PHU QUOC ISLAND EXPAT GUIDE

There is a growing community of expats from all over the world and across all demographics living on Phu Quoc Island. These expats enjoy the beautiful weather and scenery that Phu Quoc has to offer, the relatively low cost of living, and some of the best beaches in all of Asia.

NEW VS OLD

Most expats are new to the island and have come with their families to work in the hospitality sector, however there are some who have been on the island for over 10 years – initially arrived to sexually exploit the young girls and boys of the Mekong Delta region, one of  the poorest regions in all of Vietnam.   Given that Vietnam borders Cambodia, which is known to be the pedophilia capital of Asia, Phu Quoc Island was a place not frequented by sex tourists since it was “off-the-radar” and a pricey Vietnam Visa was also required  – those who did come, had no competition unlike in Phnom Penh and Pattaya.  A lot of these sexual deviants managed to stay on the island and start small businesses such as coffee shops, hostels, after hours bars, etc.  This older community of expats, consisting entirely of older men, all know each other and are easily recognizable.

EXPAT PERSONAS

The following is a high level breakdown of the different expat personas found on Phu Quoc:

1.) Hospitality/Tourism Industry Expat: This type of expat is new to Phu Quoc and is either working in the hospitality sector or developing a tourism product, e.g. safari zoo, hospital, golf, real estate etc.  They are here on the island for career related purposes, are usually under the age of 50, well educated and usually hang out with their colleagues and or spouse.  If you want to reach this specific community you can find them here.  

2.) Backpacker Expat: The “backpacker expat” is on Phu Quoc for a short period of time usually working at a bar, scuba dive shop, hostel, tour agency, etc.  They are young millennial's, 420 friendly, well educated, and active on social media.  They are on Phu Quoc for a limited time until they move on to their next adventure.

3.) Long Term Expats: These expats have been living on the island for years, most have Vietnamese spouses/boyfriend or girlfriends, are much older, have a set group of peers or  “cliques” who all belong to the same group and usually have a business on the island.  Most of these expats do not like the changes that are occurring and have a set way of doing things and often exploit island newbies.  Some can even spot “fresh faces” on the island, make initial contact and appear friendly and helpful, and once they have established your trust they will then try to sell you a product or service, ask if they can borrow money, or find a way to exploit you somehow.  If you are a new expat who plans on starting a business on Phu Quoc that will compete with an existing business run by an long-term expat, expect aggression, slander, verbal and/or physical confrontations, etc.  If you do encounter this, just be patient and document/capture everything on your smartphone/photos/social media and then show these artifacts to the local police, Facebook, and the Kien Giang Tourism Board.  Not all long-term expats are bad, but there are enough to warrant extreme caution.

4:) Sexpats: A “Sexpat” is an individual who travels, usually to remote third world countries, to satisfy their sexual urges/fetish usually with minors (boys & girls) – good definition here.  South East Asia is well known for the sexual exploitation of minors and Vietnam, nor Phu Quoc, is exempt from this even though prostitution is illegal in the country. Sexpats are harder to spot, older, less social, and have a very small group of peers who know of their activities and/or are Sexpats themselves or are former Sexpats.  Some of these Sexpats have sex, alcohol, and/or drug addiction problems as well this demographic includes all nationalities.  Given that Phu Quoc is transforming at a rapid rate and it is trying to clean up its image most of Phu Quoc's Sexpat community will either leave on their own or will be driven out. 

Note: There is a red light district in Phu Quoc, companion bars, and even sex tours with ecological girls – read this and this.  Since the island is very small and gossip is rampant, most of islands long term residents know exactly who the deviants are.

5:) Vietkieus: “Vietkieu's” are Vietnamese who have lived/studied abroad, are well educated, social, technologically savvy, well groomed, and normally come from middle to upper class households.  Ages vary and most are on the island for investment/business opportunities.  

Usually you can tell who the “good ones” are from the “bad ones” by their grooming habits, style, age, demeanor and if they are trying to sell you something or subtly promoting their own business, so it is best to be vigilant and alert.

WOMEN & SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Unfortunately women on Phu Quoc Island, and Vietnam in general, are less respected than men and as such single younger women should be careful. Once you live on the island for a few months you will easily be able to distinguish between the above 5 expat personas, as the island is small and if you are reading this you are now aware.

Safety Tips When Interacting With Others:

• Make friends with people who have verified Facebook accounts or at least use Facebook with their real name.
• It is safer to affiliate yourself with new expats vs old.
• Do not go on “secluded” trips around the island with anyone alone, expat or local.  If you want to go anywhere, read our guide and go with your trusted peers.
• Report crimes against young girls and boys, especially against those of Vietnamese descent originating from the Mekong Delta region who are more vulnerable due to their economic situations and do not have a voice.
• Keep track of all threats – online or on the island.