocktails, fresh fruit juices, and sodas.

The beach right outside the hotel is not private (none are in Vietnam), but the hotel does have a number of wooden loungers and straw umbrellas for guests only. Waiter service is not available at the beach. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, and the hotel owns a few bikes that guests can rent for a fee.