A First-Time Visitor’s Guide to Phu Quoc, Vietnam
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Nestled in the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc (pronounced foo kwok) encompasses an archipelago of 22 islands, with the main island being Vietnam’s largest. Comparable in size to Singapore, Phu Quoc lies closer to Cambodia (just 15km/9 miles away) than to mainland Vietnam (45km/28 miles). Boasting 150km (93 miles) of coastline, lush forests covering over half of its area, and abundant seafood, Phu Quoc is also Vietnam’s only visa-free zone for tourists of any nationality for up to 30 days.
With government-backed development, the island is becoming a premier beach destination, featuring well-maintained roads, a variety of accommodations, and a range of attractions. Home to around 146,000 residents, Phu Quoc sees between 3 to 5 million visitors annually. Here’s your essential guide for a first visit.
Best Time to Visit Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc’s tropical climate means two distinct seasons: the dry season (November to April) and the rainy season (May to October). During the rainy months, southwestern monsoons bring heavy yet intermittent rain, interspersed with sunshine. If visiting during this season, consider booking a hotel with a pool to enjoy refreshing swims between showers.
Note: Waste management is a concern on the island, as it produces more daily waste (about 190 tons) than it can process. October and November can see northeast winds bringing additional debris to the eastern beaches. Mid-to-high-end hotels often maintain clean beachfronts, but it’s worth considering this seasonal issue when planning your visit.
How Long to Stay in Phu Quoc
If you’re seeking a brief beach getaway to wrap up a trip to Vietnam, three days are enough to experience Phu Quoc’s highlights and enjoy some relaxation. For those with more time, consider dividing your stay between the main town of Duong Dong and the Vinpearl complex in the north, which offers attractions like an amusement park, safari, and the Grand World area with Venice-inspired architecture. The south also promises serene beaches perfect for unwinding.
Getting to and Around Phu Quoc
Direct domestic flights connect Phu Quoc to cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Hai Phong, while international flights from destinations such as Seoul, Taipei, and Bangkok are also available. From Ho Chi Minh City, the flight takes only an hour. For those traveling by sea, ferries run from Ha Tien and Rach Gia in the Mekong Delta.
The 15-20 minute ride (14km/9 miles) from the airport to Duong Dong can often be covered by hotel transfers; otherwise, taxis are affordable and plentiful. If staying in Duong Dong, many attractions and restaurants are within walking distance. For exploring further, taxis and ride-hailing apps like Grab and XanhSM are convenient. Renting a scooter is an option for those licensed to drive motorbikes.
Top Activities in Phu Quoc
1. Island-Hopping and Snorkeling Tours Phu Quoc offers full-day, value-for-money snorkeling tours that visit two to three nearby islands. These tours typically include swimming, beach relaxation, and fishing using a simple line and bait. Lunches are communal and lively, served family-style. For a more intimate experience, consider smaller group tours or those that include a return by cable car from Pineapple Island.
2. Cable Car to Pineapple Island The 15-minute, nearly 8km (5 miles) journey on the world’s longest non-stop three-rope cable car offers breathtaking views of the sea and fishing villages below. On Pineapple Island (Hon Thom), enjoy family-friendly attractions like water slides, a wooden roller coaster, and an observation deck. Activities like sea walking, paragliding, and kayaking can be enjoyed for an additional fee.
3. Experience Sunset Town Opened in late 2023, Sunset Town recreates an Italian coastal vibe on Phu Quoc. Despite its kitschy premise (the cable car station is designed like the Roman Colosseum), the town is surprisingly charming with pastel houses, terracotta roofs, cobblestone streets, and boutiques. Don’t miss attractions like the Kiss Bridge, nightly fireworks, street performances, and the Kiss of the Sea show featuring lights and acrobatics.
4. Relax at Stunning Beaches Phu Quoc boasts nearly two dozen beaches, some of the best in Vietnam. In the southeast, Sao Beach is popular for its beach clubs and dining, often busy around noon with tour groups. To avoid crowds, visit early or head north past the clubs. Nearby Kem Beach is quieter, with a public access area next to Premier Residences Phu Quoc Emerald Bay. For beach lovers, staying at a luxury hotel on Kem Beach is worth the splurge.
5. Explore Local Specialties on a Tour Phu Quoc is known for unique local products. Southern tours often include stops at a sim wine factory (producing a sweet liquor from rose myrtle fruit), a pepper farm, a pearl farm, and a fish sauce factory (Phu Quoc fish sauce is highly prized). The island’s northern region offers honey tasting and fresh seafood meals.
6. Watch a Stunning Sunrise or Sunset The island’s sunrises and sunsets are spectacular, painting the sky with vibrant oranges, pinks, and purples. Head to the east coast for sunrise or west for sunset. The best spot? INK 360 at the InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort, where you can sip cocktails at an octopus-themed bar before moving to the terrace to catch the view.
Must-Try Dining Experience
After a day at the beach, nothing beats a meal of fresh, made-to-order seafood. While the night market offers various options, locals prefer Ham Ninh fishing village or the centrally located Nhà hàng hải sản Làng Cá Phú Quốc. Pick your seafood live and have it prepared to your liking—shrimp stir-fried with Phu Quoc peppercorns or crab in tangy tamarind sauce are favorites.
Budget Planning for Your Phu Quoc Trip
Being an island, Phu Quoc’s prices are 10-20% higher than the mainland. ATMs are available in major towns, hotels, and tourist spots, though smaller businesses prefer cash.
Airport to Duong Dong taxi: 200,000d (US$8)
Taxi from Duong Dong to VinWonders: 350,000d (US$14) one-way
Full-day snorkeling tour with lunch: 635,000d (US$25)
Cable car to Pineapple Island with buffet: 1,000,000d (US$39) for adults
Seafood meal: 250,000d (US$10)
Beach chair rental at Sao Beach: 500,000d (US$20)
Motorbike rental per day: 150,000d (US$6)
Cocktail at a beach bar: 180,000d (US$7)
Local beer: 40,000d (US$1.50)
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