Phu Quoc Paradise Found: Dusit Princess Moonrise Beach Resort Awaits!
Phu Quoc Paradise Found…ish: Dusit Princess Moonrise Beach Resort - A Review (with a Side of Sandy Feet and Mild Panic)
Okay, so Phu Quoc. It's supposed to be paradise. And the Dusit Princess Moonrise Beach Resort? Well, that's supposed to be… extra paradise. Did it live up to the hype? Let's dive in, shall we? Buckle up, because this isn't your average, sterile hotel review. This is real life.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Honestly
Right, so the serious stuff first. Accessibility. Now, I wouldn't call myself an expert on this, but I did pay attention. The resort does boast "Facilities for disabled guests," which, frankly, is comforting. The elevators were a lifesaver with luggage (and my existential dread). However, I wouldn't say it's fully wheel-chair friendly everywhere. Some areas, like the restaurant, seemed a little… tricky. It's worth contacting the resort directly to clarify specific needs. I'm a strong walker, so I didn't need to use a wheelchair but I kept noticing that sometimes, there were minor bumps in pathways that had me thinking "Hmm… that might be difficult to navigate."
On-site Accessible Restaurants / Lounges:
The main restaurant seemed…accessible, from what I could tell. The pool bar? Fine. That beachfront bar? Now, there's some glorious sand to potentially navigate! (Again, contact the hotel for specifics).
(Deep Breath) Alright, let's get to the fun (or at least, the less serious) stuff.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feels Like They’re Trying
Okay, this COVID thing. It's still out there, right? Dusit clearly takes it seriously. They’ve got the hand sanitizer stations everywhere. And I mean EVERYWHERE. At the front desk, near the elevators, by the pool… you’d think they were handing the stuff out like free candy (which, honestly, wouldn't be the worst idea). They also have the "Anti-viral cleaning products” mentioned. The "Daily disinfection in common areas" felt noticeable. They're serious, and honestly, that's comforting. I’m a bit of a germophobe (don’t judge!), so seeing "Professional-grade sanitizing services" and knowing rooms are "sanitized between stays" eased my anxiety. The "Safe dining setup" was also noticeable, like the tables being spaced and staff wearing masks. They even have the "Room sanitization opt-out available," which is good for people who aren’t borderline obsessive like me!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food (And Maybe a Hangry Moment or Two)
Alright, the important stuff. Food. Let's be honest, this is where a hotel can really win (or lose) you.
- Restaurants: Several options! There’s the main restaurant, which has a buffet and a la carte options. The Poolside bar is… well, what you'd expect. They serve snacks and drinks.
- Breakfast: Ah, breakfast. The most important meal of the day. It's mostly a buffet (Asian and Western options). The "Breakfast [buffet]" was plentiful, BUT! It had the usual hotel-buffet problem of getting slightly repetitive after a few days. But the bread, the bread was lovely. Soft, and fresh!
- Coffee/Tea: Decent. Nothing mind-blowing, but perfectly acceptable.
- Poolside Bar: Very relaxing. Highly recommended to go to the poolside bar at 3 pm, order a cocktail and simply relax and read.
- Room Service: 24-hour, which is always a win. Perfect for a midnight snack when you can't sleep and your stomach is rumbling.
- Snack Bar: Convenient, for when you need a quick bite.
- Vegetarian Restaurant: I did not see a dedicated one, but I did see a "Vegetarian options".
Look, the food wasn't Michelin-star level. But it was good. And it was plentiful. And after a few days of eating, I had to do some more push-ups in the gym.
The Room: My Personal Sanctuary (With a Few Quirks)
My room? Ah, my room. It’s a necessary part for the perfect holiday. The beds were comfortable. The air conditioning? Blessed relief! The "Air conditioning" was really important. The "Non-smoking" was good for me. If you're a smoker, they do have smoking areas. I appreciated the "Free bottled water” – hydration is key on a tropical island. The "In-room safe box" was useful for my passport and other valuables. The "Mini bar" was well-stocked (though a bit pricey). The "Slippers" and "Bathrobes" were the luxurious touch.
The bathrooms were modern and clean, (the one thing that I liked most about the hotel) with a good shower, and the towels were fluffy. And there was a balcony, which was perfect for watching the sunset. The TV had a lot of channels but 90% of them were in Vietnamese, but hey, the hotel provided good Wi-Fi.
And the view from the "High floor." Perfection.
However… the "Soundproofing" wasn’t perfect, there was some noise from the hallway in the early mornings. Just a minor thing. And the Wi-Fi, while "free," occasionally decided to take a nap.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa Day, Anyone?
Okay, so let's talk relaxation. This is where the Dusit really shines.
- Swimming pool: The most famous part of the whole resort. A really long, beautiful pool. I spent 2 days straight in it.
- Fitness center: If you want a gym.
