New Year’s Resolutions

Ah, New Year’s resolutions. A time-honored tradition of setting lofty goals for self-improvement, only to abandon them faster than a motorbike dodging traffic on Tran Hung Dao Street. But here on Phu Quoc Island, resolutions take on a unique flavor. After all, why just "be better" when you can be better on an island paradise?

Let’s dive into some classic Phu Quoc-style resolutions and how they’re bound to go hilariously wrong by February.

1. Get Fit (But Not Too Fit)
Resolution: "I’ll jog along Long Beach every morning and do yoga by the sunset!"
Reality: You’ll jog exactly once, realize the sand is way too hot by 9 a.m., and trade your yoga mat for a hammock. Those fresh seafood dinners and bánh xèo (Vietnamese pancakes) were practically made to sabotage your calorie counting. But hey, lifting a coconut counts as arm day, right?

2. Learn to Cook Authentic Phu Quoc Dishes
Resolution: "I’ll master making fish sauce and cook like a local!"
Reality: Your enthusiasm will wane after your kitchen smells like fish sauce for a week. Plus, why cook when every corner of the island offers mouthwatering dishes that someone else will lovingly prepare for you? Your cooking journey ends with instant noodles... garnished with Phu Quoc pepper.

3. Spend Less Time on Social Media
Resolution: "I’ll disconnect from my phone and connect with nature!"
Reality: You’ll start by posting one epic evening photo of the fishing boats. Then you’ll post your nighttime seafood feast. By midnight, you’re sharing stories about how the fishing boats’ lights create a magical glow. Disconnecting? Maybe tomorrow.

4. Explore Every Hidden Gem on the Island
Resolution: "I’ll visit all the secret beaches, waterfalls, and local haunts!"
Reality: You’ll try to follow a vague map from a blog post and end up at the same three spots everyone else goes to. The "hidden gem" becomes less hidden when there’s a coffee shop next door selling avocado smoothies.

5. Save Money
Resolution: "I’ll stick to a budget and spend wisely!"
Reality: You’ll justify every indulgence:

• "This pearl necklace is an investment."

• "Two scoops of dragonfruit gelato is cheaper than therapy."

• "Sure, the boat tour was expensive, but it came with a free bottle of wine!"
  Goodbye budget, hello memories.

6. Take Up a New Hobby
Resolution: "I’ll learn kitesurfing or diving!"
Reality: You’ll enroll in a diving class, get halfway through the first session, and realize you’re more of a "lie by the pool with a book" person. Kitesurfing? It’s fun to watch. From the safety of your beach lounger.

A Resolution You Might Actually Keep

Despite the inevitable hilarity of failed goals, one resolution on Phu Quoc is easy to stick to: Enjoy life more. Whether you’re sipping coffee by the sea, exploring colorful night markets, or just soaking up the tropical vibe, this island makes it easy to let go of perfection and embrace the beautifully imperfect journey.

Here’s to 2025, the year we all "try" our best, fail spectacularly, and have an amazing time doing it. Chúc Mừng Năm Mới from Phu Quoc! 🥂