The local people on Phu Quoc Island have taken the new year into an opportunity to rent out their motorbikes to earn some extra money.

Tourist checking vehicle

Because of the large number of foreign tourists visiting the island to celebrate the new year, motorbike rentals have been in demand.

On January 1, a large number of foreign tourists chose to either drive or hire motorbikes for sightseeing purposes. This has given locals a window of opportunity to add to their income. New Year's Day saw a 20%-30% increase compared to normal days, enterprising lessors said.

The prices also increase during this time, with motorbikes being rented out at prices of VND150,000-200,000 (USD7.1-9.5), up around VND50,000-100,000 from usual days.

Hundreds of foreign tourists visited Phu Quoc this year, many of whom sought out 'eco-resorts'.

A tourist from the Netherlands said that he and his friends were attracted to the island because of eco-tourism, commenting that, "This place provides us with a time to relax and be close to nature."

Sightseeing by motorbike

New Year in Phu Quoc