- Massage: Very good. The "Body scrub" and "Body wrap," too, were awesome.
- Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: Yes, yes, and yes! (I may have spent a lot of time in the sauna…)
- Pool with view: And yes, it was beautiful, especially at sunset.
The spa was AMAZING. Seriously. I had the best massage of my life. So, if you're looking to de-stress, this is your place.
Services and Conveniences: Little Things that Made a Difference
- Cash withdrawal: They have an ATM, which is handy.
- Concierge: They were friendly and helpful.
- Daily housekeeping: The room was always spotless.
- Elevator: Essential, as I said before!
- Meeting/banquet facilities: They have those, if you need them.
- Laundry service: Very convenient.
- Luggage storage: Helpful for early check-ins or late check-outs.
- Safety deposit boxes: Always a good idea.
- Gift/souvenir shop: You can actually buy some nice souvenirs to take home.
- Airport transfer: They also have this. Very convenient.
- Car park [free of charge]: Yes, you can park there for free.
For the Kids:
- Babysitting service: They have it.
- Family/child friendly: Yes, definitely.
- Kids facilities: They have a lot of pools.
- Kids meal: They also provide this.
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer: Yes, they also have that.
- Car park [free of charge]: Parking is absolutely free.
- Taxi service: The taxis are there.
Minor Considerations:
- Internet access: Yes, they have Wi-Fi.
- Hotel chain: Yes, the hotel is a chain, meaning you know what to expect.
- Non-smoking rooms: Yes, they do.
- Smoking area: Yes, of course.
The Quirks (The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Weird):
- The Staff: The staff were generally lovely, but sometimes there was a slight language barrier. But they tried! I remember one morning trying to order a coffee and getting a very confused look. Eventually, we managed to communicate.
- The Beach: The beach is lovely. But it's Phu Quoc, which means there's sand. Everywhere. In your shoes, in your hair, in your… well, you get the picture.
- The Overall Vibe: Relaxed. Very, very relaxed. Which is perfect.
The Verdict:
Dusit Princess Moonrise Beach Resort is a great choice for a relaxing Phu Quoc getaway. Yes, it has some imperfections (what doesn't?), but the pros definitely outweigh the cons. The location is stunning, the staff is friendly, the spa is heavenly, and the overall vibe is pure relaxation. It's not necessarily perfect, but it's a damn good place to unwind, recharge, and forget about the real world for a while.
Rating : 4.5 / 5 Stars
**Book Now! Phu Quoc Paradise Found:
Thredbo's Bollygums: Unbelievable Aussie Adventure You NEED to See!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my Phu Quoc adventure at the Dusit Princess Moonrise Beach Resort. Forget those pristine, picture-perfect itineraries. This is going to be the real, sun-baked, slightly sunburned deal. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, questionable decisions, and a whole lot of, "Oh, right, that happened."
The Phu Quoc Fiasco (Or, a Week of Mangoes, Mayhem, and Mild Regret)
Day 1: Arrival, Adrenaline, and a Questionable Coconut
Theme: Welcome to Paradise (with a side of "Where's my luggage?")
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
- Arrival at Phu Quoc Airport: The air hits you like a warm, slightly humid hug. Immediately, I’m thinking, “This is it. Pure bliss.” Then, reality bites back: My suitcase has clearly decided to vacation elsewhere. Cue internal panic. Cue the first (and hopefully not last) minor meltdown. The Dusit Princess lobby is stunning though, a perfect blend of calming neutrals and vibrant pops of colour. The staff are unbelievably lovely, instantly soothing my frayed nerves with a cool towel and a welcome drink that was thankfully, non-alcoholic (remember the luggage situation!)
Time: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Check-in & Room Reconnaissance: Finally, a room! And it's lovely, a little sanctuary away from the airport chaos. I dropped my bags (the ones I did have, thankfully) and beeline for the balcony. Ocean views? Check. Balcony to soak up with the ocean views? Check. I'm already picturing hours of reading, napping, and perfecting my tan. This is what I needed. I do a little dance of joy.
Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- Beach Exploration & Coconut Catastrophe: Naturally, the moment I'm free, it's beach time. The sand is powdery soft, the water a dazzling shade of turquoise. I promptly find a sun lounger and settle in, ready for some serious R&R. I order a coconut, thinking, "Ah, the quintessential vacation experience." This coconut, however, was a rogue. It was lukewarm, tasted faintly of disappointment, and nearly whacked me in the face when it was opened. Fail. Lesson learned: stick to cocktails, the bartender knows his stuff.
Dinner & First Impressions: The resort restaurant offers a delicious spread, but I can't entirely focus on the food. My suitcase-less state continues to weigh on me. I keep checking the door, desperately hoping for a miraculous arrival. That night, I have trouble sleeping and am constantly woken up by the sound of waves crashing into the beach. Even though I know I have a perfect view. I am very scared of the ocean.
