Phu Quoc Island

Phu Quoc Island Travel Guide

Phu Quoc Island, often called the "Pearl Island of Vietnam," is a stunning tropical paradise located in the Gulf of Thailand. Famous for its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, luxurious resorts, vibrant nightlife, and fresh seafood, Phu Quoc is one of Vietnam’s top beach destinations.

1. Best Time to Visit Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc enjoys warm weather year-round, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences.

• Dry Season (November – April) – Best time for beach activities, snorkeling, and island hopping.
• Rainy Season (May – October) – Fewer tourists, but occasional heavy rains. Good for budget travelers.

For the best weather, visit between December and March when the skies are clear, and the ocean is calm!

2. How to Get to Phu Quoc

• By Air (Fastest & Most Convenient)

• Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) receives flights from:

• Domestic cities: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Can Tho
• International flights: Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Singapore, Taipei

• Popular Airlines: Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways, AirAsia

By Ferry (From Mainland Vietnam)

• Rach Gia – Phu Quoc (~2.5 hours)
• Ha Tien – Phu Quoc (~1.5 hours)

Ferries depart daily, but flights are more convenient!

3. Getting Around Phu Quoc

• Motorbike Rental – Best for exploring the island (~150,000 – 200,000 VND/day).
• Taxi/Grab – Available but more expensive than motorbikes.
• Bicycle Rental – Good for short distances near resorts (~50,000 VND/day).
• Boat Tours – Perfect for island hopping and snorkeling trips.

4. Top Attractions in Phu Quoc

Best Beaches

• Sao Beach (Bãi Sao) – White sand, clear blue water, palm trees (most famous beach).
• Long Beach (Bãi Trường) – Best for sunsets, nightlife, and beach bars.
• Ong Lang Beach – A quiet beach ideal for relaxing and snorkeling.
• Ganh Dau Beach – Remote, peaceful, and great for photography.

Adventure & Nature Activities

• Phu Quoc National Park – Home to jungles, hiking trails, and wildlife.
• Vinpearl Safari & Conservation Park – Vietnam’s largest wildlife park.
• Hon Thom Cable Car – World’s longest oversea cable car, offering stunning island views.
• Tranh Waterfall – A hidden waterfall in the jungle (best in rainy season).

Island Hopping & Snorkeling

• An Thoi Islands – A group of beautiful islands, perfect for snorkeling and diving.
• Mong Tay Island (Fingernail Island) – Crystal-clear waters and coral reefs.
• Gam Ghi Island – Best for diving and snorkeling.

Cultural & Historical Sites

• Dinh Cau Night Market – Great for seafood, souvenirs, and local food.
• Coconut Tree Prison (Nhà Tù Phú Quốc) – A historical site from the Vietnam War.
• Ho Quoc Pagoda – A stunning Buddhist temple with ocean views.
• Ham Ninh Fishing Village – A traditional fishing village with authentic seafood restaurants.

5. Best Foods to Try in Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc is famous for fresh seafood, fish sauce, and island specialties.

Must-Try Local Dishes

• Gỏi cá trích (Raw Herring Salad) – A delicious fish salad with fresh vegetables.
• Bún kèn Phú Quốc (Phu Quoc Coconut Fish Noodle Soup) – A unique noodle dish made with coconut milk and fish.
• Bánh canh cá thu (Thick Noodle Soup with Mackerel) – A flavorful soup with fresh mackerel.
• Nhum biển nướng mỡ hành (Grilled Sea Urchin with Scallion Oil) – A Phu Quoc specialty.
• Tôm mũ ni (Slipper Lobster) – A rare and delicious seafood dish.
• Cá sòng nướng (Grilled Mackerel) – Freshly caught and grilled over charcoal.

Best Places to Eat

• Ra Khơi Restaurant – A popular spot for fresh seafood.
• Bún Quậy Kiến Xây – Famous for Bún Quậy (DIY-style noodle soup).
• Dinh Cau Night Market – Best for street food and seafood BBQ.
• Ham Ninh Fishing Village – Freshest seafood with an ocean view.

6. Where to Stay in Phu Quoc

Luxury Resorts ($100 – $500/night)

• JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay – A 5-star beachfront resort with a unique design.

• InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort – Luxurious, with private pools and spa.

Mid-Range Hotels ($30 – $100/night)

• Lahana Resort Phu Quoc – Eco-friendly with an infinity pool.
• Dusit Princess Moonrise Beach Resort – Beautiful beachfront hotel.

Budget Hotels & Hostels ($10 – $30/night)

• Phu House Hostel – Best for backpackers.
• Langchia Hostel – Budget-friendly with a great social atmosphere.

7. Suggested 3-Day Phu Quoc Itinerary

Day 1: Relax & Explore

• Morning: Relax at Long Beach & enjoy a beachside brunch.
• Afternoon: Visit Coconut Tree Prison & Ho Quoc Pagoda.
• Evening: Explore Dinh Cau Night Market & try fresh seafood.

Day 2: Adventure & Island Hopping

• Early Morning: Take the Hon Thom Cable Car & visit An Thoi Islands.
• Afternoon: Snorkeling at Gam Ghi & Mong Tay Islands.
• Evening: Dinner at a beachside restaurant & enjoy Phu Quoc nightlife.

Day 3: Nature & Local Culture

• Morning: Visit Phu Quoc National Park & Tranh Waterfall.
• Afternoon: Explore Ham Ninh Fishing Village & try local seafood.
• Evening: Relax at Sao Beach before heading back.

8. Travel Tips for Phu Quoc

• Visa-Free Entry for 30 Days – Phu Quoc allows visa-free travel for most nationalities.
• Bring sunscreen & insect repellent – The sun is strong, and there are some mosquitoes.
• Try night squid fishing – A unique Phu Quoc experience.
• Book island tours in advance – Popular tours sell out fast!
• Rent a motorbike for easy travel – Best way to explore hidden beaches and local villages.

Phu Quoc is a dream destination with pristine beaches, delicious seafood, and exciting activities. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, Phu Quoc is the perfect island escape!