Pacific Dawn 26/3/08 - Port Vila Info

[Nero4554]

Hi All,

 

This will be the first time in more than 10 years that I will be visiting Port Vila. We d not want to do any tours, but want to do some duty free shopping and other shopping/markets.

 

Can anyone recommend the best places to go?

 

Thanks

Malisa

[Ela 2]

Duty free alcohol - Without doubt go to Fung Kuei (the yellow building on the left at the far end of the main street). The range of alcohol available is incredible and the prices are the lowest we have seen.

 

Good quality jewellery - Down Town Duty Free in the middle of the main street.

 

Sarongs, shirts and tourist stuff - Markets between the main shopping street and the harbour. Also the markets on the wharf.:)

[Nero4554]

Ela 2,

 

Are these places in walking distance?

 

Regards

Malisa

[MsMinx]

It's 3klm from the ship to the main street where all the shops are. If you're keen you could walk it but it's always very hot in Vila so i'd recommend a cab for $10 or a bus for $3.

 

Once you're in main street all the good shops are within walkable distances of each other.

 

:D

[fishtaco]

We got a cab there but walked back,its not far when you have all day because of no tours.I would walk there on one side and walk back on the other criss-crossing back into shops that you think you might have missed somthing:D .

 

Den

[Ela 2]

The shops are all within walking distance of each other, but for practical purposes they are not within walking distance of the ship. You would have to allow an hour to walk it. That doesn't sound to bad, but the walking is just beside the road, not on a footpath, and it is usually hot and humid. As has been mentioned, the taxi cost is $10 or $3 pp in a shuttle bus. Aussie money. Shopping in Vila is with Aussie dollars.

 

We always get a taxi to Fung Kuei, sort out our alcohol purchases, then work our way back up the main street, crossing over if something catches our eye. It is very easy to get a taxi back to the ship when you are ready.

 

In addition to setting the price before getting into the taxi, have a quick look at the vehicle. If the windscreen is held together with sticky tape (or duct tape!!) give that cab a miss. There are plenty of vehicles in good condition where you will not risk asphyxiation by carbon monoxide from a faulty exhaust system.

 

Vila is one of our favourite ports (other than the 'beach' ports of call).