Phu Quoc is a beautiful island with crystal clear waters, incredible sunsets, lush tropical landscapes, perfect sandy beaches and welcoming locals. It is the largest island in Vietnam, the size of Phuket in Thailand. The northern part of the island is region remains largely untouched, as it’s part of a UNESCO-protected national park, but there are numerous luxury resorts, funky bars and cafes along the southern coastline.

Here are five reasons why you should visit Phu Quoc:

1. Enjoy a wonderful beach vacation
2. Take a boat trip to the An Thoi Islands
3. Explore the island and local life with the engine
4. Explore the underwater world with diving or snorkeling
5. Watch the sunset on the beach with a few cocktails or bbq

What is in this Phu Quoc travel guide

Practical information

Recommended days to stay

Besides the beaches, there is not much to do in Phu Quoc. So it mainly depends on how long you can lie on the beach without getting bored.

ATM’s & money exchange

ATM’s are mainly found in the main towns like Duong Dong.

Local events and holidays

• Vul Lan Festival: Is held during the seventh month of the lunar calendar. Thousands of people from Phu Quoc go to the Dinh Tran Pagoda.

Best time to visit

• High season – November to March: the weather is exceptionally pleasant with an average temperature of 30 degrees and clear sky.
• Shoulder season – April to June: the hottest months of the island. The chance of good weather is fifty-fifty.
• Low season – July to September: a lot of rain.

10 best things to do in Phu Quoc

Most activities in Phu Quoc center around its stunning beaches. If you’re not looking for a beach getaway or don’t plan to end your trip here, it might be best to skip the island. However, if you enjoy beach destinations, you’ll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam, with typical beach activities to choose from.

1. Enjoy the beaches

The top attraction in Phu Quoc is its beautiful beaches, which is also the main reason most travelers visit the island. And it’s no surprise, as Phu Quoc is home to some of the finest beaches in Vietnam.

Sao Beach is widely regarded as the most stunning beach in Phu Quoc. There are numerous spots to relax on a lounge chair under a parasol, while enjoying the tranquil waters.

Long Beach is the most well-known beach, stretching along Duong Duong, the island’s largest city. It’s home to numerous restaurants and resorts located directly on the beachfront.

2. Island hopping

The third best activity in Phu Quoc is also beach-related. There are several smaller islands off the coast of the main island, each offering stunning beaches that can be explored through a boat trip.

There are a variety of boat trips available, allowing you to quickly explore different islands by speedboat. The larger boats are slower but offer spaces to relax with a drink, enjoy a BBQ, and even jump off into the water.

The An Thoi island group, located at the southern tip of Phu Quoc, is home to some of the most stunning islands. It’s an ideal spot for snorkeling, swimming, and fishing.

3. Phu Quoc prison

The Phu Quoc Prison, also known as the Coconut Prison, was constructed in 1949 during the French colonial period to hold political prisoners. Later, during the Vietnam War, it was used by South Vietnam to imprison and, at times, torture North Vietnamese soldiers.

Today the prison is a museum that you can visit and where you can see how the prisoners lived at the time.

4. Visit local fishing villages

To experience authentic Vietnamese culture, head to the fishing villages along the coast. You can observe boats being repaired on land, explore the fishermen’s homes, and see the iconic basket boats resting on the shore, ready to paddle out to the fishing boats anchored offshore. It’s a unique experience that offers a refreshing contrast to the typical beach lifestyle. Ham Ninh village and Ganh Dau are two must-visit fishing villages.

5. Suoi Tranh waterfall

If you’re looking for a break from the beaches, consider exploring the island’s interior. The Suoi Tranh waterfall is a great choice. Although it stands at just 4 meters high and isn’t particularly striking, its natural pools and the surrounding lush rainforest make it a worthwhile destination.

6. Diving & snorkeling

This island may not be the best place to dive in Vietnam, but it is one of the most popular things to do in Phu Quoc. There are several options for diving in Phu Quoc, for both beginners and experienced divers.

Snorkeling is possible during day tours. You can do a boat tour to May Rut Island Finger Island and Dam Ngang Island, where you can snorkel among the fish and coral.

7. Enjoy the sunset

There’s nothing better than unwinding on the beach at the end of the day, taking in a stunning sunset. You could opt for a cozy spot at a beach bar with a refreshing cocktail, or, even better, enjoy a sunset BBQ right on the sand.

8. Visit local plantations and factories

For the Vietnamese, Phu Quoc is not only famous for its stunning beaches but also for its pepper and renowned fish sauce, which is a key ingredient in nearly every dish. Throughout the island, you’ll come across pepper plantations and fish sauce factories, which are open for visitors to explore and learn about the production process. And, of course, you can pick up some local souvenirs to bring home.

9. Phu Quoc night market

Phu Quoc Night Market, also known as Dinh Cau Night Market, is an open-air market located in Duong Dong Town. Every evening, starting at 5 PM, the streets are closed to traffic, and over 100 vibrant street stalls set up shop. The market offers a wide variety of items, including fresh seafood, souvenirs, ice cream, banana pancakes, and drinks.

If you’d prefer a sit-down meal, there are also several restaurants nearby the market.

10. The Phu Quoc cable car

The Phu Quoc cable car is a cable car that starts on the most south-westerly part of the island and then goes across the sea to An Thoi island. This 15 minute tour is the longest and continuous 3 cable aerial car system in the world.

