Experience island life to its fullest in one of Southeast Asia’s best-kept secrets, Phu Quoc. Anchored just off the southwest coast of Vietnam, Phu Quoc Island has (until recently) been a well-kept secret amongst locals and tourists. Expect mile upon mile of soft, pale sands and warm, crystal-clear waters.
With so much to explore on Vietnam’s largest island, here are the 25 top things to do in Phu Quoc…
BEACHES
Thanks to Phu Quoc’s position in the Gulf of Thailand, the island lays claim to some of Vietnam’s best beaches. If you’re not staying on one of the beaches, you can easily hire a taxi, rent a motorbike, or get on the Hop-on Hop-off Bus. These are the best beaches in Phu Quoc that you *need* to explore…
Long Beach
Phu Quoc’s headline act is the aptly-named Long Beach – a 20km sweep of pure-white sand, backed by rows of palm trees and restaurants. Also known as Bai Truong, this one is a great spot for swimming, and the water isn’t too deep so it’s perfect if you’re travelling with children. Spend the evening in a bar on Long Beach itself watching the iconic sunset that Phu Quoc is famous for.
Enjoy a 2-night stay in Long Beach on the Phu Quoc Mini Tour (Part of the South Vietnam Tour)
Ganh Dau Beach
Located on the north-western tip of Phu Quoc Island, Ganh Dau Beach is set in a tranquil cove made up of flour-white sand, coconut trees, and calm, crystal-clear waters. Reached via a paved lane leading east from the lively fishing village of the same name, Ganh Dau Beach is sheltered, shaded and peaceful. Perfect if you’re looking for a bit of quiet time.
Sao Beach
With picture-perfect white sand and distinctive turquoise-blue water, Sao Beach (or Bai Sao) is one of the most popular beaches on Phu Quoc island. It lies just a few kilometres from An Thoi, the main shipping port at the southern tip of Phu Quoc. Relax with a gin and tonic in one of the beach bars, get involved in some watersports, or enjoy some fresh and local seafood in one of the many restaurants dotted along the beachfront.
Included in the Phu Quoc sightseeing tour (Part of the South Vietnam Tour)
Ong Lang Beach
On the central north-west coast of Phu Quoc, around 10 minutes north of the main town of Duong Dong, you’ll find Ong Lang Beach. Its long stretch of lovely, sandy bays is punctuated by slabs of black, volcanic rock, coconut trees, and lively restaurants and bars. It’s everything you’d want a tropical beach to be, and more.
Rach Vem (Starfish) Beach
Rach Vem (better known as Starfish Beach) is Phu Quoc’s most remote and underdeveloped beach. Reached via a sandy lane, this beach has become a popular day trip, especially for domestic tourists. Its abundance of floating fish farms (which double as seafood restaurants) and hundreds of starfish that live in the shallow water here make it one of Phu Quoc’s best-kept secrets.
Bai Dai Beach
Bai Dai beach offers all of the same characteristics of Phu Quoc’s best beaches; calm turquoise waters and long stretches of flour-white sands backed onto lush green forestry. It even backs onto VinPearl Theme Park, a safari, and a golf course. Book a night’s stay at one of the resorts built along the beachfront to truly experience Bai Dai’s beauty.
Vung Bau Beach
Between Bai Dai beach in the north and Cua Can beach in the south lies Vung Bau beach. It’s remote enough to make you feel like you have the beach to yourself, yet close enough to bars, restaurants and local resorts for a bite to eat and drink. There has been quite a bit of development here, with more to come soon.
Cua Can Beach
Cua Can is a smaller, more secluded beach in the northwest of the island. It sits at the point where the clear-flowing Cua Can River meets the Gulf of Thailand. There’s a local fishing village, kayaking, sailing, and great street food. The best budget places to stay are Dormstay Riverside and Phu Quoc Ecolodge.
BEACH ACTIVITIES
Go Diving
Phu Quoc has some of the best spots for diving, especially for beginners or inexperienced divers as the water surrounding the island is calm, clear, and not too deep. You can even become PADI certified here. Some of the best spots to dive include Dry Island and Nudibranch Island. A Thoi Islands are perfect for those looking for more of a challenge or experienced divers. The best time to dive in Phu Quoc is between April and October for calm waters & visibility.
Go Snorkelling
Phu Quoc has some of the best marine life in Vietnam, making it the perfect place to explore the underwater world. Most of the boat trips will include a snorkel experience, or you can just take a snorkelling lesson if you’d prefer. Underwater, you’ll be able to spot a variety of marine animals from octopus to scorpionfish, and anemones to eels. Again, the best time to snorkel in Phu Quoc is between October and April.
Included on Day 2 of the Phu Quoc mini-tour (Part of the South Vietnam Tour)
Get Active With Watersports
Adrenaline junkie? Be sure to spend a day on either Sao Beach or Long Beach making waves along the turquoise waters on a jet ski. Kayaking in the sea is also common on the island, and you can even kayak up the river into the jungle parts of the island.
DAYS OUT
Visit Vin Wonders Amusement Park
Image credit: OlegD / Shutterstock.com
An amusement park on an exotic island? Yes, you heard right. On Long Beach, you’ll find Southwest Vietnam’s biggest and most modern amusement park, Vinwonders. This entertainment paradise is a must-see during your visit to Phu Quoc. Enjoy indoor activities, including a 5D cinema and games area, as well as a waterpark, and aquarium. There are even dolphin and mermaid shows, shark feeding demonstrations, and a musical water fountain.
