For Tết 2022, off to a remote island — the journey to Dao Phu Qui ❶ (Penned by Ho)

Today's midday in Ho Chi Minh City is 31℃ with 48% humidity. It seems to be the official last day of the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, and many shops are still closed. They're gradually coming back, though... Our household, the Sei Ho family, also returned from our trip last night a little after 10 o'clock. This year we went to a remote island—a bit more challenging, but it turned out to be a wonderful trip that far exceeded our expectations, so I'm recording it as a memo, including preparations for next time. 【February 2–5, 2022: A 4-day, 3-night trip to a remote island】 The planned destination, Dao Phu Qui, lies about 3 to 3.5 hours by boat from the port of Phan Thiet in Binh Thuan Province, and it consists of two islands.

Located about 245 km south of my home in Ho Chi Minh City. The island's area (the larger one) is about 16 km², so with a rented motorbike you can go all the way around it in as little as half a day. Since it's an island made of coral reef, the sea is simply beautiful. Blue and emerald with such high transparency... And apparently, if you google it, there are hotels and shops too.

My friend and I got so excited, saying "I want to go, I want to go, let's go!" But... information was really hard to come by. ...It turned out this was no ordinary island. When I had my Vietnamese friend look into it, I learned that until September 2020 it was under military jurisdiction and foreigners weren't allowed in. But now, it seems foreigners can enter too if they obtain permission from the public security authorities. However, official documents are required. And of course, documents drawn up in Vietnamese. (In other words, in the current age of the pandemic, it seems there are almost no foreign visitors.) The hurdle for foreigners to enter is far too high!! But my Vietnamese friend said, "It doesn't seem impossible... Let's take on the challenge and see if we can make it!!" — a truly reassuring show of support. What I prepared in advance: 1) A copy of my passport, and copies of my residence registration/proof of residence. Since a residence registration is mandatory, it seems tourists cannot enter (this was as of February 2022). 2) I found out that a copy of the residence registration alone isn't enough — you need to have documents prepared by the local public security office. → Go to the public security office in advance and have the documents prepared (it takes a little under a week), with the public security office's signature. What to bring on the day: The originals of 1) and 2) (copies won't do), and 3) the original of a negative COVID test certificate. I also attached test data from within 72 hours and antigen test documents, and for vaccination, 4) the original of a vaccination certificate. Carrying all these, you undergo a military inspection before boarding the boat. (If you don't clear this checkpoint and don't get the OK, you can't board the boat.) I did everything I could, so now all that's left is to pray for good luck. Since the boat departs from the port of Phan Thiet, before heading to the remote island, we stayed the night beforehand at a hotel in Phan Thiet to get into that resort mood.

Giddy with excitement, we welcomed New Year's Eve and the New Year. An early morning beach walk on New Year's Day,

Jumping into the new year with renewed drive

A little over two centimeters. And then, finally, at 8:00 AM on February 2nd. We joined up with the friends who'd be traveling with us. Our documents were all in order, and we set off for the harbor to board the 10 o'clock boat on February 2nd. At that point, I really thought it would all go smoothly. But honestly, so much happened... A trip to a remote island that was wonderful far beyond anything I'd imagined. Vietnam truly still has such incredible depths to explore!! Relocation Life Ranking