Phu Quoc Travel Guide: Latest Tips and Attractions from A to Z

Phu Quoc Archipelago is located in the Gulf of Thailand, under the jurisdiction of Kien Giang Province. This region has long attracted a large number of domestic and international tourists due to its diverse tourism options, abundant marine and island resources, and rich forest and marine ecosystems.

The Phu Quoc sea region consists of 22 large and small islands, covering a total area of approximately 589.23 km². Among them, Phu Quoc Island is the largest, divided into the North Island and the South Island, with Duong Dong Town situated in the center. The Pearl Island boasts many beautiful beaches stretching from the North to the South Island, as well as pristine forests and a diverse range of flora and fauna.

Not only is Phu Quoc a beautiful island with peaceful and pristine natural scenery and favorable weather for outdoor activities and relaxation, but it is also an ideal destination for many fascinating natural exploration activities.

When is the best time to visit Phu Quoc?

Located deep in the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc is surrounded by the sea, so it enjoys a cool climate with two distinct seasons: the dry season and the rainy season.

The ideal time to visit the Pearl Island is from around November to April of the following year. This is the dry season in the South, with less rain, calm seas, gentle waves, and warm sunshine, making it perfect for outdoor tourism activities. This period is suitable for relaxation tours and not ideal for backpacking or adventurous travel.

From May to October is the rainy season, occasionally with storms, but Phu Quoc still attracts many visitors as it coincides with summer vacation. If traveling to Phu Quoc during this season, it’s best to go around late April when the crowds are still thin, the weather is pleasant, and prices have not yet surged as in peak season. October is also a transitional period with less rain.

Transportation

Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air offer direct flights to Phu Quoc from Hanoi, Hai Phong, Thanh Hoa, Vinh, Hue, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Da Lat, Buon Ma Thuot, and more.

Phu Quoc Airport is about a 15-minute drive from the island's center. Some high-end hotels and resorts offer free airport shuttle services. You should inquire about this service when booking accommodation in Phu Quoc.

In addition to direct flights, travelers have more interesting options for traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc, such as motorbikes, cars, buses, speedboats, or ferries.

Hotels and Resorts

Visitors to Phu Quoc can find a range of accommodations from budget hostels to high-end international resorts. For budget-conscious travelers, homestays are a good option. For groups or families with young children, the best choice is a hotel in Duong Dong Town, convenient for visiting attractions and shopping.

Some 5-star hotels and resorts include: Sea Shells Phu Quoc Hotel, Saigon Phu Quoc Resort, Eden Resort, Vinpearl Phu Quoc Resort Complex, New World Phu Quoc, etc.

4-star hotels and resorts include: Ewood Resort, Aquasun Phu Quoc, etc.

3-star hotels include: Gaia Phu Quoc Hotel, An Phu Hotel Phu Quoc, etc.

Unlike Nha Trang, where beaches are easily accessible from main roads, Phu Quoc often requires traveling further to reach the beaches. Therefore, if you want tranquility and relaxation, consider staying in a resort, villa, or bungalow near the beach.

You can choose beautiful accommodations based on location:

In the North of the island: Vinpearl Phu Quoc Resort, Nam Nghi Coral Peninsula Phu Quoc, Fusion Resort Phu Quoc.
On the East side of the island: Rocks Beach Boutique Phu Quoc, located in Ham Ninh commune, recently opened in early 2022, likened to a "mini Maldives."
In the middle between North Island and the center: Movenpick Resort Waverly Phu Quoc and Mango Bay Resort on Ong Lang Beach.
In Duong Dong Town: Lahana Resort Phu Quoc, L’Azure Resort & Spa Phu Quoc, Anja Beach Resort, Pullman Phu Quoc, or InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort.
In the South Island: JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay located on Khem Beach or Premier Village Phu Quoc are notable accommodation options.

What to Do?

Phu Quoc's attractions are divided into four main areas: the central area in Duong Dong Town, the South Island, the North Island, and the East Island. Depending on your itinerary, you should allocate at least two days to explore all the entertainment spots on the island.

The North Island of Phu Quoc is lush with primary forests and has beaches and fishing villages that remain largely unaffected by commercial development. Here are some notable attractions:

Phu Quoc National Park covers an area of over 31,400 ha, home to hundreds of species of flora and fauna, and diverse ecosystems including mountains, forests, seas, waterfalls, and streams. Here, you can explore lush vegetation and admire pristine streams like Tranh Stream, Ban Stream, and Ngon Stream. A 4-hour tour will take you to conquer the peak of Nui Chua, at 565 meters high, offering panoramic and colorful views of the park.

About 15 km from Duong Dong Town, Rach Vem Fishing Village, or "starfish kingdom," is one of the favorite photo spots for visitors. Besides the clear sea water, it is renowned for its many starfish. From December to April is the best time to see starfish as the sea is calm and the water is clear. During the rainy season, the road to Rach Vem can be difficult and the water can be murky.