Day 2: Motorcycle Mayhem (and a Lesson in "Lost in Translation")
Theme: The thrill of two wheels (and a potential hospital visit).
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Motorcycle Rental (and Beginner's Luck): Okay, so I’ve never ridden a motorcycle. But, Phu Quoc is all about the freedom, right? After some heavy convincing from myself, I decide to rent one. The rental process is interesting, involving a lot of pointing, frantic Google Translate, and a near-death experience (me, not the bike) while trying to navigate traffic. I bravely (or foolishly) decided to attempt a solo excursion.
Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
- Exploring the Island: I attempt to find Sao Beach, renowned for its stunning beauty. The roads are bumpy, the signage is nonexistent, and I nearly get flattened by a passing truck. Twice. Somehow, I make it. I am covered in sweat, dust, and mild terror, but the beach is worth it. The sand is almost blindingly white, the water crystal clear. Pure, unadulterated beauty. I have to admit, I feel like I earned that beach.
Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Lunch & "Lost in Translation" Moment: I stumble upon a tiny local eatery. I attempt to order a seafood dish, but my Vietnamese language skills are, shall we say, lacking. I accidentally order a dish that seems to consist entirely of…fish eyeballs. Let's just say it was a learning experience. I politely ate two, then made a quick exit.
Time: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- Relaxing back at the resort: After having a close brush with death. I relax at the resort. The only thing my mind can process is to get some much-needed rest.
Day 3: Poolside Paradise & a Spicy Situation
Theme: Back to basics: sun, cocktails, and questionable decisions.
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Poolside Bliss: Finally, a day with zero near-death experiences! I claimed a prime spot by the pool, and spend the morning alternating between swimming, sunbathing, and reading. The cocktails are dangerously delicious, and I quickly realize I have perfected the art of being utterly, gloriously lazy.
Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
- Lunch & the Chili Challenge: I decide to try a local Vietnamese dish at the resort’s restaurant. I'm feeling adventurous, so I order something with a red pepper symbol next to it. I think, "How spicy can it really be?" Famous last words. The dish arrives, and after one bite, my mouth is on fire. Tears stream down my face. I gulp down water and frantically fan myself. The waiter looks on with amusement. Lesson learned: Vietnam and my spice tolerance are not friends.
Time: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Beach Time: I head back to the beach. The sand is beautiful yet again, and I am just so happy with the sun.
Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- Dinner & Sunset: I watch the sunset on the beach with a Mai Tai. I'm in love.
Day 4: Pearl Farm Perplexities & Seafood Serenity
Theme: Culture, cuisine, and a close encounter with a slightly slimy creature.
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Pearl Farm Visit: Phu Quoc is famous for its pearls. We take a tour of a pearl farm. It's educational, I admit. I learn about the process, the different types of pearls, and the exorbitant prices they command. I buy a small, relatively inexpensive pearl necklace. Hopefully, it's real.
Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
- Seafood Feast: Lunch at a local seafood restaurant. The food is incredibly fresh and delicious. I order grilled octopus, and despite my initial hesitancy (see: slimy creature observation in the header), it's surprisingly tasty. I'm actually getting braver!
Time: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Afternoon Nap: Today I skipped the beach. Instead, I take a nap.
Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- Spa treatment: Today I get a spa treatment.
Day 5: Waterfalls, Wandering, and a Bittersweet Goodbye
Theme: Embracing the final days, and trying not to get too attached.
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Visit to Dinh Cau Rock: I take a trip to Dinh Cau Rock, a very amazing spot for tourists and locals.
Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
- Lunch: We eat lunch at a restaurant in Phu Quoc.
Time: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Wandering, and Souvenir Shopping: One last wander through the local market, searching for souvenirs. And I buy a ton of local spices that are totally going to sit untouched in my cupboard at home.
Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- Final Sunset and Farewell Dinner: A bittersweet feeling washes over me as I watch my final sunset. I had a dinner at the resort, reflecting on the trip, the mishaps. I feel very sad.
Day 6: Departure (and the Suitcase Miracle!)
Theme: Home, sweet home… with or without luggage?
Time: 8:00 AM
- Early Breakfast: I have my last delicious breakfast, savoring every bite.
Time: 9:
So, Phu Quoc, eh? Paradise Found? Really?
Okay, let's be honest, the "Paradise Found" tagline made me roll my eyes *so hard* initially. It's a bit much, right? But… *maybe* they're onto something. Phu Quoc itself is a stunner. Think turquoise water, beaches that whisper secrets (mostly about how much sand you're going to find later in *everything*), and sunsets that could make a hardened cynic weep. The resort itself? Well, it’s… trying. Let's just say my expectations were high, and the reality… well, it was a mixed bag. But hey, that's life, right? Never *quite* as perfect as the Instagram filters promise.
