Island Nation Road Trips: Phu Quoc | Saipan | Okinawa | Jeju Island - Popular Self-Drive Destinations with Direct Flights from Hong Kong

When traveling in an island country, there is usually no complete public transportation system. Even if there are buses going to tourist areas, the frequency is very sparse. If you want to arrange your itinerary flexibly and visit various attractions at your leisure, self-driving touris the best choice. During the driving, you can also enjoy the endless coastline and feel the beautiful scenery of the island country.

Kwiksure has compiled several popular island countries suitable for self-driving toursand introduced their special attractions, so that you can have fun and enjoy a relaxing road trip.

Island Country Self-Driving Tour | Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam

Phu Quoc Island is located in the waters off the southwest of Vietnam. It is the largest island in the area. There are about 20 beaches along its 150-kilometer coastline. And the climate is quite pleasant all year round, with an average temperature of about 23 to 27 degrees. The low prices, unbeatable sea views and a variety of entertainment experiences have made it a popular holiday destination for tourists in recent years. It is also known as the "Vietnamese version of Maldives"!

Sun Premier Village Primavera, a Mediterranean sunset town

The Mediterranean Sunset Town is located on the southwestern coastline of Phu Quoc Island, about a 30-minute drive from the airport. Inspired by Mediterranean architectural style, the town consists of more than 300 colorful villas. The streets are lined with tropical plants, immersing people in a dreamy and leisurely atmosphere. At sunset, the town dyed golden is hailed as the most beautiful scenery in Vietnam. One of the highlights of the town is the "Kiss Bridge" which was completed in 2023. The independent bridges on both sides extend towards the sea in a semicircular shape. The distance between the two bridges is only about 30 centimeters, which is just enough for a couple to have a romantic kiss. There is also the "Kiss of the Sea" in the evening, which uses advanced multimedia technology to present a stunning water dance and fireworks show.

When visiting Sunset Town, you can also take a cross-sea cable car nearby to Sun World Nature Park to enrich your trip.

Address:Sunset Town, An Thoi, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang, Vietnam

Sao Beach

White Beach, known as the "Milk Beach" because of its white and fine sand, is located at the southern end of Phu Quoc Island, about half an hour's drive from the airport. Its clear water, milky white sand and tropical coconut trees have been voted as one of the five most beautiful beaches in the world. There are various water activities for everyone to choose from on the beach, such as banana boats, surfing, snorkeling, etc. Visitors can also sit on beach chairs to enjoy sunbathing, and there are also sea swings for tourists to check in and take photos.

Since White Sand Beach is managed by a dedicated person, all facilities there, including parking lots, are subject to charges.

Address:Sao Beach, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang, Vietnam

Starfish Beach

Starfish Beach, named after the starfish on the ground, is located in Rach Vem fishing village in the north of Phu Quoc Island, about an hour's drive from the airport. Since the beach has not been developed, it retains the most original landscape and clean waters. The blue sky, blue sea, white sand beach and red starfish are all visible here. Starfish are most numerous during the dry season (November to April). If you travel during the non-dry season, you can consider paying to take a small boat to a farther coast, where it will be easier to find starfish.

It should be noted that although the road to Starfish Beach has been opened, there is still a large section of the road that has not been paved with asphalt, so it will be bumpy. You need to slow down and be extra careful when driving.

Address:Starfish Beach, Rach Vem, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang, Vietnam

Grand World Phu Quoc

Opening in 2022, Phu Quoc World combines dining, shopping, singing and dancing performances and is open 24 hours a day.It is the largest city that never sleeps on Phu Quoc Island. Known as the "Venice of Vietnam", the park is based on the concept of the Venice Canal and is full of Italian style. Visitors can also take a gondola through the park and admire the colorful buildings on both sides. Admission to the park is free, and everyone can check in and enjoy performances at will. You can also pay extra to visit the museum and enjoy various facilities. The vendors will open one after another after dark and then turn into night market stalls, where visitors can enjoy a variety of seafood and delicacies.

