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Hello night owls and food lovers preparing to vacation in Phu Quoc! Many people think that the only place to eat seafood at night in Phu Quoc is the night market in the city center, but if you make it to Sunset Town in the south, you absolutely cannot miss the first seaside creative night market in all of Vietnam — the "VUI-Fest Bazaar"! This market, set along a Mediterranean-style coastline, perfectly combines a gentle breeze, sunset, creative cuisine, street performances, and nighttime fireworks, making for a comfortable and stylish stroll. Today, I've put together the most comprehensive guide to the VUI-Fest seaside market, helping you understand the food highlights, performance times, and how to pair it with your southern itinerary!
VUI-Fest Bazaar: Attraction Introduction and Space Highlights
The VUI-Fest Bazaar is located by the coast in Sunset Town at the southwestern tip of Phu Quoc, and is a new concept seaside night market created by the Sun Group. The name "Vui" means "happy" or "joyful" in Vietnamese, and "Vui Phết" is a popular local phrase meaning "super fun and extremely happy"!
Unlike the crowded and noisy impression of traditional night markets, VUI-Fest is planned along a several hundred meter long seaside promenade, flanked by colorful and stylish wooden huts and food trucks. The promenade is spacious and clean, furnished with many outdoor seating areas and ocean-view high-top bars. Travelers can enjoy local Vietnamese snacks and international cuisine while listening to the sound of the waves and jazz music, immersing themselves in a relaxed nightlife reminiscent of Southern European vacations.
Main Features of VUI-Fest Bazaar
- The first seaside night market in Taiwan and Vietnam: The market is adjacent to the azure sea, and while shopping, you can look up to see the coastline, the Kiss Bridge, and the distant night sea view, creating a romantic atmosphere.
- Green and sustainable philosophy: VUI-Fest is a rare sustainable market in Vietnam that advocates for "reducing plastic waste." Most stalls use recyclable or plant-based utensils, encouraging the non-use of disposable plastic bags and straws, maintaining an excellent environment.
- Exclusive "Kitchenware Flash Show": Every day, the market features surprise street performances, with the most eye-catching being a flash percussion and dance performance using pots, pans, bamboo strainers, and kitchen tools as instruments, creating an explosive rhythm.
- Fireworks over the sea: Since the market is adjacent to the large performance venue "Kiss of the Sea" in Sunset Town, every night at designated times, visitors can look up from the market promenade or ocean-view bars to enjoy a dazzling fireworks show!
Suitable Traveler Types
The VUI-Fest Bazaar is perfect for couple dates, Instagram photography, gatherings with friends, and family outings. If you enjoy a clean and bright shopping environment, want to try creative dishes and craft beers, or are looking for a nighttime spot where kids can easily roam and enjoy street performances, this is an ideal choice.
Recommended Activities and Must-Try Experiences
1. Global Cuisine and Vietnamese Delicacies
The market gathers dozens of carefully selected stalls, offering everything from grilled seafood, Vietnamese French bread (Bánh mì), traditional tofu pudding, beef pho, to Japanese skewers, Thai snacks, Italian pizza, and French desserts. Be sure to try the authentic Vietnamese grilled rice paper (Bánh tráng nướng) and fresh coconut ice cream, both affordable and delicious.
2. Experience Sun Craft Beer and Ocean View Bars
Next to the market promenade, there is a Sun KraftBeer bar and several uniquely styled bars, offering locally brewed craft beers and tropical fruit cocktails from Phu Quoc. Order a cold drink and sit in the outdoor high-top chairs with ocean views; the gentle breeze will provide the ultimate relaxation experience.
3. Discover Creative Handicrafts and Unique Souvenirs
In addition to food, VUI-Fest is a paradise for creative enthusiasts. The market features many stalls from local artists and handmade brands, selling exquisite island-style handmade jewelry, woven bags, scented candles, painted postcards, and gift boxes of Phu Quoc specialties like pepper and fish sauce, perfect for selecting unique travel souvenirs.
4. Enjoy Street Flash Performances and Nighttime Fireworks
While strolling through the market, don't forget to pay attention to the flash performances in the central square and along the promenade! In addition to passionate Latin dance and magic performances, the classic "Loảng Xoảng Show" brings interactive fun every night. Around 21:00 to 21:30, all visitors will stop to gaze at the night sky and enjoy the romantic fireworks over the sea.