Full-Day Tour Included in Phu Quoc Additional Day 3 (Part of the South Vietnam Tour)
Check Out Vinpearl Safari
Whilst you’re at Vinwonders, be sure to book a combo ticket to explore Vinpearl’s onsite Safari for a day of fun and wild adventure in Vietnam’s first open zoo! You’ll be amazed as you see animals from South Africa, Europe, India, Australia & more. Elephants, giraffes, tigers, and birds will be roaming around before your eyes. You go through the safari in a specialised vehicle. You can even pay a small fee to help feed the giraffes and elephants.
Tour Included in Phu Quoc Additional Day 3 (Part of the South Vietnam Tour)
Enjoy A Cable Car Ride With a View
Enjoy the relaxing 8km long cable car ride over the turquoise bays and fishing villages from An Thoi to Hon Thom Island (also known as Pineapple Island). The journey is about 15 mins each way and once you arrive on Pineapple Island, be sure to visit Sun World Nature Theme Park. From there, island-hop via speedboat to some of the other beautiful, untouched islands.
Tour Included on Day 2 of the Phu Quoc Mini Tour (Part of the South Vietnam Tour)
Island Hop Around An Thoi Islands
Just off of the southern coast of Phu Quoc lie the An Thoi Islands, made up of 15 stunning islands and islets. With a total of just 5 residents living on the islands, you’ll experience what island life is really all about. Spend the day hopping around the islands sightseeing, fishing, swimming and snorkelling.
Getting to the Islands is easy. Just take the cable car to Pineapple Island (the largest island in the An Thoi group) and from there jump on a speedboat over to explore the other 14 islets. Or, book a boat tour where your driver will stop off throughout the day at the best islands.
Tour Included on Day 2 of the Phu Quoc Mini Tour (Part of the South Vietnam Tour)
SHOPPING
Explore Duong Dong Market
Image credit: NDQ / Shutterstock.com
Out of the six markets in Phu Quoc, Duong Dong is by far the biggest, most atmospheric, and best-valued. Located right in the heart of Duong Dong Town, on the river bank, you’ll find a selection of snacks, coconut ice cream, and a parade of outdoor restaurants serving a delicious range of food. Stick around to watch the market come to life at night.
Tour Included on Day 2 of the Phu Quoc Mini Tour (Part of the South Vietnam Tour)
HISTORICAL
Visit Phu Quoc Prison
Image credit: hanohiki / Shutterstock.com
You’ll be surprised to learn that this idyllic island once had much darker, notorious past times. Phu Quoc’s notorious old prison (also known as Coconut Tree Prison) was built by the French in the late 1940s to hold political dissidents. It was also used by the Americans to hold captured North Vietnamese soldiers, including many high-ranking leaders. A total of 40,000 prisoners were detained here – many were released but still suffer from physical and mental illnesses to this today.
Now a museum, you’ll find authentic torture instruments, photos of former prisoners, and exhibits of the brutal punishments that the prisoners were made to endure. A truly chilling and sobering experience – not one to be missed.
Tour Included on Day 2 of the Phu Quoc Mini Tour (Part of the South Vietnam Tour)
NATURE
Chill Out At Suoi Tranh Waterfall
Phu Quoc has several beautiful springs originating in the hills that you won’t want to miss. The most accessible of these, Suoi Tranh, is just 4 metres tall but surrounded by lush, vibrant forestry. Look for the entrance sign and concrete tree from the Duong Dong–Vong Beach road. From the ticket counter, it’s a 10-minute walk through the forest to the falls.
Phu Quoc National Park
It may be hard to imagine, but around 70% of Phu Quoc is made up of forestry. This National Park is one of Vietnam’s natural wonders as it is the last of the forestry in the southern region. In 2010, the park was declared a Unesco Biosphere Reserve and is now fully protected (as are the 200 animals there too). The forest is densest in the Khu Rung Nguyen Sinh forest reserve in northern Phu Quoc; you’ll need a motorbike or mountain bike to tackle the bumpy dirt roads that cut through it as there are no real hiking trails.
CULTURE
Visit Ho Quoc Pagoda (Truc Lam Temple)
Image credit: Quang nguyen vinh / Shutterstock.com
A more recent addition to Phu Quoc, Ho Quoc Pagoda was only built in 2012 but has some of the most impressive views you’ll see from any temple in Vietnam. Set on a remote stretch of coastal road off Bai Dam beach, 20km from Duong Dong town, this temple is set in the most scenic location that is beautifully framed by the blue skies and clear waters that it overlooks. Locals are known to arrive early to watch the sunrise from behind the mountains, over the temple itself.
Included in Phu Quoc Additional Day 2 (Part of the South Vietnam Tour)
Explore Local Life at Ham Ninh Fishing Village
For a truly authentic insight into the local lifestyle of Phu Quoc, we recommend getting up early one morning and grabbing a taxi or scooter to watch the sunrise over Ham Ninh. This fishing village is still lacking the rest of the island’s development, so it’s a great way to experience the true life of local fishermen. You’ll find unique seafood dishes with plenty of amazing spots to eat.
Included in Phu Quoc Additional Day 2 (Part of the South Vietnam Tour)
Dinh Cau Rock
Image credit: Swedishnomad.com – Alex W / Shutterstock.com
Whilst in Phu Quoc, make sure you head out to Dinh Cau Rock (also known as Cau Temple) for dinner with a view whilst watching the famous Phu Quoc sunset. The temple is beautifully positioned on the rocks by the sea, next to Duong Dong fishing harbour and a brightly coloured lighthouse. Local fishermen are known to gather here and pray before going out to sea every morning.
