This past June, I had the opportunity to join the ITC family on a trip to Phu Quoc – known as the “Pearl Island” located off the southwestern coast of Vietnam. It was not only my first company trip with ITC, but also my first time visiting Phu Quoc, so I had high expectations and excitement leading up to the journey.
The “Pearl Island” of Phu Quoc viewed from the airplane
Staying true to ITC’s punctual spirit, everyone gathered at the meeting point by 5 a.m., even though it was still dark outside, to head to the airport. The first unforgettable moment of the trip was seeing everyone walk into the airport lobby to check in. A young, energetic team clad in navy blue shirts embroidered with the company logo and pulling matching blue-orange suitcases made for a striking sight, catching the attention of everyone in the terminal. Perhaps it was the uniformity in appearance, the vibrant energy, or the admirable discipline and orderliness that drew people’s eyes.
The ITC team lining up to check in at Noi Bai Airport
It took about two hours to fly from Hanoi to Phu Quoc, and that’s when the fun really began. Phu Quoc welcomed us with blue skies, white clouds, golden sunshine, and cool, refreshing weather. Bidding farewell to Hanoi’s scorching heat, I truly enjoyed the fresh ocean breeze of the island. As soon as we left the airport, we were warmly greeted by our tour guide, who introduced us to the local people, specialties, and must-visit attractions of Phu Quoc.
Our first stop was a traditional anchovy fish sauce factory – one of Phu Quoc’s signature products. Phu Quoc fish sauce is renowned both nationally and internationally, made from fresh anchovies using entirely manual methods with no machines or technology involved. The large wooden barrels used in production emitted a strong aroma, detectable from afar. Most visitors to Phu Quoc want to take home a bottle or two of this premium fish sauce, famous for its high protein content and unmatched flavor. Understanding this demand, our company helped everyone place a bulk order to save on shipping costs back to Hanoi.
The ITC team visiting a traditional Phu Quoc fish sauce factory
After exploring the fish sauce facility, we headed to a pearl shop. Phu Quoc isn’t just known for its beautiful nature but also for its famous pearl farms. Phu Quoc pearls are considered among the most beautiful in the world, with prices varying depending on quality, color, and shape. The rarest and most valuable are the black pearls, while ivory white pearls are also popular. Although I had heard about pearls before, this was my first time learning how they are made and seeing a pearl extracted from an oyster. The pearls here are large, shiny, and quite pricey. We enjoyed the tour, but no one actually made a purchase
ITC ladies excitedly trying on pearl jewelry
After visiting two locations, it was already noon. Tired and hungry, we headed to a local restaurant for lunch before checking into Vinpearl. The food was delicious, plentiful, and served piping hot – instantly satisfying our appetites. The highlight of the meal was the award ceremony for the “ITC in Me” writing contest and a lucky draw featuring amazing prizes.
Award ceremony for the “ITC in Me” contest
My joy doubled when my name was called as one of the winners of the “ITC in Me” contest. Even though it was only third prize, it gave me great motivation and a stronger sense of connection to the ITC family.
After the delicious meal and prize ceremony, it was time to check in to Vinpearl Phu Quoc. Located in the northern part of the island, Vinpearl stands out with its luxurious European-style architecture and a complex that includes resort villas, a golf course, the VinWonders amusement park, and the Safari zoo. My first impression of Vinpearl was the lush green lawns and rows of coconut trees that brought a sense of freshness and tranquility. Stretching alongside was Bai Dai (Long Beach) – regarded as Vietnam’s most beautiful, untouched beach with soft white sand that captivates every visitor.
The ITC team checking in at Vinpearl Phu Quoc
After checking in, we went straight to our villa to unpack. The villas were two-story buildings with four bedrooms, a living room, and a cozy private pool. The rooms were beautifully designed, spacious, and fully equipped with modern amenities. Vinpearl Phu Quoc is truly an ideal destination for relaxation and luxurious vacationing. You could spend the entire day lounging in your soft bed, watching your favorite shows, enjoying the Western-style bar, hanging out at the lively outdoor poolside bar, or indulging in international buffets at the Delight, Prime, or Yummy restaurants. However, as someone who loves adventure and exploration, I reserved only the first evening for relaxation at Vinpearl.
Sunset by the beach at Vinpearl Phu Quoc
Day two in Phu Quoc was packed with activities, leaving no room for rest. We’d heard that snorkeling was a must-do, so the girls and I rented a taxi to travel from the north to the south of the island to explore the coral reefs. While riding the boat to Hon Thom and Hon May Rut, we were amazed by the natural beauty of Phu Quoc and the impressive Hon Thom cable car. While Vinpearl dominates the north, the south is famous for having the world’s longest sea-crossing cable car, offering a breathtaking aerial view of the pristine southern paradise.
Snorkeling and exploring the colorful coral reefs at Hon Thom
Immersing myself in the crystal-clear water felt like being embraced by Mother Nature. The refreshing sensation quickly spread through my entire body. The coral reefs didn’t disappoint – they were vibrant, diverse, and pristine. Nestled closely together, they shimmered in the sunlight with schools of brightly colored fish darting about, creating a lively, captivating scene. After snorkeling, we enjoyed a meal right on the boat as part of our combo tour. Though simple, the meal was deeply infused with the flavors of Phu Quoc’s fishermen and the essence of the sea.
Returning from Hon Thom, we immediately headed to VinWonders – an amusement park with nearly 100 games, six themed zones, and twelve civilizations-inspired attractions. To recharge after snorkeling, I first visited the aquarium. It was spacious and home to a variety of exotic, massive fish. The highlight was definitely the adorable, chubby penguins.
No trip to VinWonders is complete without trying the thrill rides – the park’s main attraction. The standout ride is “Wrath of Zeus” – one of the world’s fastest roller coasters, reaching speeds of up to 110km/h. The long, twisting track and loops gave us both fear and excitement. Despite looking dangerous, the safety systems are regularly checked, the seatbelts are secure, and the magnetic tracks automatically stop operation during rain to ensure everyone’s safety. The girls and I braved this “must-try” ride, screaming at the top of our lungs with a mix of terror and exhilaration.
Unleashing the fun at VinWonders
After experiencing the thrilling games at VinWonders, we spent the rest of the day exploring other areas of the amusement park. Each themed zone transported us to a different world, from ancient Egypt to medieval Europe, creating a fascinating cultural journey. The creativity and attention to detail in the design of the park left us amazed and full of admiration.
After a full day of adventure and excitement, we returned to the villa to relax, swim in the pool, and enjoy a cozy dinner together. Everyone gathered in the common area, laughing, chatting, and sharing the most unforgettable moments of the day. The sense of togetherness and warmth made the whole trip even more special.
ITC Team building – Fostering unity!
The final day of our trip came quicker than expected. That morning, we packed our belongings and enjoyed our last breakfast at the villa. Although the trip was short, it was full of precious memories and meaningful experiences. Before heading to the airport, our group took one last walk along the beach, capturing the final photos with the ocean breeze, golden sun, and our radiant smiles.
On the way back to Hanoi, I kept reminiscing about every single moment we had together. From the airport check-in to exploring the fish sauce factory, pearl farm, snorkeling, and the wild rides at VinWonders – every activity brought us closer as a team and made me feel truly connected to the ITC family.