Suggested Itinerary for Southern Phu Quoc
The VUI-Fest market is located in the heart of Sunset Town in southern Phu Quoc, making it perfect for connecting southern attractions into a fulfilling day or half-day tour:
- Romantic Southern Day Tour: Take the "Sun World Hon Thom Cable Car" to Hon Thom Water Park in the afternoon ➔ 16:00 Return to Sunset Town to stroll through the colorful streets ➔ 17:00 Head to the "Kiss Bridge" to catch the golden sunset ➔ 18:30 Enter the VUI-Fest market for dinner and shopping ➔ 21:00 Watch the "Kiss of the Sea" grand show and dazzling fireworks.
- Leisurely Night Half-Day Tour: Arrive at Sunset Town at 17:30 to enjoy the sunset ➔ 18:00 Eat snacks and drink craft beer at the VUI-Fest market ➔ 20:00 Watch street performances and take photos at the market ➔ 21:30 Enjoy fireworks before returning to the hotel to rest.
Key Points of Interest and Best Photo Spots
- Market Seaside Rainbow Promenade: Wooden-style stalls paired with colorful neon lights, with the deep blue sea in the background, making for romantic and exotic photos.
- Ocean View Front Row Outdoor Bar Area: Hold craft beer or tropical cocktails with the Kiss Bridge and night sea as your backdrop for magazine-worthy shots.
- Kitchenware Instrument Performance Square: Performers in unique costumes play kitchenware live, creating a lively and festive scene, perfect for recording short videos or Reels.
Transportation Guide and Time Arrangement Suggestions
The VUI-Fest market is located in Sunset Town, An Thới, in southern Phu Quoc. It takes about 25 to 30 minutes by car or taxi from Phu Quoc International Airport; from Dương Đông in the city center, it takes about 35 to 45 minutes. Travelers can choose from the following transportation options:
- Grab / Traditional Taxi: The most convenient option, with vehicles able to stop directly at the entrance of Sunset Town or the VUI-Fest market shuttle point.
- Free Shuttle Bus (VinBus / Sun Group Shuttle): There are shuttle buses running between some popular areas and designated resorts in Phu Quoc to Sunset Town, so it's advisable to check the latest schedule in advance.
- Rent a Motorbike: Suitable for independent travelers, simply head south along the DT975 main road to reach smoothly, with parking areas available near the market.
Things to Note When Visiting VUI-Fest Market
- Mosquito Protection and Attire: Since the market is adjacent to the seaside and outdoor spaces, there may be mosquitoes in the evening, so it's advisable to bring mosquito repellent; wearing comfortable flat shoes or sandals is more convenient for walking.
- Payment Methods: Most stalls accept cash (VND) and credit cards, but some small handmade stalls may prefer cash for smoother transactions, so it's recommended to carry some small denomination Vietnamese dong.
- Weather Factors: The market is an open-air space, and if there are afternoon thunderstorms, some stalls may close early or pause performances, so it's advisable to bring rain gear or first head to nearby restaurants with roofs to rest.
Frequently Asked Questions about VUI-Fest Bazaar (FAQ)
Q1: Do I need to buy a ticket for the VUI-Fest Bazaar?
No! The pathways and public areas of the VUI-Fest market are open for free visits, and travelers can freely enter and stroll for photos; only when purchasing food, drinks, or souvenirs at the stalls do they need to pay for their own consumption.
Q2: How is VUI-Fest different from the traditional Dương Đông Night Market in Phu Quoc?
The Dương Đông Night Market is located in the city center, with a style leaning towards traditional local seafood stalls and affordable tropical fruit snacks, bustling with crowds; while VUI-Fest is located in the southern Sunset Town, focusing on a fashionable seaside creative style, reducing plastic waste, street art performances, and unbeatable sea views for watching fireworks. Both have their unique features, and it’s recommended to arrange visits to experience both.
Q3: Can I see the fireworks show from Sunset Town at the market?
Yes! The VUI-Fest market has a clear view along the coastal promenade, and every night after the "Kiss of the Sea" performance, you can directly enjoy the dazzling fireworks in the night sky from the market promenade or coastal bar area.
Q4: What time do the stalls in the market generally open? What time is best to go?
The market opens every day from 16:00 until midnight at 24:00. The recommended arrival time is around 17:30, allowing you to see the beautiful sunset by the sea and seamlessly transition into the lively market atmosphere as the night lights come on.