Along the way you can enjoy a panoramic view of the An Thoi island group, fishing villages and ocean.

Best hotels & hostels in Phu Quoc

Where to stay

Duong Dong – The heart of the island, centrally located to everything. The most important place for entertainment, shopping, dining and sightseeing. You can find most famous restaurants here and it is full of bars and coffee shops. A city literally for those who cannot live without comfort. With a beautiful beach and 10 minutes from the airport.

Other locations where you can find accommodation are Ong Lang, Cua Can, Vung Bau, Ganh Dau and An Thoi.

Best hotels & hostels in Phu Quoc

Budget hotels & hostels

• Island Life Hostel
• 9 Station Hostel Phu Quoc
• Dormstay Riverside
• Seaside Homestay

Mid range hotel

• Lahana Resort Phu Quoc
• La Mer Resort Phu Quoc
• Little Garden Bungalow
• Cottage Village
• Nadine Phu Quoc Resort

High end hotel & resort

• Camia Resort & Spa
• Ancarine Beach Resort
• Green Bay Phu Quoc Resort and Spa
• Dusit Princess Moonrise Beach Resort

Food & drinking

Restaurants

There are quite a few restaurants of varying quality along the way along Long Beach. There are also some simple seafood restaurants at the end of Long Beach. If you stay at Ong Lang beach, you are more likely to eat at the resort most of your time. You will find lots of fresh fish at the night market in Duong Dong.

Local restaurants

1. Chuon Chuon Bistro & Sky Bar
2. Iris cafe
3. Nemo Restaurant
4. Bun Cha Ha Noi – Phu Quoc
5. Mango Bay Restaurant

Fine dining

1. The Pepper Tree Restaurant
2. May Restaurant
3. Happy An Restaurant
4. Sunset Beach Bar & Restaurant
5. Winston’s Burgers & Beer

Nightlife

The nightlife and nightlife on Phu Quoc are mainly found in Duong Dong, the most popular region in Phu Quoc. You will find backpacker bars, luxury lounges, rooftop bars and night clubs here.

• Dinh Cau Night Market
• La Veranda Beach Bar
• Golden Sand Bar
• Eden Beach Bar
• An Duong

• Xin Chao
• Coco Bar
• Beer Garden
• Boba Club

How to get there

Flights to Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) is located on the south side of Long Beach, approximately nine kilometers from the city of Duong Dong. There are several flights a day from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. From the airport to Long Beach the taxi costs me around 100,000 – 150,000 VND. Jetstar runs a shuttle bus to Duong Dong for 50,000d.

Ferry to Phu Quoc

When weather permits, ferries travel at least once a day from Ha Tien (1.5 hours) and Rach Gia (2.5 hours) to Phu Quoc and vice versa. The vast majority of travelers take the Superdong fast ferry, which is efficient, orderly, air-conditioned and comfortable.

• Tip:Travel through our unique combination tour from Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc through the Mekong Delta. You can choose to go either by bus or private car to the Mekong. Here you will cycle through the countryside, make a boat trip through the rivers, stay overnight in a local but modern homestay and visit the biggest floating market in the Mekong Delta. After this you will travel directly to your accommodation in Phu Quoc via the speed ferry. It is also possible to do this tour the other way around and start in Phu Quoc.

How to get around

Taxis are available outside of Phu Quoc International Airport, as well as prominent resorts and places of interest on the island. It is also possible to rent a car with driver for a day that takes you around the island.

Bicycle rental is offered by most hotels and resorts on the island of Phu Quoc for around US $ 1 per day. Ideal for short trips within Duong Dong and Long Beach.

Motorcycles and scooters are ideal if you want to explore Phu Quoc at your own pace. The traffic in the center of Duong Dong is less bad compared to other cities in Vietnam, but the roads that lead to the countryside and Phu Quoc National Park are quite winding and bumpy. Motorbike rental shops can be found in Duong Dong, with daily rates between VND 120,000 and VND 250,000. Most resorts also offer motorbike rentals. Always check the quality of the engine before you start driving, especially the brakes.

Itinerary 2 days in Phu Quoc

Day 1

• Explore the island on a motorcycle or car with driver.
• Learn more about the Vietnamese revolution in the Phu Quoc prison museum.
• Take a walk on the sands of Sao Beach.
• Visit a local pepper plantation.
• Explore the Suoi Tranh waterfall.
• Enjoy the sunset on Long Beach with a cocktail.

Day 2

• Take a day trip to the An Thoi Islands.
• You will visit various islands by boat and explore the underwater world with snorkeling.
• Alternatively you can also take a diving excursion.

More tips for traveling in Phu Quoc

Where to go next?

Via the international airport you can fly abroad as well as to the largest cities in Vietnam, such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang.

If you don’t want to fly then the most logical next destination is the Mekong Delta. From here you can travel to Cambodia or Ho Chi Minh City.

Phu Quoc with kids

If you are traveling in Vietnam with kids than Phu Quoc should be on your list. Despite the increased tourism, there is little traffic. There are beautiful beaches where your children can play and there are a number of theme parks where you can go well. There is also plenty of choice in child-friendly hotels and resorts.

Language

The island is very developed for tourism so it is easy to get by with English.

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