Floating houses and wooden bridges extending into the sea are also highlights of Rach Vem. Here, you can enjoy a variety of fresh seafood at lower prices compared to the central area. However, most floating restaurants are operated by locals and may not have elaborate decorations.

One of the most famous attractions in the North Island is Vinpearl Safari, which cares for over 3,000 animals of 175 species, including birds, mammals, and reptiles. The safari is divided into two areas: an open zoo for visitors to see the animals and a semi-wild area where visitors can tour by specialized vehicles.

Nearby is VinWonders, an entertainment complex with many fun and adventurous games, and an aquarium suitable for both children and adults.

Cape Ganh Dau is a land protruding into the sea, located in the northwest of the island. Due to its distance and limited visitor traffic, Cape Ganh Dau retains a pristine beauty with rock formations of various shapes and clear beaches.

While exploring the North Island, visitors can visit pepper gardens and purchase Phu Quoc specialties as souvenirs. Notable pepper gardens include those in Khu Tuong, where the most pepper is grown, and on the way to Bai Thom. Additionally, there are many pepper gardens along the way to Ganh Dau for you to visit and photograph.

Sao Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Phu Quoc, located in An Thoi Town, about 28 km from Duong Dong Town. It features clear water and a long, fine white sand beach over 7 km. Here, visitors can stroll on the sandy shores, listen to the gentle waves at dawn, swim, and take beautiful photos.

Additionally, Sao Beach’s calm water and gentle waves make it ideal for water sports, especially kayaking.

Long Beach, stretching about 20 km, is one of the best places to watch the sunset on the Pearl Island. Here, visitors can visit the Sunset Sanato Beach Club, which features various wooden structures such as a sea bridge, water elephants, a shell house, and swings, allowing guests to capture beautiful images in the golden sunset.

Dinh Ba and Dinh Cau are the two most sacred destinations in Phu Quoc, located in Duong Dong Town. Associated with various legends about Cau Quy, Cau Tai, Goddess Ngoc Nuong Nuong, and Thuy Long Thanh Mau, these places are where fishermen come to pray for peace, favorable weather, and abundant fishing seasons. A major festival is held here every 15th of January.

Cape Dinh Cau is the best spot for sunset views with rock formations resembling mountains stretching out to the sea. The sunset at Cape Dinh Cau is most beautiful from May to September when both the sky and sea blend into a soothing blue, creating a stunning impression.

Phu Quoc Prison, located in Cay Dua Hamlet, An Thoi Commune, is a historical site attracting visitors. Some scenes have been reconstructed to depict history, and it is open daily from 7 am to 5 pm with free admission.

Phu Quoc Night Market, located on Bach Dang Street, about 1 km from Dinh Cau, operates from 5 pm to 11 pm on weekends. It features many stalls selling fresh seafood, local specialties like fish sauce, sim candy, pepper, and handicrafts. Besides shopping, don’t forget to try the fresh seafood available at the market. Other recommended dishes include rolled ice cream, egg cake, and palm sugar cake.

Besides the above-mentioned places, the South Island also has some attractions like fish sauce production facilities, pearl farms, and sim wine production facilities.

In Phu Quoc, one of the most exciting experiences is visiting islands such as Hon Thom, Mong Tay, Gam Ghi, and May Rut.

Hon Thom is the most developed tourist island, offering beautiful beaches and a range of activities including snorkeling, fishing, squid fishing, kayaking, and jet skiing. Notably, the island features Aquatopia Water Park with 20 thrilling rides for family enjoyment.

For those who enjoy diving, the ECO Beach area on the island is an excellent choice. To reach the island, visitors start at the cable car station, which is designed in an ancient Roman style and is a popular photo spot for many young tourists. From there, you will ride the world’s longest three-rope cable car, spanning a total length of 7,899 meters. From the cabin, visitors can view the clear blue sea and peaceful islands with boats sailing back and forth.

In addition to booking tickets in advance, visitors can purchase tickets outside the cable car station entrance. Alternatively, you can book an island tour to explore Hon Thom and other nearby islands. A popular option is the 4-island tour, including Hon May Rut Trong, May Rut Ngoai, Gam Ghi, and Hon Mong Tay, part of the An Thoi archipelago. Guests will be picked up from hotels in Duong Dong town to An Thoi port and explore by canoe, with snorkeling at Gam Ghi Island.

For a more adventurous experience, you can visit Hon Dam, known as the Robinson Island of Phu Quoc. Hon Dam has no internet, electricity runs on solar power, and the island features only a few bungalows made from bamboo and wood, facing the sea.

Phu Quoc Specialties

If you're a food lover, it's best to visit Phu Quoc from May to November. This is the local seafood season, so there will be a lot of fresh seafood available at lower prices.

Mackerel Salad: This dish is a must-try in Phu Quoc and is available at both high-end restaurants and casual eateries. The mackerel is processed and rolled with herbs and rice paper, served with a fish sauce that has no fishy smell.