The Rooms! Spill the Beans. Are they actually nice? And the "Moonrise" bit… does it even *work*?
Alright, the rooms. This is where things started to… wobble a bit. Look, they *looked* nice. Modern, clean lines, a balcony that promised glorious views. My initial reaction? "Ooh, fancy!" But then… the devil is in the details, isn't it? My room (which, by the way, I paid extra for the "sea view") had a slightly wobbly table. And the air conditioning? Sounded like a dying walrus. And the "Moonrise" thing? Yeah, well, as it turned out our room had a pretty lousy view of the sunrise, let alone the moonrise (thanks, trees!). A total letdown, honestly. I was expecting a moonlit symphony and got… a leafy curtain. *sigh* They *are* trying though, I'll give them that. They look great, just the execution… needs a little love. And maybe a better walrus impersonator for the AC.
That Food! Tell me about the food, please! Is it worth going to Vietnam for?
Okay, the food. THIS is where things get interesting. Vietnam, in general, is a food lover's paradise. And Phu Quoc? It can be, it truly can. The resort restaurants? Mixed. The breakfast buffet? A triumph! Fresh fruit bursting with flavor, pho that warmed my soul… I ate so much pho, I swear I gained a pound a day. Then, for dinner, the main restaurant. Mediocre... at best. Bland pasta, a rubbery steak.... I longed for a sizzling street food cart and a simple bowl of noodles. Outside the resort? Oh my GOODNESS. Beach shacks offering ridiculously fresh seafood grilled to perfection. Tiny restaurants tucked away in dusty lanes serving up the most incredible, fragrant curries. My advice? Venture OUT. Don't get stuck in the resort bubble. Trust me on this one. You'll thank me (and your taste buds will, too). Seek out the local markets. You'll thank yourself.
The Beach! Is the beach actually good? Because let's be real, that's *kinda* important.
The beach… okay, here's the good news. The beach *is* lovely. Soft, white sand that squishes between your toes. Crystal-clear water, inviting you to take a dip. The sun is… well, the sun is *intense*. Use sunscreen! And reapply! I learned that lesson the hard way (picture a lobster… a very grumpy, sunburnt lobster). The beach is the shining star of this place. The only downside? The resort isn't the most… organized on the beach. Finding loungers was a bit of a chaotic scramble at times. And the beach attendants? They seemed… slightly overwhelmed. It’s a bit of a free-for-all at times. But hey, the beach itself? Pure, unadulterated bliss. You'll definitely spend a lot of time there. Probably too much time.
Activities! Anything to actually *do* besides sit on the beach and eat?
Okay, *activities*. They offer some. There was a gym (I went once. It was air-conditioned, so I considered that an achievement). There's a pool, which was nice, but nothing particularly special. They offer water sports. Jets skis, paddle boarding, the usual. I went kayaking one day, and it was lovely, until I capsized trying to take a "selfie" (don't judge!). They also do a handful of tours, snorkelling, going to various fish sauce factories. The highlight? A day trip to a nearby island. Gorgeous, unspoiled, it was a world away from the slightly… bustling resort. But to be honest, the best activity was just wandering around. Exploring the local markets, getting lost in the town (just *try* not to get run over by a scooter), and soaking up the atmosphere. My favourite activities were those that had nothing to do with the resort at all.
The Staff! Always a crucial part! What was the staff like?
Ok, the staff. Overall? They're *trying*. They’re generally very sweet, very polite, and very eager to please. But there were moments. Like when I asked for a Bloody Mary and the bartender gave me a blank stare. Or when my room service never arrived (and the helpfulness to that problem was… lacking). Communication was sometimes a challenge (blame my terrible Vietnamese, not theirs!). But honestly? They're putting in the effort. And that counts for a lot. They’re dealing with a lot of tourists, some of whom are… well, let's just say, not always the most patient or polite. So, yeah. The staff? They’re the unsung heroes. Tip them well. They deserve it.
The Spa! Essential for a relaxing getaway, right? Tell me about the spa.
The spa… alright, the spa! I went in with HIGH expectations. I mean, "Dusit Princess Moonrise Beach Resort"? Spa should be amazing, right? Well… it was… a spa. Clean. Quiet. The massage itself? Decent. Nothing mind-blowing. I had a Swedish massage. It was good, but… let's just say it didn't transport me to a higher plane of existence. I've had better massages; I've had worse. It was… functional. The real problem? The price! It felt unreasonably expensive compared to the local experiences. I mean, I could have gotten three massages in the markets in the town for that price. It was a pleasant way to spend an hour, but it didn't quite live up to the luxurious image the resort tries to project. Maybe I was expecting too much. Maybe I'm just a massage snob. But I left feeling a little… meh. I'd maybe seek out something off-site next time.
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