Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc, known as "Pearl Island," is the largest island in Vietnam. With its stunning turquoise waters, pristine sandy beaches, and pleasant weather throughout the year, Phu Quoc has established itself as a true beach paradise, attracting sea lovers from around the globe.

Photo: didauchoigi.net

Beyond its beaches, Phu Quoc boasts breathtaking sunsets, lush tropical forests, a national park, traditional villages, and especially an excellent seafood culinary scene. Consequently, there are countless attractions in Phu Quoc awaiting discovery during your vacation.

Best Time to Visit

The weather in Phu Quoc is characterized by two main seasons: rainy season (April to September) and dry season (October to March).

Dry season (October to March) is the ideal time to experience Phu Quoc

Although rain may arrive suddenly and leave just as quickly, temperatures on the island remain mild year-round. The average temperature is about 28 degrees Celsius, making Phu Quoc a top winter escape. It's advisable to check weather forecasts during the rainy season to avoid potential storms, as sea travel may be risky in such conditions.

The best time to travel to Phu Quoc is during the dry season when humidity is lower, allowing for more enjoyable beach experiences.

How to Get There

Phu Quoc Island is situated in the Gulf of Thailand, approximately 45 km from Ha Tien City in Kien Giang Province. You can reach the island by plane, high-speed boat, or ferry.

By Flight

Phu Quoc International Airport

Numerous flights from various provinces connect to Phu Quoc International Airport. The flight duration is approximately 2 hours from Hanoi and 1 hour from Ho Chi Minh City. The airport is about 14 km from the town center, and a taxi ride takes around 20 minutes.

By High-Speed Boat

You can take a bus to either Rach Gia or Ha Tien (both in Kien Giang), and then catch a high-speed boat to Phu Quoc Island. The sea journey takes about 1.5 hours from Ha Tien and 2.5 hours from Rach Gia pier.

By Ferry

Ferry departing from Ha Tien harbor bound for Phu Quoc

More popular with locals, the ferry service from Ha Tien can accommodate vehicles and up to 400 passengers. The ferry ride takes around 2.5 hours.

Best Places to Visit

The best way to explore Phu Quoc is by motorbike, which you can rent from local services. This allows you to easily navigate to various attractions across the island, or you can also opt for a metered taxi for convenience.

Exotic Beaches

Spanning over 20 km, Long Beach is a perfect spot to enjoy mesmerizing sunsets. Another lovely beach on the southeastern side of the island is Sao Beach, located in An Thoi Town. Visitors can stroll along the 7 km stretch of sand, dip their toes in the inviting waters, swim in the clear seas, and enjoy the soothing sounds of the waves, making Sao Beach a great location for water sports.

Long Beach in Phu Quoc

For more information, see the complete list of Phu Quoc beaches.

Phu Quoc National Park

Phu Quoc National Park

Situated at the northern tip of the island, Phu Quoc National Park covers over 31,000 ha and is home to a wide variety of unique plants and animals. Adventurous visitors can trek along majestic rivers like Tranh, Da Ban, Da Ngon, or scale Chua Mountain to experience breathtaking views from the peak.

Rach Vem Fishing Village

Rach Vem fishing village

Located 20 km south of Duong Dong Town, the charming Rach Vem fishing village lies beside a starfish beach, where you can spot the creatures during low tide. The village features floating houses and wooden bridges, providing a glimpse into the simple life of local fishermen. Visitors can enjoy delicious seafood dishes prepared by the local community.

Dinh Cau Night Market

Dinh Cau Night Market - Photo: vietnamphuquoc.com

Dinh Cau Night Market is a lively hub in Duong Dong Town. As you enter, you will be greeted by an array of stalls offering fresh seafood, sweet snacks, unique Phu Quoc specialties, and locally crafted souvenirs. Prices are displayed prominently, ensuring a hassle-free shopping experience. The market operates from 5 PM to 11 PM every weekend.

Thom Islet

Thom Islet on Phu Quoc Island

A visit to Phu Quoc wouldn't be complete without exploring its pristine islets. Thom Islet, home to Asia's largest cross-ocean cable car, offers spectacular ocean views and lush hills. This idyllic location is perfect for coral reef scuba diving, night squid fishing, and kayaking adventures. The Aquatopia Water Park here is sure to delight children. While traveling to Thom Islet, don't miss the opportunity to stop by Mong Tay Peninsula, Gam Ghi, and May Rut Islet.

VinWonders Entertainment Complex

VinWonders Amusement Park on Phu Quoc Island

One of the most popular destinations on the northern part of the island is the VinWonders entertainment complex, developed by Vin Group. It features a safari, golf course, aquarium, and amusement park. For a compact holiday, staying in one of the many hotels or resorts within the complex is a good choice. The area is particularly favored by local tourists during the summer months.

Other Attractions

Pepper garden on Phu Quoc Island

In addition to the major attractions, visitors can explore local pepper plantations, pearl farms, and fish sauce factories. These sites provide insights into the island's specialties and the production process, making excellent souvenirs to take home for friends and family.

Best Things to Do

Exploring the Beaches

Visiting Phu Quoc means experiencing its stunning white-sandy beaches. Sao Beach, Dai Beach, Truong Beach, Ong Lang, and Ganh Dau Beach are the five most pristine spots to watch beautiful sunsets and savor delicious seafood.

Photo: blog.travel.com

Exploring the Island by Motorbike

Riding a motorbike is one of the best ways to discover inland attractions like Dinh Cau, Ham Ninh Fishing Village, Phu Quoc National Park, Tranh Stream, pearl farms, Duong Dong Night Market, Coi Nguon Museum, and Phu Quoc Prison.

Ham Ninh Fishing Village

Snorkeling to See Coral Reefs

Snorkeling on Phu Quoc Island

Snorkeling is a must-do activity when visiting Phu Quoc. The crystal-clear waters offer a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself and marvel at the vibrant coral reefs beneath the sea.

Another intriguing activity is to take a tour of black pepper farms or fish sauce factories, where travelers can witness how locals cultivate and harvest pepper, as well as the processes involved in fermenting and bottling fish sauce.

Where to Stay

For most travelers, resorts are the preferred accommodation in Phu Quoc. Some of the top options include Vinpearl Resorts, Movenpick Resort Waverly, Fusion Resort, Sol by Melia, Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc, and La Veranda Resort MGallery.

Movenpick Resort Waverly

For more budget-friendly options, Phu Quoc has a variety of hotels and homestays to choose from, such as Seashells Phu Quoc Hotel & Spa, M Hotel, Ocean Pearl Hotel, Sen Hotel, Banana Homestay, Lang Chai Homestay, and Nani Homestay.

Check out our Phu Quoc Hotel guide to find your perfect stay!

Food to Try

Your trip to Phu Quoc would be incomplete without indulging in the local cuisine. The island is known for its fresh seafood, sourced directly from local fishermen. Some must-try dishes include raw herring salad, echinus, grilled mackerel, slipper lobster, Ham Ninh crab, fried squid with fish sauce, and various noodle soups featuring fish cakes.

Photo: dulichphuquoc.com