For those eyeing Southeast Asia, here's an interesting option: Cathay Pacific has put tickets from San Francisco to Phú Quốc — a Vietnamese island in the Gulf of Thailand — at $856 roundtrip, including all taxes and fees. This isn't a mistake fare but a regular sale, with one important nuance that makes the destination especially appealing.
The key point: Phú Quốc is visa-free
Phú Quốc is a special administrative region of Vietnam. All foreign tourists can stay on the island for up to 30 days without a visa — but only if they don't leave the island. This rule has been in place for years and applies to all visitors regardless of nationality.
If you're planning a trip around Vietnam with a stop on the mainland, the visa-free regime of Phú Quốc no longer applies — you'll need a regular Vietnamese visa or e-visa.
Who it applies to
- All foreign nationals arriving directly on Phú Quốc (by air or sea).
- The visa-free stay is up to 30 days.
- Condition: you must not leave the island.
What you need for entry
The standard set: a passport valid for at least 6 months, a return ticket, and proof of accommodation. Vietnamese authorities may ask for proof of funds, but in practice this is rare for tourists.
The payment side: how to pay
No visa is needed for Phú Quốc, so no visa fee applies. But other trip expenses will go on your card. Here's what to watch out for:
- Tickets. Cathay Pacific accepts international cards. If your card is issued in Russia, direct payment on the airline's website may not go through — virtual cards from foreign banks can help here.
- Hotel. At check-in, hotels often block a deposit (pre-authorization) — the amount is frozen on your card and returned after checkout. Keep this in mind when planning your limits.
- Refunds. If a booking is cancelled, a refund to a virtual card can take up to 30 days — depending on the issuing bank.
- Currency. The island uses Vietnamese dong. Cards are accepted in hotels and restaurants, but for markets and taxis it's better to have cash. Withdraw money from ATMs that don't charge exorbitant fees — there are plenty on Phú Quốc.
- eSIM and taxis. Local operators offer tourist SIMs with internet. For taxis, Grab and local services work — payment is linked to a card or cash.
The bottom line
$856 roundtrip from San Francisco is a reasonable price for a long-haul flight with a layover in Hong Kong. Combined with visa-free entry for 30 days, Phú Quốc becomes one of the easiest options for a spontaneous trip to Asia. The main thing is not to leave the island if you want to avoid visa hassle.
Not financial advice. Check current entry rules on official resources before you travel.
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