Hàm Ninh Crab: Although small, the crabs here are praised for their sweet, fresh taste. Prices vary from 200,000 to 500,000 VND per kilogram, depending on the season. Choose 6 to 7 crabs per kilogram if you prefer eating crab meat; for crab eggs, choose females. The best way to prepare it is by boiling and dipping in salt and pepper with lime.

Grilled Scallops: Food connoisseurs often enjoy grilled scallops with salt and chili. The salty flavor of the salt, the spiciness of the chili, and the sweetness of the scallops combine to create a unique taste. Compared to other cooking methods, grilling keeps the scallops crispy and chewy, making it a local favorite.

Sea Cucumber: A famous delicacy in Phu Quoc, sea cucumber is highly nutritious and considered a premium food. Fresh sea cucumber is often stir-fried with bitter melon, sweet peppers, or simmered with goat or pork meat. It is also used to make congee for health benefits. Due to its premium status, the price is quite high, usually around one million VND per kilogram.

Bun Ken: This unique noodle dish uses thin rice noodles and is served with herbs, sliced cucumber, and shredded papaya. A recommended place to try Bun Ken is at Ut Luom Bun Ken on 30/4 Street.

Tram Mushroom: This mushroom typically grows after the first rains of the season in the Phu Quoc cypress forests. The season lasts for just over a month, so it may not always be available. Try dishes like boiled chicken with mushroom soup or mushroom fish cakes.

Sea Urchin: In central Vietnam, fishermen often take the meat and roe of sea urchins, season them, and stir-fry them before adding them to porridge. In Phu Quoc, freshly caught sea urchins are cleaned, split, and grilled over charcoal with green onion oil. Other dishes include raw sea urchin with lime, grilled sea urchin, or sea urchin porridge.

Abalone: Known for its nutritional value, Phu Quoc abalone is also used in traditional Chinese medicine. Fresh abalone can be cooked in various simple dishes like boiling, grilling, stir-frying, or making congee.

Other notable Phu Quoc specialties include sim honey, sim wine, pepper, fish sauce, huỳnh đế crab, grilled sea snail with salt and chili, grilled scallops with green onion oil, and grilled squid eggs. These can be found in both casual and high-end restaurants.

Where to Eat

Being a coastal region, Phu Quoc is renowned for its fresh seafood, particularly crabs, sea urchins, mackerel, abalones, and sea snails. Fishing villages like Ham Ninh, Cua Can, and Rach Vem are great places to enjoy fresh seafood at local prices.

Some popular seafood restaurants include Ra Khoi on 30/4 Street in Duong Dong town, or Xin Chao at 66 Tran Hung Dao in Duong Dong, known for its sunset view. Other options include Com Bac 123 on 30/4 Street, Quoc Anh on Bach Dang Street, and Phung Fish Cake Soup near Dinh Cau.

For a unique experience, try Bun Quay Kien Xay near Dinh Cau, which features fresh noodles served with squid, fish cakes, and shrimp cakes. The highlight is the "self-serve" dipping sauce station with seasoning, sugar, monosodium glutamate, kumquat (tac), and ground chili.

Phu Quoc also has other highly recommended eateries such as De Ho Ky on 30/4 Street, Bo To 100 Tran Hung Dao, and Com Nieo Nha Xua at 68 Ly Thuong Kiet.

What to Buy as Souvenirs

Some famous Phu Quoc souvenirs include pearls, fish sauce, pepper, and sim wine.

Pearls: Phu Quoc pearls are quite expensive, depending on quality, color, and size. Reputable places to buy pearls include Ngoc Hien and Quoc An pearl farms.

Fish Sauce: Known for its rich flavor, Phu Quoc fish sauce is made from high-quality ingredients. Trusted producers include Phung Hung Fish Sauce Factory, Khai Hoan, Thinh Phat, and Hung Thinh.

Pepper: Phu Quoc pepper is spicy and aromatic with firm grains. You can buy pepper directly from Khu Tuong or Suoi Da pepper gardens.

Sim Wine: Produced traditionally from sim fruit and white sugar, this wine is known for its digestive benefits and can also help relieve aches. Common places to buy sim wine are Sim Son and Bay Giao.

Seafood: Visitors often buy sea cucumbers, squid, and dried fish as souvenirs. The Night Market in Duong Dong offers a variety of these products, with prices varying by season and size.

Notes

• Avoid visiting Phu Quoc during the rainy season.
• Hotels and guesthouses may be fully booked during peak seasons, so it’s advisable to book about a month in advance.
• Some places on Phu Quoc are off-limits to visitors; make sure to adhere to these restrictions.
• Ferries and speedboats operate on a fixed schedule, so check the timings to avoid missing your boat or bus.
• If prone to seasickness, bring some anti-motion sickness medication as sea travel is common.
• If traveling by motorbike through the forest, consider carrying a map of Phu Quoc in case you get lost.