It takes about 50 minutes to drive from the airport to Fuguo World, and there is a parking lot in the park for parking.

Address:Vinpearl Grand World Phu Quoc, Bai Dai, Ganh Dau, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang, Vietnam

Island Country Self-Driving Tour | Okinawa, Japan

Okinawa is located at the southern tip of Japan, only about 2 hours away from Hong Kong. Surrounded by the sea, Okinawa not only has clean and clear beaches, but also has precious historical sites and bustling shopping streets, which can satisfy your three wishes of sightseeing, shopping and vacation at the same time.

Namigami Palace

Nanoue Shrine, located in southern Okinawa, is only a 10-minute drive from Naha Airport and has a history of more than 700 years. It is the first of the Eight Shrines of Okinawa Ryukyu and the only shrine by the sea. It is built on a cliff, offering a panoramic view of the ships coming and going in Naha Port and the stunning sea view. There is also a beach next to it where you can enjoy various water activities. Although Naminoue Shrine has experienced war and reconstruction, its red brick and tile architectural style and the Okinawan lions on both sides of the main hall are very traditional Ryukyu characteristics. Many tourists come to worship and pray, as well as purchase the shrine's unique amulets as souvenirs or to send blessings to their relatives and friends.

However, although there are free parking spaces inside the Naminoue Shrine, they are only valid for 30 minutes and the spaces are limited. If you want to slowly explore the shrine, it is recommended that you park in the parking lot outside.

Address: 1-25-11 Wakasa, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture

DMM Kariyushi Aquarium

DMM Kariyushi Aquarium allows you to watch various marine creatures up close, providing a different sensory experience. Visitors can walk on the glass to take a closer look, making it feel like they are in the ocean swimming with the animals. The museum also offers a variety of creature-touching and animal-feeding experiences, such as otters, penguins, and sloths. If you like to interact with animals in person, remember to make an appointment in advance. After visiting the aquarium, you can walk about 5 minutes to the nearby "Beautiful SUN Beach" which is famous for its sunset to enjoy the vast sea view and sunset scenery, which is a perfect end to the day!

The aquarium is only about 20 minutes’ drive from Naha Airport, and there are nearly 3,000 free parking spaces, making it a must-see attraction for self-driving tours.

Address: 3-35 Toyosaki, Tomigusuku City, Okinawa Prefecture

Nirai Beach

Nirai Beach is located on the west coast of the central part of Okinawa Island, about an hour's drive from downtown Naha. This beach is ranked first on the main island of Okinawa. Although it is managed by the hotel, non-guests can go there for free and enjoy the facilities provided by the hotel, which include showers and lockers, as well as water sports equipment and parasols.

Nirai Beach maintains its natural appearance and has highly transparent emerald green waters. It is open all year round and has resident lifeguards during the peak season. The most special thing is that the beach is open to the public for snorkeling in the swimming area, and equipment rental is also provided, allowing tourists to enjoy the underwater beauty of the natural beach.

The changing rooms and toilets on the beach are free to use, but other facilities require a certain fee. There is also free parking nearby.

Address: 600 Yomitan Village, Nakagami District, Okinawa Prefecture

International Communication

Kokusai-dori is located in downtown Naha. It is a 1.6-kilometer-long shopping street. Some stores are open 24 hours a day, so it is very lively day and night. The shops in Kokusai-dori are all-inclusive, whether you want to sightsee, shop or enjoy delicious food, you can find them all here. Visitors can taste different Okinawan-style delicacies, purchase local specialty red taro tarts and various Okinawa-exclusive snacks, and buy as many cosmetics and souvenirs as they want. This is a must-see before leaving Okinawa.

