Direct flights to Phu Quoc 2026: now from 4 Russian cities. Should you swap Nha Trang?

News: direct flights and all the perks of Phu Quoc

Until recently, getting to Phu Quoc was a real quest for many tourists. Layovers in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or China, long stopovers, baggage hassle – all of it was exhausting and made the vacation less carefree. But starting October 21, 2026, the situation is changing dramatically.

Tour operator PEGAS Touristik is launching a charter flight program to the island. And it's not just Moscow. Flights operated by Ikar Airlines will start from four cities:

• Yekaterinburg – October 21
• Novosibirsk – October 27
• Krasnoyarsk – October 30
• Moscow (Sheremetyevo) – October 31

This is especially important for residents of the regions. No more spending extra money and time on a flight to the capital. You can start directly from your city.

But what attracts tourists to Phu Quoc? We think it's one of the best and fastest-growing resorts in Vietnam, which has already left many mainland destinations behind. Here are its main advantages:

• Incredible beaches. Snow-white "powder" sand, palm trees right down to the water, and the cleanest shore. A gentle entry into the sea is ideal for families with children. The west of the island has all the resort life, while the east has wild and secluded bays.
• The clearest sea in Vietnam. Phu Quoc is in the Gulf of Thailand, and the water here is turquoise and transparent. It's a recognized destination for diving and snorkeling.
• Modern entertainment complexes. Here you'll find huge amusement parks (VinWonders, Sun World Hon Thom), a safari park, and the world's longest cable car connecting the island to the archipelago. It's not just a "beach" vacation – it's a whole world of entertainment.
• Variety of resorts. Everyone can find their own corner: from quiet boutique hotels in the north to lively areas with bars and restaurants in the Long Beach area. You can choose peaceful seclusion or active partying.

After the flight news, demand for tours has skyrocketed. Especially now that early booking discounts of up to 25% are available. In our opinion, there's no point in delaying the purchase, especially if you want a specific hotel for the New Year holidays.

Trusted online aggregators where you can compare offers from different tour operators and book a tour right now:

• Tours to Vietnam on Level.Travel
• Tours to Vietnam on Travelata.ru
• Tours to Vietnam on Onlinetours.ru

Should you swap Nha Trang and Mui Ne for Phu Quoc?

This question is surely on many tourists' minds. Nha Trang and Mui Ne have long been settled by Russian travelers; everything is familiar there, and Russian speech is heard everywhere. Phu Quoc is a completely different story. And it has its own compelling arguments.

• On Phu Quoc:

  • Seasonality. While the mainland (Nha Trang, Mui Ne) has rain and storms from October to January, Phu Quoc has an ideal dry season. The sea is calm, humidity is comfortable, and there's no wind. This is the main advantage for winter vacations.
  • Beaches. The sand on Phu Quoc is far better than in Nha Trang. It's fine, white, and pleasant. Nha Trang is known for its city promenade, not its beaches.
  • Diving and nature. Around Phu Quoc, there are many small islands where the underwater world is accessible right from the shore. In Nha Trang, you need to go to the neighboring Southern Islands for that. Phu Quoc has a national park with jungles and waterfalls, which other resorts lack.

• In Nha Trang and Mui Ne:

  • Developed infrastructure. Shopping, markets, a huge selection of hotels and restaurants for every taste – here it's more accessible.
  • Russian-speaking environment. If it's important for you to have Russian cafes, signs, and guides – Nha Trang will be easier. Russian speech is also present on Phu Quoc, but on a smaller scale.
  • Prices. Phu Quoc is generally somewhat more expensive than mainland resorts. But the difference isn't significant if you're comparing hotels of the same level.

In short, our advice after visiting all these resorts multiple times is: if you love discovering something new, appreciate nature and quality beach vacations without crowds of tourists, and are planning a trip during the winter months – Phu Quoc wins. If you prefer a familiar environment, variety of entertainment, and a more budget-friendly vacation – Nha Trang and Mui Ne are still good.

Short guide for tourists: what you need to know before traveling to Phu Quoc

We've gathered the most important information that will come in handy on your trip. These aren't just general words – they're verified facts from our years of experience traveling in Vietnam.

Visa, money, and bank cards

• Visa: Visa-free regime for Russian citizens up to 45 days. Only a passport is required.
• Currency: Local money – Vietnamese dong (VND), and all transactions are in this currency. It's best to bring cash dollars or euros. Exchange offices are everywhere, but we found the best rates in the Long Beach area near Duong Dong (e.g., near KingKong Mart supermarket).
• Cards: MIR cards don't work on Phu Quoc. UnionPay cards from Russian banks work well, but acceptance points aren't very numerous. Cash is the most reliable option.
• Crypto: Crypto payments are legal in Vietnam; you can pay from apps directly at the register via QR codes.

Connectivity and transport

• Mobile service: Local tourist SIM cards can be bought at the airport or travel agencies (price from 150,000 VND – 5.71 USD). If you're staying long-term, it's cheaper to get a prepaid card from local carriers (Viettel, Vinaphone) with your passport, but this is only available in the main city of Duong Dong. If your phone supports eSIM, it's better to buy one in advance online via Trip.com.
• Taxis and bike rental: For taxi bookings, use Grab and Xanh Sm apps – it's cheaper than negotiated taxis. Motorbike rental will cost 150,000 – 200,000 VND per day (without fuel) – roughly 5.71 – 7.62 rub. Roads on Phu Quoc are calm, easy and safe to ride.
• VinBus: This is a game-changer! There are several bus routes on the island between the airport, main beaches, and amusement parks. Check the vinbus.vn website or the app of the same name.

What and where to eat on Phu Quoc

• Tourist cafes and restaurants: Lunch will cost 100,000 – 150,000 VND per person (3.81 – 5.71 USD). Hotel breakfast from 100,000 VND (3.81 USD), seafood from 200,000 VND per serving (7.62 USD). If you don't want to deny yourself anything, budget from 1,000,000 VND per person per day (38.09 USD).
• Local budget eateries: Look for street places where Vietnamese locals eat. A full meal with rice costs from 30,000 VND (1.14 USD). Drinks – 10,000 – 15,000 VND (0.38 – 0.57 USD). Such places are in Duong Dong and the old tourist area on Long Beach. In new areas (Sunset Town, Sonasea), they're almost non-existent – you'll have to eat at tourist establishments.
• Supermarkets: KingKong Mart – a chain with the lowest prices. Water 1.5L – 10,000 VND (0.38 USD), local beer – 12,000 VND (0.46 USD), draft beer 1L – 28,000 VND (1.07 USD).

Which beach to choose on Phu Quoc

• Long Beach: The main tourist beach. Developed infrastructure, many hotels, cafes, bars, and nightlife. Perfect for those who want to be in the center of things.
• Khem Beach: A posh new resort with white sand and crystal-clear water. Expensive hotels, quiet and secluded. For those who value comfort and service.
• Sao Beach: One of the most beautiful beaches on the island. White sand, turquoise water, but located far from the main infrastructure.
• Starfish Beach: A famous spot with sea stars. Very photogenic, but be prepared that it's a wild beach with no amenities.
• Ong Lang Beach: A quiet, affordable area with a village atmosphere. For those seeking peace.

Phu Quoc is an ideal place for those seeking a balance between pristine nature and modern comfort. Direct flights make it even more accessible.

🕒 17 July, 2026