Address: Matsuo 3-2-10, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture

Island Country Self-Driving Tour | Jeju Island, South Korea

Jeju Island is the largest island in South Korea, with magnificent mountain scenery, clear bays and natural landscapes with distinct four seasons. The island was formed by volcanic activity, so there are different volcanic landforms distributed on it. Its volcanic islands and lava tubes are even listed as World Natural Heritage. In addition, Jeju Island is also famous for its rapeseed flowers, cherry blossoms and maple leaves in spring and autumn, making it a great place to enjoy the beautiful scenery and vacation.

Halnasan National Park

Hallasan Mountain is the highest peak in South Korea, reaching 1,950 meters above sea level, and is located in the center of Jeju Island. As a World Natural Heritage Site and World Geopark, the mountain has more than 40 parasitic volcanoes and is home to many rare animals. Hallasan has a number of hiking trails for travelers to choose from according to their physical abilities. Along the way, you can enjoy the unique ecological environment of the mountain and overlook the entire Jeju City. After reaching the top, you can overlook the natural lake Baekrokdam formed by the crater depression. The large sea of flowers or snow that changes with the seasons creates an unforgettable scenery.

Visitors can park their cars directly at the paid parking lot at the entrance of the trail. Mountaineering equipment is also available for rent nearby.

Seongpanak Ticket Office Address: 1865 516-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do

Ushijima

Niu Island has magnificent natural scenery and charming coastline, and maintains unique sea erosion landforms, farmlands and rural landscapes. The eight scenic spots of Niu Island attract many tourists. Visitors can take a tour around Udo Island to see all the must-see attractions, including Xibin Baisha, Qianpu Wangdao, Tianjin Guanshan, etc. Along the way, you can also see uniquely shaped stone piles and unique coffee shops, spending a leisurely and romantic day.

To get to Udo Island, drive to the Seongsanpo Port Passenger Terminal parking lot in the east of Jeju Island, then buy a ticket at the ticket office and take the ferry, which takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

Address:1448-1 Yeonpyeong-ri, Udo-myeon, 특별자치도, Jeju-si, Jeju-do

Seongsan Sunrise Peak

Seongsan Sunrise Peak is a volcanic body formed by an eruption in the sea. The lava was broken into volcanic ash and accumulated into a cone shape at the eruption mouth. Later, due to the accumulation of sand and rocks, it was connected to the land, forming its current appearance. The sunrise at the top of Seongsan Sunrise Peak is known as the first of the ten scenic spots in Yeongju. It is very spectacular to watch the sunset rising over the horizon amidst a vast pastoral landscape. If you appreciate it during the season when rape flowers are in full bloom, the golden beauty is even more amazing.

Seongsan Ilchulbong is located in the eastern part of Jeju Island. Travelers can choose to go to the free or paid section, but only the paid section can reach the summit; there is also a large free parking lot inside the Ilchulbong.

Address:78 Seongsan-ri, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

Jeongbang Waterfall

Jeongbang Falls, known as one of the three major waterfalls on Jeju Island, is the only coastal waterfall in Asia that leads directly to the sea and is also one of the ten scenic spots in Yeongju. Because the waterfall cliff is right on the coast, in addition to being able to feel the magnificence of the waterfall, you can also enjoy the scenery of the sea. Under the sunlight, you can even see rainbows reflected by the water vapor. There are also pavilions and small bridges nearby for sightseeing.

There is free parking outside Jeongbang Waterfall, but tickets are required to enter the waterfall.

Address:37 Chilsimni-ro 214beon-gil, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

FAQ

1. Why do you choose self-driving tour when traveling to an island country?

Answer: Many island countries usually do not have a complete public transportation system. Even if there are buses going to tourist areas, the frequency is very sparse. Self-driving tours allow you to arrange your itinerary more flexibly and visit various attractions at ease.

2. What are the good places for self-driving tours in island countries?

Answer: Phu Quoc Island, Saipan Island, Okinawa Island and Jeju Island are all island countries that can be reached by direct flights from Hong Kong.